Mike’s most recent project is a 1985 4Runner. He acquired this 4Runner from a friend in the “Homegrown Crew.” This rig accidentally got its name, “Boobie,” when Mike was talking about his last 4Runner “Ruby.” He tried saying something about it being a blue “Ruby,” but instead it came out as “Boobie.” In a shop full of guys, the name stuck. This name is pretty appropriate too, considering all the owies and “boobies” we painted over.
Before we get into the details of what’s to come, we should mention what “Boobie” was equipped with before any work started. “Boobie” started out with an ORS Front Coilover 3link Suspension, which was slightly modified with 2.5″ body RaceRunner shocks on a stock front axle. The rear suspension consisted of Alcan Leaf Springs and an ORS Long Travel Shock Mount. On top of that was a 2″ body lift. “Boobie” was powered by a 22RE with an R151 Turbo trans, HD driveshafts, 5.29 gears, front and rear detroit lockers, an IFS rear axle housing, V6 differential, high pinion front differential and Marlin Crawler dual cases. As far as protection goes there were ORS Tilt Sliders, a Smittybilt front bumper and a homemade rear bumper. All of this sat on a set of 37″ MTR’s.
While most of us are thinking, “that sounds like a sweet rig,” Mike’s thoughts are a little different. Mike wanted this rig to showcase what ORS parts are capable of doing for a vehicle. Some of the plans include: removing the body lift and dropping the suspension height to lower the center of gravity, removing the rear leaf springs and building a 4link suspension, rear tubular frame, fuel cell, tube front clip, diamond front housing, hydro assist steering, interior cage, 42″ Super Swamper TSL’s, new paint job, and a few other things too!
We don’t waste time before we get working on projects, so “Boobie” is already well on her way. The body lift has been removed and the front suspension has been lowered some, which makes “Boobie’s” center of gravity a lot lower. We also threw on the 42″ TSL’s on HD Beadlocks. Since the sliders were built with the body lift on, some body modification was necessary to make them fit properly. This also meant re-positioning the t-case crossmember.
We also started the work on the in cab cage. The first step was to build the front cab area (which also fits 2nd gen pickups). Once that was designed and completed, the 2nd main hoop was constructed along with the stringers from the cab area to the 2nd main hoop. Once this was designed and completed, the remaining rear portion of the cage was designed and built. This portion of the cage really is unique and sets our cage apart from others on the market. What also sets this cage apart is the direct tie-ins from the unique footplates to the body mounts. You can purchase the front or rear sections of the cage from ORS.
Here we decided to remove the rear leaf spring suspension. Once it was removed, we braced the frame in front of the rear axle and removed the rearmost section of the OEM frame. The frame was removed to accommodate the necessary coilover placement. We then designed the rear section of tube frame and welded it onto the truck. Since the rear fenders were removed for shock & tire clearance, we modified the rear hoop of the cage to tie into the tube frame. We also started on the 4link for the rear. Instead of the IFS rear axle that “Boobie” had, we decided to go with a non-locking Tacoma rear axle, which is 2″ wider and houses a stronger diff. While building the upper control arm mounts, we decided to build differential armor. As you can see we got a little carried away. You can barely recognize what the axle is from now, but it will definitely hold up to some serious abuse. We also designed the rear suspension for abuse with oversized brackets, 2.25″ x .375wall DOM control arms and 1.25″ heim joints. As soon as all the control arms and brackets were built and installed, we built some insane shock mounts. These will definitely allow for some serious suspension travel out of these 17″ travel bilsteins. This is the final prototype vehicle for the ORS rear 4link kit. This 4link system will be available for sale very soon.
Once the rear suspension was completed, “Boobie” went over for paint. We went with a Dodge Viper metallic green. This green seemed to be one of the only colors that would somewhat agree with the blue on blue on blue interior. When we got her back, we installed the decals we had made for her.
Now the guys started working on changing out the front axle to the Diamond housing we had built for “Boobie.” They started out by installing the brackets for the ORS Coilover System, making sure everything fit perfect. Next the hydraulic assist steering ram was installed. The hydro-assist will help turn the massive tires in the rocks. Along with the steering ram, we added a skid to protect it from the rocks we will surely encounter on trail.
After this was completed, the Currie anti-rock swaybar was installed. The battery was also mounted in the rear of the truck and all the electrical lines were ran. Next came the front bumper. Some finish paint work was completed on the cage, bumper and some other miscellanious items.
Next came the fuel cell. Instead of running a metal fuel cell, Mike decided to run a plastic one that could house a factory Toyota fuel pump. This required some fabrication and fitment on his end. After customizing the fuel cell to house the Toyota pump, Mike got it all put together and in the cradle he built in the rear of “Boobie.” He then ran all the fuel lines through the truck and started the truck up.
We are getting closer to completion but still have some major projects left to do. These include: rear bumpstops and limiting straps, stinger, painting and finish work.
Thanks for checking out our build and make sure to check back often for updates until the project is complete. We look forward to getting “Boobie” out on the trail and testing out all her new modifications.
We attended the Marlin Crawler Roundup with “Boobie,” it was great to meet more of our customers at the event. Check out our coverage here.
