With our LUV's frame back to official rolling chassis status, and with the bed bolted on to boot, we couldn't wait to get slicing on the cab. One of the things a lot of these old minis have in common is how the rockers on the cab hang way down compared to the rockers on the bed-simply unacceptable. To correct this wrong, we cut the offending rockers off the cab so that their profile matched that of the bed, and sit both rockers in question on the ground. In this case, we cut off something to the tune of just over 2 inches. We referenced the bodylines on the bed and cab to ensure that the two remained square to each other once the cutting was done. With the rockers out of the way, we traced out the framerails onto the bottom of the floor, and in an effort to retain as much interior space as possible, we opted not to raise the whole floor, rather just cut "channels" for the framerails to come through ever wonder where the term "channeling" came from? And with that, we sat the cab over the framerails for the very first time, and of course we did what all of you would-rolled it outside and hung a fender to have our first true peek at how this thing was going to sit.

Here's a physics lesson-stuff falls. And when you're in riding in your truck, your carpet is there to catch everything. From loose change (not that messy) to coffee and other unknown stain-happy liquids (very messy) to used cotton ear swabs (downright disgusting), you'll find it all lurking under and between the seats. Oh, and the large dirty deformities that are in plain view are the worst!

The '79-'95 Toyota pickup rear axle is probably the most common found under import minitrucks out there. Whether it's on an actual Toyota pickup, a mini with a five-lug swap, or in our case, a Tacoma that needed a narrower axle to tuck wider wheels in combination with a bodydrop, they can be found all over the show grounds. With the popularity of these axles, it's a surprise there aren't an abundance of disc brake conversion kits made to fit them. Do a web search for a disc brake conversion kit for a Toyota axle—you won't find many low budget options. The problem with all the kits that are available is that they are all made for the 4WD six-lug versions. Well, now there is a low budget option for 2WD applications.

New toys are fun, and there were a bunch of new ones on display at SEMA. Man, if only that damn cash tree seed would sprout already. Hopefully you have leftover Christmas cash or some tax money coming your way, because you’re going to want to drop some coin on these products here. But enough jibber jabber, on with the show.

Must-See DVD
www.solofilmsdvd.com
SoLo Films latest release, Inspired Lifestyle Part One, is out NOW! If you’re ready for two solid hours of footage from the hottest shows of 2012, along with handfuls of special features, then park yourself on the couch and press play. It’s going to be an awesome ride!

Doing your own interior work can seem like a scary task. that’s because most guys haven’t spent much time behind a sewing machine, and even those who have can find the process intimidating. But when it comes to wrapping parts in suede, leather, or tweed, you don’t need to know a cross-stitch from a basket weave—it’s all just glue and time.

This month’s pinch question-answerer is Keith Sawyer of Nfamus Air Suspension in Mansfield, Texas. Check out the work his shop puts out at nfamusairsuspension.com. OK, you’re up Keith!

In the last installment, we showed you what it took to scratch-build a set of link bars, and expanded a bit on how to be smart about where you spent valuable time and money. Now it's time to get our four-link installed and set up.

To submit a question, email: mini.truckin@sorc.com

This month's edition of Maximized features GO EZ's very own Art Gomez answering your questions. Stumped or need a few pointers? Shoot us an email at mini.truckin@sorc.com, and ask away! Remember, there are no dumb questions! Ok, let's hear what you guys were stuck with this month. Take it away Sarge!

Quaking Quality
www.harborfreight.com

Central Pheumatic's Earthquake ½-inch impact wrench delivers professional-class power with better weight distribution, lighter materials, and a more compact housing. It's been precision machined to master-mechanic standards, is variable speed reversible and has three forward speeds, and was constructed with premium-grade components with close tolerances to maximize lifespan over conventional air wrenches.

Creepy Seat
www.mactools.com

This toolbox/creeper seat features three sturdy roller-bearing drawers that max out at 35 pounds per drawer! Both sides feature tool trays, and the thick 3-inch padded seat cushion will absorb up to 345 pounds of pushin'. Best part about this awesome creeper seat is its price—$132.99! Storage space and a place to park your ace rolled into one great price!

I purchased his '09 Ford Ranger for about 10 grand from a used car lot, and it currently has around 60,000 miles on the odometer. For the most part, I was looking for a daily driver—at least that's what I told the wife. Like most of my vehicles, I can't leave them alone. I have to modify them, drive them hard and try things to improve the look and handling. I've had lowered trucks before, but I kind of want to build this one to autocross the sh*t out of it. Who cares about autocross though? Well, I do but that is not saying much now is it? My plans are to modify the truck so that I can drive it on the road to work and back and also be able to push the limits on the asphalt. Sounds kind of cool to me but doesn't a Ranger have twin-I-beams under the front? Nope! Not the new Rangers—they have independent control arms just like an S-10.

