Toyota "Flatbed" Pickup

Toyota "Flatbed" Pickup PICKUPS Miscellaneous 27-5-41 We get a lot of rain here in southeast Alaska and have exposure to salt water which means the bearings, brakes, exhaust systems, and other components on 4-WD pickups often have to be replaced. And parts for them aren't cheap. I noticed that a lot of Toyota 4-WD pickups get driven to the dump because the frames rust out behind the cab. However, Toyota engines seem to run forever so I bought a Toyota 4-WD pickup and chopped the frame off behind the cab. Then I used lengths of square tubing and 2 by 4's to build a flatbed over the pickup's frame. I also shortened the driveshaft and rotated it up by placing shims between the axle and springs. With the shortened wheelbase it really turns sharp. My little truck works better than a factory-made model, although if I built it over I'd probably remove one of the leaf springs in order to soften the ride. It really comes in handy for launching boats and pulling small trailers around our homestead, and it's also fun to drive on area logging roads. It works better than an ATV because it's equipped with windshield wipers, seat belts, and a heater. (Jim Blades, Box 691, Sitka, Alaska 99835)

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