Squeaky Penguin's (Trip Reports) Build Thread

I still daydream about a streetable, linked, SAS build on custom axles, but until then, I'll keep wheeling this thing as is and see how it holds up.

 

Mental mastrubation is half the fun of this hobby

 

It has its moments. I just needed to get another 2-3 years out of the truck on IFS. I agree with your points about SA trucks. I've owned my fair share of them, and the reliability is way different when wheeling on the rocks. I wouldn't mind starting on a fresh platform to do a conversion though

 

It sucks that good trucks to build off of are getting harder and harder to find. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I’ll probably die with my current first gen even if it’s a ship of Theseus by the end. Down to just the original cab, doors, and frame from the firewall back. And the windshield plus just 1 xtracab window left lol

My second gen on 35’s was an absolute riot when we spent 2 weeks in the San Juans, Moab and Northern AZ last year. My first gen crawler would have been way less fun to explore in and it’s a truly streetable truck with AC and all the creature comforts. So I totally get rolling with the IFS out there!

 

You just hit all my points. I'll need 4 doors by the end of the year. I've toyed with swapping cabs on mine, but the cost of doing it and the time to do it just don't add up. A 2nd gen or a 4runner/gx are currently at the top of my list. Both would handle a 35" tire a lot better than the first gen does. And would be much more enjoyable on the exploring trips.

 

I vote to cab swap it!!!!!!!!!

 

Or you can commit treason like me for the little one:

Untitled by Michael Halat, on Flickr
Untitled by Michael Halat, on Flickr

But TBH for the price it cost I think the 24 Ranger Raptor with a GFC is a better choice even if it can't get 35's stock. It would have 33's, F/R Locked, and fox suspension for about the same price as my wildtrak.

 

Find me a good donor!

I would be dishoned if I showed up with one of those!

But I agree with all your points. 33s are plenty for what I would ask of the truck. Mild wheeling and mountain bike duties is what the truck will do.

 

I had one about 2 years ago, the title wasn't usable but you could have moved your VIN over.

 

Mine is super easy to drive on the road, has good road manners, does 80mph and I drive it 6hrs to Johnson Valley and wheel it and drive it back. I trailer it more now to trails farther away but its still my daily on 40s. Been driving it 3 yrs like that. Tons give you peace of mind

 

I think a big thing for me would be not carrying spares of everything and tools to match.

but the more I build the harder I beat on it so it would only be a matter of time I’m sure.

 

so far my only issues have been drive shafts breaking because of axle wrap. I did rip a track bar bracket off in JV but I towed the truck that time so it wasn't a big deal. Definitely more risky driving it there and back though without a tow rig

 

Only time my trucks ever been on a flatbed was when I broke a lower link in JV. Field repaired it but didn't trust it to drive 250 miles home at 75 MPH. Thank you AAA. lol

 

the progress of this build is just awesome.

 

Thanks! It's been quite the journey over the last 12 years.

 

Almost there with the tcase skid.

 

As damn close to flat belly as you can get. Dang I really need to install my NWF cases.

What tube bender do you have again?

 

It's pretty close! Hoping I don't get hung up on the skid on crossmember too often. Tried to make it as tight as possible.

Just an Affordable Bender. It works well enough for my uses. I do wish a smaller radius die was an option.

 

Dang I like that. I think I saw something similar for sale locally. Looks like a knock off: I'd love a bender for some stuff I have coming up.

 

Nice bends, that looks good! Are you sleeveing the joint?