A new to us 1997 Toyota HZJ80R Landcruiser

[p1michaud]

New goodies for our next trip.

I've been working away from "home" for the last 18 weeks but finally got home for the weekend for a bit of R&R. We've decided to head inland and see some of Australia's Outback for our next trip. As a result we need a few additions to the rig for the long haul trip. More details later...:elkgrin:

 

[heeltoe989]

After a few trips out it was time to address a few items...

I had posted this in one of our trip reports, but it's good to have here as a reference as well...After picking up the cruiser, I spent some time storing tools, recovery gear and camping equipment in the drawer system. Took the cruiser on one outing and ended up re-organized it all with the following criteria in mind:

1. You need to access your food and food preparation items 3 times a day.
2. Having your camp chairs, tables and glasses easy to get to also helps for a quick break.
3. Sleeping/camp set up items are only needed once a day or less.
4. Recovery items and tools need to be accessible at all times.

The end result was:

1. Tools and recovery in left hand sliding drawer.
2. Food preparation, stove, chairs and table in right hand sliding drawer.
3. Food case on left hand side of sliding platform.
4. Fridge freeze on right hand side due to fridge slide.
5. Sleeping bags, sleeping pads and tent on left hand side behind/arround food case.

This layout provides easy access to all our food, camp items, tools and recovery gear. A few trips later and Martha even commented that she liked the way it was organized. :sombrero:

A few other items that I've addressed are:

I've completed the diff breather extension mod.
Picked up a Hi-Lift jack and shovel.

I've also purchased and installed an ARB CKMA12 High Flow On board air compressor with the air up kit. I've decided on this option for a few reason. It comes as a complete kit including wiring. I don't have a garage with a bunch of tools to work in here. The intention down the road is that it will also be used for air locker operation.

The final one mod for a bit is the ever important Fridge Freeze. It was further down the mod line, but given the hot temperatures in Australia and that we had used one before I could not bring myself to spend $200-300 on a simple cooler. It did not hurt that ARB just released these new fridges recently and they had a deal going where the transit bag was included in your purchase for the first 100 units sold per store... :elkgrin:

So far, I'm very impressed with the cruiser with our touring oriented trips. The memory of my tacoma is fading but I still miss it...

Nice Fridge P, got mine a couple weeks ago. and it seriously kicks butt! :coffeedrink:

 

[p1michaud]

Prepping the rig for our next trip.

Well, after many long hours on a project that's been frustrating, tiring and challenging, I've got some time off coming up. This means we are due for another trip. This time, we are off to Lake Eyre South Australia.

As with any trip, vehicle preparation is key therefore the old Cruiser is going to get the "royal" treatment before leaving:

1. Replace all drive train oils.
2. Flush and replace brake fluid. Make sure brake system is in order.
3. Cooling system check and full flush. Hoses checked, radiator will be removed and sent to a radiator shop for a proper cleaning and pressure test, thermostat checked and new coolant.
4. New power steering pump, it was noisy and leaking...
5. Tappet (valve) adjustment. The engine has 170 000 Km on it with no record of them being adjusted.

The only down side to all this, I won't be doing the work. Yep, an unfortunate result of moving to a new country without all your tools or access to a proper shop. Oh well, it's in good hands. The shop I'm using is called Fourby's here in Brisbane. They are 4WD enthousiasts and specialize in preparing rigs of Outback adventures. They also run guided tours all over Australia from their shop. Great bunch of guys.

I did purchase and install an OME steering stabilizer, beefy unit!

I've also been purchasing a few other tools to make field repairs and recoveries easier. A quality set of Tyre Pliers now live in the roller drawers. May come in handy should I need to replace a tire out in the bush. I also discovered that in certain parts of the Simpson, you must carry two spare tyres otherwise you may cop a fine. :Wow1:

Next on the list is mods, but I'll have to wait untill next friday for those...

 

[Oilburner]

That's a great idea Jan. Make sure you put it somewhere that you get input from the Rover guys. They seem to have a knack for organization.

:sombrero:

Only because we usually have to get to our tools quickly and often!

 

[CanuckMariner/Nomad]

:sombrero:

Only because we usually have to get to our tools quickly and often!

We understand completely, you only own them cause they look kool!

 

[p1michaud]

Back to the vehicle build up...

