Yota Mutt Build

[dzeyer]

K, first off, I've always just done my own thing and never really done a "build thread," but I'm pretty excited about this one. I started with an 83 short bed single cab truck that just ran... that was about it. I decide to do a cheap 1-ton build and wheel it. I've never done any "real" fab work before, I just knew how to weld from growing up on a farm. so here's the truck when I got it:

Then Turned it into this:

Now, it wheeled great! I was surprised that it actually worked... since I've never done a build before. But I wanted to be able to take more people wheeling... since it's awesome. So... bring on the 4 door cab and a vortec to move it along.

So that's what this build will be..
my 83 toyota (1-ton axles, 42" pittbulls)
2003 tacoma 4-door cab
early 90s 4.3 vortec on p-pane
a th350 auto
and yota t-cases

I already apologize if I do something on this build that you would have done differently... cause actually, it's my build so that's why I did it that way.

Now, on to the pics...

First was the tear down...

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv319/dzeyer/the MUTT/IMG_0029.jpg

Now mocking up the engine,trans,tranny...

Weld up all the brace plates and mounts and extend the frame... (bout 18")

Clearance the tranny tunnel for the flat belly...

Then fit it and build body mounts...

Here's how it sits now...

The cab will sit bout 2" higher than this pic (still need to add rubber bushings), but you get the idea.

So now I'm all caught up and will start from here. Thanks for checking it out and I'll try and keep it updated as much as possible.

 

[Panos]

i like! is that blood on the inside of the windshield? what is your wheelbase going to be?

 

[dzeyer]

Nope no blood, it's just writing from the wrecking yard. It will be about 128"... a little long, but it'll be worth it.

 

[SAMI]

Awesome!

Will you be retaining the mini-truck bed with the newer DC Taco cab? Please say yes...

 

[dzeyer]

You bet! I'm gonna carry on the mutt theme and retro fit the front fenders/grill and bed sides from my 83. I'm hoping the end result will look like a 4-door first gen... more unique than just a regular 4-door taco.

 

[Panos]

yes! i cant wait

 

[ID Bronco]

Super cool!

 

[LT.]

Awesome build. I really like the way the truck looked before. I can't wait to see what it will look like when it is all done.

LT.

 

[88 Runner SAS]

Bad A$$!

 

[Greg]

Awesome build. I really like the way the truck looked before. I can't wait to see what it will look like when it is all done.

LT.

x2!! Keep the build pics coming, I really like what you're doing.

 

[solidfrontaxle]

Here's how it sits now...

.

Dang that thing looks awesome in that pic. Just leave it like that and wheel it as it is. :greg:

 

[dzeyer]

Thanks a ton guys!
Yeah, the first version turned out great... and wheeled great too. But more people = more fun, in my book anyways, so... 4-door.

Here's the start of the tranny tunnel. It's an afterwork project, so during the weekdays, my progress is pretty small compared to the weekends.

 

[choptopbII]

thats going to be sick!

 

[cheepin]

Cool.Keep up with the pics.

 

[Herzog]

Great thread! Subscribed...

 

[dzeyer]

I guess it's good that I started a thread... it puts some pressure on me to get something done so I can post some progress (little as it may be).

Skinning the tranny tunnel: It's not pretty, but it'll do.

 

[Nate R]

This thing is going to be pretty rad! :greg:

I can't wait to see it finished.

-Nate

 

[choptopbII]

i really like the look of that tunnel, i think i might try and to something similar on my rig.

 

[Cougar1]

Dang that thing looks awesome in that pic. Just leave it like that and wheel it as it is. :greg:

If it were left like this the new name for the thread would have to be changed to the HIDEOUS MUTT build.

 

[sevenslats]

I've been thinking of building a CrewCab buggy. I'll be watching to see how this turns out.