Details Count
As is part of a magazine editor's job, the task of finding the specific modifications and enhancements of every feature truck, reader's ride, or Worst Stuck vehicle can be a giant pain in the keester. Not only is time of the essence when meeting weekly deadlines, but illegible handwriting, one-line descriptions, and single fuzzy photos only worsen our mood. So, in the spirit of job-well-done accolades, we salute Darrell Reilly of Jackson, New Jersey, for his detailed list of modifications and the dozen or so pictures he included in the package.
Darrell's '89 Toyota pickup may be familiar to some of you: It was selected as one of OR's 25 hottest Reader's Rides in our June '04 issue, although you wouldn't recognize it. After 12 years in a gray suit, the Toyota was given a new orange-pearl paintjob and a little facelift by way of a Stull polished grille with Hella headlights and driving lights. Add-A-Leafs in the rear support the 4-inch Trail Master suspension lift and Trail Master shocks, while the rearend is trussed and fitted with 5:71 gears.
The pickup's 3.0L V-6 has been enhanced with Downey headers and a K&N air filter. Darrell cleaned up the exterior with a new custom removable top and molded on a Lund roll pan. While the stainless-steel rocker panels and Bushwacker fender flares were kept from the pre-makeover days and coated in the same orange hue, a Gaylord X2000 bed lid lends the Toy' a completely finished look. Interior modifications include Sewfine door panels, Wet Okole seat covers, a Kenwood CD combo, and 10-inch subs.
As for rolling stock, the 15x12-inch Mickey Thompson Classic IIs still sit pretty, while the Mickey Thompson Bajas were traded up for 16x38.5R15 Mickey Thompson Claws. Darrell has held onto this project, the first 4x4 he ever owned, for more than 14 years and works hard to keep this great off-road showpiece updated. May the miles continue!