My FZJ80 Overland Build

[NM-Frontier]

Small Update:

Fresh Dampeners! I was in bad need of these at this time last year, and finally got to it. What a difference in handling!

Also got out with some pals and spent a few days exploring Otero Mesa.

It was great to get out and enjoy the truck, this past fall and winter was a busy one and didn't get out much. The flip up window is just great, I love it, and with the table on the swing out, the cruiser is really set up now, very easy to live out of.

Up next is tires, the Toyos have been great but they have got a ton of miles on them and are finally starting to show their age. Not sure what I'm gonna go with, but am looking strongly at moving to ATs this time around. The MTs have been good but the cruiser sees so much hwy time getting to and between trips that those seem like a more logical tire type for this kind of rig. Stay tuned...:sombrero:

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

I did the same thing I went back to AT's well sort of since I got the 285/75/16 DURATRAC's great tire super soft low noise and better gas milage.

I have used them offroad and they have been great, no flats yet!

 

[NM-Frontier]

Long over due post and maintenance!

Finally got to getting my knuckles done, they were a mess! I have done two other axles and this one was the worst, very soupy stuff in there, defiantly lots of gear oil in the passenger side knuckle. But all is well now with new seals, gaskets, wheel bearing, breaks and grease!

Defiantly not grease any more!

None here either!

Or here...

Lots of cleaning going on.

Even all the hardware needed a bath in solvent.

I love getting things back together with new/clean parts!

Nice and Fresh!

All and all it went nice and smooth, nothing broke or seized and all went back together smooth, remember if you have the e-locker up front, lock it before you tear down the hubs and pull the axle. Re alignment with the axle splines is a breeze. It is a messy job but a very satisfying one. Nothing left to do but drive!

 

[NM-Frontier]

New Shoes!

It was a hard decision to make but after lots of going back and forth with myself over what I really want/need in my next set of tires I finally settled on the KO2s from BFGoodrich. I went to the A/T this time around due to the fact that I find my self traveling further distances over less technical terrain(read more hwy driving to get to the fun roads). The M/Ts were great but the noise and rolling weight got a bit old after a while.

So far the KO2s have been great with plenty of hwy and dirt under them now. I am looking forward to see how they do in Moab and here at home when the snow finally comes.

Next up Idaho and the Tetons...

 

[plaidwagon]

Nice choice, i just put 285 ko2's on my 100 this week. I'm really happy with them so far. Love your 80, it's one of the legends on this forum.

 

[NM-Frontier]

Thanks for the kind words, the 80 has been a true pleasure to build and own.

 

[JS24]

Awesome build and an equally awesome/useful thread! Read through it all tonight. I'm going to look at a '94 LC on Thursday and will definitely be referencing it when I end up pulling the trigger on one. Really like your bike rack setup, I'm an avid mountain biker and that looks like the best way to go about mounting them up.

Thanks for the inspiration!

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Early Christmas presents for the NM-Frontier build:wings: Nice!
But no pics of the new look

 

[NM-Frontier]

This fall we loaded up the cruiser and headed north. First stop was Boise ID to say hi to our new niece, then a big loop to the Sawtooths and over to Ketchum, then across the desert to Driggs and the Tetons and finally over the pass to Jackson WY and back home though Colorado. All along the way stopping to ride, fish, and take in some killer country.

South Fork Boise River

Bald Eagle on the Boise

A few detours...

Sawtooths

Lunch in the Tetons

Can't go to Wyoming with out a classic buffalo shot

Or Cruiser shot

All in all a great trip, but I will be the first to admit that I did a terrible job with photos on this one, I was just too distracted with good water, fun trails, and enjoying the Land Cruiser!

 

[NM-Frontier]

Awesome build and an equally awesome/useful thread! Read through it all tonight. I'm going to look at a '94 LC on Thursday and will definitely be referencing it when I end up pulling the trigger on one. Really like your bike rack setup, I'm an avid mountain biker and that looks like the best way to go about mounting them up.

Thanks for the inspiration!

Thanks for the kind words, you'll love the 80 series when you find one, great platform for adventure. Yea the rack turned out great one of my favorite mods on the truck!

 

[NM-Frontier]

Early Christmas presents for the NM-Frontier build:wings: Nice!
But no pics of the new look

Phil,

I hope the above post solved the issue! But I know still not a good one of the new look, Ill try and change that this weekend!:sombrero:

 

[JS24]

Thanks for the kind words, you'll love the 80 series when you find one, great platform for adventure. Yea the rack turned out great one of my favorite mods on the truck!

As of earlier today I am now a proud 80 series owner! Ended up scooping up a '97 with factory lockers. Mechanically it looks like it will be a solid foundation to start with and I'm excited to get to work on it!

 

[NM-Frontier]

Well done JS24!

 

[NM-Frontier]

Sorry no cleaned up, fresh from the car wash shots of the new shoes, just the usual dirty using the 80 every day shots:sombrero:

 

[nmchavez]

Man alive! That is a mighty fine machine you have there sir. I know I am not the first to say, but I couldn't just sit here without applauding you. I am currently rocking a 1st gen 4Runner, but I am looking to get an 80 soonish. I sub'd to your thread so I can lean on it for ideas. Thank you for posting and sharing your beautiful rig. Happy trails!