The 80 gets some love

[theexile]

Took some time today away from some other projects and got the engine end of things buttoned up. Installed the new hoses and hose clamps. Reinstalled the fan and shroud.

Got the alternator wiring done. Mounted the fuse block to the side of the battery box.

Installed the new plug provided with the mounting kit from Photoman for the Alt.

Got all the fluids in and fired her up. Runs nice and smooth.

The new alternator puts out a nice solid 14 volts at idle.

Got it warmed up and checked the fluids again. Topped off the coolant and let it run for a while. Hooked up the scanner to see what the temp is and it seems happy.

 

[theexile]

I installed this well over a year ago..Its one of the WagonGear tail gate access panels. Very well made and easy to install. The extra space has been handy also.
http://www.wagongear.com/Home.html

 

[theexile]

Didn't get much done today on the Cruiser. But I did swap out the old throttle cable. The housing looked pretty beat from years of heat. The throttle feels more crisp and responsive now with the new cable...Could be just in my head.

Old and New

I decided to take the Cruiser for a road test and put some miles on it to see how things would hold up.

Gordon came along and kept a nose out for coolant leaks and burning oil..

Took it up Hwy 9 which is a nice up hill drive to Skyline. Cruiser ran great and no problems so far..

 

[theexile]

For you phone and App nerds like me I found this cool App for the Droids.
Its based on the old dash mounted inclinometers that were an option for the early 4runners.:smiley_drive:

 

[bucketosudz]

Gordon the Schnauzer! Cool dogs.

 

[theexile]

Gordon the Schnauzer! Cool dogs.

Agree! Yes he is an awesome little dog.

 

[Ash]

I installed this well over a year ago..Its one of the WagonGear tail gate access panels. Very well made and easy to install. The extra space has been handy also.
http://www.wagongear.com/Home.html

How much gear can you fit in the tailgate area? I've read the mud threads but haven't really found a good answer to that...

Ash

 

[theexile]

How much gear can you fit in the tailgate area? I've read the mud threads but haven't really found a good answer to that...

Ash

Right now I have the following packed in there..

Jumper cables, 10x10 tarp and an extra blanket for the tent if Elena gets cold.

I plan to put pick and pluck foam from pelican case so i can organize things and keep them isolated.

 

[94SRUNNER]

Any pictures of your gear in the Wagonsgear tailgate area?

 

[adventureduo]

Looking good man and your 80 will love you for it.

I still need to do an alternator upgrade with all the junk we are running. Can't figure if mean green or the Tundra one is the way to go.

Dude, Simon.. those belts were long over due!

 

[theexile]

Any pictures of your gear in the Wagonsgear tailgate area?

Will do this evening.

 

[theexile]

Looking good man and your 80 will love you for it.

I still need to do an alternator upgrade with all the junk we are running. Can't figure if mean green or the Tundra one is the way to go.

Dude, Simon.. those belts were long over due!

No kidding Dave. The last time they got changed was right before the Baja 1000 back in 06, Long over due.

I looked at the mean greens but it seems like they may be asking a bit much from that case. Bills bracket is spot on and the Seqouia/ tundra alternator is available just about everywhere. The whole conversion cost less than the mean green alone.

Need to get one of those Trasharoos hanging off the back soon.

 

[JohnnyS]

Nice work!
Great looking 80 too!

 

[GCRad1]

thanks for sharing! good stuff - stuff I need/want to do to my 80!

 

[theexile]

Along with the WagonGear tail gate I also installed a set of the Adventure Trailers composite drawers. I have had them in for well over a year and they are holding up very well.

I did a write up here on Portal about the assembly and install.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23537

In use last year..