In floor storage for 3rd gen Toyota 4runner

This video is a summary of how I built an in floor storage box for my 3rd gen Toyota 4runner. This is not a how to video, just a recap. I'm going to be doing another 4runner storage box and I might film a more thorough how to with that one. I have a lot of metal working tools that I use to build this, but it can be accomplished with rather basic tools, with the exception of a welder.

[@jvogler_art4708]

I love seeing people just keep coming up with ideas for these. I'm so glad i bought one, when you own a 3rd gen it becomes your own personal blank slate of fun :)

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@zealousoutdoors]

@@timmylogsdon493 As far as I know the 01/02 didn't have an e-locker option. Someone must have swapped it in, which is a lot of work and can be pricey. I swapped mine, and did the wire mod to have it work in 2wd. These trucks with the locker on in 2wd will go a lot of places.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

This would be a game changer for storage. One of the best things about the 3rd gen is the small size compared to newer vehicle. Unfortunately it works against is as it quickly fills up. Awesome work!

[@zealousoutdoors]

They sure do fill up quick, even when it's just myself going out in it. Much worse when the whole family packs in. Thanks for watching!

[@Beacon_Offroad]

@@zealousoutdoors 100% Thats issue. My little boy is always with me, so that means the wife wants to come too. Hahaha

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Wow came out nice with the carpet

[@EnriqueReyesJrREALTOR]

You did a nice fabrication. At first, I thought you were just going to cut a big hole, & end up with a big hole. Very nice job! 😊

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@Deheader]

DUDE! I’ve been wanting to do this on mine for a couple years but was scared to do it. I’m going to do it now I love it

[@xfirehurican]

BRAVO ZULU! 👏

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Holy crap that looks nice then factory bro sweet setup

[@davidstotelmyre]

this is QUALITY Craftsmanship. IMPRESSIVE.

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks, and thanks for watching!

[@blairrad1785]

Definitely would’ve been nice to see a beneath the truck view, but this is cool as heck. Good job, man.

[@zealousoutdoors]

Yes, I wish I would have thought about it at the time. The rear is flush with the bottom of the frame rail, the front is a little lower but tucked away.

[@saulsolis4325]

Bro, I've always thought this was wasted space after I made a swing out rear bumper. Now I really want to try what you did here. Bad ass!!!

[@zealousoutdoors]

It is becoming one of my favorite mods. It's nice to use the wasted space, and have more room inside. If you can make a swing out you can do this easily.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Very nice custom box

[@TNThornhill]

I have a 2000 I bought new in Oct. 99. I love it more than anything. I want to do this mod. It's friggin' awesome!!!!!

[@joestanosheck1453]

You got some serious skills bud🤟

[@aramschannel]

Awesome idea!

[@nunodeazevedo]

Very nice

[@BKTX]

I have been in the 3rd gen 4runner scene since 2000 (mine is a 98) and this is something I've always wanted to do. Thanks for sharing your excellent work with us. You must have some nice fabrication tools. I had a feeling you'd roll the steel and sure enough, you did. GREAT JOB!

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks. I've been building my collection of metal tools for over 10 years now, as needed by other car/truck projects. I've always approached it with the mindset of I'd rather spend slightly more buying the tools to make parts, than paying for someone else's labor to have the part made. Thanks for watching I really appreciate it!

[@danogden9999]

Thanks for showing this.

[@thomasrider5852]

So talented homie

[@brandonknight7240]

Make it a fridge, love it

[@nate-beard]

beautiful work.Thanks for sharing.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Nice looking 3rd gen Bro I have 5 of them they are great rigs

[@steveneate]

Awesome! You clearly have a lot of different skills.

[@dee4hunteradventure899]

NICE work Love it.

[@txrunroutdoors]

Man I wish I had your skills. I built a drawer system for my 3rd gen, which I love, but that setup you made is slick.

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks. I'm way more comfortable with metal work than wood. Making the wood part and installing the carpet puts me out of my comfort zone, while cutting holes in my truck doesn't. Someday I'll be comfortable with both.

[@waltertang9303]

@@zealousoutdoors dude this is sick. Looks so nice after seeing the finished product.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

*very* professional fabrication... perfect. thank you for sharing and inspiring us 🙏 ❤️

[@bajar.m.6953]

Did you re-inforce the cross members you cut?. This is a bad ass build never seen before because you build your own, not out of a catalog. 👍🏾👏

[@zealousoutdoors]

I welded end plates on them, and they were welded back into the sides of the box.

