Which direction to go with my FJ62?

[dieselcruiserhead]

My theory is the leafs can be inverted. But they are soft and flimsy and do not carry a load well unless beefed up (and left inverted). The biggest issue is axle wrap, so if you invert your springs you would need a rear traction bar of some sort. Also not that big a deal IMO..

 

[DBS311]

After reviewing a lot of great advice here, I have started making purchases for my continued, although redirected, build.

First major purchase was the Slee rear bumper. For those with a 6x series, Christo made a run of 3 bumpers (I believe) so if you want one, give him a call. Once I get this on and pull the spare from underneath, I will begin the hunt for the long range tank. It looks like the only options are the Ford tank (extended range tank on the cheap from Mud), the MAF unit, or the Opposite Lock. I know others are available from Oz, but it seems the OL and Long Ranger are the most popular to import.

Second are the ARB's front and rear. I have the gears and will be scheduling the install sometime in the next month or so. I have been dreaming of this mod for I don't know how many years now!

This pretty much sums up what has happened so far, and I'd say it's a pretty good start.:wings:

After these mods are completed, I will start debating the creature comforts and the order I purchase them. I think the first will be the fridge/freezer, and from there I can't decide between RTT, winch, or drawer system. I'm really torn over the RTT. I would love to go with a Technitop, but I'm worried about the space. Right now it is myself, the wife and (almost) 2 year old son. BUT, I just found out that I should be expecting something new around October time frame. When my wife first told me, I was thinking she ordered something really cool for me to put on my Cruiser, then I realized she meant she was pregnant.:av-7: I guess that's cool too. From reading this forum, I'm guessing a 1600 is the minimum for me to go with.

I'll post pics once things start rolling in.

 

[DBS311]

Forgot to throw in that I'm getting a RAM mount for the Toughbook and a USGlobalsat gps receiver. For those of you running laptop setups, which maps are the "best" to use. I was looking at the DeLorme TOPO 7.0 USA West. Anybody have experience with these?

 

[Andrew Walcker]

...When my wife first told me, I was thinking she ordered something really cool for me to put on my Cruiser, then I realized she meant she was pregnant.:av-7: I guess that's cool too. From reading this forum, I'm guessing a 1600 is the minimum for me to go with...

Congrats to you and the wife! Why stop at the 1600, go for the 1800 and don't look back

 

[DBS311]

Thanks Andrew, and how right you are! I brought it up with the Mrs. and she said not to bother unless it was equivalent to a king bed. In this case, I guess size matters (to her). Eezi-Awn 1800 it will be.

:sombrero:

 

[Ducks]

Why are you putting in 4.88s if you aren't planning on rock crawling so much? I would think an h55 with 4.56 would be a better gearing option for traveling long distances. If you are going solo on your trips, then I would think a winch should be a higher priority than a fridge but I don't really know.

How does MAF compare to OL for fuel tanks price wise? MAF no longer lists their price online for their tanks, which seems like an ominous sign. Last I heard / read was that the Ford tank wasn't going to work at all. I recently ordered a rear bumper, can't wait for it to get done.

:beer: Chad

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

I would think a winch should be a higher priority than a fridge but I don't really know.

Not a chance!

Fridge is more important then lift, tires, anything!

Just ask my girlfriend! :safari-rig:

Why are you putting in 4.88s if you aren't planning on rock crawling so much? I would think an h55 with 4.56 would be a better gearing option for traveling long distances.

I agree 100% You will be spinning some big RPMs with 33's and 4.88s

 

[Ducks]

You might even consider 4.11 diffs. They are much more common and therefore easier to find to replace (and cheaper) if you need to somewhere. An h41 or h55 would give you good roadability.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

You might even consider 4.11 diffs. They are much more common and therefore easier to find to replace (and cheaper) if you need to somewhere. An h41 or h55 would give you good roadability.

If it were my rig i would find (2) 80 series REAR elocker diffs (they are basically a bolt in) that come stock with 4.10's and Bob Is Your Uncle!

That is exactly what i did with my 60 and it worked out awesome! :smiley_drive:

 

[DBS311]

Why are you putting in 4.88s if you aren't planning on rock crawling so much? I would think an h55 with 4.56 would be a better gearing option for traveling long distances. If you are going solo on your trips, then I would think a winch should be a higher priority than a fridge but I don't really know.

How does MAF compare to OL for fuel tanks price wise? MAF no longer lists their price online for their tanks, which seems like an ominous sign. Last I heard / read was that the Ford tank wasn't going to work at all. I recently ordered a rear bumper, can't wait for it to get done.

:beer: Chad

I'm putting in 4.88's because I was running 37's and just recently went back down to 35's. The A440 sucks up a lot of juice and 4.88's with 35's will put me back to "stock" ratios.

As for MAF tanks, I don't think they ever made their own for the 60/62, I think they just imported Long Ranger or Long Range Automotive (can't remember which) tanks from Oz. For the 62 it turns out to be a 38 gallon replacement tank. The OL tank is 50 gallons, which is nice, but getting one from AU ends up being a grand plus.

So which bumper did you get?

 

[DBS311]

You might even consider 4.11 diffs. They are much more common and therefore easier to find to replace (and cheaper) if you need to somewhere. An h41 or h55 would give you good roadability.

The 62's came equipped with 4.11's from the factory. Mine will be up for sale as soon as they are pulled.

 

[Ducks]

The 62's came equipped with 4.11's from the factory. Mine will be up for sale as soon as they are pulled.

Forgot about that. I have the annoying 3.7s in my fj60.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Forgot about that. I have the annoying 3.7s in my fj60.

Ahhh! As did i! I also thought you mentioned, 33's not 35's

4.88s with 35's will be nice!

 

[Ducks]

So which bumper did you get?

Jeff (lagwagon on 'MUD) is building me this sweet bumper that is totally tight to the frame. I'll post up pics when it is done. It'll have the usual tire carrier, hi-lift jack mount, & dual gas can holders. But there is a cool lock out system to keep it open when it is open. Anyways. Can't wait until it is done.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Jeff (lagwagon on 'MUD) is building me this sweet bumper that is totally tight to the frame. I'll post up pics when it is done. It'll have the usual tire carrier, hi-lift jack mount, & dual gas can holders. But there is a cool lock out system to keep it open when it is open. Anyways. Can't wait until it is done.

Nice! Jeff does great work!