'97 FZJ-80 1yr exped. prep advice

[BajaTaco]

It was a grueling 9 hours in LA traffic but WooHoo! I’ve got my parts!!! :victory: I just got back from a trip to MAF where I picked up the following:

Replacement fuel tank 38 gal
OME 850/864 springs, LT shocks, steering stabilizer
ARB Bull Bar
Safari Snorkel
Dual Battery Kit
Water tank, (metal fits underneath slightly off center under passenger seat so no need to move spare. Yeah! Now I just need to get the Shurflo pump and figure out how/where to mount the fittings.)
Winch arrived yesterday

I wish I had a digital camera to take some before pictures. I’ve bought a disposable so eventually I’ll scan some pics in and upload so you can see.

Thank you everyone for your advice on this. I’m sure those Long Ranger tanks are great. It’s a cost thing.. I saved myself hundreds of $$$ by being able to pick the stuff up instead of ship it.

-Adriana

Hey, great news!!!

:jumping:

 

[cruiser guy]

The factory or Haynes manual goes without saying.

The factory manual as a reference to repair the truck and the Haynes manual for "hygenic paper"?

You might guess that I don't think very highly of the Haynes books!

 

[upcruiser]

Any pictures yet? I'm curious to see how this is turning out.:chowtime:

 

[Atomic Dog!]

The factory manual as a reference to repair the truck and the Haynes manual for "hygenic paper"?

LOL, Ok, the factory manual then!! :sombrero:

No pics yet Upcruiser, I took the before pics with the disposable but I haven't developed it yet.

I'm also going with BFG 285/75 Mud tires, I think it'll be really cool. It'll be done in stages since I've got to rely on my mechanic who doesn't do this type of thing normally. But he's cool, and really invested in this trip so it's all good.

-Adriana

 

[Atomic Dog!]

Finally some Pictures

Hi all,

Just wanted to share the pictures I've finally processed. The modifications are only partly done, so far I've got the 38 gal fuel tank(w/ new fuel pump & filter), the bull bar & winch, OME springs, shocks, stabilizer & braided steel brake lines installed. I also got the larger tires mounted.

I'm leaving tomorrow morning to get some recovery/navigation training from Scott and Chris and can't wait to test out my new stuff. :jump:

Next week the mods continue with the dual battery system & alternator, roof rack/tent, power inverter, window grills etc. I'll also have the head gasket work done. We have figured out where the water tank mounts, but still need to design the plumbing for it.

I likie the front bumper so much am considering the rear too.

~Adriana

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Very Nice!! :wings:

Congrats! Love the Color!!!

 

[Desertdude]

Very nice LC - I know I'm late to this party - but thought you might like to at least have a look at what I built for the back - sorry about the link in my build thread I am re organizing and have not fixed those yet

new link to rear deck/drawer system

 

[Pskhaat]

Window grills?

 

[rgsiii]

Very nice LC - I know I'm late to this party - but thought you might like to at least have a look at what I built for the back - sorry about the link in my build thread I am re organizing and have not fixed those yet

new link to rear deck/drawer system

I think that if you wanted to see what all 80's wanted to grow up to be, you might want to look at Desertdude's at this link

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=106713

I am impressed by the set up for an expedition type vehicle. It is truly amazing.

 

[Atomic Dog!]

:Wow1: Wow, nice drawer system! Giving me ideas. I need to figure out the where to put outlets and how to plumb the water.

I gotta give a shout out to Scott and Chris. They've been so helpful and generous sharing their wealth of knowledge. I had a wonderful time and I really appreciate all they've done to prepare me for the coming adventure. I feel more confident with my driving skills and now I know how to use my winch! Not only that but Scott was nice enough to help me put together a route for the first month of my trip through Baja. Little by little I'm getting there.

~ Adriana

 

[Atomic Dog!]

Window grills?

Coming up.. I gotta find a guy to do them and figure out how to design them. Scott gave me a great suggestion on a potential design solution for rear passenger windows. I'll post pics when done.

~Adriana

 

[flyingwil]

Adriana-

Looks like you got many things in the works and it is coming along very nicely!



What system are you planning on using for your dual battery system? I am sure you have seen this thread and I was wonder if you were going to use one of them or have another trick up your sleeve?

 

[Desertdude]

:Wow1: Wow, nice drawer system! Giving me ideas. I need to figure out the where to put outlets and how to plumb the water.

~ Adriana

Thanks PM me if you need anything

 

[goodtimes]

I don't normally venture into this section of the board (being a jeep guy and all....), but I haven't seen one consideration mentioned. Quality of parts is important. Things like belts, hoses and even wiper blades....go with OEM stuff. The aftermarket is driven by price much moreso than OEM, which is driven by reliability. There are a few exceptions to this (high end shocks, etc), but for the basics...in my experience, no one touches OEM's for quality.

 

[Atomic Dog!]

Rear bumper?

Anyone have any suggestions on a rear bumper system with a swing out propane tank and swing out gas can carrier? The Hanna people aren't taking orders, they are back ordered. Same with Man-a-Fre. I don't think Slee's will work cause it just has the one swing out made for a tire. Ideas?

~Adriana