Toyota RAV4 Off-Road Build Part 1

[@lll2923]

This is one of my favourite channels I really wish you guys put out more content it's great

[@mamun-sardar]

❤️❤️❤️

[@XBBBBBXx]

but the fact that its the content is "rare" makes it even more exciting when we get something

[@lll2923]

@@XBBBBBXx theyve uploaded three videos this year that's too damn rare, all the fans want to see what's going on with the shop and the builds they've got going on, all the content they put out last year was amazing we need more of it

[@volume311]

Same, favorite channel by far

[@DevineDigital]

Fully heartedly agree, I stumbled upon the channel a while ago and immediately watch a video when I see it.

[@bumbr07]

I love this channel, straight to the point, no messing around, clear and consumable information.

[@cl7510]

This is good to know. I’ve been subbed for awhile but only now started watching. A lot of automotive channels do way too much blah blah blah and what seems like time filler.

Yeah man exactly this

[@jonnenne]

Nice to see you do some "normal" modifications instead of the super-engineered superclean modifications from scratch. Thanks for the video and hope you make more content. You are one of the few no-bullshit channels out there.

[@KrazyKavy]

What most don't know, the RAV4.1 was loosely based off the rally Celica ST205/ST185 Turbo GT-Four...so you can see where this project is going. The RAV4 is a legit beast in sheeps clothing, it just took this dam long for people to realize it. I knew this day would come, when a real builder would take on a RAV4.1 project. The RAV4 comes with a 3SFE engine, which is the NA Econo-version of the almighty 3SGTE engine. Everything on a Celica GT4 fits on the RAV4 and drops right in with little to no modification; engine, trans and all. While I wouldn't call the RAV4 an overland rock-climbing beast, it can easily be turned in to a offroad rally monster. Just check the racing lineage of the Celica WRC and how they dominated the 80s and 90s rally circuits(including the Safari Rally in Africa), and youll have a idea how badass you can make these old school 90s RAV4s. And just like the value of most sport compact 90s cars, I can now see the value of the RAV4 skyrocketing. haha

[@MrDne11041980]

Absolutely true. I've got RAV4 XA10 AT 4WD. It really cool as a highway or snow forest.

[@carholic-sz3qv]

Hi from Germany. We definitely need an upgrade on this small rav4, I really enjoy your direct to the topic videos.

[@XBBBBBXx]

can i get a ride in that, looks fun! also where are we supposed to find a desert ?

[@hangman13]

You went missing for months. Glad you're back.

[@devinpashby1104]

YES!! Hey from Oregon, ‘99 Rav4 on full Old Man Emu here. Every step of this video is what I (and many others) have already gone through! Skid plate diy, lift, 5th gear fix, lack of torque and travel! Can’t wait for your custom ideas for this ride. Well done!!

[@baska-]

*This video had one major issue: it was only 9 minutes long.*

[@SloppyMechanics]

I love this, what a nice break from serious racing

[@Simnettnutrition]

Heck yah I love seeing Rav4.1 builds. I love the wheel tire combo. I have a 4 door 5 speed myself. Have you thought about a 3SGTE swap? It's a fairly popular swap and boost would just be so much fun in a little Rav.

[@sw20indy]

3sgte swap was my first thought!

[@UncleTriangle]

@@sw20indy A Honda K series is also an option. HUX Racing sells an adaptor to mount the K-series to the MR2 trans. It should stand to reason that it'd work with the Rav4's trans as well.

[@firstnamelastname3932]

@@UncleTriangle k swap turbo was my first reaction lol

[@Buphelous]

I'm about to do that same swap with my 2 door

[@williamsprayberry28]

ayy I have a blue gen 1, 5 speed, gang gang

[@juliusmabry4839]

this is gonna be a badass series

[@mamun-sardar]

How are you

[@juliusmabry4839]

@@mamun-sardar drunk at 3am. just drank a beer in my shower. i’m severely mentally ill

[@carholic-sz3qv]

@@juliusmabry4839 we're on the same wagon mate 😅🤣

[@fransiscon]

My sister still has her 98 Rav4 2wd. I'm going to send her this video. Hopefully it inspires her for Christmas.

