Dude I have to say. Very sweet runner!! Makes me want one for a family trail rig in the future. Also where you live at is beautiful!! I wish Louisiana looked that good!!

Also how do you like the mtr's? Onroad and off-road. I've been thinking about buying a set.

 

I like the tires so much it will take some real convincing to buy anything else from now on.

Good manners on road, great off. Not bad in snow but a little slick on ice. Everything is slippery on proper ice though unless you have studs.

I want to see Louisiana. I might end up by your way on a road trip.

Thanks for the kind words.



Does anyone know of a place that sells FJ80 axles? I'm also looking to start pricing a 2UZ. I've got savings for the Blazeland kit but think I'll pass. Might as well start saving and 2.2k is a good start.

Tips on sourcing parts to build a budget are what I could really use now. It's not a super common build option I think?


In the mean time I have interior work to do like a stereo and storage. I can also get on top of body rust and paint it. The build wont die but I'm going to save up for a massive overhaul.

 

Hey bud, thanx for the info. I love my Mud Kings/basically KM1's, they've really done me right so far. Interesting stuff/ur review.

Rig is indeed sick, sir. ... I second that sentiment

Saw an FJ80 today at pick your part. No motor, no rear gears, front axle in tact. They had an 86 FJ60 last month.. DAYUM that axle is HUGE!

 

Man Chef! Now you're giving me bad ideas about a road trip and selling off a bunch of my SAS parts to use that fj80 axle!

 

When I was researching tires all the magazines released tire issues. Pretty lucky. I picked the best compromise as all rubber choices are and its worked out. Good thing I picked quick they where hard to get shortly after I got mine.

I see them in photos a lot now. Maybe I just notice them more?

I like them anyway.


Chef, I think I will star doing what you have. Go through everything and get it tidied up and working right while I save and plan.

Stripping the parts rigs will take time too.

 

Do it.

Are there factory elockers for the FJ80 axles? That could save money if I can score a deal. Plus factory parts will be easy to get in Oz.

 

Yes, I believe the cutoff for years with the elocker as an option is when it went from an fj80 to an fzj80. Or close to there. '94 I think.
You saw the price of the high steer stuff from Hellfire, and that's not even the steering links, I don't think. That'd delay my sas pretty good, but I guess then I'd have time to sell my current kit. I mostly think it'd be nicer to keep it low and more comfortable than leaf sprung sas. I have to have my car up to Portland by the end of February, is the real problem, and I already removed all my 4wd. Maybe 2wd locked could still get through some snow alright...

Edit, elocker became available in '93. Here's Slee's FAQ basically, could help quite a bit for axle selection so you can keep the 15" rims or know which ones have better brakes and such
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm

Edit #2, honestly, it looks like you could get a Trail-Gear housing at Tacoma width, 61.75" instead of 63" and it comes with 30 spline inners. Standard high steer parts, trunnions, knuckle seals, etc will work, it can be ordered for elocker pattern or regular 8" so it can nearly be whatever you want it to be. With the price of just the high steer for the fj80, you could probably get away cheaper with TG.

 

hahaha..... NOOOOOO, don't do it! Well, not cuz of me, anyhow, lol. That TLC was nice, but the 86 was much more sad, IMHO, as it was VERYYYYYYY clean, SFA, obviously, and even the interior was pretty tight. I really wanted to just grab it, but I just don't want a salvage drama case on my hands, ya know? lol. The FJ80 front axle didn't seem as big..... Are they the same? Maybe I just imagined that? Anyway, that thing got there around 3 days ago... it's 80% stripped of things of importance... (gray leather interior, motor, trans, door panels, mirrors, rear gears with locker, etc.).... BTW, I guess that E-locked version wasn't as common as I thought, from talking with MAK and others.

Right on, sounds good

I'm heading into a Mod Heavy Month, ..... but along with that, being mods,... I also look at them as simply 'improvements', such as the 1/2" Birch Panels, etc. When I look back on all the things I've done/replaced/fixed/dropped in OEM-new, .... I TRIP, ... as most of it's unseen(or interior based)..

