[WIP] FJ Cruiser/ 4Runner chassis complete

[damian_kane_iv]

I've finally completed my Toyota 4x4 chassis that I plan to use in my 1:10 4Runner and FJ Cruiser mocs. 

After lots of revision I finally have a model with the following features: 

4x4 transfer case with Neutral, 4 Hi, 4 Lo, 2WD Hi, and the option to add a center differential. 

Simple 4-speed gearbox with turn knob control positioned by the drivers seat

HOG and drivers seat steering controls

Lockable rear differential (with hydraulics)

Independent front suspension and 5-link rear suspension with high travel and articulation.

Fake V6 engine

This is my first model with all of these features added concurrently so Im very excited to get to work on the body and polish up this model. 

 

 

Drivers side controls:

 

Passenger side with view of transfer case controls:

 

Front IFS:

 

Rear axle:

 

Rear suspension full droop:

 

Better view of diff locker:

 

Panhard rod:

 

[2GodBDGlory]

Nice job! Are you planning to build bodies for both the FJ and the 4Runner, or just one?

[damian_kane_iv]

14 hours ago, 2GodBDGlory said:

Nice job! Are you planning to build bodies for both the FJ and the 4Runner, or just one?

Ive had the 4Runner body finished for a while, and I plan to modify it to fit over this chassis: 

 

The FJ body is still being designed

Edited November 4, 2024 by damian_kane_iv

[2GodBDGlory]

Right, I remember seeing the 4Runner; so now the plan is to fit that body on this chassis. Fun!

[damian_kane_iv]

43 minutes ago, 2GodBDGlory said:

Right, I remember seeing the 4Runner; so now the plan is to fit that body on this chassis. Fun!

Yeah the chassis is very similar to the original 4Runner's, except that chassis had a power joint rear axle, a bulkier 4 speed gearbox, and it didnt have HOG steering rear diff lock, fake engine, etc.

Both models will essentially have the same inner workings, just like in real life

[bruh]

Wow, it looks good! It looks like a model that could be motorized easily.

[damian_kane_iv]

1 hour ago, bruh said:

Wow, it looks good! It looks like a model that could be motorized easily.

Thanks, the plan is to eventually swap out some sections and put motors in. 
 

Im planning on removing the 4 speed gearbox before I motorize, but I attached a single XL motor to it and there was still enough torque to drive over carpet even with the t case and gearbox, so I might try adding more power and see what I can get out of that gearbox

[NV Lego technic]

Will there be instructions? So cool!

[damian_kane_iv]

3 hours ago, NV Lego technic said:

Will there be instructions? So cool!

Ive started on pdf instructions for the 4Runner body but Ive held off on the chassis until I finalize the functions.

Unfortunately its a long slow process with grad school

[bruh]

Ah, school. Totally get it haha. Ok, so I will definitely be interested in the pdf and the motorization. I have control+, so that’s convenient that is your motorization method.

[damian_kane_iv]

I spent some time this weekend to build a mockup of the FJ bodywork. I started with something inspired by Fedor Klobasin's original FJ Cruiser 4x4: (

)

But now my design has gradually morphed into something distinct:

 

 

 

I myself own a yellow FJ Cruiser, so the final model will probably be yellow with a white roof

[bruh]

Looks pretty good! Personally, I kind of like the blue, although the body could use some work.

[damian_kane_iv]

More progress pics of the FJ Cruiser moc. Im currently waiting for more parts to round off the rear of the roof and recolor it to yellow:

 

 

 

 

Places where it could be improved: 

1. More rounded roof with roof rack

2. Re-shape the hood and front to be more raised with a slope

3. Make the entire wheelbase shorter. This is easy to do from a bodywork perspective, but would be difficult because the transfer case and gearbox take up every inch of the chassis. 

4. Add the finishing touches (lights, grills, bumper wings, etc)

[bruh]

Wow! Lots of progress made, I see! Great job. I can’t wait to see the finished model.

[damian_kane_iv]

Thanksgiving break gave me some time to add some brick-built features and an admittedly out-of-proportion front grill while Im waiting for the yellow and white pieces to come in:

 

 

 

[bruh]

The extra details other than the grill look good! 

[damian_kane_iv]

22 hours ago, bruh said:

The extra details other than the grill look good! 

Yeah, Im not sure about how I want to approach the grill yet, I might just borrow from Fedor's FJ MOC I referenced and use a rigid pipe to wrap around the headlights.