OWNER: Ron Nelson RIDE: '86...
OWNER: Ron Nelson
RIDE: '86 Toyota XtraCab Turbo
HOMETOWN: Las Vegas
CLUB AFFILIATION: Freaks of Nature
Most of us mini-truckers are into laying a truck low and driving it slow. Ron Nelson has done that and more to a truck that could give some import cars a run for their money. Ron was turned onto our sport for all the right reasons: He has a love for shows, babes, body-dropped rides, and everything that makes building and showing a truck fun. Now, after a five-year buildup, he has a body-dropped Toyota built mostly by him, including a total teardown of the frame and all suspension work. When the truck was finished, he had spent less than $10,000 and created an all-around clean ride that picks up trophies and turns heads in Sin City.
The Low Down
Chassis/Suspension A 2-1/2-inch body drop lays out Ron's Toyota flat on the pavement after the Firestone 2,500-pound airbags at all four corners are aired out. Providing air for the suspension is a nitrogen bottle and 3/8-inch SMC valves. The Parallel four-link and polished Watts link made by Ron provide a steady lift and better handling than the factory leaf springs, while Toxic shocks are bolted up for road damping.
Wheels/Tires 18x7.5-inch KMC Gnome wheels with 215/35R18 up front and 225/40R18 Pirellis in the rear.
Body Mods/Paint The body was treated to a more aggressive look with Toyota 4x4 fenders and a '92 two-wheel-drive front bumper. The Toyota also includes a shaved tailgate handle, cowl, cargo light, front signals, and gas door. A roll pan was molded in, and '95 Honda Civic handles were grafted into place on the doors. Joel Stevenson from Ten Ten Custom paint used DuPont Red base with a Purple and Blue tribal for the hood.
Interior/Audio: Moving inside, some interior parts have been painted to match the outside and others were covered in tweed. The factory bench was replaced by Honda Accord bucket seats wrapped by Auto Visions in Las Vegas using black vinyl and red tweed. A custom center console housing six switches was built between the buckets. A Kenwood head unit provides music, and an Alpine amplifier powers speakers in the A/C vents and extra cab. 702 Motoring built a subwoofer enclosure that houses one 10-inch Pioneer sub, which is also powered by an Alpine amplifier.
Engine The 22RTE Turbo motor was upgraded with an intercooler and a cold-air intake. A chrome valve cover, polished radiator, and steel-braided hoses keep the engine compartment looking clean for shows. Ron Relocated an Optima Yellow Top battery under the bed. This truck is capable of doing 140 mph and a 15-second quarter-mile.
Special Thanks To Lower Level, his mom, Ten Ten Custom Paint, and Worldwide Freaks of Nature members.