FreshSeaBass Build Thread

[FreshSeaBass]

If this isn't somewhat telling... I am working on the 4Runner tear-down, and because of how the body work is going I simply couldnt bring myself to part ways with @eimkeith bumper. So, it will likely go onto the Land Cruiser Prado and I want to try to make it as easy as possible to transfer over.

I am going to do my best to replicate the Eimkeith nut-strip.... Also, because of the rear quarter, I will have to modify the shape of the rear 'wings' to fit most likely.

Hope to update more on the 4Runner build with some 'long-lost' Tech. Think, solid axles and Tacoma disc brake conversions.

On another note. November 2025 marks 30 years that our third gen has been in existence. Rolled off the factory floor in 11/95.

Here I am buffing the heck out of the bumper at just 2 years old



It will never be the stock family car again, but I am definitely working to immortalize it and make it a dope rig to rip around in.

I can't wait to do the body work that I have planned

 

[FreshSeaBass]

Back from blasting. Opted to get the Rogue Fab bender blasted so I can finish putting it together. It's about time I get off of my soap box and take care of all of the unfinished projects laying around. No excuse is enough

 

[FreshSeaBass]

Time for big change. With another little one on the way I need to pair down.... that also means reducing any sort of budget for this hobby. Keeping things basic all around means that the depth of a new dash, interior panels, body work, and just generally a lot of getting the 4Runner up to snuff; It's taken a flogging.

There's not a realistic place for it to live on and I can't justify keeping it as a yard ornament. Those memories and videos will stick around and I'll be using a lot of the 4R parts in the Taco to not lay waste to the moon mist interior parts.

Stripping the 3rz out of the 4R and the trans/case, FROR crossmember, 8" rear end, e brake assembly, all of the clutch and pedal assembly parts along with basically anything I would need for another 4wd swap to combine a 160k mile engine and the goods from the 400k + mile 4Runner.

Behold



I have a cool idea for the front end of this with respect to the body work. That'll come later.


$120 My holy grail of a marketplace find
- TG Front leaf spring hanger crossmember
- LROR complete Knuckle rebuild kit
- Marlin Crawler Knuckle Ball Gusset & Shock mount kit
- New 8" FR Axle housing
- TG Greaseable leaf spring bolt kit
- TG 8" Truss

$Free
- FJ80 Steering Box

$400
- Trail Gear 6 Sooter Knuckles
- Hi-Steer Arms
- Shim pack

$Free
- Donor 8" 4.30 Open Complete Axle
- Donor 8" 4.30 E-locker Third
- Donor 5Spd 4x4 trans/case & FROR X-member
- Twin Sticks & Short Shifter
- Brakes / Rotors
- Shocks



I already have a bunch of miscellaneous mounts from over the years for different things.

Ultimately I think the biggest cost will be the frame work and some knuckle/hub parts. Going to start with finishing the bottom end replacement on the 2rz and getting the 4wd trans in there. That should be a good start