First expedition rig.

Panos

12Volt Specialist
Location
Salt lake City
I am wanting to build my first real expedition rig.

Goal:
To build a vehicle that can get me anywhere I want to go and in a hurry if I want. I want to put a lot of focus on the suspension; to have it be both capable of flying down a washboard road but functional enough of carry a bed full of whatever, bed cage and a roof top tent. Possibly a small trailer.

Plan:
Starting with a 1990 toyota pickup. Single cab long bed.

Engine: 1uzfe (finally I can use this in something)

Transmission: up in the air for now but leaning towards the A44xx I found one out of a 97 FZJ80 it comes with the tcase as well. If I can make the engine work with that tranny( which I think I can) I will do it for sure. I am just not sure if this one is hydraulically controlled or electronically controlled.

Axles: Front and rear from a 97 FZJ80 no lockers for now :(

Suspension: Front I am going to keep the stock radius arms with a panhard. Might need some caster correction bushings but probably not, I am keeping it fairly low. I am not looking for a ton of articulation, just a good solid set up. I actually think this type of set up will be much easier and cheaper than a SAS using leafs. Also will run remote resi 2.5x12 FOA coil overs up front.

Rear: I am still undecided but am leaning towards chevy 63's they are just so simple and ride well. Also can carry a good amount of weight. Accommodated with some remote resi 2.5x12 FOA shocks.

Steering: fj80 box with reverse through. Pretty much the stock set up an 80 runs.

Tires: I want to run between a 33 and a 35. Nothing bigger. leaning towards some treadwrights, any input would be helpful on those .

I am going to be putting a ton of trick electronics in this. For example I will be putting a MacMini in the stereo cavity and running a 12" touchscreen monitor in the dash. So I can run GPS, itunes, movies and whatever else I want on the trail. This will be a slow build unless I get some more funds any time soon. Or sell my tundra.

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Thank you RME for being here and running such a great forum for all of us.
 
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Panos

12Volt Specialist
Location
Salt lake City
The frame on this truck was surprisingly very clean! No rust at all, not even surface. I was getting ready to do some serious flap wheeling. But I don't Think I will even have to touch it. Guess this want a bad buy for 50$
 

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
I can't believe how fast you work. Do you do most of this by yourself, or do you have a buddy or two to help out?

subscribed. Your builds are some of my favorites. I'm excited to see what this turns into.

I know Sami had issues with his treadwrights, but maybe his was an isolated incident.
 
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Max Power

Bryce
Location
Sandy
Looks like it's going to be an interesting build to watch. I like the idea of the onboard computer. Keep the updates coming. I wish I was there to help you with the body work; it looks like a lot of fun.
 

Panos

12Volt Specialist
Location
Salt lake City
Steve, thank you I just like to get things done. But do them right. I fly solo on most these projects . I have great friends that help out when needed but this one is just me for now.

Max Power: I wish you were too. This poor truck needs help and I suck at body work.
 

iamsparticus

Take your Rig to the Edge
Location
Ogden,Ut
so is this going to be a desert racing truck that has teh functionality of a expo rig? AKA coilovers and bypass shocks on all four corners but a full bed and cargo holding
 

Panos

12Volt Specialist
Location
Salt lake City
so is this going to be a desert racing truck that has teh functionality of a expo rig? AKA coilovers and bypass shocks on all four corners but a full bed and cargo holding


You got it. Although I wont be doing any "racing" I just want to be able to load up my stuff for the weekend bomb out to wherever I am going; camp, explore then bomb home. " Life is about the journey, not the destination" haha;)
 

Panos

12Volt Specialist
Location
Salt lake City
Question for you RME'ers

I think I am going to need the bell housing from a LX470, that came with the 2uz and the landcruiser 4 speed auto. This would allow me to use my 1uz and the 80 series transmission. Or does the A44xx transmission have the same bolt pattern as the A340 on the transmission side, so i could simply use my stock 1uz bell housing and bolt it to the A44xx transmission?
 

Panos

12Volt Specialist
Location
Salt lake City
No work today on the truck, to busy with work just leaving, Sucks! I thought I would share with you guys a funny car that came in today and had me install a few lights and a 2000 watt stereo system. Its just hilarious.

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