Easy on the Land Rovers now, this is a Landcruiser forum...:sombrero:

So as with many things in life, the repair/maintenance did not go exactly as planned. The radiator shop found that the radiator top tank (plastic) was very brittle and could eventually fail. No good so, it was replaced while the radiator was out of the vehicle. From the research I've done to date, this is a relatively common failure for these radiators.

The power steering pump leak that would not stop... I had a rebuilt power steering pump installed on Monday. On Friday while having some goodies installed, I noticed a significant puddle on the floor under the cruiser while it's on the hoist... Turns out the return line on the newly installed power steering pump was leaking again. After a phone call, I managed to secure an early morning booking to have it looked at again. The diagnosis, wrong o-ring installed. They replaced it with the proper size one. I was a bit skeptical of the repair but we were heading off for some camping so it would have to wait. Once we set up camp, I decided to investigate and found that not only did they replace the o-ring, the used silicone to seal it up. Hmmm, it's no longer leaking and held fine all weekend, but I'll be keeping an eye on it. Not the type of fix I was hoping for.

Ok time to lighten up the mood of this post. Such is life. Problems arise and you deal with them. So on to the fun stuff. The list of new goodies revealed:

1. New rear bumper complete with RHS tire carrier and LHS jerry can holders.
2. Replacement auxiliary fuel tank, 180 L capacity.
3. Tough Dog heavy duty coils -2" lift
4. Sand flag for desert travel
5. MaxTrax recovery ramps (www.maxtrax.com.au)

:wings:

On Friday, I spent the day at an Opposite Lock shop helping out with the installation. The rear bar and aux. tank are manufactured by a company called: Outback Accessories. I had seen one of their rear bars in person and they are a stout piece of gear. Admittedly not the best looking bar when compared to the sexy ARB bar or even a Kaymar bar, but what it lacked in looks it made up for in build features: LED lights, gas strut operated swing arms with lock open feature, Hi-Lift jack pockets on either side (no adaptor required). I met a fellow 80 series owner that purchased and used this bar on a trip to Cape York and bashed it arround at many of the off road parks and it's no worse for wear. He's very happy with his so that swayed the balance for me. A few issues were raised during the install (minor in nature), but those details would be better shared arround a camp fire. I've got some photos but unfortunately they will have to wait, I'm away from home for the week.

Cheers,
P

 

[Redline]

Nice you are adding stuff and repairing your Cruiser.

I sure wish we had easy access to large fuel tanks in the USA, and I like those MaxTrax.

Happy Trails P

 

[CanuckMariner/Nomad]

I agree with Redline, wish we had access to the OZ gear. They have such kool gear. If you can please post up the installation photos of the aux tank.

Have fun Pierre!

 

[roscoFJ73]

Easy on the Land Rovers now, this is a Landcruiser forum...:sombrero:

So as with many things in life, the repair/maintenance did not go exactly as planned. The radiator shop found that the radiator top tank (plastic) was very brittle and could eventually fail. No good so, it was replaced while the radiator was out of the vehicle. From the research I've done to date, this is a relatively common failure for these radiators.



Cheers,
P

Did you replace it with a metal type radiator?

I would also watch that PS hose thats been siliconed up. I think the fluid will dissolve it eventually.

 

[p1michaud]

Did you replace it with a metal type radiator?

I would also watch that PS hose thats been siliconed up. I think the fluid will dissolve it eventually.

Only the top tank (plastic bit) of the radiator was replaced with a new plastic tank. The balance of the radiator is genuine Toyota.

To clarify the o-ring at the junction between the fitting and the pump body was replaced and siliconed. I will be keeping an eye on it.

Pictures will come later...

 

[p1michaud]

A few photos...

Can't seem to find where my install photos decided to go hide but here are a few from the fist "shake down" run after the install.

The 180L aux. tank.

A photo showing some of the rear bar details. Not the best but can't find the camera at the moment...

A shot of the camp site for the evening.

 

[Funrover]

Looks great!

 

[targa88]

Looks like someone is spending $$$ on mods....

Looking really good Pierre!

 

[heeltoe989]

KILLER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:Wow1::Wow1::Wow1:

 

[Lulo]

A shot of the camp site for the evening.

180 Aux-Tank :Wow1:


Nice pic... :drool: