I’ve been lucky enough to have travelled around the world quite extensively since my first major trip way back in 1979. I’ve done several long term overlanding trips in Africa along the way. There are many great overlanding vehicles, two of the best in my opinion are the Toyota Landcruiser Troopy and older Land Rovers Defender 110. Looking back I think one of the best small and lightweight vehicles that would have been perfect to have driven around the world would have been the 1985 Toyota Truck. The 1982-1985 Toyota Truck (these were before the Tacoma was developed) were re-designed by the Toyota Landcruiser engineering team. They had a solid front axle, front and rear leaf springs, manual front locking hubs, front swivel hubs and came standard with a bullet proof 22R 2.4 litre engine. I believe a turbo was available in 1985 but for world travel the non turbo would be better due to fuel quality issues in less developed countries. Basically this vintage of the Toyota Truck was a lightweight mini Landcruiser. Tough enough and very capable. With the extra-cab the box was 6.5 feet which would have been plenty of room to live in long term with a pop-top camper in the back. Your red Toyota build is very similar to what I dreamed of back in the day. For people considering long term world overlanding my humble advice would be: 1) just do it, make your dreams come true, 2) go lightweight, too many vehicles are way heavier than they need to be. There are so many great lightweight equipment options today, select your equipment as if you were carrying your gear on your back. Even on a one year around the world backpacking trip I found that I had taken too much at first. Even back in my day I found that I could usually find whatever I needed, even in small villages in Africa and Asia. With a vehicle you may be tempted to take all the creature comforts but be selective and think about the weight of everything you take. 3) Have fun! Have the time of your life. The world has so many great places to see and wonderful, friendly and interesting people to meet. Try to see and do as much as you can. Experiences and the memories that come with those experiences are simply priceless. No regrets.
Absolutely love this build, Richard. So cool how you have a relatively inconspicuous platform but loaded on the inside with useful tech, accessories and amenities. Thanks for giving us a look around and sharing you approach!
Thanks Jimmy! There was plenty of time to think about modifications on a long drive through South America. Lots of "needs" and plenty of "wants" went into this little Pickup. It's a bit heavy, but still under GVWR. Fully loaded with two of us, full tank of fuel, and 30 litres of water and it hits the scales at 5100 pounds.
@@DeskToGlory That's impressive. I also like how an overlanding outfit/build can be right for the particular couple who use it. For example, you mentioned the size of the two of you and how you fit in there no problem. For me at 6'1, it might be a different scenario. The cool thing is setting up an outfit that is a solid match for yourself. Well done!
Just to let you know, the ARB bumper will not stop damage from hitting a cow or any other cow sized animal. My son hit a cow at about 35 mph with his full size tundra that had an ARB front bumper and the damage was so severe the truck was considered a total loss. I'm sure if hitting a smaller animal, say a deer, his truck and bumper would have faired much better. Also, love your truck and channel. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Wonderful Richard... So glad to see you and Ash keep going. You both are the ones who sparked my rooftoptent and other roadlife adventures with my daughter back in 2015 and for that I am grateful. Feeling happy to see this today 😊 ~ peace to you both in this present moment ~ good vibes to you both from Appalachia, Gabriel Craft
Refreshing to see an older Yota with the GFC on it. I've been diggin GFC concepts for a while but haven't seen it on an older truck. Great Vid and a great lookin rig toOo, thank you guys & be safe out there!!!
Been patiently waiting for this. Not really, pretty sure I bugged you on few different social media platforms. But thanks and well done. I was really interested in the interior set up of the GFC since we might switch from basically your old set up to GFC. When you stressed how nice inside living space was it pretty much sold me.
Just got a 1986 pickup, I’m super excited! This build is so inspiring! Did you get a custom go fast for your truck? As far as I can tell on their website they don’t sell campers for Toyota pickups.
They made a handful of V1s for Toyota Pickups (see ours, @takethetruck's, etc). I believe they just made the first V2 GFC for a Pickup so they should be hitting the market pretty soon. You'll have to call or email to confirm.
I have a single cab 2008 Taco that I'm looking to put new seats in. What was the difference in weight with the Baja RS's if there is a difference? Any lbs I can save will be helpful at high altitudes. Love your build! Thanks
This go fast is bad ass and will fit on my 88' Yota sr5, if i can get one. I'm so glad when people don't fall prey to the Four Wheel Pop up Campers built by tweekers in Woodland Calif. I increased my horsepower on my 22re by putting a K&N air filter and LCE Header system on my 116 hp. motor. Also a centerforce clutch. I did put a racier cam shaft and bored it out to .30 over. I guess I was trying to get V6 power out of it. It does pull away on hills from stock 88' V6's of that year. TMI. I hope your vinyl pop up sides don't make a lot of noise in heavy wind storms?
Interesting Suspension. How does it feel on the highway at speed? How do you think it would accommodate a 1UZ conversion? Great video and commentary style.
The long travel performs better on road than the factory IFS. Being able to tune it with shock valving and different spring rates REALLY helps. I also threw in new ball joints, tie rod ends, etc so it helps everything is fairly fresh up front. I think with 700lb/in springs up front a 1UZ would be a fantastic combo.
Great build Richard, I really liked your Planar review in overland journal, could I ask how you installed air intake and exhaust on the Planar. Safe travels
The sliders have only ever been used as a step or when using a Hi-Lift. Definitely not a requirement for any real overland travel. The rear bumper replaced a rusty factory one, so yes, definitely worthwhile. I’ve been really happy with the front as well. It’s pretty light since it’s so small (compared to a full size truck bumper). We drove around BC/Alberta quite a bit and then down to Mexico, so the tires have seen every season now. I have been really impressed with the AT3s. They feel about the same as KO2, the Falkens, etc. Most of the new all terrains are hard to beat.
Hi Richard & D2G - appreciate the quick walk around, but left me hungry to know some details about the two glanced over components - roof rack and rear bumper. Can you please comment the make/model details here? Thank you! I have a first gen taco with GFC on the way - trying to learn what's possible for roof racks with remaining roof space. Cheers!
Do you like the width of the camper for 2 people or does it feel cramped? Cause I like both the GFC and SuperPacific Camper. How is the GFC holding up?
What wheels are these? I see they’re fifteen 52’s, but I didn’t know they made any wheels that worked with the front hubs. do you know the model? Offset? Etc?
The little 22RE has some LC Engineering parts to helps it live a long healthy life and add a couple of ponies... but one of these days a 3RZ would make a perfect little upgrade suited to this truck.
@@drcav_photo The most realistic worthwhile swap would be a 3RZ. 50% power increase without a crazy amount of work. Just waiting for a donor truck to fall into my lap.
