So I was initially thinking I would fab up a custom back half of my frame when I do the four link, but after talking to some people and thinking on it more I am not sure I should. I am only planning to run 17"s. It might be good to leave room to lay frame with 18"s or so, but still it doesn't seem like it is going to take a huge c notch to get the job done. What do you guys think? Are there any major advantages to doing the custom back half over just notching the frame?

 

i would definitely leave room for bigger rims. eventually you'll probably want to go bigger. i built the back half for the hilux simply because i didn't feel like cleaning the surface rust, and cutting off all the old suspension brackets.

 

Yeah, I guess you are right. I would only have to leave an extra 1.5" to go up to 20"s. Seems worthwhile for sure. Also the suspension brackets are kinda a PITA to cut off. Am I going to have to move my gas tank? That is another factor. It looks like it would be ok if I just raised it an inch as far as clearing the ground, but I think it is in the way of the four link. So if the gas tank mounts and suspension mounts all have to go, I might as well just start with new clean tubing...

 

yeah the tank will need to be moved unless you run a wishbone. i only have a couple hours in design and fab on my backhalf. i would have spent more time removing 36 years of crap of the frame. plus it's a lot cleaner (look wise) than a traditional notch.

 

Right. I can see that. I was thinking go minimal with the notch because I am only going to run 17"s but I think I would actually kick myself down the road for it. What are the dimensions of the rectangular tube you used?

 

i used 2x3x.120 tube. i'm not going for power of hopping so it works good. a 20' stick only cost me $42. a 8 piece notch cost $80, and that was another reason for the back half.

 

Wow, even more convincing! I am going to go with the custom back half for sure. I have been thinking about it and it just makes more sense. I hate grinding of suspension brackets. It sucks. I think I am going to have the frame rails go up and just stay up all the way back (I think that is what you did on yours too if I remember correctly). Someone was telling me that you can take the take and turn it sideways and mount it between the frame rails in the back. I haven't measured yet to see if it will work but it seems like a pretty easy fix for the gas tank issue. Just extend the wiring and lines. Thats not too bad at all.

 

i'm planning on running a tank from my 86 shortbed. it will fit right between the rails with about an inch on each side.