81 Toyota Pickup (Lowlux)

[cmccuneusaf]

Names Chris, I'm new and here's my truck.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/URkQyVL-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/vzierPg-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/oSuIaZY-1.jpg

I dont have a picture of how i bought it at the moment, I'll have to stalk facebook for one later. When i got her, she was "stanced". Mono leafed and turned torsion keys on 15x10 american racing wheels and stretched tires, and a bone stalk 22r.

Since then i did a few little things like a carb upgrade, some steering maint., put gas in and drive it around. Althought at the time i though it looked cool it wasnt fun, so while i was in turkey one year i ordered stuff to 4 link it with coilovers and it snow balled from there. While in turkey i got told i was moving to Texas, so instead of moving parts i rushed the 4 link install when i got home and was not happy with it. It did make it easier to move though.

Upon arriving to Texas i said screw it I'm gonna do it how i want it and started the tear down. Currently the rear is a ford 8.8 4 linked with ride tech coils, and im planing on sticking with the axle a coilovers but want to redo the rest, or clean it up as best as possible.

The front was all stock toyota, which rode like a**. After looking at different options from, newer toyota truck stuff to nissan 240sx front coilovers, I decide on mustang 2. For a few reasons. 1. Lots of people have had great success with it, 2. Gets rid of my steering box and torsion arms, 3. With my level of expertise(not much) i found it to be the least likely to make me give up halfway.

So thats where i am right now. I just got most of the front end out and should be starting the mock up and putting the new in hopefully this next weekend.

Now pictures!

Since photobucket is dumb im dumping all the photos on the next page

[bovey]

Love it. Can't wait to see progress. One on these was on my hit list for a while, but one truck is enough.

[gots_a_sol]

Always liked that gen toy (had 2 4wd ones in the past). Also love those wheels, who makes them? (the ones in the first/last pics)

[cmccuneusaf]

Always liked that gen toy (had 2 4wd ones in the past). Also love those wheels, who makes them? (the ones in the first/last pics)

They are watanabes, I'd love to have a 4wd twin haha

[Protour_Pinto]

Great to see another Mini Truck here. At least our frames are pretty stiff from the get go.Are you going to stay with the 22R or is there a different engine going in?

Before I tore into my truck I was searching for a set of Conquest wheels. I have always liked the way they look.

[andrewb70]

Love me some Panasports...

Andrew

[xs650shawn]

Love it. Always liked mini trucks. My brother used to have one like it, '80 or '81. His had 20R in it though, dropped on blocks and torsional turned down. Rode on 14" Westerns first, then some Eclipse wheels. We welded flares from a second set of 4x4 fenders to the rear wheel wells, for metal flares all around. He never completed it, and sadly ended up scrapping it.

[cmccuneusaf]

Protour_Pinto- As of right now I'm keeping the 22r, I just put the 20r head and rv cam on. I kinda want to see how that does, but if i dont get it ready this summer I'm planning on doing a 3sge beams over next winter.

xs650shawn- I have the stock plastic 4wd flares for the back they just got taken off for transport. I originally wanted to run the zg flares but they just didnt look right.

Hopefully i can update this weekend. Its my first week back at work so progress might be a little slow

[cmccuneusaf]

Little weekend update.

I had some time throughout the week to to get all the old brackets off(i wish i had a plasma) and get the frame cleaned up some. I did an awful lot of measuring according to the instructions i got with my crossmember and did made a few cuts. Of course i made about 10 trips back and forth from the table to the front of the truck until i think i finally got it where i need it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/DSC_0133_zpsainf3wec-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/DSC_0133_zpsainf3wec.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/DSC_0132_zpsabxps67d-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/DSC_0132_zpsabxps67d.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/DSC_0130_zpsnze8iubp-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/DSC_0130_zpsnze8iubp.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/DSC_0131_zpst0vdl3yl-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/DSC_0131_zpst0vdl3yl.jpg.html)

i did a very crude mock up to see where my control arms would sit.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/DSC_0137_zpsd72cwyr1-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/DSC_0137_zpsd72cwyr1.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/DSC_0138_zps20iq07no-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/DSC_0138_zps20iq07no.jpg.html)

If I'm not mistaken, I want my lower control arms to sit parallel at ride height. I've never gone this in depth with suspension, and have been trying to read up on it. If anyone has any helpful input I would much appreciate it.

