The Dwarf Forest Buffalo

[Maximus Ram]

Nice.
A thought...could the back half be mated to a newer donor truck that the bed is wrecked ? This would seem to expidite and simplify things.

 

[Dave Bennett]

There was a build like that (Irbis IIRC) where he mated one of these to a first gen Tundra.

 

[Fergie]

Howdy, sir!

Do you think you could snap some good pics of the interior? I almost pulled the trigger on the one that was for sale on this board a few months ago, but never could tell what the interior dimensions/loadout was like.

thanks!

With a kitchen remodel that had to be finished before Thanksgiving, and some other pressing issues, it took me a bit to get the pictures, but here they are:

Exterior:

Driver's rear(no pun):

Passenger Rear:

Towards the cab:

Table:

Fridge, Stove and sink:

Towards the rear:

This is the area above the cab; it measures 5'7" wide and 30" deep, plenty of room for a small child:

The main bed; this bed measures 4' wide and 6'8" long.

I'm still trying to decide on whether or not to SAS this frame, keep it 2wd and just get the front suspension, or if it makes more sense to swap the camper portion over to another vehicle.

My guess is that I'll do the SAS or a camper swap...time will tell(funds too)

 

[Mc Taco]

Gavin, I've got to say that I like the dual (I hope) trailer jack stands holding up the front end. Very clever.

 

[Fergie]

Stu,

Much appreciated, I proud of the solution too! And yes, there are two of them, rated at 1000 pounds each; I think they are sufficient.

 

[MatthewThompson]

Very cool. It'd be nice to drop all the tin onto a decent running chassis to keep that great 70's overall feel. How's the WB compare to the 4WD 'Yota trucks or heaven forbid, a diesel cruiser?

 

[Deleted member 9101]

This is kind of a stretch, and would be more than a weekend project, but what about getting a four door four runner and cutting the back off, lengthening the frame and mounting the camper on it? It would be kinda long, but it woudl give you much more space. then you could drop in a Chevy 4.3 and 1/2 ton running gear and call it a day.

 

[Bogo]

I'm still trying to decide on whether or not to SAS this frame, keep it 2wd and just get the front suspension, or if it makes more sense to swap the camper portion over to another vehicle.

My guess is that I'll do the SAS or a camper swap...time will tell(funds too)

Consider the axle load ratings of 4x4 Toyotas. 1 ton 4x4s were only sold a few years here in the USA and not many made. There was a general lack of 1 ton mini truck demand. The other thing to consider is the gear ratio of the third (differential) in the 1 ton RV axle may be different than any of the standard differentials used on the fronts of 4x4s. They likely have the same mountings, but who knows.

Another thing is I think you have the bad 1 ton axle. There were three 1 ton axles made for chassis/cab trucks. The original is a 1 ton axle and don't overload it. The thing is most RV manufacturers loaded it up to the limit sans people and luggage. Add them and you are over the limit. The axle is liable to break due to flexing under use when used. Style two was a beefed up upgrade and doesn't need replacing. Style three is a true well built full floating axle made for use with dual wheels and is preferred. It has 6 lugs, the other two are 5 lug.

Here, read this: http://www.toyotamotorhomes.com/files/Axle_FAQ.pdf

 

[Fergie]

Bogo,

Thanks for the heads up on the axle information; I hadnt seen that on the motorhome site yet.

I will be removing the current rear axle to change it to a 6 lug style to match the front, unless I go with a non-toyota set-up, which is not what I intend.

It would be nice to find a set of LC axles to throw under there, maybe some 60 series, or even 80 series ones.

 

[Fergie]

The interior is now gutted! I'll do my own custom layout as we do not need all the creature comforts in the camper portion.

During the removal process, I found lots of pack rat poop, snake moltings, some old tools, a rusted out swiss army type knife, and all the original service manuals and O&M manuals!

I've been reading up on some cool things that Marlin's people have done, and I think that I will be doing a 3rz 2.7L installation, keeping the 78 body and frame, and doing a SAS.

The only thing that will change this is if I can find a 4wd, 2.7L powered, MT Tacoma for a decent price.

It'll stay Toy.

 

[java]

love the chinook's. there is one for sale near me but he wants 2500!

 

[Fergie]

Well, I found a good 1979 4x4 truck to put the Chinook on...damn cheap too! For the time being, I'll stick with the stock engine and everything else, do some PM, and start using the thing. The 3RZ will come later on in life.

 

[nucktaco]

it would be a bit of a drive but theres a guy here in vancouver selling the running rolling chassis from an 07 FJ for 1500 bucks. would be a neat swap. im gona do it if he still has the chassis in january.

 

[Fergie]

Amazing how things change and plans get tossed out the window.

The DFB will be up for sale shortly for $350 or $250 without the trailer jacks. Buyer will haul off and will need a flat bed.

Gots me a new toy!

 

[Dave Bennett]

Amazing how things change and plans get tossed out the window.

The DFB will be up for sale shortly for $350 or $250 without the trailer jacks. Buyer will haul off and will need a flat bed.

Gots me a new toy!

Que???