Cruzer's Re-Build for the Rubicon

2 wrongs don't make a right but 3 lefts do.

 

Wow that’s small. Is it possible to swap a 2nd gen diff? Rear too?

 

It's the same diff as Tacomas and 4Runners of the same vintage. It's pretty tight up there, so it would require some modifications to the frame to make a bigger diff work.

The rear diff is an 8.4" but its not as weak. Plenty of testimonials of those running lockers without issue. You could swap a full 2nd gen axle and you'd also gain disc brakes, but then you need to redo shock mounts find a way to overcome the whole 5-lug vs 6-lug deal. The disc brakes on a 2nd gen axle might need some master cylinder work to play properly on a 1st gen as well.

 

That was exactly my point. When keeping ifs we are stuck with a platform with a few key weaknesses that simply cant be upgraded like the front diff. I was being told not to underestimate what 1st gens can do when I, just on 35s, have grenaded 3 front diffs not even with a locker. So for the kind of wheeling that Cruzer and I like to do 1st gen ifs just won't cut it. Wheras 2nd gen+ ifs has enough strength in those key components to be made work, with the right aftermarket support.

 

It's been disheartening searching for an RCSB in good condition and reasonably priced. A lot of the ones I have found are from the rust belt.
I then came across the SDHQ RCSB, which was an RCLB that they converted.


Got me thinking that I should buy a white 2014-15 RCLB (I believe 2015 is when they stopped making regular cabs) and shorten it myself This way I can restore my CM back to stock form by trading the suspension, front fenders, axles, bumpers, and wheels. The only thing I would have to buy is another 5.5' bed to put on the CM.

How hard can it be to the frame and Would need to run new hard brake lines. New drive shaft. Maybe shorter e-brake cable?

 

I like everything about this!

 

Messing around today. My first iteration of dual slide out solar panels. Well, one for now, as I mock things up. Will tuck it up closer to the bottom of the rack.

 

That looks great Cruz

 

Got this done. Lunch time and on to the next.

 

What tire mount is that Cruz??

 

That’s the ADD mount. Supports up to 40x13.50 wheels.

 

Damn that thing looks extremely beefy.

 

And it’s heavy AF!

 

less weight available for beer in the fridge

 

Blasphemy!

 

I’ll put beer in the spare tire if I have to

 

Cruz when are you leaving for T2S. I am heading out next Saturday.

 

Damnnn that’s hella early! I’m planning to get there on Wednesday. Just not sure what time exactly. It’d be nice if I can get there in the morning or by noonish to try and catch a trail run.

 

Yeah taking the week off work... and plan to go on the trail leaders pre-runs....

 

Nice! I was going to suggest that you trail lead.

 

So the sees the tire inside the truck.
Is that tire dirty?
Yes.
Are you going to wash it?
No.
Why not?
Cuz it’s a spare tire. Who washes spare tires?
You do if you want to go off-roading.

 

After 9 months or so of waiting I finally got my new plate. So if you saw this truck somewhere and weren’t sure it was mine, now you know

 

Whale NFL Size

 

Just made it home from another smashingly successful T2S event. I smashed my travel time making it home in under 11 hours.

I got to trail lead Smasher Canyon. It was just me + 1 brave soul with lockers and 37s. The trail description I wrote down for Smasher Canyon was “lockers required, at least 37s, body damage likely.” Smasher Canyon lived up to its name and smashed my passenger bed side. The other truck had his bumpers smashed and ripped as well. It took us 4 hours to cover 4 miles. Thanks to @Papa Smurf for helping us fix both of our trucks.



On a fun note I won a raffle prize: a set of 5 wheels furnished by Off Road Warehouse and a set of Kanati tires (unfortunately they only make up to 37” tires so I will soon be posting them for sale).

 

Ouch!!!

Well, at least when you sell the wheel/tire combo, it’ll be more funds !

Are they going to be 17s?

 

Yes. Keeping the wheels and I might actually keep the tires…..I just looked online and Kanati makes 39x12.50r17, not 40s but I guess I can use them as my street tires and put on my 40s only when I wheel.

 

You did just drop a bunch of dough on the new 40s!