[@TBendez]

Love it! Real engineering poured into an older "overlooked" vehicle makes for great content :)

[@playwme3]

Awesome. I’ve got a 4 Door cut down into a ute for running around the farm. It’s gone up every hill i’ve thrown it at so far.

[@mrthesquid]

Oh man, a long travel Rav4 coupe would be great. I always thought these little car trucks were pretty neat. Looking forward to see what you will end up making out of this thing.

[@karlsteev]

Can’t wait for the next video!

[@JnksFINRG]

Nice to see quality RAV4 content! There's a racing series in Nordic countries, Auto Navigation, that's somewhere between rallying and orienteering. These 3 door RAV's are easily the most popular choice. Agile, nimble, and reliable. Faster than small offroaders like Jimnys. Great car!

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

Oh my God, I want a Jimny so bad! Glad this car popped up, I've been confusing this for the 1st gen Honda CRV. Before I came down the line of comments, I've also mentioned the Suzuki Samurai, I am super pleased to hear that this Toyota Rav 4 would wipe the floor with the latest Suzuki Jimny!

[@yiannimolonlavepower]

Very exiting project Your RAV4, In 2006 i build in Grecce my own 1996 2 door red color RAV4 3SGTE AWD 400hp, then I shipped to Boston in 2013 and it’s still going it’s thee most fun car to drive, in my car the power plant transmission transfer case rear differential it’s all from a 1994 ST 205 CELICA 3SGTE.

[@TEKSMRT]

@Yiannis Lask - I've followed your build, Amazing! Probably one of the fastest Rav4 I've ever seen! Do you have any more details, posts or content of it?

[@alainterbovc]

This is great! I've been building one in my garage for the past 6 months now and can't wait to take it on some trails. Definitely an underrated platform for having fun off roading

[@internet_internet]

Shhh. Some things are better left as secrets. 💸

[@Jkeith000]

I actually email a 4x4 tv show over ten years ago requesting them to build one of these. Excited to see more.

[@caribbeangtr8077]

Nice project. I was told when these came out that they use the same floorplan as the Celica GT4. Adding a turbo should be fun.

[@littlesteve855]

Bolt gt4 running gear in it onstead of messing around. The GE is not the GTE by any stretch of the imagination.

[@caribbeangtr8077]

@@littlesteve855 GE would be OK, it's a 3SFE. Anyway, I like his step-by-step approach, its educational to see how much of the stock stuff can actually be used, and where the limitations are.

[@littlesteve855]

@@caribbeangtr8077 so how long till he gets bored and fits the spare motor from the drift car😄

[@turtle6701]

@@Smed_bee_boop Yes i would love to see the 3SGTE motor in it!!! RAV GT4 haha lol

[@internet_internet]

@@littlesteve855 I like this idea

[@jesinu]

A lot of this video impressed me but what really impressed me most was being able to replace 5th gear in 45 minutes without dropping the transmission! Amazing!

[@helmysetiabudi9915]

This is gonna be another awesome build

[@mamun-sardar]

❤️❤️❤️

[@toddscars]

Amazing video. Straight to the point and no talking crap for 15 minutes with three minutes of usable stuff. Keep it up!

[@Trail-Warrior]

Happy to see this video... I love it! Toyota used the E series transmission into many vehicles and many parts are interchangeable. You can swap the fifth gear set off a Camry to get lower engine RPM on the highway. You can install a factory Torsen rear diff (both type 1 and type 2 are availlable, but type 2 torsen are stronger). Another option is the chinese made e-locker for the rear diff. If you want to get better suspension travel in the back; get Jeep Wrangler extended front shocks because they are bolt-on. As an exemple; the ProComp MX6013 gives 2.5'' more suspension travel in the back of the RAV4. I'm waiting for the next video! :)

[@av8bvma513]

1:50 Go the Hard Core Tyre Man! Who needs a fluffy warm dry heated hidey-hole when one can fit tyres outside in the great outdoors, in the pouring rain and snow and lightning, Kudos!