[Twentyover]

I was reading over at Jalopy that there's a guy who repairs alot cars with Mustang II suspensions. One thing he said (and I don't now what your plans are) is to not use a tube from the crossmember to pick up the rear of the lower A-arm- even when reinforced, the weld cracks permitting the arm to rotate when braking, making steering... interesting. He suggests dropping two legs down from the frame to pickup the rear of the lower arm.

Looks like you're making a welder series MII, just thought I'd comment

[Protour_Pinto]

Good looking progress! Good job on cleaning off the old suspension. I wish I had a plasma cutter when I did mine too. So many sawzall blades and cut off wheels!

Any header is an improvement for these engines, Even the affordable Pacesetter is good. I had a LCE on mine and it was good but very expensive if you have to get it new.

[cmccuneusaf]

I was reading over at Jalopy that there's a guy who repairs alot cars with Mustang II suspensions. One thing he said (and I don't now what your plans are) is to not use a tube from the crossmember to pick up the rear of the lower A-arm- even when reinforced, the weld cracks permitting the arm to rotate when braking, making steering... interesting. He suggests dropping two legs down from the frame to pickup the rear of the lower arm.

Looks like you're making a welder series MII, just thought I'd comment

Are you talking about something like this? https://welderseries.com/Lower-Control-Arm-Mounting-Kit-p51067655?forcescroll=true

I am using a welder series crossmember, so far so good. I didnt buy the mounts from them because the control arms i order came with that style mount, but i have seen people use a drop down mount. I didnt give it much thought at first, but i might look into it.

[Twentyover]

Are you talking about something like this? https://welderseries.com/Lower-Control-Arm-Mounting-Kit-p51067655?forcescroll=true

I am using a welder series crossmember, so far so good. I didnt buy the mounts from them because the control arms i order came with that style mount, but i have seen people use a drop down mount. I didnt give it much thought at first, but i might look into it.


Yes sir, he indicated this design had failure issues on cars that get frequently used. Obviously, not all cars will exhibit the condition, so I don't put much credance in anecdotal tales of "it didn't happen to me."

I suppose you could tack it in to use as a jig for a frame mounted drop down bracket.

[Protour_Pinto]

I was reading over at Jalopy that there's a guy who repairs alot cars with Mustang II suspensions. One thing he said (and I don't now what your plans are) is to not use a tube from the crossmember to pick up the rear of the lower A-arm- even when reinforced, the weld cracks permitting the arm to rotate when braking, making steering... interesting. He suggests dropping two legs down from the frame to pickup the rear of the lower arm.

Looks like you're making a welder series MII, just thought I'd comment

And a lot of cars that have problems are big full size cars with big tires and V8s in front, This truck weighs just a bit more than a powerwheels and has tires not much bigger too.

[cmccuneusaf]

I had a somewhat productive weekend with the truck. I did a lot more measuring a little bit of cutting, and even less welding.

