Radical Idea? Perhaps....
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Radical Idea? Perhaps....
Hey crew...
I've been staring at my rigs for quite some time now, and I realize something's not right...I need to cut back on transportation. Problem is, I *love* how my stock 4Runner goes it offroad (and on). I also *love* how my stock pickup is as quiet inside as a Lexus or anything else (okay stock after the stereo and sound proofing) and costs half as much to insure. Therefore, I am considering molding my vehicles into one. I want the offroad and onroad ride and capability of the 4Runner combined with the size and cost of the pickup. I have come up with the following plan... step 1) remove drivetrain from 4Runner; step 2) put drivetrain in pickup; step 3) sell 4Runner as swap candidate for SAS and new driveline, either Toyota (3.4 or supra), Chevy, or Ford. I figure with all the weight off the frame the 3.slow won't be so slow or get 14mpg. It seems to me this swap would be very similar to doing a SAS, but I already have the parts, I know what it should look like when done, and the highway drive (I do a good amount of highway driving these days) will be better than SAS or stock pickup. I also would like the 4x4 for these freaking rough PA winters and for offroading in the summer. Despite the fact that I like my 5 speed, I actually do prefer the auto, much less of a fuss in the snow and even offroad/around town.
So, should I be the first to convert a 3rd gen pickup to 2nd gen 4Runner drivetrain??
I've been staring at my rigs for quite some time now, and I realize something's not right...I need to cut back on transportation. Problem is, I *love* how my stock 4Runner goes it offroad (and on). I also *love* how my stock pickup is as quiet inside as a Lexus or anything else (okay stock after the stereo and sound proofing) and costs half as much to insure. Therefore, I am considering molding my vehicles into one. I want the offroad and onroad ride and capability of the 4Runner combined with the size and cost of the pickup. I have come up with the following plan... step 1) remove drivetrain from 4Runner; step 2) put drivetrain in pickup; step 3) sell 4Runner as swap candidate for SAS and new driveline, either Toyota (3.4 or supra), Chevy, or Ford. I figure with all the weight off the frame the 3.slow won't be so slow or get 14mpg. It seems to me this swap would be very similar to doing a SAS, but I already have the parts, I know what it should look like when done, and the highway drive (I do a good amount of highway driving these days) will be better than SAS or stock pickup. I also would like the 4x4 for these freaking rough PA winters and for offroading in the summer. Despite the fact that I like my 5 speed, I actually do prefer the auto, much less of a fuss in the snow and even offroad/around town.
So, should I be the first to convert a 3rd gen pickup to 2nd gen 4Runner drivetrain??
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I just had a better idea... sell the 4Runner and spend the money turning the pickup into a 7mgte/SAS monster. I just started thinking about all the problems putting the IFS on the 2wd, '85 was the last year of front solid axles, they are probably a hell of a lot more bolt on than IFS would be. Plus, the 7mgte sorta fits pretty well in the engine bay...more fun than 3.slow even with a ct-26. Unfortunately, that opens up costs like FMIC, new headgasket, possible rebuild, ECU, harness, etc...
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Sounds like you're creating alot more work for yourself, I think the second idea is better, sell the 4runner, and make the pickup into the vehicle you really want. I'm in the midst of deciding on a trail rig to get, and have been looking at 85 mini trucks. They alread have a front solid axle, and there is a huge aftermarket for parts and such. Since I don't have the skills or tools to do an SAS, why not just start with a vehicle that already has one?
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How about this:
Sell them both. Buy an old Supra and a bunch of junkyard parts from a 79-85 4x4 truck. Put the complete truck driveline on the Supra.
Maybe a full width Ford 9" rear and a Dana 44 front from a Wagoneer would complete the package.
Sell them both. Buy an old Supra and a bunch of junkyard parts from a 79-85 4x4 truck. Put the complete truck driveline on the Supra.
Maybe a full width Ford 9" rear and a Dana 44 front from a Wagoneer would complete the package.
Last edited by jx94148; 12-09-2003 at 10:39 PM.
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Re: Radical Idea? Perhaps....
Originally posted by Los Gatos?
I've been staring at my rigs for quite some time now, and I realize something's not right...
I've been staring at my rigs for quite some time now, and I realize something's not right...
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I have actually seen this done once. A friend of a friend had a Toyota pickup mounted to a 4-Runner frame. The guy didn't even realize it. He had bought it this way. I think the 2 parts had been totalled and a body shop put the two together. I don't remember the year of the either "part", but I think they were 2nd gens. What caught my eye was the rear suspension drag links on the truck. It didn't appear to have any major modifications. I don't know about mixing 2nd and 3rd gens though. I had pictures of this truck, but it was about 8-10 years ago. I'll look for them but there is no guantee I can find them. Body shops typically do major chop jobs on cars so why not mix top and bottoms.
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Re: Re: Radical Idea? Perhaps....
Originally posted by kctopher
Try turning your 4runner into a traveling zoo.. Slap some fish tanks full of random snakes, turtles and spiders and charge all your co-workers/friends to peek in.. You know you’ll make dope cash doing and probably pay for your 4Runner in about a weeks time…
Try turning your 4runner into a traveling zoo.. Slap some fish tanks full of random snakes, turtles and spiders and charge all your co-workers/friends to peek in.. You know you’ll make dope cash doing and probably pay for your 4Runner in about a weeks time…
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I have seen that type of chop job on Bronco2's - turned out to be a mix of a little bronco and a ranger but very short WB. That photo looks to be the best of both worlds. Room for 4 with securage storage and a little bed! Cool idea.
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