Within the next few weeks, I plan to finish/install/do these things;

1. Install my 4Xinnovations Sliders with Kickout(with the gracious help of Socal85Toyota )

2. Install my V6 Calipers, New-Aisin 1" Master and Dual Diaphragm Booster

3. Complete my rear Cargo mods/LED lighting - Birch Panels I've done need carpeting and insulate the passenger side still... Install the speakers on that side, lights... Gonna be DAYLIGHT back there, baby! lol... Actually, it's already REALLY bright... Redeth will tell ya... Once I have the 2nd 37MM FEstoon Dome light back there in the pass side rear panel.. that'll be 3, from all angles, ... woot! lol.

4. Install my Thule Two T-Track Sided Side Rails and Con-Ferr Cage(possibly lights..... why not, I'm going LIGHTS NUTS, lol)... I'm actually thinking of putting LED's up there, also... BUT, it would not be as effective as spots... would be more for the immediate surrounding areas.

IT'S REALLY nice driving it.... Makes almost NO noise(even less once I ditch the rear panel on the pass. side. My brother has a 2011 SC Taco 4WD...... He drove it and said, "HOLY CRAP, this thing is TIGHT... It feels so, .... I don't know, ... like it's 'not going to break'...And MAN it's quiet for one of these"..... Was great to hear, as he's VERY picky, lol. (not about much, but vehicles? Yes)

Sorry, I don't mean to ramble,.... and I'm just giving you the THUMBS UP, lol.... 'DO IT, YOU WILL be glad you did, regarding the 'TIGHTEN THINGS UP/FIX THE BROKEDEDED THINGS... etc. Ya know?

 

Well if you do head down this way I'd suggest coming during crawfish season or mardi gras cause everyone that hasn't been during either of those two times always enjoys it and wants to come back. There both around the same time actually.

There is beautiful scenery here. You just have a whole other world of scenery that we don't see down here.

Thanks for the review on the tires. I read all kinds of good things about them and watched a video Goodyear made explaining exactly how the Kevlar and the funky tread pattern are designed to work and that's what really got my attention, also the fact that they are suppose to last 50-60k miles on tread life.

 

I get free tread life for about six months here. Even what look like bare patches have a this sheet of ice over it. Most roads have an icy hard pack snow layer on them. No real friction to tear up rubber.


Chef thanks for the encouragement I'll need it. I also need to go back through your thread. Its so big its easy to miss information.

Did you insulate the truck? I'm thinking I want to do that. I saw somewhere this silver sticky panels somewhere. It will help keep out the heat in Australia as well as road noise. I wanted to get rid of the carpet but after doing the cargo area I am not sure. My passengers in the back seat can really hear noise. Its not quiet already up front.

If I insulate the doors, roof and floor I bet it will help. Not sure I can bed line over insulation or of there is water/mud resistant carpet or not.


Jhonny, I'll look at that TG housing. Will I be able to use oem axles with it? My thoughts on the fj80 axles was really a spend more now to save in the future idea. I can find axles housings etc in Toyota wreckers easy after the missus makes me move to Oz.

Thanks everyone. Bouncing ideas around will really help making good decisions.

 

No, far as I know there's no OEM axle to be used with it. It comes with new short side and long side 30 spline inner axles, so you don't have the option of a stock 27 spline birfield, either. Probably a better idea to use 30 spline anyway, since you're thinking v8 power and all.
I just don't see a cheap way to do the high steer for the 80 axle, the housing itself from TG is cheaper than the knuckles and arms from Hellfire.

 

http://www.locktup4x4.com.au/ifs-hil...ferential-105/



Holy crap look at Australian prices!!!!

I got a whole 3rd member with Nitro gears for less than that.

I WILL be buying lots of spares before I head down under. Trail Gear products are also not as wide spread but still an option certainly.

Jhonny, one thing I read someone saying is that any upgrade in the drivetrain just transfers the stress to the next weakest link. Thinking about a V8, I think I'd need to change everything...... Tranny, T-Case (is the 4cyl gear driven one strong enough? Would it be if I regeared it with Marlin Low range gears?) Driveshafts? Things might not be stock length and I'd have to get custom? Axle housings and axles, possibly FJ80. I'll be getting new wheels with this build too. I think at the goal point of the build I may have outgrown the steel wheels. Plus with longer axles I can get more back spacing. I forget which is in and which is out? I don't need wheels spacers anyway, the PO at least did that right getting deep rims.


