Longtravel: Banner/HulkSmash Build- PapaSmurf & Sunnier Build a First Gen

Banner/ HulkSmash, Chapter I: Gal Meets ‘Fab’ Guy Online

Hi, I’m Sunnier. Following is what could happen if you get really involved in an online truck forum.

Background:

I started taking my Inferno 3rd gen out on SoCal Shenanigan dirt runs and enjoyed the good company and the off-roading. The SoCal Shenanigans are a group with mostly new 3rd gen Tundras… some of whom have never driven off-road before. To allay fears and get people off the pavement and onto dirt, we are committed to having as much fun as we can have… without getting pinstripes on our new, pretty trucks … at least while we’re still making payments.

… But my alter ego really wants to play without limits and without worrying about pinstripes.

The other half of this crazy fun project is @papasmurf a.k.a Bruce. He and his buddies are NOT afraid of pinstripes, and have taken their, mostly 2nd gen Crew Max, Tundras all over SoCal and also into surrounding states, pushing the limits of these “too big” trucks. These guys pride themselves on maintaining mechanically sound, well-modded trucks that take them anywhere the trucks will physically fit, but also allow many comforts in beautiful, remote places (good food, good drink, comfortable accommodation). They are the Speed Glampers Uberfahrt a.k.a. SGU.

Intro to the SoCal Shenanigans:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/wel...nd-tundra2sedona-cast-your-vote-thread.19581/

and most recently, the Shenanigans are taking place here:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off...-trail-run-it-show.43902/page-15#post-1138934

Intro to the SGU:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/sgu-the-speed-glampers-uberfahrt.22323/

but they weigh in when important stuff gets discussed,example:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/drop-bracket-mid-travel.31134/

And here is Bruce's build thread for his 2nd gen Tundra:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/papasmurfs-07-4x4-lt-expedition-build.9817/




Despite the glee I’ve experienced running my 3rd gen inferno 2WD on dirt, there came a day I had to make a sensible decision and leave my truck parked while I passenger’d up with someone else for the run up to Calcite Mine during an Anza-Borrego/ Ocatillo trip. I very much appreciated being welcomed aboard so I didn’t miss out, but dang!,
I’d always rather drive.

So… I bought a 1st gen 4x4 last year in October with the idea that I need a play truck, so I can keep pushing boundaries, learning as I go, and… not worry about pinstripes. . It doesn’t reflect the exact order of events, but here’s a thread I posted not too long after buying the truck, and before starting the actual build:


https://www.tundras.com/threads/sunnier-finally-got-4x4-need-help-building-it.33773/

I got a lot out of great ideas from many forum buddies… and… I asked for suggestions for what to name my new green truck and my forum BFF, @Mr Comic Book Hero himself suggested The Hulk. But he envisioned an angry green truck, and I’m hoping for a more peaceful demeanor but with great when needed. A variation made the win: “Banner/ HulkSmash”, (i.e. the difference between 2WD/ 4x4 engaged), personalized license plate to follow.

Anyway, although we hadn’t yet met in Real Life, somehow Bruce and I started texting about that I just got a 1st gen to build, and him wanting to build one.



Seriously, it was that easy a start. He promised to spec’ out options-- both mid- and long-travel-- for me to choose, but due to the SGU Turkey run we didn’t work out the purchase list until after the Black Friday sales were over. I only mention this to explain ‘what took so long’ to get started. Basically, we were excited to think we were sneaking in our purchases during the off-season for off-road racing but, even though we missed taking advantage of Black Friday discounts, we did not miss being in line behind every other customer that didn’t miss those sales. TIP: Call this the first ‘what I’ve learned during this process’ tip: if your build isn’t an impulsive decision like this was, get your plans set and parts list ready before Black Friday sales to save both money and time. @fisherman951 . I’ve closely watched @Casper421 's build, and he capitalized on getting premium parts for his truck by rocking the Black Friday sales.

