I've been thinking the same thing. I figured I'd just cut some out of 3/16" or 1/4" scrap I have laying around.

 

Wow, it's been over a month since I made any real progress. Been busy with way too many other things. Anyway, finally got back to working on the Poorunner this weekend. I moved the steering box forward 3 1/2 inches, and made a real hack job out of it in the process.
Before

After, still need to reinforce the core support

Chopped the body mount up a little too

All plated, welded, and painted

 

Nice! What else do you need to do looks like just driveshafts?

 

Thanks man. Still need to re-gear the rear, build a front driveshaft, extend the steering shaft, weld in the creeper joints, reconfigure the front springs, and pick up some new shocks. Whew!

 

Thats not to bad, geting close

 

Nice build! Its really coming along. I can't wait to start my SAS on my 86' 4runner, but I have to get it running first, lol. Thanks for all the detailed pics, it will give me something to refer back to when I do mine. Keep up the good work!

 

sweet buildup man, ill be watchin

 

Thanks a lot guys.

I got the steering shaft extended 3 1/2 inches a couple of weekends ago, but didn't think to take any pictures of the process. So now I have the ability to steer, but have since decided that I don't trust any of the other steering components. Ordered all new tie rod ends, tie rod, and drag link, as well as a ton of other "little stuff" that came up, from WabFab last week.

 

This weekend's project was a front driveshaft. Surprisingly enough, I did it, and have pretty good confidence that it's the strongest thing on the truck now. I used 2 1/2" square reciever hitch tubing (no weld seam) for the female portion and 2" square for the male end, all 1/4" wall. I went with a double cardon joint because that's what I had.

Made the round shaft of the cv fit in the square hole.


Same deal on the single u-joint end.


Capped the male end and rounded the edges to prevent it from scoring the larger tube as it slides.


Tacked together and double checking my measurements. 27 1/2" at full compression.


Falls apart at just over 43".


Fully welded and painted.


Installed. At ride height I have 5 1/2" inches of compression and 10" of extension. That's right, 15 1/2" of slip for under $40!

 

Nice work on the driveshaft. How do you think the vibration is gonna be on it? I've never researched a square tube drive line that's why I ask.

-Ted

Oh...! How bout a close up of the weld's?? Interested to see how you're progressing.

 

Thanks Ted. I'm sure vibration will be killer at any speed. Fortunately, we don't have many situations where I would need 4wd and speed at the same time since snow's not an issue here. It should be pretty noisy though, as there's a lot of play between the two tubes. I might address that later if it gets annoying. As far as welds, let's just say I ground them all down to help it slip smoothly, yeah, we'll go with that.

 

subscribed....
looking good so far...

 

Okay, that work's too. Vibration...I'll talk to Wayne tomorrow about brazing a bronze alloy between them...maybe he know's of a trick.

-Ted

 

Wow was that thing sketchy to start with. I can't believe anyone would even think of driving it the way it was. You've done a ton of good work to it and should be proud of the progress you've made.

 

watching..

 

[/quote]
does the stock looking 4 runner have any kind of lift to it and if not what size are those tires thanks for the info.

 

In that pic the brown truck is at stock height aside from an add-a-leaf in the rear for increased load carrying ability and sitting on 33x12.50's with 15x8" wheels. Had a little rubbing in the front on turns but nothing major with the pinch weld hammered flat. I eventually lifted it a little for clearance and added a Downey long travel kit, but it did great on the stock suspension. Most of the video below is with stock suspension (although it is locked with 5.29"s)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyXDe...layer_embedded

 

You demonstrated mad driving skills there Mr. Nate. But I think you left some of your rear bumper on the rocks. So....do you miss it yet? Or just wheeling all together?
-Ted

 

Thanks Ted. Yeah man! Wish I would of SAS'd that one instead of starting the current build. Definately getting withdrawels, especially with this weather lately.

 

Nate, that was a great collection of video. Now I have withdrawals too!!!

Did ya get all of the front end parts in yet?