I am interested in these.

http://www.intercotire.com/BIRDDOG.php


In a year or two when I get this build cranking there might be more options. If I was to get something tomorrow though I'd give them a try.



Anyway, I think the 80 series had models with the 2UZ. If I go the Toyota route I'd essentially grab the whole driveline of an 80 series LandCruiser and stick it in my 4Runner.

If I stay stock I might be able to get spares at an Ozzy wrecker really easy? The engine could stay stock and not mess with turbo's etc. They where designed for bigger heavier vehicles than mine would be even after being lifted, locked and armoured. The axles also where designed for the power so I might get away with stock? I saw 80 series axles for $800 on one of those Australian websites.

This hobby is even more expensive over there.

Thinking as I type here....


I also checked out the three Trail Gear suppliers in Australia. They have no adds for TG stuff or axle housings in them. Really odd, perhaps they are not big sellers down there?

http://www.trail-gear.com/international-dealers


That could make replacement parts expensive and hard to get.


Either way I go in this idea looks like it's going to cost a bit. Man I hope my back heals soon so I can get back to work and do some overtime....


I also want it to warm up so I can start fixing the 4Runner and getting it nice and tidy looking.



As I pass through America on my future road trip I'll post in here. Meet some of you guys at the pub, I got first round!





Edit///


http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/...driveshaft.htm


I found axles at Slee for $300 less than the Australian shop. I'll be loading up on parts on the way out the door.


Another nice thing is that I am not in a rush. I can search high and low for axles once I move back to British Columbia. There are a couple 80's Cruisers up here, maybe without anyone getting hurt one will get written off?

Shipping this far North is a killer to the bank account. I was able to avoid a lot of shipping cost due to a good friend but that perk is gone now.

I'll have to be clever to save some money.

 

Hey Bubba, .....

YES, I've insulated quite a bit, but not the same as many..... What I did was 'PATCHES' of U-Seal 5 Stage peal and seal type stuff, every piece of which I sealed off thereafter with Reflectix Aluminum Tape... THEN, I went to Lowes and got 'Frost King Foil Backed/Adhesive-peal off and apply Closed Cell Foam Water Heater and AC/Heater Ducting Insulation'....

The end result, at least for that portion? WAY more dampened and insulated....

Second, I pulled up the carpet/insulation in back, then laid down more of the frost King, and then laid down "ThermoShield", a Heat and Sound insulating, Foil Backed Padding/Heat shield.... I will add more Thermoshield to the front, and I KNOW it will work to keep noise down and heat off the feet! lol....

For me, while noise is always a consideration in the process of improving things.... CLIMATE CONTROL is far more important... And if you look through my thread, you'll see how well I've sealed up the rear panels.

THE DIFFERENCE is, you have a 4door.... TOTALLY different paneling/how it secures, etc. HOWEVER, the floor? YEP, you could do that, and the panel body walls, furthest out, you could do what I did, dampening and insulating them with the self adhesive-- Peal and Seal, sealed by Reflectix, and Frost King Duct and Water heater Insulation.... and then ThermoShield and Frost King on the floors.... YOU WILL thank me, later.. and it's NOT a really pricey mod, if you do it the way I did, using minimal peal and seal and seal it off to ELIMINATE smell, etc.... and provide more secure mounting/that will stay for good. It will Keep it warm or keep it cool, and THAT, to me, is at LEAST equally important. (As is doing it in a method that will prevent moisture from storing between WHATEVER and the body panels, via condensation).

The light mods I'm doing? VERY HELPFUL, MANY TIMES, ALREADY! My whole rig is lit up like a work area, now, if I want it... and having it set to come on when the door opens(via the door lock detection switch and a diode), also helpful. Then, being able, as I said, to turn them all off but the red, for night vision and not offending the wifey, etc... so you can get up and out when needed.... ALSO helpful... Then, also helpful> having a back window switch on the back of my console, so I can keep it out of sight for those who love to steal these(if I Have it near the back door, ANYONE who knows our rigs, well, you'd know what it was, right? lol.. They would pry in with a rod and depress it, opening the back window any time they want(so I'll be tying it in with a second window lock switch as well, even though it's hidden...)... Plus, even if not, even if it's tied in with a window lock button.... the damage that would be done from them trying? YEAH! lol.

The panels being 1/2" birch has made them SUPER strong, also dampening and able to take Carpet, yet another layer of dampening/insulation... AND, I can use a few tie down hooks or something on there, too. WHY NOT, RIGHT?

 

I think I will do what you did. I LOVE driving my truck. I don't want it to be just a weekend vehicle.

I also love going on big road trips. I want it to be a nice place to sit. we're in it a lot. The missus likes the exploring options the vehicle gives us. She's adventurous for sure, the North and being a redneck has really rubbed off on us. We even within the past 8 months started loving country music. I want to go to some festivals in America. Anyway off on a tangent.


Would a bedliner stick to the floor if I did what you have? If not what are good ideas for stain, water etc resistant carpet?

 

Thought that interco link was gonna be to a new tire they were bringing out, but that's pretty cool. If you're thinking tire choices for replacement or if they don't allow yours there or something(can't see why they wouldn't, but I'm no world traveler, so who knows) the Simex Centipedes seem to be a pretty good tire. I mostly know of them because of the availability of 35x10.5's, but they're not DOT approved for the states.

Not sure on a v8 option in the 80 series, but I think in the 100 series, which went IFS. I do agree with what you're saying and not doing TG housings cause of the custom factor, and maybe they don't ship there because the housing weight is something like 150 lbs. Might be more in shipping than the part costs! That said, pretty sure the 80 axle can stand up to v8 power if not heavily modded, and I think your tranny could do it with conservative driving. Something not an option in the states, but maybe there, is the H150 5 spd Toyota tranny. Far as I know, the 5 speed used in the diesel 80 series. Not sure on the transfer case options there, but I think at that point I'd go with the one already behind the H150 if you could get em both.
It is moving a weak link, or "relocating the fuse" if you will. I think one of the best ways around that is make sure the "fuse" part is easily accessible and fairly cheap! Since you have time to collect parts, try to get an axle that the locking hubs can be installed on without major modification, then they would generally be your "fuse."

 

Okay so that gives us a bit of a priority parts collection list.

Engine and axles are the first two with tranny and tcase after. I think the 2nd Gen has a w56? I know my tcase is chain driven but I do have a gear driven one kicking around. I would need a new bellhousing adapter to mate that with a 2UZ right?

This being a long term idea I can wait with savings and jump on deals. Check out write off auctions etc. Hey if I get a write off with an intact driveline I could part out whatever good parts are left and really help with the cost.

I like that idea so much actually that I think that will be my plan. I've got three years to get the truck ready to apply for a reader spot in the Ultimate Adventure. If I'm careful I could do it at a lower cost to myself.

I'd also be able to sell the frame, engine and driveline I have in now. I'm sure someone would buy it in BC.


As for the truck right now. I need to get on top of a rubbing issue up front. It happens mostly in reverse but the truck offroad is not as nimble as I'd like.

It rubs at the seam which I did hammer a bit. I know the tires rub the idler arm at full lock so I don't turn to full lock. I could put a bit of steel where the steering stop groove has worn in. It doesn't rub much there.

I mostly notice it going in reverse and turning.

I have not completely ruled out the Blazeland kit because of this. If I can get a bit more flex out of what I have and eliminate any rubbing I won't need it.

If not, I still may get the LT kit as a stepping stone. I just won't go crazy with a coil over conversion or centre diff.

Not made of money.

 

Hey, there is a guy on here I follow that is doing 2JZTT and 3rz snd other swaps now all day. ... he's in NM... DAYUM, WIT IS HIS NAME? Dang info overload!!! Lol. .. Remember Dream Catcher? Haha. ... They stored memories they no longer had room for in a cellar, Hehe. I need one of those! .......>,<.... ha. ...

I will try to find him if u cud use his expert info?

 

Please do, I'll need any tips, tricks or tips I can find. I'm heading into something I have no experience with and want it done right first time.

It's a lot cheaper that way.

 

JustDSM is the name you're looking for I believe Mark

 

THANK U, JONNY! Yep, nice guy too