FWIW, I’m certain this build happened because we were spontaneous about jumping in, and both believed the timing was great because we committed back in December when we both had open calendars for 3 months…. Good irony because we both jumped in thinking we could get the build well underway before mid-March, after which both of us were previously committed months in advance to other projects….

Disclaimer: Yes, most people post build threads nearer the start of work. We hit big delays early on, first waiting for parts, then due to unusual heavy rain and those long-ago-made-plans I mentioned. I decided we might as well wait ‘til we could show progress—then time really compressed as our spouses supported us as we’ve spent most days off work for 6 weeks hanging out in his driveway, me watching and learning while he builds the truck.

Bruce is the brains and creative force behind this build; I’m the financer (i.e. got a personal loan and keep my part of the bargain, which is to buy parts and materials as needed for Bruce to mod the truck. He welds, fabricates, and has years of experience doing auto mechanics. I’m pretty sure I’m winning on this exchange!

Anyway, next up are some pretty pictures to make up for all these words.

PLEASE GIVE ME A FEW TO GET THE PICS UP; THIS BEHIND THE SCENES ALL-AT-ONCE THREAD LAUNCH CAN BE TRICKY!!

First up are the significant component parts, then I’ll start posting pics of deconstruction and re-rebuild, and I’ll edit to add more photos of each stage showing more detail or steps-in-each-process, as time permits.

 

PARTS LIST:

Description: Part #:

MCM Fab & Design:

MCM Fab & Design '00 - 06 Tundra Rear Cantilever Kit

https://stores.mcmfablv.com/00-06-tundra-rear-cantilever-kit/

** Add info on assorted extras including extended brake lines....** ** Everything listed above was purchased from Matt at MCM Fab & Design. Although the description indicates it is to be installed with ADS coilovers, we used King. My understanding is, you may use the shocks you prefer.




Deaver Suspension:

Deaver Leaf Springs, extra leafs for additional weight in the bed C27 – HD

https://deaverspring.com/


** I calculated exact weight of everything I would carry for off-road camping, then called Jeff at Deaver. This link is not to the exact product I ordered, because it is not a stock item. Call and tell them what you plan to do with your truck, and how much rear axle weight you’ll have.


KartTek Off-Road:

High Clearance U-Bolt Relocation Plates 2.5” Wide Spring – Pair

https://www.kartek.com/parts/high-clearence-u-bolt-relocation-plates-25-wide-spring-pair.html

Kartek Off-Road Universal Weld-On Axle Leaf Spring Plates w/ Multi Leaf Center Pin

and Radius Edge



https://www.kartek.com/parts/kartek...th-multi-leaf-center-pin-and-radius-edge.html


Down South Motorsports:


Total Chaos Suspension, ’00-03 Toyota Tundra +3.5” Long Travel Kit TCS 97000BK

(King or Fox shocks)

Total Chaos Suspension, 4340 Extended Axles +3.5”, ’00-03 Toyota Tundra TCS 97300

https://www.chaosfab.com/accessories/2000-2006-Tundra-Long-Travel-Axles-97300



Total Chaos Fabrication, ’96-04 Tacoma Spindle Gusset (pair) TCS 59697

https://www.chaosfab.com/accessories/1996-2004-Tacoma-Weld-on-Spindle-Gussets-59697



Total Chaos Fabrication, ’00-03 Toyota Tundra Weld-on Upper Coil Tower Gussets TCS 59652

https://www.chaosfab.com/accessories/2000-2006-Tundra-Weld-on-Coil-Tower-Gussets-59652


King 2.5” Pre-Runner Series

Total Chaos LT Spec Coilover w/ Remote Resi Single Spring Rate Over Top Cap King TCS5151-03

King 2.5 Pre-Runner Series, 10” Travel “3” Tube Bypass w/ Hose Remote

“Left and Right” side King PR 2510-BP3H



https://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-...e-remote-reservoir-10-travel-pr2510-bp3h.html

** Everything listed above was purchased through Down South Motorsports (even though some of the links go elsewhere).



ADVanced Fiberglass Concepts:

Front Fenders, 4” Flare, 3” Rise (one of two available options)

https://www.advfiberglass.com/collections/toyota/products/2000-2006-toyota-tundra-fenders

 

Banner/ HulkSmash, Chapter II: Women Really Like Jewelry!

