'97 tacoma build: Abner

[Cascadia]

Don't you hate when you get something done and get excited to take a pic and the flash shows all dust in the air from your work. So you try with the flash off but it's too dark. I can still see it good enough that I know it looks awesome. Nice work Steve.

 

[sixstringsteve]

You'll love those KM2's, I think your CV axles will like them better than the Treps too. Need help with anything?

it's funny, the KM2s with wheels weighed less than the treps alone. I'm a HUGE fan of KM2s, I've had 'em on my last 4 rigs with zero complaints. I don't think I NEED help with anything, it should all be easy stuff now. But if you wanna hang out tomorrow night, you're welcome to swing by.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Don't you hate when you get something done and get excited to take a pic and the flash shows all dust in the air from your work. So you try with the flash off but it's too dark. I can still see it good enough that I know it looks awesome. Nice work Steve.

I was wondering why the hood was so dusty, then I remembered: I took the fenders off to do all the tubbing, so they stayed clean. Everything else is covered in a fine film of metal dust. Looking forward to washing the truck.

 

[sixstringsteve]

the wheels stick out a bit too much for jonny law. I'm thinking I'll need to have some sort of fender flare eventually. I have a solution, but it's top secret because I need more spares before they disappear.

 

[STAG]

Did that sheet-metal edging trim work out for ya?

 

[sixstringsteve]

I haven't installed it yet. I'm hoping to have that done by tomorrow night.

 

[sixstringsteve]

The list is getting shorter.

to-do list for today:
- install elocker guard and new drain plugs
- trim front bumper
- finish rear lower shock mounts and install with appropriate washers
- trim rear fenders
- put the interior back together, modify the kick panels
- paint pass inner front fender
- install plastic inner fenders


In the next week:
- wire elocker
- install rear bump stops
- adjust clutch pedal height
- cap my sliders
- paint and install front skids (this can wait)

 

[ricsrx]

Steve you are knocking out some great work in that small garage. I enjoy watching your builds

 

[Deleted member 12904]

the wheels stick out a bit too much for jonny law. I'm thinking I'll need to have some sort of fender flare eventually. I have a solution, but it's top secret because I need more spares before they disappear.

Why not run fiberglass?

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk

 

[sixstringsteve]

fiberglass flares crack when they brush against rocks

 

[sixstringsteve]

Steve you are knocking out some great work in that small garage. I enjoy watching your builds

thanks ric! I wish I could think outside the box more like you, but you gotta start somewhere.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I got a lot of little things buttoned up yesterday.

Painted the size bezels:

After lots of persuasion and help from a million zip ties and a propane torch, I was able to reuse the factory inner fenders to block mud/snow. It's not perfect, but it's a lot better than nothing. I"m surprised how much the heat helped me shape the plastic into the shape I wanted.

 

[sixstringsteve]

and then I filled up the rear diff and took it for a test drive to break in the R&P. It drives great. Still a lot of little things to button up before the shakedown run on Friday, but at least I can drive it to work and start looking for a shell to fit.


It looks so weird to me to see a toyota with such a short wheelbase. I wish it were 5" longer. It looks a little goofy with such big tires. It drive great though.

 

[zukijames]

looks good.. when you sas (with 4 link) just move the axle forward..10 inches lol

 

[Cascadia]

What is the wheelbase on your truck?

 

[sixstringsteve]

looks good.. when you sas (with 4 link) just move the axle forward..10 inches lol

not gunna happen. I may not even put a crawl box in it. Its not much of a rockcrawler, but it'll be great for camping and exploring. I am going to take it on the rubicon this September though.

 

[sixstringsteve]

What is the wheelbase on your truck?

They're 103" stock. I haven't measured it, but I expect it to be the same aa stock. It doesn't really matter though, I don't expect to do many huge ledges or hardcore trails.

 

[zukijames]

would ride better so you could cut those long expedition trips down a few hours would make rubicon alot more fun.. come one steve..

 

[frieed]

It looks a little goofy with such big tires.

I'll swap ya for my 32's....

 

[Hickey]

I think it looks great with the short wheelbase and big tires and wheels. I've seen a few standard cabs like that with mild lift and big tires lately. They really turn my head.