SAS questions for the Special Kid.

[6xCrew]

There are 3 two things I know for sure.

1. PBB is where I will get the most crap.
2. PBB is where I will get the best tech.
3. It’s not Tuesday.

Edit: and it seems I am too much of an asshat to get pics loaded but I still want to toss the idea out there.

I am happy to deal with #1 to get #2. As for #3

Here is the deal. I have a set of axles from an 82 mini. I have an 87 IFS rig. Yes I know this “type” of swap has been covered MANY times. I have even read most of them.

Well I ride the short bus so to speak. I wheel a Van.



More pictures to come.

I would like to lay out a couple ideas for how I think this can be done and get your ideas on this particular project.

Here are a few facts:
1. Van is a Unibody (keep this as intact as possible)
2. Has a G-53 5sp (keep since short and cable shifted)
3. Has a chain drive/driver drop case
4. Factory link rear 7.5in
5. 88 inch wheelbase
6. Stock CG is right about 20in from the ground
7. This is a lower budget build and I have no financial means for a bunch of tube work. Well I may do some tube work for an exo to aid in structural rigidity of the body.

The Vans Layout





OK lets tackle the rear first. Rather basic.

I have the axle, springs and rear piece of frame. In general there are 2 ideas here.

1. Cut open the bottom of the unibody rail (it is the same width as the piece of truck frame). Drill a few holes. Use big bolts and washers and suck the frame up into the unibody rail. Then fold the unibody rail back around the truck frame and weld it up. Yes with lots more bracing. These are just general ideas.

2. Cut the top off the truck frame. Use the same washer/bolt idea to suck the two together and weld it up.

Personally I like #2 better since it keeps the unibody of the van intact. I think this will be the stronger of the two options. Either way I will need to add a lot of support in the area. I also plan to run 63’s.


On to the front. The front poses a whole new set of issues. I can not cut and paist like on the rear.

A few important aspects to start. The Van is a forward controled layout. The engine even sets behind the front axle. The steering setup is nothing like the trucks (Rack & Pinion). Oh, and the unibody does some strainge shit forward of the axle.

Steering (I would give my right nut for a full hydro)
I pulled all the stuff off an 80’s Mitsu Van that uses a linkage setup. It may not be real strong but it came from a FC rig so it gets me turning. I think the Toy and Misu Van engineers were sleeping together.

Forward Front Spring Hanger
Would be modular in design and welded in between the unibody rails. Then a piece of 2x3 tubing or the like welded across the whole span. Gussets tied in anywhere possible. I am looking at ways of tying this into a front skid plate.

Back Front Spring Hangers
This is a little more interesting since it has an engine in the way if I want a cross support. I am going to have to go under it I guess. Maybe behind the engine and in front of the trans in that little opening. Maybe the DS will be in the way and I will just have to build up the individual unibody rails to support the stress.


General thoughts

Based on the oddity of the Van I think I can run 63’s up front too. Wouldn’t that just be special.

Also with the goal of staying low a SUA may be the ticket. I am only looking for about 3 inches of uptravel with as much droop as possible. I am limited in the front for uptravel by my ass anyway This will also limit my shock hoop options.

Looking to spool the front and rear with 5.29s. Cheaper than lockers and will be a trail only rig. Besides I don’t even have to get out to unlock a hub if I need to.

As for the diver drop case and a pass drop axle. If I SUA, rotate the 3rd and knuckles then I am in and the spring purches are even in the right place. I have looked into moving the fuel tank. That would open up the option of a pass drop case.

I already have my TSL 34x9.5s. Got to keep them skinny so I do not loose the funcion of the slider.

I am tempted to kick the wheel base out to 94 inches. 3 forward and 3 rearward.

What it might sit like after that (maybe a little higher)



The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.



Well there you go. I will thank you now before the flameing starts. It’s better that way.


I owe this thread a lot more pictures. First I need to get them uploaded and figure out how to get them here.

Hey at least I got my star now.

[jmsdad]

you failed with the pics

[6xCrew]

Originally Posted by jmsdad

you failed with the pics

Yeah I am ok with that. But I fixed it anyway. Thanks for your insite though.

[snook]

this is gona be good

[Stabs]

If you've contemplated building a 4x4 van, than you have probably stumbled upon this website, correct? http://www.toyotavanpeople.com/

If so, has ANYBODY attempted this in the past and made it work? I think it's a great concept, but it may cost a great deal more than you think. You might be better off leaving that van as it sits and buy a 4runner or truck. It may be a lot cheaper overall. I'm interested to see what you decide to do. If you do go through with it, make a build thread for others to reference.

[yotabattlemaiden]

well it's been damn near an hour and u havn't #1 cut any thing up and #2 posted update pics yet

looking forward to this should be interesting to say the least.
on a side note ive always kinda wanted to build one of the old 4x4 trecel wagons, just to be different.

[MT4Runner]

Since it's a Unibody, read some Jeep XJ (Cherokee) buildup threads, and see how those folks have reinforced their unibodies.

