Safari Rally inspired build, tall and off road capable 6G - GT Options

[Roodwerks]

I haven't ironed out all the plans, most project cars are open to constant change right. I will be converting this very cheap, high mileage car into another dual sport toy. If you dig around on the internet, you can find my other two Toyotas, 1984 Expedition Celica ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSNS9-qponY&t=16s ) and 1993 Lexus SC400 RX. This time around, pulling from my favorite sport of rallying, and favorite event, East African Safari Rally for all my inspiration, with maybe a little bit of Dakar thrown in. I purchased the car for $700, 278K miles on the clock but with a newer head installed not too long ago. With the help of this Forum, lots of research from various sources and encouragement from friends, the project is off to a good start. The red wheels, just not my style and 17" rims aren't going to cut it in the dirt...

Current work finished:
-Maintenance on fuel and ignition system
-debugged wiring to clean up the engine bay and get the cooling fans working properly
-built custom SS header with race CAT and 2-1/2" dump pipe (to pass emissions)
-tossed original struts and cut springs
-installed 1997 Avalon struts and springs for travel and lift (rears are bolt on, front not really at all, used Rav4 tops, etc..)
-2 of 4 custom engine mounts to replace broken OEM versions with Polyurethane

-Jon

[GuYun14]

This is awesome! Was thinking of doing a similar build to my car. Need more info on the Avalon struts, how does it fit and ride height? And is the swap easy?

[Roodwerks]

This is awesome! Was thinking of doing a similar build to my car. Need more info on the Avalon struts, how does it fit and ride height? And is the swap easy?

I'll certainly post any issues as I go along. But, if you just like the ride height, the rear struts just bolted on with a tiny amount of top mount reclocking. I loosened the top nut just enough to allow me to rotate the mount something like 5 degrees. The front struts likely could be assembled with the Celica top mount, I just chose to go a different route based on experience with my early Celica. One of the mounting flange holes has to be slotted to match the 6G upright mounting pattern and bolts. I'd suggest using washers added to these bolts, both sides to spread the load.