The objective here is plain and simple: a lower stance and better handling. And that's exactly what we got with Belltech's tried and true lowering components for the second-gen Blazer/Jimmy. The list of parts represent a simple install—spindles and 2-inch coil springs for the front, and leaf springs and 2-inch blocks out back giving us a respectable 4/5 altitude drop. To add increased steering response while minimizing body roll, we just had to order Belltech's front and rear anti-sway bars, and to absorb the bumps in the road, Street Performance shocks completed the package perfectly.

For those of you following along with our little Junkyard Jewel Chevy LUV project, you may recall that we have two link bars left over from a TCI triangulated four-link kit, so we're left with two more bars to build—the lowers, in our case. We'll be sticking with a triangulated four-link, and we've chosen to build the lower bars out of 2x2 square tubing as we plan on doing a 'bag over bar set up.

Heavy-Duty Bracketry
www.guiltybydesign.net

Guilty By Design has a brand-new website, in case you haven't seen it yet. They have everything you'll need to drop your truck whether you plan to 'bag or static slam. For those going for a full air ride system, you'll find a ton of useful products, like these gussets made from high quality ¼-inch thick P&O steel. The price is right, and the selection is awesome. One-off styles are also available.

To submit a question, email: mini.truckin@sorc.com

In the last installment, our LUV's new frame was cut down, and the notch was completed, but a li'l somethin' had happened that we didn't have time to mention in that article. When we welded the top of the framerails to the 2x3 we had inserted, some not-so-cool results popped up. Now keep in mind, we did that on day four of a long weekend push at about 8 p.m. of the last day. We were tired and knew better, yet we pushed on anyway.

Stock mirrors on S-Series platform trucks suck. They're just big and stupid, but they do fold in to protect themselves from getting banged up by idiot drivers, but if they weren't so damn huge in the first place, they wouldn't even need to fold in. Total failure. Good thing Street Scene Equipment's Cal-Vu mirrors are easy to install and are just plain sexy. Plus, they are available with factory power and fancy LED turn signal options. Best of all, these little gems install easily and painlessly.

To submit a question, email: mini.truckin@sorc.com

Minitruck Cartel
The Last Original Minitrucker Clothing Brand

Finally! The day we've all been waiting for. MTC is back with a brand new design. Available in white or black. In true MiniTruck Cartel fashion you won't find any cheesy saying on these shirts, the name says it all. Like all MTC shirts, this too is a limited edition and is only available online. Check out their Facebook page for more info on how to order and get yours before they are all gone. www.facebook.com/minitruckcartel.

The long days of summer are nearly gone, but luckily the party in your garage is always going strong. If it’s not, it really should be. Round up a few of these party favors and keep the neighbors up all night long!

To submit a question, email: mini.truckin@sorc.com

We asked Max to take a breather from his busy Bangbus schedule and browse our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/minitruckinmag) for tech questions to answer. Without further ado, and now typing with two hands, here is Mr. Max Fish.

Mighty Mounts
www.airbagparts.com

AVS has a new modular tank bracket system that makes it easy and painless to mount your air management system. With several variations available, mounting single or multiple tanks and compressors is a breeze with these brackets, and mounting manifold valves is just as simple. Brackets are available in powdercoat black, gunmetal grey, or raw finishes.

I know what you may be thinking. Some ideas should remain just that - as ideas. Was that a close guess? Well, after seeing the in-progress drift truck on these pages, some of you may think this is an extreme, yet cool way to save two salvageable vehicles that would have otherwise rusted to death. The rest may think is is just downright wacko as sh*t. Honestly, a project such as this isn't for everybody, but the idea of fitting a '86 Nissan 720 body over a '89-'93 Nissan 240SX car core was nagging the guys at GO EZ so badly, that they finally decided to put the idea into a physical action. The end result will produce the planet's only Nissan 960 model mini truck. (Don't get it? Try a little math.) There have been a few cases where the hatch portion of the 240 has been cut out to give the appearance of a truck., but when it comes down to it, this monstrosity will be more of a truck than the others before it.

To bring you guys up to date on build cost so far, we've spent a whopping 70 bucks to get where we're at—that's $10 on the carwash, $30 on wire for the welder, and another $30 on cutting and grinding discs. We managed to trade an old tranny (not a tranny tranny, but a transmission) for the 2x3 3/16-inch wall tubing that we'll be using for the frame. Not too bad if we say so ourselves.