You've obviously put a lot of thought into this, and you're using good grammar, so I've little reason to flame you.


Since you asked:
Get to work, you homoghey pussy!




I'm eager to see this work out. Good luck and keep us posted!

[steveh]

Cool, something different. This is going to be a fun build to follow!

[almighty_yota]

paint it school bus yellow

[PAToyota]

As people have said, it would be easier and less expensive to get a truck or 4Runner...

But where is the fun in that?

I say go for it and be sure to document it here!

[Alpine4x4]

In thanks for the chance

This looks like a seriously awesome idea. Dont flake on it!

[billybob13]

i like that this is different. it looks like you have a good general idea of what to do considering your ideas for front housing flipped around for drivers side drop, and i think you'll accomplish this build if you stick to it. however, this will surely cost you way more than you expect and take more time than you plan on. and as much great tech on this board, i don't think there are many vans built like you want to share tips on what works and what doesn't. gonna take some trial and error, but i'd like to see this thing happen. and as for the exo, sounds heavy enough to flop you over. good luck!

[crash]

I love new concepts

[94toytruck]

awesome

[silverblaze]

are you stoned

[subliminaltrips]

hell yeah i am going to follow this one, keep us all posted!

[subliminaltrips]

Originally Posted by silverblaze

are you stoned

i thinks hes trying to get on the rocks , i gues you could call that stoned??

[6xCrew]

Guess I better chime back in. Maybe answer a couple questions.

I had not exactly intended for this to be my build thread but for now that works. Progress will be slow but I will keep this updated as regular as I can get things done. OH and a far warning... This is my first build. I will get a few more pics up on Saturday if I can. Monday at the latest. I will make sure to at least cut something up.

Stoned or on the rocks. Either way it seems my Hippie Hair can't cover up my Redneck.

Yeah I have been to the Toyota Van site along with a couple other real good ones out there. Funny how there is a forum for EVERYTHING. Some really good tech for the Vans there.

There is a rumor that someone has done this. I have been hearing of it for 2 years now and have yet to find ANY information on it. Even better I here it is local, not even an hour away. So as far as I am concerned this is the first.

I traded 2 of those 4wd Tercel wagons to get the Van. A neat little car but very limited off-road wise. This Van is at least as capable as a stock Jeep. At least that is what I get compared most often when people ask.

Good point on the XJ. I have also read the whole woodtick thread (neat build) but then he is building a frame under that. It has been suggested to just bolt the Van body to a truck frame and call it done. I think that is cheating.

I understand that this will not be cheap. But I can not be throwing Cubic Money at it either. I do not get the luxury of buying a kit for this. That will make me think it through and in the process come up with an inexpensive option. I do not get the choice of buying something expensive just because it is easier.


Glad to have the motivation of sticking it out there and then trying to keep it from getting hit. It will help keep me on track.

[smewhtguy]

Not trying to piss in your beer but as a first project with a low budget, it looks like you are setting yourself for a fail or a three year project. good luck

[DWT]

I dig the concept. One thing to keep in mind is you can swap a truck G or W series trans behind that engine. You just need to keep your bellhousing considering it lays the engine on its side..


I'll be watching this one for sure.

[6xCrew]

Can't drink beer anyway so its not an issue. I do see your point though.

The Previa is the one that lays the engine on it's side. This one is of standard layout. The reason for wanting to keep this g-53 is that it is way shorter than the truck trans. The drive shaft is already quite short. Once I find the card reader for my wifes camera I will post pics. Sure would not mind getting the supercharger off one of those Previas though.



Again once I can get the pics off the camera I can show everyone the 4 63's I got today for 100 from the yard. Also pulled the front AC system stuff out. Gives a lot more room under there. Maybe tomorrow I can get the sawzall out and open up the rear wheel wells a little bit.

[DWT]

Well color me informed... I didn't realize it was the previa. I thought the van like that I crushed when I worked at a wrecking yard had a flat engine... Cool rig either way, if that is a G-series trans can the tailhousing be adapted from a g-52 to allow for a passenger front diff and dual cases?

[6xCrew]

Originally Posted by DWT

Well color me informed... I didn't realize it was the previa. I thought the van like that I crushed when I worked at a wrecking yard had a flat engine... Cool rig either way, if that is a G-series trans can the tailhousing be adapted from a g-52 to allow for a passenger front diff and dual cases?

Now THAT is a good question. Now to find a G-52 to rip open.

[drsmash]

Well this is interesting. I feel that slitting a truck frame down the middle and welding it to tr he unibody in back is a good idea. The front poses some challenges. Maybe a steering box off a fullsize chevy/dodge van can help with the foward control steering issue. If using leaf springs I would intergrate a winchmount into a front hanger in front of the van cause thats where it will be allready. Or radius arms and coil springs upfront to keep approach angles good.

[83goose]

You know what thay say about YR vans, Y R you driving that! good luck with the build! One thing, I think would be a good is the fact that your forehead is amost on the windshield when you drive these vans, so you'll be able to see good!