Sleeper Standard

These build threads are always so long and boring. Never seem to have all the photos and I really didn't build this truck to share or impress. Still, I'm pretty stoked with it.

I bought this truck new in '02 and didn't really plan on keeping it. 200k miles later and totally impressed with how far and where this truck has taken me I decided to trick her out. I work as a backcountry guide and use this truck to get to far-out places in the 4-corners states. Its seen many, many trips to Canyonlands, Sonoron Desert, Mojave Desert, Baja, Idaho, Moab, Colorado... so I need a truck that's reliable, serviceable, capable, safe and fun.

The first thing I did was put an Alpine stereo system in it (fun). Alpine "mechless" deck, 2-ways in the doors and a powered Alpine sub. Rocks the standard cab pretty hard. Also in the interior I installed a quick release fire extinguisher behind the seat (safe). ARB compressor and locker switch installed below the Alpine deck.

"Did you say ARB locker?!" Why yes, I did (capable). Just in the rear. Didn't want to go down the long and expensive road of a front locker with axle and hub upgrades and the reality is I don't need one for what I'm doing. I pulled the 3rd and took it to Zuk in Chandler where he installed the locker, pressure tested it and rebuilt the 3rd member. I did the compressor plumbing and electrical. I also extended the breather vent way up above the gas tank. Valvoline 85W-140.

I had, at this point, been through probably 5 sets of Bilstein 4600s and was over the hype. They fade, wear out and have lackluster damping. KING. I choose King 2.5" all the way around (always match your sets, kids) for thier serviceability, performance and ride (plusher spring rate and valving compared to Fox, Icon). This upgrade fit all my criteria. fun, reliable, serviceable, safe and fun.

To take full advantage of the extended travel option on the front I installed Total Chaos uniball Upper Control Arms. I also installed brand new Toyota OEM Lower Control Arms (original bushings were blown). To get the lowers out you have to, at least partially, remove the steering rack so TC 'thane bushings replaced the factory worn rubber bushings. I also had Fodrill Fab in Phoenix rebuild the CV joints and weld TC steering knuckle gussets on for reliability. Break a knuckle and you're F&^K%$! New Toyota Lower BJ and Toyota inner and outer tie rod ends.
To finish the front end off I ditched the stock splash guards and installed RAD Rubber units. As far as lift goes, after many e-mails with Filthy (who I bought the shocks from) I went with about 1.25" lift. I tried 1.5" and 1.75" and while 1.5" was pretty good I flet 1.25 gave the best "sag" or wheel droop and retained mellow geometry. I can rail this truck without a sway-bar! Oh, TC diff drip too. Necessary for 2" lift, buttery for 1.5".

On the rear again the King 2.5" is stock locations. I had Alcan Springs in Grand Junction custom make my rear spring pack for my use with 1.5" lift and fitted to axle with Alcan U-Bolts and hardware. Daystar 'thane bushings on the front mount with greaseable bolt and OME greaseable shackles. To beef the rear of the truck up a little we welded CBI frame plates.

With BFG TA/KO2 235/85-16 "Pizza Cutter" tires (5 with matching, in rotation spare) the truck rallies! I drive a ton of dirt road and with 20psi un the front and 15-20 (depending on load) in the rear I can shred washboards, cattle guards, rocks and bumps. The King's never fade and In a couple years I'll simply rebuild them. It crawls ok too. Its an IFS truck so it has its limitations as far as that goes. But with the added 1" front wheel drop, more rear articulation and with the locker (and short wheel base) it does all I care to do on the rocks.

Speaking of which, since the truck does sit kind of low, I armored her up a bit. Stubbs Welding sliders welded on and a custom 3-piece skid with beefed up mounting plates and hardware does the job. I also got a CBI rear bumper kit and had Desert Toys in PHX weld it up real pretty like.

Uh, I feel like I'm missing a bunch of details. Stock air intake with K&N. I always use Toyota oil filters and 5-30 Mobile 1 (I've done every single oil change on this truck with 216k miles. That's about 43 oil changes!). I have a Flip-Pac camper top that I put on for long trips, hence the "custom" Alcan springs. I replaced the original clutch, brakes and belts at 160k. about 5 fuel filters, 5 sets of spark plugs, a few fluid douches.

In the future I will install Corbeau Sport seats. Probably at 300k I'll rebuild the motor. Full long block with a "Stage 1" head. We'll see. Thanks for reading. Check out some pics...

I need a "Trophy" please!

 

This is excellent! I love the high quality functional upgrades and absence of 8000 lbs. of broverland bling. AND it’s a regular cab, the highest form of enlightenment.