[@MrShanilicious]

‘More speed out of this car’ fingers tightly crossed that it’s a 3SGTE swap 😍

[@rhysbertrand8903]

2gr fe would be better

[@ajkarkos]

@@rhysbertrand8903 the Rav4 AWD manual transmission won't bolt on to a 2GR. The center differential is too large.

[@mrunabout]

@@ajkarkos That is disappointing. I would have loved to see one of these get 2GR swapped.

[@StocktonBomb]

One of the best automotive channels on KZbin. I always learn something.

[@checkerboard8382]

Yes this is what were waitin for

[@mamun-sardar]

How are you

[@growlith6969]

Little 4wd's are the most fun you have with your pants on. I went with a last generation 2dr Tracker, which is essentially a 2 door Suzuki Vitara, it has a lot of big boy stuff like an actual transfer case, body on frame, solid rear axle, and an aluminum front diff that likes to explode if you power wheel hop. Uhhhg, oh well, they made steel housings as well, just have to source one. Cool video my friend!

[@tiny_the_200]

Reminds me of the Rad4 build by Dirt Every Day, but your budget build process is cool to see instead and more relatable than simply tearing everything out and replacing the entire drivetrain 👌🏼

[@billb.2673]

Love Pap. Love the channel. Love this project. Hate the gold wheels.

[@PatrickRich]

I love everything about this build. I had a 96 5 speed and I took it off-roading places it should not have gone. FYI - a Torsen rear differential was optional in these from the factory. Not sure how hard it would be to find but it made a pretty big difference. The only thing that really held me up was gearing and power. One question and a comment - tire size? Also, I assume those tires are at least d rated, I think you could safely air down to basically nothing with that tire and the weight of these things. 12-15 PSI wouldn't be too low.

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

Sweet! I'm gonna try that, 0 psi here we go!

[@johnlougheed8040]

Tema 4x4 makes a drop in limited slip differential for 1st gen rav4's. They are available on Ebay.

[@addeats]

I have a simple life, I see Stefan Papadakis working on any car, I click, that simple...

[@furai333]

This is awesome! Great video to come back on, please more of this content, keen to see the fab side of upgrading the suspension!

[@Metalwolf765]

I had a cheap shitbox SUV for off-roading and the biggest upgrade came from switching from the OE replacement Kayabas to Bilstein 5100s. Everything else was pretty standard. Big brakes from a different model in the same line, braided lines, wheel bearings, Old Man Emu springs, lighting, and a 2 way radio with a huge antenna. Had a blast doing it and beat on it pretty good. Sold it recently to fund a slightly better off road rig :)

[@herrj10]

Steph! Loved this and I hope you continue to make more Rav4/Overlanding content. Your channel is always in depth and explanatory so its fun to watch. Keep up the great work and definitely keep posting more.

[@The94gtmoose]

This is the video that causes 2 door Rav 4s price through the roof. Next week someone will be attempting a 2jz swap. The following week kibbtech will be selling a long travel kit. Lol paps sets the trend, he doesn’t follow it.

[@wsshead]

Great video as always, Papadakis. Interesting to see the automotive industry utilizing the same style electrical pin and pin crimper we use in aviation. Looking forward to every next video, you guys are the best!

[@xodanny2955]

these build videos are so rare with how much quality this one has; such an ease to watch and quality build and taste

[@fieldstraw25]

Waiting for 3S-GTE swap :)

[@DodgeCrazed]

The RAV4 is one of the most under rated units out there. I’ve always though they would make great race vehicles.

