So after toying around with T-Rex V1 (1982 PU) for the last 15 years, I decided that it time to start over and build something a little more useful. With v1 being a constant work in progress, I sort of wanted to take everything I've learned from it and apply it right from the get go on v2. This truck started out as bare bones with no options at all so I've taken the opportunity to add in SR5 gauges and seats, along with A/C.

So here's the specs:
1987 4Runner
22RE: EB 268C cam, NWOR header, Supra AFM
W56 Transmission
Marlin Crawler MC08 billet dual case adapter #0008
5.29 gears with Quick-Loc in the rear
TrailTough rear disc brake conversion
TG 4" front
TG 5" rear
Bilstein 5125 12" shocks

It started as this




As you can see, it needed some serious TLC. It had several areas that had been wrecked including the front right which had completely caved in the core support and trashed the hood and fender, the area by the gas filler was crushed in, and the tailgate was toast. There was some rust on the rear fenders and in the battery box area where the battery leaked.

First thing was to take care of the suspension stuff since I'm not such a big fan of doing body work....
IFS cut off



Frame cleaned up and hangar mounted



Freshened up front axle ready to go in


Springs hung


I have a bunch more pics of the back end and undercarriage, but they're unfortunately on a camera that is not in my possession at the moment.....

Suspension done and testing for shock placement




Then I started on one of my least favorite things.....electrical....
Swapped in SR5 Gauge cluster (super easy)


Supra AFM
Since I wasn't able to find the proper one, I got impatient and found one to swap my 22RE circuit board into. At the same time I decided to swap the air box and battery....


So that brings it up to the current stage.....body work

The damage




I've already swapped out the tailgate, hood, and passenger fender along with cutting the rear fenders for rust removal/clearance. I'm headed out now to try to finish up the body work as I'm not quite done with fixing the area around the gas tank yet....

STAY TUNED....MORE TO COME>......

 

NICE project! I cant wait until I am ready to SAS my 4runner. Nice work.

 

Minor update.....
Got most all the body work and sanding done this past weekend. Just need to smooth out the rocker panels (forgot about them) and tape it off and she's ready to be painted! Hoping to get it painted this weekend, or at least primed and ready for color. I would have been farther along but had a little run in with some rust I hadn't seen before....

Now, if anyone can help me out with bypassing the rear window lock, I'd be much appreciative.....

 

its lookin good man.

What color you gonna paint it?

 

I'm going to paint it to match my '06 Dodge diesel......Bright Metallic Silver (PS2) and the top will be black. All bumpers and undercarriage stuff is getting a coat of the hammer finish stuff if it hasn't already. Ordered new carpet and door seals today.

Anyone know of a place to get the clips that hold on the B Pillar trim?

 

So finally got all the primer on. Just need to wet sand and shoot some paint on this thing. Hope to have most of it done this weekend...
On with the updated pics......

 

Dang man your really turning that thing around! keep up the good work.

 

Fresh out from paint....






Just need to finish putting it back together now. Have to get power to the amp, and put in all the carpet along with building some bumpers and new console.....

 

Purdy!!

 

Thanks, I'm getting close to seeing some light at the end of the tunnel!

 

Monday update.....
Got the following done over the weekend:
*Built and carpeted new door panels
*Carpeted new rear side panels
*Installed and wired stereo system
*Installed and wired alarm
*Installed new carpet kit
*Got all the seats/setbelts/trim put back in
*Modified front parking lights to work as park/turn
*seam-sealed and undercoated inside of rear fenders to reduce chances of rust where I cut them

I think that about covers it. Will try to get a few pics up soon.

Still left to do:
Install turn/park lights
Finish rear bumper
Build front bumper
Replace starter
Fix gas gauge
Replace windshield
Finish painting frame/undercoating body/fenders
.....sure I'm missing something but this list should help me stay on track...

 

Got the front bumper started last night, along with finishing up the inside and out undercoating of the rear fenders.

Here's a pic of the front bumper, still need to add the receiver, bracing, and side pieces but it's coming along...

 

Damn thats a good looking truck. Looks like its coming along nicely. Looks good in that silver.

 

Thanks Z, it's going to nice to get it all buttoned up. If I wasn't headed out to the International Tactical Rifleman's Championship in Wyoming tomorrow I'd be driving it by the weekend Oh well, have to go do my part for Team RBros Rifles! We took 2nd place last year so we're hoping for another good match this year....

 

Tactical rifle challenge, that sound fun. Where is that held?

 

It's about an hour outside Gillette, WY. Check it out at ITRC Video

 

Bad ass stuff right there. Right up my alley too. Looks like a lot of fun! You competeing?

 

Yeah, my brother and I head up R Bros Rifles and we do these competitions for fun and advertising. We took 2nd last year in our first attempt at the ITRC and can be found in several spots in that video. It's really a fun match!

 

Sweet build, fast transformation . I know the springs will settle a bit with the new bumper and the top on but hopefully that shackle angle improves

Got any pics of your real 1st gen truck?

And from an ex infrantry squad leader who knows the importantance of being able to shoot, Good luck!

 

Thanks OCD. I'm hoping that the rear settles a bit, otherwise I may end up putting the 5" shackles on it or move the rear hangers some to try to get a little better angle.

As for the real 1st gen....not many pics. I'll post some when I start working on it again. Think I'm going to finish it and sell it when I'm done. Here it is as I was building the flatbed.....

Specs:
1982 PU
Built 22r: Weber, Offenhauser, LC Engineering
Front Suspension: Rancho 44044, 9012 shocks
Rear Suspension: Chevy 63", 9012 shocks
Kong's High Steer
Custom integrated front crossmember/body mounts
Custom flatbed
Custom rear crossmember with integrated brake/turn/backup lights & receiver

I stole the dual cases, front end, and rear third out of this truck for my other build so it'll just get a single case put back in....already have the f/r thirds to go in it.