Here is a few pics of a 3rd gen rear bumper mockup. I was building this one for Austin, but now that he has sold his rig, its up for sale. There are several rigs that are sporting my bumpers, this is the 1st 3rd gen that i'm building. Had hoped to have it finished by telico, but not the case. Will have it done in a couple of weeks. Right now it is set up for a rig with a 2" body lift but that can be changed just buy fabing up differant mounts.








What do you guys think?

Mike

 

Any plans to plate up the side wings? If you could make that happen I would be all over it. I like the look of a stock rig, but just the slightest hint of something differnt. I really like it htough, I would love to sport a Mad Mike custom bumper, I just don't have the cash, or the BL to match.

 

Lookin good...love to see the finished product....put me in 1st in line...as I already askin Austin about it...and I' ve got the 2"bl already. Keep me posted.

 

Well, it's 1:30 am on Tuesday morning, and I just got done working on the truck. The FROR skidplate/crossmember arrives tomorrow, and I'm way behind schedule. Tonight, as usual didn't go as planned, so I won't be installing the skidplate/crossmember tomorrow, because I'll still be working on the gas tank skid plate. What a pain the butt it's become! At any rate, I'll be up this late every night and possibly Thursday morning before I even get close to finishing this up. Talk about cutting it close!

Chris

P.S. Trekker, bring your parts and we'll get it together there at Crawfords.

 

Andy - I am so jealous. I really want to run FZJ80 wheels and 305s with 4.56 and S/C, so I am going to bust my ass just to get there and see your goods.

Mike - Nice rear bumper. I would have like closed sides, but I like the design a lot!

Marc - Im bringing you cash for Conyers Toyota parts and a spare CV axle I've been saving for you. When you leaving?

I havent decided when I'm coming, does anyone have an arrival schedule for everyone? Ill probably only stay for a short while, I've got a busy schedule.

 

I gotta admit, the 305's are pretty badass. Wider than the 285's for sure. They look really mean and also have an extra 1/16" of tread than new 285's to start with.

Here's some teasers...











Of ocurse I havent' flexed it out yet, but so far, no rubbing. I usually scrub on a half turn and slight stuff cause I haven't pounded the pinch weld yet. I'm sure these will rub on the half-turns, but a BFH and about 20 minutes will fix that. I have the 4.56 rear in my possession. We're signing the papers on our house today. I'm planning on having the rear third swapped and done Thurs afternoon and hopefully brian will be coming up that night and we can do the front diff Fri morning before driving down. I'll just take some backroads to Cleveland and keep it under 60 and make several stops to check for heat, then change the diff fluid at crawfords (about a 100 mile drive). If brian's not coming up until Friday, then I'll just have to swap the front diff at crawfords. should only take 2 hours or so.

the 305's are definitely heavier than the 285's. they're probally 60# each. heavy sum-bitches... also, they appear to be a larger overall diameter by 1/2" or so over the new 285's that the tire place had. they pulled down a 285/75 MTR to compare since they'd never sold a 305 before and wanted to compare them for size. it's a noticeable difference. i wish i had the camera with me...

 

any thoughts yet on the difference in breaking between 285 vs. 305

 

the 305's are heavier w/ taller tread. there's a difference in the feel of the pedal. however, my 285's have enough miles on them that they're probally 0.5-0.75" shorter overall than the 305's, which also add to that.

 

Andy,
Don't forget some carwash stuff! That thing has to be Bling'n when we hit the trails. It looks like I might be able to ride the 4Wheeler a bit so I'll definitely be getting some good pics! Can't wait! You should talk them into getting you a snorkel... though... I guess they don't really make them for the 4Runner

Mark,
Thats going to be one bad ass bumper when he's done. It makes SUCH a difference in clearance. It also makes your truck look huge from behind! I couldn't believe it! And as for plate... at first I was with you guys but after seeing this in person, I think plate is over rated... this is a hell of a lot stronger. I wouldn't plate it as its just going to add more weight. I'm sure he would plate it for you if you really wanted though. I think it looks more badass open. Plus, you don't really notice the inside of the truck. Unless your at exactly the right height you won't notice it.

 

Has anyone looked at the weather? Here's the 10 day weather forcast for Murphy NC.

http://www.weather.com/activities/ot...locid=USNC0478

 

I am still trying to be up there thrusday afternoon. Can we dedicate some CB channels to monitor? I will be on channel 24 mainly and channel 36 if 24 is being used.

I agree with you Austin, mike makes his bumpers to be strong and functional. he has different outlook on how they should look and I think looks great!

 

Isolated in the mountains means maybe - maybe not - less than 30% chance
all three days. A little rain makes it interesting and a little cooler.

Weather around here is hit and miss - the mountain blocks a lot of weather
and keeps us from getting snow on the other side ( where I live )

I am sure none of us will melt ! I'm going regardless

 

Ryan,
Sounds good although I forgot what we got at the dealer. Perfect timing on the CV mine are still clicking like crazy.

Austin&Mike,
Will it be completed by this weekend? If so are you bringing it? How about a spare tire holder and jerry can mounts? The sides would be nice but maybe in person it will look different....or I could weld some up myself..but dont want to insult the artist.

Seaflea,
I'm usually on channel 4 (for 4x4)when I get into the area but 24/36 are fine.

I got bad news for arrival time I wont be able to leave Atlanta till 8:30 PM so it will be a midnight arrival time Hopefully my site will still have room for ME?

 

Any luck yet?

 

I may possibly have a set of 285 mud rovers for sale at crawfords. any bidders ? \\

4000miles on them.

 

Are you talking about Dunlop radial mud rovers?

Chris

 

sweet!

oh, i'm getting shazad's as soon as i get settled in my house and paint him a new fender. in return i get his old fender and snorkel...

 

I was bored at work that’s why I posted the link. I'm not afraid of rain .

 

Nope, I took it to another place and they would not do it. I had to work late today so I’m going to try and align the darn thing myself tomorrow.

I got off Thursday so if you want to meet up in canton we could ride up together. If not no big deal. I got my CV axle rebuild kit so I’m going to do that tomorrow and then get my BFG’s mounted Thursday morning. I shouldn’t have any problems coming up as long as I can align the Runner. I don’t want to ˟˟˟˟˟˟ up my BFG’s.

 

have fun you bastards, i'll be taking the graduation walk saturday at lunchtime


5 years of college and ill i get is a stinking diploma ? Good thing they are letting me come back for 4 more years to get the PhD