SO… this is a truck forum and therefore, it probably won’t shock anyone to know I care less about dressing up or owning pretty jewelry than, say, driving off-road or gazing at pretty new suspension parts. Blue is not my favourite colour… not even Tiffany blue… so I was more than a little surprised by how much pleasure I get out of these pretty King shocks; leaf pack by Deaver; and cantilever rear set-up by Matt at MCM is awesome. These parts even feel nice to touch!

I may not wear a lot of jewelry, but Banner/ HulkSmash is all turned out!! Here is the jewelry box:

 

Banner/ HulkSmash, Chapter IV: Naked & Afraid


I’d watched Bruce install mid-travel on a 3rd gen Tundra just before we started tearing down this 1st gen so I thought I had an idea about what was entailed—wrong! Here’s how much was removed from the 3rd gen before the new suspension parts were added:


Here’s what was removed in preparation for long travel (front):


Note the adequate for street but not for SGU Shenanigans coil bucket:

Yeah... DON'T worry!

Removing steering rack:

Test fitting with upper control arms for new heavy-duty coil buckets:

 

Chapter 5: Growing Commitment-- Saying Goodbye to the Exes (Free Take-Offs):

Anyone in SoCal need free take-off from a 2002 Tundra? PM me and I'll respond after T2S. No written descriptions until I return from T2S (no time), but that means the bots won't tell non-members. Here's pics of what appears usable:

Edit:
I donated everything that wasn't claimed to local parts yard near me. Didn't care about money, just wanted to minimize waste.

I may re designate this post... or to keep the chapter title, I may post up future trade-outs. I have OEM wheels to sell....

 

Reserved. Experience had taught me I must add a photo to reserve more than one post in a row.

 

I know you're right, Joon!

 

Thanks for the reminder, and opportunities to respond (to hold places)!

 

You too, Buddy! Oh, wait; look everyone, it's The Fab Guy I Met Online, himself!

Also held me another spot to post. This should do it. Well. Maybe one more....

 

Reserved.

 

Reserved. Willing to Rent

 

Thanks for the reminders fellas! I've outlined this "story" into "chapters" and I think I can fit it up above.

For anyone else checking in and thinking this is lame holding spots, I remember @joonbug had to ask mods to get rid of a ton of extraneous posts on his build thread. So the high number of posts to his thread occurred AFTER that cull.

Having said that, @papasmurf and I are both social types so, from hereafter, I'll make additions and edits above, and y'all can play and go sideways below. It'll be just like our other threads, and just like Bruce's driveway. All 'o' y'-all are welcome here.

Hahaha! I hope it doesn't get locked. Send in the clowns....

 

Clown reporting for duty.

 

damn that's gonna be nice

 

I don't remember there being a vote on the name...


P.S. Nice build!

 

Thanks for chiming in, Guys! Parties are only fun when people show up.

 

The only way to win, is to play. Marty chimed in right away with a plausible suggestion and, because my son also liked it, it was an instant winner!

 

According to the nuts over on TW, the vehicle must be named by other members. Isn't that right Mike @eccracer104 And it's usually not flattering!

 

Start a thread with “Longtravel”, they will come...in droves.

 

24 posts in 118 minutes. Cooking with gas here!

 

Very jealous! I love my 2wd tow truck/economical commuter, but I wish I was part of the 4wd glamping crue

 

This should be a good one to see!

 

I’ll sell my early post space for a nominal fee lol

 

Plus my name is Bruce and when I go savage I hulk smash! Aka savage mode! So it’s very fitting! Lol

 

It'd be nice if Bruce would move closer to me so I could actually take advantage of having a friend that does fab work