First i hooked up the new radio because my last one was pretty damaged.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/DSC_0144_zpstbbonsp5-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/DSC_0144_zpstbbonsp5.jpg.html)

i took awhile squaring up and leveling the crossmember, then tacked it in.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/DSC_0143_zps8g6xvwuu-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/DSC_0143_zps8g6xvwuu.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/DSC_0141_zpsduxpghzx-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/DSC_0141_zpsduxpghzx.jpg.html)

mocked up the lower control arm and spindle again.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/DSC_0140_zpsntnxr9iy-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/DSC_0140_zpsntnxr9iy.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/DSC_0139_zpsbmhwjcgo-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/DSC_0139_zpsbmhwjcgo.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/DSC_0142_zpsqcw4mjxw-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/DSC_0142_zpsqcw4mjxw.jpg.html)

The last thing i did was bend up the upper control arm mounts and cut them to fit.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/DSC_0146_zpsz9f8nnuy-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/DSC_0146_zpsz9f8nnuy.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/DSC_0145_zps7f9dkhxn-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/DSC_0145_zps7f9dkhxn.jpg.html)

Hopefully i can get them tacked in so i can see the big picture some point this week. Once i know all my measurements are ok I'll go ahead and final weld everything and hopefully have some money for coilovers.

Also i need a top to my bench if you cant tell. I havent decided on just doing plywood or maybe steel.

[cmccuneusaf]

Hey i didnt give up, I've just been busy with work and a little bit of life.

I did make quite a bit of progress on the little truck. Most of everything is welded in so once i decide on the motor and get motor mounts in ill take it all back apart for paint and what not.

Made some cardboard templates
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170419_173157_zpsh6skq5t7-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170419_173157_zpsh6skq5t7.jpg.html)

Then made them into metal
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170424_171912_zpspxfebv2o-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170424_171912_zpspxfebv2o.jpg.html)

At some point i mocked up the rack and coilovers
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170512_152206_zpsz94afgg6-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170512_152206_zpsz94afgg6.jpg.html)

Mocked up a wheel, but forgot to put the caliper in.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170517_163207_zpsz1tbaqmu-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170517_163207_zpsz1tbaqmu.jpg.html)

and finally set her on the ground for the first time in a month or so.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170518_175558_zpstqkxjdnw-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170518_175558_zpstqkxjdnw.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170518_175606_zpspgszvmyz-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170518_175606_zpspgszvmyz.jpg.html)

Try not to judge the messy little garage, once the thunderstorms stop ill push the truck outside and hopefully clean it out.

[SonomaZ]

Many cool hot rods have come out of messy little garages.
No judgement here, just the opposite. Great project!

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Great start, glad to see you've decided to start fresh and do it right, No regrets. Keep up the good work!

[mytmouz]

Just found the thread, nice work. I LUV mini trucks. I have 3, 2 v8 LUV stepsides, and a Nissan Hardbody, all 3 v8 chevy powered...

[cmccuneusaf]

Thank everyone for the kind words!! It's nothing but motivation.

[JayinMI]

Love this body style. I'm currently (slowly) building an LS powered 89 S-10...in a messy garage. With the same welder, jack and engine hoist. lol

Jay

[JohnJ@RideTech]

Pretty sweet ride man! I like your choice of suspension.

[cmccuneusaf]

Pretty sweet ride man! I like your choice of suspension.


Thank you very much! I cant wait to put them to use!

[cmccuneusaf]

Its been a few weeks since I've updated. I did more thinking then working for most of it haha. Buuuut i did do some work and took a big step forward on both the truck and hopefully my confidence. I've never attempted this much "fab" work before this truck so I mostly just wing it and read.

Anyway on to pics

This was after i cut the frame obviously, and mocking up a new lower link crossmember. It will have a loop for drive shaft once everything is welded fully.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/20170612_203101_zpsmk2pcz17-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170612_203101_zpsmk2pcz17.jpg.html)

My first thought for frame rails was to have them match the angle of the upper links and straighten back out past the axle for the fuel cell. After attempting a few compound cuts and watching the smoke pour out of my ears from geometry i gave up and decided to cut them straight the whole way which will actually work out better.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/20170612_203116_zpsm5ctrrpy-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170612_203116_zpsm5ctrrpy.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/20170614_115127_zpstowns2wh-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170614_115127_zpstowns2wh.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/20170614_115212_zps56wosdoq-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170614_115212_zps56wosdoq.jpg.html)

They are just over 17" apart for the fuel cell in the back and lined up almost perfect to the angle i had my shocks mounted at previously. I also made a template for shock mounts but ill wait to make them once the frame is fully welded.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/20170614_115158_zps1q0wsjly-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170614_115158_zps1q0wsjly.jpg.html)

A friend from work has a tig and has offer to both help and teach me, so hopefully that will make progress move faster.

