What would you do....

[Mporter]

So for a while now I have been wanting to build up a dedicated trail rig (but also street capable, since I don't/wont have a tow rig).

I'm more or less open to any make/model/etc I just want to be able to run at least 37's.

So here is where you guys come in. If you were going to make a crawler on a budget (think broke college kid :cool:) what would you do? Any suggestions would be great. Axles, gearing, tires, lockers, rigs (scouts, jeeps, yotas, etc), and anything else that is associated with rockcrawling. There really isn't a budget right now since this is just a pipedream, but i'd like to keep it to things that I could easily find in scrap yards for cheap. I'm not looking to go out and spend thousands on that brand new Dana 44 with 5.29s and a detroit or anything.

:thumb:

[Brody]

So what would your basic budget be? There are a lot of people's 'project rigs' out there that they have lost interest in and many of them have a huge amount of 'stuff' already done to them. looking around, you can find 'built' Yotas and Jeeps, maybe not all the way finished, but with axle swaps, gearing, lockers, dual cases, etc, for around $4k. This is in many ways a lot cheaper than starting from scratch. Chris bought Frank for around $4k, Haku bought his turn key crawler for $4k or so, Brad bought his Disco for $700. Figure in the fact that you can turn wrenches AND weld and you are way ahead of a lot of the rest of folks out there as far as outgoing expenses go, even if you have to 'finish' someone's project.

You can modify a Jeep or Yota (or for that matter, a Ford, Chevy, Jimmy) to run 37's relatively easily. I would be more concerned with what axles, gearing, lockers are when I started looking.

[Mporter]

You pretty much hit it on the head Pete. I'm thinking if I bought a project rig the budget would be no more than $5k but if I bought a stocker to mod, probably around $2k max.

I've been browsing CL daily, seen a lot of 1st gen 4runners and CJ's on 35/37's for under $5k.

[RidgeRunner]

I paid $3300 for my 87 4runner, already on 37s, sas with high steer, 529 gears, detroit in the rear. It needed some love but was very capable as it sat.

Ill cast my vote for picking up somebody else's project and finishing it out to your liking.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[Popsgarage]

Dave hit it on the head. For example....http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/pts/2656628665.html

[Cr33p3r]

Matt after building my Ranger I would say like Pete & Dave did buy something someone else has not finished but already done a good portion of the work. Even at that you can still go thru what they did and check it out and mod it the way you want, will save some good money that way. If I was doing mine over again I would have bought one already built or started in that direction, but I want a challenge and did not trust some of the work I saw out there at the time.

[Fordguy77]

Matt after building my Ranger I would say like Pete & Dave did buy something someone else has not finished but already done a good portion of the work. Even at that you can still go thru what they did and check it out and mod it the way you want, will save some good money that way. If I was doing mine over again I would have bought one already built or started in that direction, but I want a challenge and did not trust some of the work I saw out there at the time.

Im with Sean on this, as much as i love building things from the ground up and going through and making it 100% the way i want and what i feel is good enough is awesome. However it has lead to a serious amount of cash flow into the projects. Where as if i would have just bought something halfway built i might have a rig to be wheeling with you guys right now. The hardest part about running 37s is the axle strength and gearing. Other than it isnt to bad. Look for something with some full floaters already or good beefy axles and that will be a hell of a start.

[Mporter]

Yeah if you would have asked me a year ago, I would have told you I wanted to build it from stock...but now I'm realizing that is just too much work being a full time student with a part time job.

What are some axles that I should be looking for when it comes to handling 37-40's?

[Chris]

Broke college kid with a budget of 5K? :eek:

Build the Cruiser Matt!

[Mporter]

Broke college kid with a budget of 5K? :eek:

Build the Cruiser Matt!

5k is the pipedream Chris....that's how much i'm willing to dedicate for it right now haha.

I have been thinking about building up the cruiser. I would definitely want to put a bigger engine in it though. Who knows. I'll just keep saving and see what I can find/decide when I get there.

[Chris]

Drop in an H55F and it'll feel like a new motor, trust me! :thumb:

[gm4x4lover]

I built my k5 with a budget of 3k. Rig was only $750 (fuel injected V8 with a rebuilt trans), used 37's on wheels $600, 3/4 ton axles can be had for $250 or less, my biggest expense was my gears and lockers which I have 1200 into. I do most of my own work and scour for deals. Last week I picked up a suburban for 700. 2 weeks before that a cherokee that needed a couple of trans solenoids for 650. My 1994 cherokee i have about 4900 into. winch, arb bumper, sye, sliders, tires, gears, locker, roll cage. Only thing i bought new for it was a set of tires. It was half done and used parts for the rest of it.

[Chris]

I have to admit my FJ55 with a V8 was a lot more fun to drive than the 62 with a 5-speed. I'll amend my comment to dropping in something like Nick says, Chevota!

