This month ORC kicks
off a new trail/expedition rig buildup project. The seed for this project
is a 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser. Over the next few months, this daily
driver will be watered with a plethora of off-road toys and equipment. The
goal will be to maintain it's daily driving status while kicking up its
off-road capability enough to take on moderate rock trails and weekend
trail outings. From 1991 through 1997 Land Cruisers were equipped with
solid front and rear axles and supported by coil springs. This Cruiser
also came factory equipped with front and rear electric lockers, a hot
item if your searching for a used one.
Cargo
Space Organization
Critical
to running trails, is having the needed tools and supplies to keep the rig
under way and enough creature comforts to keep the passengers happy and
well fed. I started by making a list of what I wanted to carry in the
truck on a typical 3 day trail ride. I removed the 3rd row seating and
related belts. Then, using a tape measure, I spent several hours working
out the details of how, and where everything was going to be placed.
Nothing was permanently mounted until all the items had a place reserved
for them. The largest item was the spare tire. I wanted as much rear
vision as possible so this was placed vertically on the drivers side. This
leaves the view through the rear view mirror nearly unobstructed. Other
key items on my list were, ice chest, hand tools, Power Tank air supply,
High Lift Jack and smaller assorted items like pull strap, hand tools, and
air impact gun.
Power
Tank Mounting
Once
everything was planned out in the space formerly used by the 3rd row
seating, it was time to start building the needed mounts & brackets. I
started with the Power Tank PT-10. For the past 5 years every trail rig I
have owned has had a Power Tank and this rig is no exception. A quick
disconnect was added to the end of the hose to allow different air tools
to be used. This will allow for easy switching between the 1/2"
impact gun and an air chuck on the trail. Using the Power Tank mounting
bracket and the right side 3rd row seat mount, I fabbed up a mount that
holds the power tank securely above the right rear fender and bolts into
factory holes already in the floor. In this position it's easy to reach in
and remove for use.
Spare
Tire Mount
With
35" tires being installed there was not enough room under the truck
in the stock spare location. Using a piece of 3/16" plate I cut out a
base plate that was large enough to support the weight of the tire. This
plate was positioned over two existing threaded holes in the floor. Using
a tubing bender I put a 90 degree bend in a piece of 1.5" X .120
tubing. With the spare sitting on the plate the tubing was cut to size and
welded to the plate. A triangle shaped piece of 3/16" steel was
welded to the end of the tubing and three 1/2" bolts were welded in
place to hold the tire. Two 1" X.120 wall tubes were cut and welded
between the mount and the left side 3rd row seat mount for additional
stability. The seat mount is attached to the fender with 5 bolts. With the
two mounting holes in the base plate this gives a total of 7 bolts holding
the spare in place.
Tool
Storage
Between
the spare tire and the Power Tank two Rubbermaid model 1170 action packers
(8 gallon size) are used to hold needed tools and supplies such as tow
strap, shackles, first aid kit, oil, and basic welding supplies. The
packers fit snugly and are held in place by a heavy duty rubber bungee
cord on top.
High
Lift Jack Mounting
Another
needed item on a heavy trail rig is a high lift Jack. Rust, dirt and
weather adversely affect how the jack will work, mounting the jack inside
helps keep it in good working order. To allow the jack to fit behind
the rear seat, it was necessary to cut a little less than 1" off the
top of the jack. Once positioned two 1/2" holes were drilled through
the rear fenders. Using a piece of 1/2" all-thread two sections were
cut long enough to go through the jack and fenders. Nuts and lock washers
were used to hold the all-thread in place. Two wing nuts are used to hold
the jack to the all-thread. The wing nuts allow for easy removal of the
jack when needed. The also serves as a forward stop for the action
packer tool boxes. This prevents the boxes from pushing into the rear
seats.
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