ghetto's backwards buggy

So I sold my old rig last year. I wanted to build something smaller. With 42's and one tons it felt kinda like a monster truck wheeling with the Sami buggies I go with. I have been kicking around the idea of a mid/rear engine rig for awhile. I couldn't decide on a drivetrain for it though. A guy I know had a 2000 Tacoma that he wrecked so I got that from him. I haven't ran any of the newer toy stuff though. I had a supra 7mgte in my last rig but it was pretty easy to hook up.
Once I had the motor and tranny figured out I decided to keep it simple and go Toyota. I got a set of axles from zukijames. They had 5:29s and Arb's installed. I decided to go with a single t-case and 4.7gears. I wanted to do double but I don't have room with the engine where it is at. I hope with the automatic it should be fine. I am building the chassis out of 1 1/2 Dom. Ill try to get some pics up as I go. I started about a month ago so I have a couple.

 

[Greg]

About time we saw a build thread!

I'm excited to see this one come together, sounds like it will be a neat build!

 

[ghetto]

Thanks I have been acquiring parts for a couple months. I wasn't sure if I was going to do a build thread but you talked me into it

 

[ghetto]

This was my donor truck.

Offset for weight and clearance.

Starting the frame.

 

[ghetto]

More

Blinging wheels

 

[Karnage Fab]

nice start, i have the 2.7 in my 90 4runner, and i love that motor.
are u running the w56 transmission, or the stock w59 with an adapter?
reason i ask is cause the w56 doesnt hold up, ive killed 2 with mine, the second one was tonight actually

 

[ghetto]

I'm running the auto. The a340. It's my first auto in an offroad rig. I called my buddy who is a transmission mechanic and he said that they are a really good tranny but I can not let it over heat.

 

[STAG]

Wow that's turning out awesome.

 

[Gravy]

Looks great, I love the chassis lines: I take it from the pics you aren't reversing the drivetrain.
Is that final seat height? The dashbar looks like it's right in the middle of your line of sight

I was in Dot-zero a little bit ago: How cold is it there in Glenwood ?!

 

[ghetto]

The motor is in the rear. Is that what you mean by reversing it?

 

[ghetto]

It is not that cold bit it is dumping snow right now....finally

 

[Greg]

Thanks I have been acquiring parts for a couple months. I wasn't sure if I was going to do a build thread but you talked me into it

I'm glad you followed thru, I've been waiting to see this one come together! I'd really like to see it on the trail one of these days.

 

[ghetto]

Well my goal is ejs so I gotta lot to do.

 

[Gravy]

Sorry, from the first few pics I couldn't tell if the drivetrain was reversed or not, but now I see it is.

What I was wondering was: are you planning on flipping the 3rds?

it looks like in your last pic that your front 3rd is low pinion and the axle is passenger drop (meaning right side up)

with a reversed drivetrain: unless you flip the whole axle, or flip the 3rds in the housings you'll have 4 reverse speeds and 1 forward because the drivelines spin opposite a forward facing motor.

clear as mud?

 

[ghetto]

I'm flipping the thirds. I did the rear already. When I tear down the front to put on my new knuckles I'll flip the thirds. I am looking for a high pinion third to put in the rear. Once it's flipped it will be low pinion, but spinning the right way on the strong side of the gear. Hope that clears that up

 

[ghetto]

Got the front linked up and shocks mounted. Starting on the rear gusset.

 

[zukijames]

i wish i had your skills i would love to run my new motor in the back and offset like yours! but i dont think im smart /skilled enough to flip the axles

 

[ghetto]

Just flip the thirds 180.

 

[zukijames]

so they would be like hi pinions? and would that put them running on the wrong side of the gear?

im running low pinion yota 9.5s front and rear thanks for your help sorry i dont know anything about this stuff lol

 

[ghetto]

Yep exactly. The front will be on the drive side when it is flipped. The rear will be on the coast side. That's why I want a high pinion for the rear. When you flip it upside down and run it low pinion it will be on the drive side.