[Mporter]

I would love to build a FJ55 crawler.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_rAQCDLJL5pQ/Td0nZrlpoPI/AAAAAAAAAe8/WspWF4TWxXY/s800/IMG_0528.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_rAQCDLJL5pQ/Td0ZC8syzgI/AAAAAAAAABE/_rv2Cq6gzcQ/s800/IMG_0045.JPG

[96blkbeauty]

You have to really ask yourself what you will be using the rig for. How difficult of trails would you want to run with it? A lot of people have overly built rigs for the trails they want to run. "Overly built" I suppose is always a good thing, but why dump a bunch of money into a rig to make it over-capable when you can get by with cheaper parts?

I'd like to SAS my Bronco, put some 37s on there, lockers, armor, exc...but then I ask myself am I really interested in doing trails that require all that? Wheeling is a fun hobby, but realistically I only get out to do it a few times a year. So with a better quality lift, maybe a rear locker, and some armor...I can run most trails i'm interested in running.

Another thing is, I personally wouldn't buy a second project vehicle if you already have one....especially while in college (Yes, I have two. :p But thats because I love my Bronco too much and can't manage to get rid of it. Even though I think about selling it all the time. If you're the type to get attached to possessions, don't get hooked up on another project). Unless you have a good place to park it and work on it. I picked up my Ranger as a DD, with little intentions of modding it, but it too has become a project vehicle. Meanwhile my Bronco has sat parked in the driveway for the last 1.5 years with little TLC.

Just a few things to keep in mind. But as others have said, if you want to pick one up try to find one thats already been built. People's toys can be had cheap these days. Just takes some time to find the right one. Honestly, if I was trying to build up a trail rig for a cheap price, i'd look into an older Yota, Ranger, or Bronco. Rangers and Bronco's can be had cheap, and they are easy to work on!

[RidgeRunner]

What are some axles that I should be looking for when it comes to handling 37-40's?

On the Toyota side, you'll want a set of Longfield 30 spline or Trail Gear "Dirty 30" shafts in the front axle.

For Jeeps I'd say At least Dana 44s with alloy shafts to be really reliable with that tire size. A Ford 9" is also a good axle for the rear on 37s.

There is some good reading on rear axles here, however I think he may be a bit conservative. http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=101345

[gm4x4lover]

nother thing is, I personally wouldn't buy a second project vehicle if you already have one....especially while in college (Yes, I have two. But thats because I love my Bronco too much and can't manage to get rid of it. Even though I think about selling it all the time. If you're the type to get attached to possessions, don't get hooked up on another project). Unless you have a good place to park it and work on it. I picked up my Ranger as a DD, with little intentions of modding it, but it too has become a project vehicle. Meanwhile my Bronco has sat parked in the driveway for the last 1.5 years with little TLC.


This, it becomes work, work, work, work. If you are going to have 2 you almost need 3 because its not uncommon for 2 to break about the same time.

[Fordguy77]

This, it becomes work, work, work, work. If you are going to have 2 you almost need 3 because its not uncommon for 2 to break about the same time.

The story of my life. Except at a higher rate.

[Popsgarage]

The story of my life.

Chris, for you it becomes work, work, work, work, work, work, work, work, work, and more work!!!!!!:lmao::lmao::lmao:

[EldoradoFJ60]

So you want mainly a trail rig? I dig the 60 because it's a 4WD mobile home for me.

For a trail rig I'd either put a 350 in the 60 or build up a K5 Blazer. Then you already have a more powerful engine. Or possibly some sort of Scout, early Bronco or Toy mini truck.

[Mporter]

Well at work I gave it some thought and I think i'm gonna go with the suggestions of Bruce/Chris and just build up my cruiser. I've already put a lot of money into it and it has sentimental value (my mom bought it new in '88), plus 60 series crawlers are unique as it is.
I might stay at 35's and SOA it since I'm not 100% sure I want to chop the body just yet.

If I stick with the 3FE: stick a H55f behind it, regear to 4.88/5.29, dual t-case (or toybox) or I will just do a 350/vortec or something.

Of course this project will be on the backburner until I buy a more economical DD.

[Chris]

Good decision, 60 series rock!

[Brody]

I agree with Chris. Matt Feeney has a 62 with a sprung under and custom springs, running 35s. Good ride, excellent wheel travel. You have pretty much bombproof axles so you have a good platform. Since you turn wrenches and know your way around a welder, you have that part covered. Here are some pictures of some 'built' 60/62s. The ones that are lifted and don't have the rock catcher shackles on the front are probably running custom springs with the spring under. This is the way I would go if I were to build one. I would also look for a Chevy 350 to stick in it if you are concerned about the power vs weight, or simply power. Many companies offer all the swap parts you need.