[@mamun-sardar]

Super video

[@smacke2950]

it is so nice to see clips from months ago at the start of a new video, it really shows dedication to detail and planning

[@cinematic7853]

1

[@mamun-sardar]

❤️❤️❤️

[@ttinnovations3310]

Gotta get Toyota to give you the new GR Yaris, and swap the engine and drive train in =) , that would be awesome

[@ColeGaffney]

i have had 3 of these in the past, all manual, 2.0 petrols, swb, they are absolutely fantastic!

[@Ultreras]

I love that the car community is accepting sports cars and 4x4s alike - doesn’t have to be one or the other! 😌

[@Shehan.H96]

I love RAV4’s. Seeing you guys giving it some love makes me very happy 🙂

[@grischaeynck6426]

Finally. I got myself one a month ago as a beater. It has some nice OEM upgrade parts. Its really fun and if the engine blows you can just swap a 3sge or even a 3sgte.

[@danieltntbomb]

I love how you used a mom and pops show for tired. Legend. I know love these little ravs i have the current model. Thanks for the video.

[@LessTalkMoreDelicious]

Awesome! Love this build! 🏜🚙

[@Jon_98]

Seen this all over ig since i picked up my own 97 rav4. Huge inspiration to me right now. Keep on with the updates I love this thing!

[@jamescannone1425]

Team Papadakis meets Toyota Off-Roading. A match I could only dream of before! Please do more on this “Little Rav That Could”!

[@Misha2293]

My good friend had a 2-door RAV4 as a well, and another has a SCION iQ. We would call them the small squad. 2-door RAV's are super cool and extremely rare! Great to see on be put to use!

[@nosnowintexas]

This is a real build. When you have to make your own parts it’s on another level.

[@Happy_2_Wheels]

After 5 months of wait, finally an update to one of the best channels!

[@thomasclark6642]

I was literally looking at 2 door rav4’s this morning I love it

[@SeiPokGuy]

So cool to see Steph build one of these, different than everyone else yet still interesting. A 2-Door Rav 4 with manual and AWD is pretty damn rare, and in this condition it's almost unicorn status.

[@internet_internet]

I’ve been eyeing these the last couple years. Glad me & Stephan have similar taste!

[@AnttiBrax]

The best 4x4 channel on KZbin.

[@drones7838]

So I just started searching online for one of these things and you basically found a little jewel congratulations Mr. P

[@Uglier.]

JUST checked up on this channel a day ago to see if I missed any uploads in the past couple months. What a surprise :)

[@therionkp36]

I had a 97 4 door auto AWD A/T tires. That thing was fun. My friend was always trying to get my stuck on the trails with his Jeep and even he was surprised that the little Rav4 was always behind him.

[@donsummers5678]

Keep them coming Sir.

[@alexgallojr.2661]

I can watch Papa Steve all day and not get bored.

[@Somegoy]

I have a 96 4 door 5 speed and its been so good to me. I live down a shit dirt road through a flood basin. When monsoon hits it will be like 2 foot deep in water, winter will be a foot of snow and ive never been close to stuck even on my highway tires. Such a good little car. And im at 240k

[@michaelpittman3398]

Just found this channel, love it, I've got a little RAV4 as well, just pulled out the 3sgte and now got a carry 1MZ V6 in and changed the trans to a E352F and a ST185 rear LSD.

[@areacode08]

When Papadakis posts, you watch it as soon as you can. Always interesting.

[@cozza819]

That little spoiler painted gold would make this thing look 100% rad!

[@films3productions849]

Finally someone who speaking my language. Nice video

[@stansbruv3169]

Two door 4X4 RAV4?! That thing looks so practical as a moon buggy. An interesting and capable terrain explorer. Nice if a little odd project! Thanks guys!