[@bajar.m.6953]

Great. I admire your work

[@Stabilevincentc]

Hey you should do a walk around on the third GEN. Setup etc. Awesome storage.

[@zealousoutdoors]

I will try to get one filmed here soon. At the moment I have several different mods in progress so I'll have to get those done, and then I can do a walk around.

[@Stabilevincentc]

@@zealousoutdoors ok cool . I just pick up a 3rd gen working on my lift tires etc. awesome rigs.

[@zealousoutdoors]

They really are great. We have had 3 3rd gens. One was totaled unfortunately. I've had at least 20 Toyotas so far and the smiles per miles is the highest with my 3rd gen.

[@MaxxedoutRodz]

Thats is awesome , great job

[@kohlcutler4456]

This is so dope. Great job man!

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheAngryFishh]

Such a badass mod. Nice job dude!

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks for watching I appreciate it!

[@Kad3nSJ]

Dude. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼that is something else! ,, good work right there👏🏼

[@lucky49362]

did this on my 98 explorer 10 years ago, my was plywood cause trail truck, great looking work sir beadrolls are crispy

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Well done ! I have a 2000 5 speed gearbox 4Runner... Owned since 2013.. 20 years. This is something I could and will do. Thanks.

[@zealousoutdoors]

It's definitely worth the work. I have found it to be very useful. Thanks for watching!

[@IanTetrault]

Amazing skills and great final level of finish.

[@camwelch9948]

Really nice fabrication. Creative idea too!

[@clintallard912]

Killed it dude 🤙🤙🤙

[@JnIII16]

Outstanding build!

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@coretmanus4688]

I had an 84’ 4runner and the spare was inside down in a well sort of like what you built. For a mod I pulled the rear bench and made a piano hinge space in the wells behind the front seats. That made it so the “Bed” was a full flat plane approximately 6ft to allow sleeping and tools out of the way ! Nice work thanks for sharing!

[@zealousoutdoors]

I've had a lot of older Toyotas but never a first gen 4runner. I'd love an early straight axle. Thanks for watching!

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Great job!

[@MexicoPescadoro]

Clean work man. Looks good. A lot of prerunner guys on Dezert Rangers and Bad Lines Good Times forums essentially do this same type of trunk in the rear past the rear axle like this but underneath the sheet metal tub is still some structured tubing. The spare tire crossmember is there for frame structure. I would have cut that out like you did and then welded in some type of tube structure to cradle the sheet metal tub so the frame is still rigid back there. I'm sure you're good if you're not beating on the truck but it definitely couldn't hurt. Otherwise, just my personal preference but you did an excellent job. Very clean. Looks factory.

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks for watching! I do imagine that the tire carrier adds rigidity to the frame, but it's only like 14 gauge steel. I was actually shocked at how quickly I cut through it. My rear bumper is 4x4x.25 steel so in my case it has plenty of strength back in it. I imagine on a leaf sprung truck it would be more of an issue as the rear frame rail absorbs some of the forces from the springs, where as the 4runner has coils and a 4 link with a big crossmember right above the axle.

[@mtyota]

this is seriously incredible, nice. thanks for sharing man!

[@tynado1173]

Neat. I crammed an aux fuel tank where the spare use to be. Doubled my range

[@zealousoutdoors]

That is a great use of the space considering the terrible mileage these trucks get. I always find myself refueling every chance I get. 400 miles before a fill up would be pretty nice.

[@tynado1173]

“Long range America” makes an aux tank kit but it’s $2500. I used a cheap $100 aluminum fuel cell off Amazon.

[@zealousoutdoors]

That is the way I would have went as well. I've always skipped spending big money on premade parts, and instead used the money to buy the tools to make the parts. Now I have everything I could want to use with the exception of some CNC equipment.

[@AOW162435]

Fantastic design, execution, and end result.

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks!

[@darrendexter6125]

It's mods like this that help motivate me to learn to weld. Also, I have to agree with @4RunnerAdventurer, I have never seen this one before. Thank you for documenting your ideas and fabrication process! I have a 99 T4R that I camp with and hunt in the fall. This mod would be a major improvement in storage for keeping those necessary, but not-often-used things.