[Mporter]

looking forward to seeing the progress.

you might be waiting a while :lmao:

Here are some that I've been using as inspiration.

Blue one is on 39.5" IROKs....little bit too big for my tastes
The other 2 are on 35's and I think that's a good medium of capability and appearance.

[Popsgarage]

Good choice since you already own it. Late '80's TBI swaps are simple and clean and easily upgradeable. Tons of options on lifts and such as well.

[Beefy]

Those are sweet! I think you're making the right decision. :)

[gm4x4lover]

i would swap in an lsx motor and 4l60 trans.

[Mporter]

i would swap in an lsx motor and 4l60 trans.

That's what I've been thinking if I did a swap, since I've seen lots of them in cruisers and they always perform well.

I think I might just stick with the 3FE, throw a H55f (or even just a H42) and toybox/dual cases behind it. Then regear the axles.
I figure the 3FE will be good enough for a while since people run crawlers on the 22R platform and that only pushes 85hp/150 ftlbs but the 3FE has 155hp/220 ftlbs

[Popsgarage]

i would swap in an lsx motor and 4l60 trans.

LQ9 and an NV4500.:thumb:

[4finger]

A: good choice building your own. I'm a huge believer in if you buy someone else's unfinished project then your also buying someone else's problems/hidden issues. Some projects are unfinished for a reason, they messed up and have spent too much time and money trying to fix it. But then again I'm kind of a pessimist when it comes to things like this.
B: you've got a good platform to start with. Make sure you get some protection on that thing before you hit the trails. You've got yourself a butt dragin' boat there...:lmao::lmao:

I'm interested in seeing where you go with this one.

[gm4x4lover]

LQ9 and an NV4500.
They reliability and efficiency of the lsx motor is phenomenal. Plus a tune and a cam and you have close to 400 hp and 20 miles a gallon.

[Mporter]

Plus a tune and a cam and you have close to 400 hp and 20 miles a gallon.

I like the sound of that!

[Popsgarage]

Plus a tune and a cam and you have close to 400 hp

The LSX is a $6500 crate engine. An LQ9 is basically an iron block LS6 and, personally, I can't stand autos. So unless you really feel the need to save 100-150 lbs, the LQ9 gives you the best bang for the buck. The LS1's output, stock, is 305-350 horse and 335-375 ft lbs torque. The LQ9's output, stock, is 300-347 horse and 360-385 ft lbs torque. You can make 400 horse with a cam and a tune on the LS1, but bolt a set of L92 heads on a LQ9 and you've got 408 horse and 433 ft lbs torque. And still get around 20 mpg with a light right foot. And we all know that in our big, heavy 4x's, torque is what pushes you around. But, really, any of the GM LS family engines in your rig will make you extremely happy.

[gm4x4lover]

Why would you buy a crate motor when you can get a used one cheap. We bought ours (2005 flex fuel 5.3 used 85k miles on it) with a trans (4l60e), accessories, computer, and a harness for $850. $250 to get the harness made and another $300 for the flash. $150-$200 for a cam. The 5.3 is a 250k motor and a 4l60 is a 200k trans. You will spend 2-3 times more on a 6.0 swap but it will come with a 4l80 if you are lucky.

[Popsgarage]

Just saying the LSX is a crate engine. Can't see most of us having the funds to do that, that's all. All the rest are from the LS family.

[gm4x4lover]

Used parts are the key. There are a few things that aren't worth buying used but alot that is.

[Popsgarage]

Agreed. And for the most part, very reliable. Especially since most of us know what we are looking for or know someone who does.

[Mporter]

Well, when I have enough saved up, I'll make sure to hit one of you guys up for help :thumb:

[Mporter]

I've been thinking about this pretty much nonstop, and I think i've come up with a plan.

Engine/trans: not set in stone because i'm easy. Hopefully will be a V8 with 300+ HP 300tq.

Axles:
FJ62 axles (current)
4.88's (if going with 35's)
5.29's (if going 37's)
Aussie'd rear (current)
ARB'd front
Marlin Crawler hi-steer
Longfield chromo axles.

Suspension:
Spring over axle
63" chevy springs for the rear
stock 60 series leafs in front (or equivalent chevy springs)

Armor:
internal roll cage
lower 1/2 external cage (basically connect my bumpers/silders) to protect the body a little.

Just getting this in writing so I can have a "to-do" list when ~$10k happens to drop in my lap.

[Mporter]

Tires will probably be either KM2's or MT/R's unless I win the lottery, then it will be Pitbull Rocker radials.

[Fordguy77]

Sounds like a pretty good build plan. Sort of along the same lines as what i have planned for mine one day.

[Popsgarage]

Just getting this in writing so I can have a "to-do" list when ~$10k happens to drop in my lap.

Aren't we all hoping that.