Awesome build, old Toyotas for life!!!

Man that turned out nice. I think it looks WAY better than the factory by far. Thanks for the vid!

@nathanlaneer Thank you. I was dreaming about this project during 2002-03 and in 2003 I ended up buying a 1976 2wd Chinook. I originally wanted to install 4wd in the 1976, I really liked that cab style with the dual front head lights.The project sat for many years until March 2010 when I decided to install it on my 1980 longbed. If you ever do build one of these I would be more than happy to give you advice on the build. I learned so many things and would do a lot differently next time.

I'm so happy you didn't remove the rear cab section to get in and out of camper ,the early 80s models are getting harder and harder to find I hate to c them chopped up ,but chinooks in 4x4 have to be the next coolest thing 😉

Great little expedition camper conversion AND Ratatat? Thumbs up, man!

That looks like it would be one fun little truck. Id never come home if it were mine!

Amazing. This video got me started on my project a 4x4 Chinook.

Absolutely excellent. Ski trip!

you now have the worlds most aggressive off road RV. Iv had 2 of them Toyota's (1985 1980) and they just last like stainless steel. My current Isuzu and Tahoe could never last as long or as tough.

Classic rig! Love it man looks great! Toyota all day

Fantastic build. One of a kind for sure.

That's awesome!!! I almost did this same project 7 or 8 years ago, I've thought about it for may years, glad to see someone did it, who knows, maybe I will someday.

Not yet. I am just about finished this project. I rebuilt the entire interior which took way more time and money then I imagined. Once its finished I plan on starting another build similar to this. After that one is done I'll be selling this one. I do not want to be without one.

Very nice job! The results are very nice!

holy shit this is so badass, looks so recent I just checked this is 9years ago wow, i kinda wana do this

This guy loves his Toyota

@chamberapp I never really kept track of the time but if you were just going to put a Chinook on another longbed truck and not plate the frame or put in a lift or do anything else. i'd say about 2 days with help. I did a lot of extras to make it an actual usable 4x4. If I had to guess on my build time to the point its at now maybe 300+hours and some help from friends. Thanks for the support, I find it so hard to keep myself inspired. Lance

Holly shit bro. Mini overland vehicle for the win!

That is absolutely gorgeous!!!

@esheridanful I believe that beefing up the frame is necessary. The 1st gen 4x4 Toyota's were only rated as a 1/2 ton where as the 70's 2wd pu's were rated at a ton. 830kg (1830lbs) on the front axle and 1400kg (3090lbs) on the rear axle is what I measured during a trip. On mine there is a total of 8 mounts (2 added later). I sealed the Chinook to the pickup with the original Chinook gasket and canopy gasket which also can be seen a 2:44 .

Now a true go anywhere vehicle ... Also could come in quite handy as a survival vehicle as well!

They are rough country with 3 leafs out of the oem pack bolted in. I also have some firestone airbags in the rear. Next build I will have custom springs made instead. There is a link in the description to forum site with more information on this build. Thanks Lance

Oh how cool is that! A 4x4 Chinook! I love it!

Ok it's official.. I'm jealous. Nice work!!

That's a good sized lift for the build. I like it:) great job guys

The front has a 3" lift kit (suspension not blocks ). Measures at actually 4.5" compared to the stock truck I have. The rear has the same but I took the spring apart (The footage does not show this, it was done later )and bolted in 4 more leafs and one overload. Its actually measures 6.5" compare to stock. I also built brackets for a custom airbag kit in the rear.The stock leaf springs on these Toyota s is on top of the axle. Check out that blog link in the description for more info. Thanks GK

@chamberapp I did not extend the frame of the 1980 4x4 Toyota single cab longbed. The truck is just the 1980 base model hilux. The Chinook camper was removed from a 1976 Toyota Chinook. I did reinforce the frame from the rear shackle to the mid point of the cab by boxing in the existing frame with 1/4 plate : top bottom and sides. I also added two new mounts on the frame right behind the cab. I am not sure on what the "best"model would be but the 20r is a little under powered. maybe a 90's v6?

bad ass little truck

@esheridanful How I did it in this video and How I would do it next time is totally different. This build I use a longbed, Plated the whole frame ( all 4 sides) and added two extra mounts for the camper as close to cab as possible. I bolted the Chinook down with 5/8" grade 8 bolts. The original Chinook used hard wood spacers I used hockey pucks and replaced them later with machined nylon. If you use a short box you will have to extend the frame, brake lines, drive shaft etc. 2:44 Thanks

sweet build

Thank you for sharing & cool RIG

Nice work!

@GalvanizedKnight Ya I Had A 80 SR5 2WD With Stock SR5 Stipes Too. My Grandpa Had A 84 From 88-2001 Saw It Too Still Runs Too. My Aunt Got A 85 Still Has It 89- Today 145K Too.

thats awesome, nice job

great job - well done i can see many fun trips ahead in her :) FANTASTIC!!!!!

Just got so many ideas from this, thanks!

@mccrackenphillip Both the 1976 donor vehicle and the 1980 4x4 now with the RV shell, still run. It hard to kill those tough old 20R's and 4spds.

I had to scrap 2 old toyota trucks could not find buyers but this idea is great what you acomplished how bout making a camper out of aluminum and sheet metal

Looks awesome

@CompressorSurge Thanks! I am currently working on the interior of the Chinook which I have stripped right down to the fiberglass and started from scratch. I have posted the interior build here @CompressorSurge Thanks! I am currently working on the interior of the Chinook which I have stripped right down to the fiberglass and started from scratch. I have posted the interior build here toyotamotorhomeDOTorgFWDSLASHforumsFWDSLASHindexDOTphpQUESTIONMARKshowtopicEQUALSIGN3658

very nice

Awesome!

@GalvanizedKnight Good to know. I found a guy selling a 79 chinook camper section but he lives 7 hours away from me so I was also wondering how long it took you to transplant the camper onto the new chinook? Awesome build btw, keep it up it keeps inspiring me!

this is rad! nice job....... anything you would do differently? does the rear over hang cause you any problems? thanks

I would trade my soul to the devil for that thing, SO FUCKEN SICK! KILLER BUILD

Nice,

Nice

Anyone know if he extended the frame to fit the chinook cab? I was thinking about doing the same thing project except that I'm not sure which toyota 4x4 model would be the best to put the camper on.

Awesome build! Anymore information about this build online?

I'm not clear on what you mean by "Plated the frame" Is that like boxing the frame? Is so, did you weld on the reinforcing plates? Doesn't that make the frame weaker from damaging the factory temper?

Sweet!

did you do a spring over convertion or alift kit

What is the model number on those Cragar Wheels?

I Never Saw A 70'sToyota RV Nice Do They Both Still Run?

I had the same idea the other day and found this while doing research. Was it hard to accomplish? How many months and build cost please?

That's a 1979 4x4 Hilux isn't it? My dad still has his, first car he ever bought when he was 19 years old.

now its time for the ton axle's....

Libby?

How much are you selling it for?

a Chinook,if there is two or more are they called chinickens

Wish I could do this with F150.

What location of the world is this? Place looks spectacular!