Thanks again for all the support!

[Twentyover]

Just a stupid question-

not sure i understand why you narrowed the frame so much behind the cab. Won't the narrow stance of the shocks on the rear render them significantly less effective in roll then if they were further outboard?

[cmccuneusaf]

Just a stupid question-

not sure i understand why you narrowed the frame so much behind the cab. Won't the narrow stance of the shocks on the rear render them significantly less effective in roll then if they were further outboard?

The only mounts that have to be moved will be the upper link bars. The coilovers will be the same. Im hoping narrowing the frame wont make it less stable.

[cmccuneusaf]

Did some small stuff on the little truck and some projects in the garage to make it easier to work on things in the future. First I finally got around to hanging up the LED shop light I had for my work bench. Also for the work bench i actually mounted the top so I'm not using random flooring pieces.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/20170622_172822_zpsdihsyapf-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170622_172822_zpsdihsyapf.jpg.html)

Then I made some gussets/fish plates for the back half.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/20170622_181033_zpsqbls0def-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170622_181033_zpsqbls0def.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/20170622_212107_zpsuhojmdo9-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170622_212107_zpsuhojmdo9.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/20170622_214535_zpsvlm1jgpm-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170622_214535_zpsvlm1jgpm.jpg.html)

One of basically everything I accomplished.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/20170622_214543_zpskxbi9dwx-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170622_214543_zpskxbi9dwx.jpg.html)

Annnd last but not least I washed the M, and you can see the top of the other DD behind it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/20170620_210405_001_zps5xbhc02o-1.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/cmccuneusaf/media/20170620_210405_001_zps5xbhc02o.jpg.html)

Theres a few more gussets that need to be cut out and welded, but i started getting too overheated. Once the back half is done I'll finally start motor shopping!! Which excites me a little bit.

[cmccuneusaf]

Heres some of the photos the photobucket took down

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/YH1dN5C-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/MMmGxNK-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/LWhw2US-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/N4cQZd4-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/4LKP7XM-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/CSb95XD-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/pODd1xu-1.jpg

[cmccuneusaf]

I cant quite remember where i left off, so ill start with i bought a cheapish tig to learn on. I was playing around with it for awhile completely ignoring the truck haha
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/nj6LpH1-1.jpg

Then i figured i need to get down to business and at least make it a roller again.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/tGuHus5-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/tepGSjw-1.jpg

Then i picked up the motor that hopefully will make its way in the bay sooner rather then later.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/U3k7bxk-1.jpg

And then put some itbs on it because who doesnt love some itbs, other those that have turbo.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/bTfOSYR-1.jpg

Thats about all that i can remember. The upper link bar mounts aren't the final product, but i couldnt figure out for the life of me how to get the angle i needed out of the mounts i wanted to use. I just used the box tube so i could get the anngle right and transfer it over.

Annnd heres a picture of the better of my attempts at tig
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/4PQHkq6-1.jpg

[sh*tcarsteve]

any updates? looks sick so far!

[Motoracer838]

I like this truck, are you going to leave the patina???

Joe

[aduarte]

I just found your build on this site. Awesome build! I have a 1990 Toyota pickup standard cab 2 wheel drive with. 5.3 LS motor and 4L60E trans in it. The rear end is stock but I have complete 8.8 rear end on standby from a Ford Explorer. I plan to change out my stock torsion bar front end in the near future for a Mustang II suspension. The weight of the LS motor is not much more than the 22R that I pulled out, but I want a modern front suspension with suspension options like coil overs or air bags. Keep up the great work!