Fergie

Derek, Thanks for the links; I didn't know there was a Chinook Yahoo group! I can't find a single rear bunk, but this is what I was thinking of: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toyotachinook/photos/album/1553297152/pic/2124103632/view?picmode=&mode=tn&order=ordinal&start=1&count=20&dir=asc

I was cleaning out my Chinook today, and found all of the original paperwork that came with the vehicle, including all of the O&M manuals for the appliances and the original Owner's Manuals for the truck itself, and for the Chinook as well! In reading the Chinook Owners manual, it mentions that there is a rear bunk that came with the Chinook models, something that I was completely unaware of. Does anyone here, especially the Chinook owners, have the rear bunk in their model? I'd really like to get some pictures of the set-up and see if I can replicate something similar for mine. Thank you! Gavin PS- If anyone would like a copy of the Chinook Owner's manual, I'd be more than happy to scan and email them to you.

Derek, The conversion won't be difficult with no drivetrain to speak of. Several companies offer pre-made kits with shackles, hangers and various other parts to run leaf springs in the front, and if I'm feeling very motivated, I'll just make my own. The engine, transmission and t-case will bolt in, with posisbly some new cross-members for support. The rear axle will be swapped out ot a 6-lug pattern to match the front. The sum of it all looks daunting, but each individual item is easy. Budget will be my main concern with all of this.

So I've been looking at Chinooks recently, and have seen some good, some bad, and some very bad ones. I came across a Chinook a few hours away, posted the day before, and called the guy...it was still there! So, a several hundred miles later, and a mere $250 gone from my pocket, I came home with this: The interior is in good shape, with all the appliances and beds and such. The vehicle is missing the engine, transmission and front suspension. Given that I live in snow country, and travel in the woods a lot, this will be a 4wd when all is said and done...how the actual conversion will be done is still up for debate. I have a blank canvas to work with, so it should be fun! Look for updates to this thread as my build-up continues. Thanks, Gavin