[@MrCarnutbill67]

I see Papadakis and off-road in the same title, I click immediately. I’m imagining like 30” of suspension travel with 3D printed shocks etc. haha

[@landon390]

This is 🔥🔥🔥

[@tyrelirwin]

the most underrated channel on youtube!

[@MrChrisRic17]

I'm too stoked for this project! I have a 2000 Rav4 I'm swapping a full ST215 Caldina drivetrain into in the spring. Can't wait to see what you do with this.

[@Hunedpcl7]

LOVE THIS CHANNEL. MORE PLEASE.

[@andersjjensen]

I'm not a 4x4 guy at all but since Mr Papadaki has mastered the rare art of getting to the fscking point I ate this raw and was ready for seconds! :D Can't wait to see you crank this fun little gizmo to 11!

[@moonsapling]

The Rav4 has always been a capable crossover and always will be!

[@thetoyotaenthusiastt]

Finally we have someone modding the MKI Rav4! Thought I was going to be one of the few. Any plans on selling that skid plate kit? Would be interested in buying one, even if it requires some welding for final assembly (easier shipping for you)

[@BustedKneeAdventures]

Wow! Just what I was looking for. I just totaled my '05 Highlander and am looking for a Rav 4. This info will help on the build when I find one.

[@jasonveto2320]

I put a clutch in a similar rav4 about 10 years ago. I think it billed out at 20 hours... I dont envy you working on that thing when you decide to upgrade the engine.

[@IbericaOverland]

Am I dreaming? Papadakis on the offroad word!! is my lucky day

[@nickkirschner3719]

got an 05 4 door, looking to do a few mods to make it a bit more capable of going out into the backcountry. Have a sleeping platform made out of wood in the back that fits two no problem. Upgrading to an aluminum frame with storage for the interior maybe some lighting and another battery for power, just trying to get ideas on what to do for the rest, thanks for making content like this, it’s awesome!

[@loganarzuaga8316]

Out of curiosity what size tires were used on the new wheels

[@musicplus6306]

This is our next favorite build on youtube

[@bennyfactor]

Missed this when it came out! What a cool project! Those 2 door rav 4s are super cool!

[@thetechlibrarian]

Yup those Manual transmissions with the center locking DIff are definitely a unicorn

[@endangeredmarmot4518]

My mom had one of these little cars - they are surprisingly great in dirt!

[@antoniorios3856]

2 Door SUVs are awesome, so glad the new Bronco offers a 2 door model.

[@trabbledot9815]

Looking forward to the 10th video of this series where Stephan's calm voice talks us through a front and rear SAS swap for this RAV4.

[@shift47bmx9]

What size tyres did you put on the gold rims?

[@isaacberry5023]

She’s a beauty, looking forward to more progress on the Rav build

[@rosegold-beats]

never change the way you do your videos, it makes your channel what it is

[@nerophine]

just recently saw this i have a 1996 Rav4 too i put 225/75/16 maxxis Razr 811 All terrains on mine, runs great almost no rub mine is also a 2 door 4wd but automatic, going late model 5sfe for the torque vs the 3sgte thats more prone to knock and heat related issues and having to wait on the turbo to come in, gonna do a even length header later on, but these are great cars

[@kevinfrancisco3821]

The series must go on I saw one of these a couple days before I saw this video. I couldn’t believe that Toyota made 2 door rav4 XD

[@TakoIbarra]

And just like that, Rav4 prices are up!! Pretty badass to see these little 2 doors actually being used for real off roading!!

[@krisjaynav]

the project we didn't know we wanted. have been a big fan since my days as a lil tike at LACR.

[@neekovturbo]

Great video brother. My father-in-law in Armenia loves these cars and I may find one and build it for him from what I learn here and ship it out to him to enjoy. Thanks for sharing.

[@scottbartlett4853]

I love this build. I have a highly modified Isuzu VehiCross and when people don't know what that is I tell them "It's like a Rav4 but cool". This is a cool Rav4 getting cooler. Too bad they're unibody though.