Jupiter FZJ80 Build

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Hey everyone!

I've been pretty active in another community, and when I found this site, it was like I found a second home!

I'm currently building an expedition / camping / zombie apocalypse war vehicle, starting with a 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser, bone stock.

Over the last two months, I've done some baselining, and am now getting ready to do the heavy stuff

This thread will document my build.

Hopefully, it will impress.

 

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First day of ownership, removing the pinstripes.

 

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Paint rejuvenation (not relevant in this community, I'm sure, but I like my schtuff to look nice )

Before:

After

 

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Removed that blasted tow hitch. Raising that spare pretty soon.

 

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Changed the spark plugs and wires.

15 years and 145,000 miles, and the original plugs and wires were still in there.

The old wires were pretty brittle and kept tearing when I tried to pull them out, and the plugs were pretty gunked up.

Replaced the plugs with NGK 6341 Iridium IX.

Replaced the wires with NGK 4413 / TE68.

I noticed an immediate difference once I fired her up- started faster, idles higher and smoother, butt dyno tells me the ride is peppier.

And now for the obligatory photos of the old spark plugs:

 

[WKexpedition]

Looking good so far. Cant wait to see this progress. Dont forget about your plastic bumper. Unless your going to be replacing it, i really like the back to black products, work very well!!

 

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Installed Depo lights

The transformation is amazing!

Did my own wiring for $30. Easy peasy.

It was a bit intimidating at first, but once you get in there and start cutting, it all works out.

I spliced because I NEEDED to be rid of those OEM lights, but I'll eventually do a Slee/Innovative Wiring/Possibly HID combo.

 

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Hood Louvers!

Masking and drilling pilot holes:

Pilot holes drilled:

Hood cut:

Safety first:

The color is called Carbon Mist by Rustoleum:

Lining cut. Most of that section of hood support is going to be removed tomorrow.

Time to get that grill back on.

 

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Fabricated a new grille to give the Cruiser a retro look.

 

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My next mod will be 35" tires and a 4" suspension lift.

 

[Sempertoy]

Welcome to expo, I know what you mean about a second home! I came here after some time on TTORA and couldnt take those guys any more. I have seen some of your stuff on mud, you just decided to do a 4" TJM lift right? If so, thats exciting!

 

[don't blink]

Welcome to expo, I know what you mean about a second home! I came here after some time on TTORA and couldnt take those guys any more. I have seen some of your stuff on mud, you just decided to do a 4" TJM lift right? If so, thats exciting!

Thanks for the warm welcome!

Yes, I just decided to do the 4' lift, not sure what brand yet. I'm open to suggestions.