[@zealousoutdoors]

I honestly only took weld class in high school to fill a spot on my schedule. I remember telling my mom I'd never use welding in my life. I ended up making my living doing it lol. It's a skill set that is definitely worth having, and can really allow you to save some money in the long run. Thanks for watching, I do appreciate the feedback!

[@calbonar211]

Very impressive. Nice work man.

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@payne540]

Wow, this fabrication looks great! I love the supports you rolled into the flats of the steel. I’ll have to look up how that’s done!

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks, The tool I used is called a bead roller. There are many affordable options on manual units available online if you wanted to try one without a lot of investment. If planning to use it a lot I always recommend a powered unit. Thanks for watching.

[@brianreilly6523]

Nicely done! Kudos, man!

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelcbakker]

This is awesome! Looks great.

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@scotteppers]

Love it, nicely done. I think I can accomplish this on my 1997 FZJ80, maybe different measurements but same idea. Thanks.

[@zealousoutdoors]

Yeah I imagine you could go bigger on the 80. I would love an 80 series. I have 2 third gen 4runners and a 71 fj40. I like the bigger size of the 80.

[@vitaliydubinets9082]

Thats awesome man

[@yeeeeyee]

Wow this is a great idea and really well done

[@sethouk1453]

Very nice job, man.

[@yazming1720]

Great Setup

[@jameswieland6871]

Super sick project!

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks for watching.

[@CJ-BZ]

Love this vid. I just rebuilt my dads old 98 4R he gave me and this is such a practical idea and great instructional video.

[@zealousoutdoors]

These trucks are great, as is every Toyota I've ever owned. That's pretty cool that you get to take over your dads rig, my dad had a 72 International Travelall that I wish we would have kept. The box in the floor has proved to be a great mod, I've been testing what should and shouldn't be in there when going camping. I run a 12v fridge that runs off my second battery, so if I need something out of the box I have to move the fridge. It's not a huge deal though as at camp I usually pull the fridge out and run it off a small Jackery. Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!

[@Kyle-ev4fk]

Nice work, I would've watched a video twice as long on this setup.

[@zealousoutdoors]

My wife picked on me for how fast and undetailed it was. It is my first attempt at filming any metal work, which I usually get going on and don't want to take the time to stop to film. I'm trying on my new videos to slow down and show some details.

[@scubbarookie]

The content in detail is excellent! Thank you for taking the time!

[@Achievementsxyz]

Phenomenal job! I come from the collision world and when i saw that floor cut out, all i though was “total loss” but that is a super cool mod. Bit of ecoat and sealer and you’re good to go!

[@zealousoutdoors]

I've been cutting up and modifying cars for a long time now. I'm pretty comfortable cutting holes in them and putting them back together. It's the body work I suck at so I try to keep to stuff that doesn't need to be straight. Thanks for watching!

[@ThePirwbb]

Dude that’s sick 🤘🤘🤘

[@GABRIEL_CRAFT]

This is glorious!!!

[@fotomotoxxiii]

Impressive work 👏 I'd like to do something similar some day. Great craftsmanship and final product looks better than before!

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thank you very much!

[@greenmonalisa]

Good work brother

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@CoolFrijolez]

That’s neat!!

[@dylanworkley2068]

Man this is awesome!

[@scubbarookie]

Very impressive upgrade, & build with attention to detail! I had to subscribe after watching this! Your work is pretty damn great! Thank you! Take care out there!

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@digitalkoh]

Wow man! Awesome! Wish I had welding skills and gears.

[@andymaccallum7924]

Great job, thanks for sharing

[@OneForAlldrawss]

Nice!

[@stevevice9863]

Great idea! Nice work...very neat. I have thought about mounting an air tank or a water tank, or both, in the space the spare occupies, but never considered a storage box accessible from the inside. I have a storage system that also functions as a bed platform, so it wouldn't work with my current setup, unless I put the storage system on drawer pulls in order to slide it out of the way for access.

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks! My original plan for the space was an air tank and Viair compressors mounted under the truck as well. The only thing that had really stopped me from that is I often take the truck through water when our town floods to rescue stuck cars. I was worried the compressor would take on water. Thanks for watching!

[@chopperskier]

nice work!

[@JMMACxXxSHELZ]

dude this is fuckin sick man. Nice fab up too. the flanges were a nice touch.

[@kiltedoverland4551]

Excellent mod!

[@Aaron-uz8xt]

very nice

[@mauriceescobar8403]

I love this

[@OrcOn2Wheels]

man you had a chance to do a bad ass stealth storage and ya blew it!

[@zealousoutdoors]

I can't say I was going for stealth. What would have made it be more stealth?

[@OrcOn2Wheels]

@@zealousoutdoors you're right, i can picture it being more of a hidden compartment

[@rlg222]

Very Cool!

[@courageous78]

Awesome!

[@fanchen1463]

so handy

[@Patrick.Weightman]

Super cool!

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate it.

[@adamdaley8090]

That there deserves an " atta boy!"

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@CMP_Offroad]

Awesome!!

[@hunt1198]

That’s awesome idea you could be making lots of money with your skills. I’m sure u are with a mind like that

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks. I do make my money with welding and fab work. Thanks for watching!

[@bell9620]

Bravo👏🏻

[@allenh7835]

4runner owners remind me of Harley owners. They will modify and IMPROVE the engineers design QUICK.

[@zealousoutdoors]

They are fun to play with for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@lucasm4281]

Would be nice to see the finished piece from underneath the 4runner

[@zealousoutdoors]

A couple have asked about it. I'll try to get some video this weekend. Thanks for watching.

[@drfitnessnow]

I guess I missed it, but what are the dimensions of the box? And is this water-tight in case of full submersion?

[@zealousoutdoors]

It is 34" wide, 16" long, the depth is 12" towards the axle and 10" towards the back of the truck. My truck has a 2" body lift so 10" deep kept it from hanging below the frame rail at the back to prevent trail damage. It is seam sealed inside and out and is water tight. The town I live in floods bad at times and we use the 4runner to recover stuck cars so water tight was a must. Thanks for watching.

[@rumail2377]

Четко заморочился 👍🏻

[@KTMjoe]

Genius

[@quincybirwood2629]

Good fabrication work. The carpeted board gave it a nice factory look. It would have been good to see the finished look from underneath. Did you paint the tub inside and out?

[@zealousoutdoors]

Yes the inside and outside was seam sealed and painted. The outside is flat black, the inside is gloss white. I'm trying to get a couple things wrapped up and make a walk around vid to show it from underneath. Thanks for watching!

[@quincybirwood2629]

@@zealousoutdoors Sounds great. Can't wait to see it.

[@mattuccibuilt3970]

This mod is sweet! The craftsmanship you put into it looks prime! Have you noticed any rigidity problems in the rear after cutting out that crossmember that goes from frame rail to frame rail? Or did you replace it?

[@zealousoutdoors]

It's tied into the box, although being body on frame i don't think it would be an issue. Thanks for watching!

[@Kyle-ev4fk]

I was thinking about the same thing, but maybe the bumper helps with rigidity. If it were a problem a guy could add cross member around the box.

[@zealousoutdoors]

@@Kyle-ev4fk For sure that would help. There is enough room to run some 1" sq. stock around if needed.

[@levicummins7317]

That is one of the cleanest diy at home jobs I live in Arizona do you want to do my 3rd gen

[@zealousoutdoors]

Thanks. I do auto fab out of my house, I'm currently up to my eyeballs in a LS swap into an old Blazer. Are you on any of the AZ 4runner Facebook groups? Thanks for watching!

[@levicummins7317]

@@zealousoutdoors no not at the moment I use to be on wheeling Az haven’t tried to see if it’s still up and running

[@jiminykripes4937]

Impressive sir. Did you ever consider putting the hinge on the inside ?

[@zealousoutdoors]

I did think about putting the hinge between the floor and the lid, but my limited wood working skills as well as the carpet scared me that I wouldn't be able to get it aligned right. I took the easy way out. I did another box on a friends truck and he used a black hinge the same way I did. It looks better than the chrome for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelryan1620]

Fanrsstic

[@somethingnostalgic4962]

QUESTION!!! Where’d you get that shelf on the left side panel? That’s sick.

[@zealousoutdoors]

It is from a 2nd gen 4runner. I just put up a how to video on the install last night. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5-Vf4WcbZ51fbM . Thanks for watching!

[@earth7551]

Your car looks great what kind of Spacers are you using 1' or 1'5 half looks great

[@zealousoutdoors]

The front wheels have 1.5" spacers. I only run them to clear the calipers since I run 15" wheels. The rear doesn't have any spacers.

[@earth7551]

@@zealousoutdoors thanks

[@brandonknight7240]

Makes me wonder if you could do this compartment plus another one between the wheel wells or further foward?

[@zealousoutdoors]

The spot between the wheel wells has the crossmember for the springs and shocks, and in front of that is the fuel tank and exhaust. You could probably get away with small storage spaces, I'm not sure if the juice would be worth the squeeze.

[@love4liberty]

Notice you have a zona plate, I subbed. Just got a 3rd gen. Might be a good spot for a second "house"battery and fuses? I do like the side compartment, would like one on the driver side but I wonder, the fuel system blocking it?

[@zealousoutdoors]

Dimensionally it could easily fit a house battery and related electrical components. You could make a compartment for the right side, but the fuel filler will indeed limit it's size. I really love the size of the 3rd gens, it's great for the tighter trails in AZ, the only downside is the lack of space to store all the gear. Thanks for watching and the sub, I really do appreciate it!

[@love4liberty]

@@zealousoutdoors I'm in Phoenix area. Got it for my IT work but wanted to use it on some trails, not really overlanding, upgrade from my Forester (as that was too small at times) and I prefer the part time 4wd instead of AWD, AWD is great if you live in a place with snow and rain, Seattle for instance but you don't need it in Phoenix.

[@love4liberty]

@@zealousoutdoors yeah the fuel filler would get in the way? I was going to build out the back though for my IT equipment like a work truck, something I can remove for adventures or if I have something I need to haul? I wanted something I could take up to Flagstaff in the winter if I get work up there.

[@holidayken2611]

Wondering what's the holder above the left wheel well and where can I get one. TIA!

[@zealousoutdoors]

That is the driver's door panel pocket from a 2nd gen 4runner. They are screwed to the panel, so I made a template of the holes and drilled the side panel and screwed it on. When I sleep in the back it's the perfect space for my keys, wallet and phone. I also keep charge cords wrapped up in it. It's one of my favorite easy mods and the color match is perfect.

[@holidayken2611]

@@zealousoutdoors You are the man! I was thinking of a similar idea but wanted it to look "stock". Normally I throw my phone up onto the window when camping and typically falls which can be annoying at times. However, I think this is probably one of those mods that are under appreciated. Loving the toolbox/storage idea as well! Keep up the great work! I've never subscribed to anyone but I'll follow you along your journey!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

How has it been holding up on the offroading any hit damage from the hang down would be cool to see what it looks like from the bottom of the vehicle

[@zealousoutdoors]

The box has worked out great and is holding up just fine. I have yet to hit it on anything so far, but it is tucked up above the bottom of the frame rails.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@zealousoutdoors makes perfect sense being tucked above the frame rails glad yo here it's working out so well

[@huntersmith8724]

weird question maybe but did you come through north FL a couple years ago by chance?

[@zealousoutdoors]

I have not, the closest I've been able to make it to Florida is the northwest corner of Georgia. It's the only southern state I haven't been able to get to so far.

[@wanderingdaze7018]

How are this pantagonia tires treating you? I’m in the market for new wheels and tires and seen a couple people run these

[@zealousoutdoors]

Off road performance I can't complain about at all. They've done well in sand, rocks and snow. I haven't got great life out of them, usually less than 20k miles. It's not entirely a tire issue though, since the 4runner is easy to knock out of alignment on nasty trails. I've had one blow out, completely my fault as I had aired down to 15psi and made a 40 mile trip highway trip at 65mph. I think the sidewall had been compromised on that one as the others were fine. I've had one replaced due to a screw, and one due to a huge AZ thorn through the sidewall. All of those were replaced under Discount Tires road hazard warranty no questions asked. Discount seems to have discontinued carrying the Patagonia line, so my next set I plan to get the Yokohama Geolander M/T's. When new they were fairly quiet on the highway, as they wear and chunk out on trails they have become pretty loud.

[@wanderingdaze7018]

@@zealousoutdoors thanks for the reply. I think I’m going with the geolanders then. I had them before