Back to the Future! '99 solid axle Landcruiser

[ben.dicoot]

Hey crew!
A couple of months back I made a big call in selling my 2016 Nissan Navara (thread here: https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/index.php?threads/3382/

2016 Nissan Navara (diesel frontier) build (Australia))

The little Nissan never skipped a beat. It was economical, reliable and relatively capable. However since returning from my six week trip to Cape York the ute hadn't seen much use, less than 1500 miles in the 12 months afterward. A modern 4x4 is expensive. Loan repayments, high insurance costs, depreciation.

So I sold my modern 4x4 and went back to simpler, cheaper and stronger times with the purchase of a 1999 Toyota Landcruiser FZJ105. From 98-07 Toyota basically put the 100 series body on the 80 series frame and driveline. It has the 1fz engine, 4 speed auto, solid axles and I absolutely love it.

The simpler engineering of an older car has allowed me to do a lot more of the work myself. I will post updates of accessories fitted and adventures undertaken.

Cheers, Ben #ob2552

 

[Chris.n.world]

That, in my opinion, was a great choice ! :D
If only they were easyer to get in europe... We don't have the front solid axles here, and eaven the IFS ones are not afordable :o

I will follow your build with attention ;)

 

[ben.dicoot]

That, in my opinion, was a great choice ! :D
If only they were easyer to get in europe... We don't have the front solid axles here, and eaven the IFS ones are not afordable :o

I will follow your build with attention ;)

Thanks Chris, I haven't looked back! I will post more regularly on Instagram so keep an eye on @highcountrycruiser

 

[ben.dicoot]

So I keep all my "universal" mods when I change vehicles. This includes:
-warn 9500lb winch
-second battery and dc-dc charger
-gme uhf radio
-arb 47l fridge and slide
-foxwing 270 degree awning
-clamshell roof top tent
-recovery set and tools

So I'm not exactly starting from scratch.My
My main focus so far have been adding these parts to get some shed space!

 

[KonzaLander]

What a neat rig! I know many of us state side would love to get our hands on a 105. Following you build!

 

[ben.dicoot]

What a neat rig! I know many of us state side would love to get our hands on a 105. Following you build!

Yeah this is a petrol but you could also get a diesel solid axle 100 from the factory. Us Aussies are lucky sometimes!

 

[Tony_Farson]

Yep. I'd choose a Land Cruiser over any other vehicle! Great choice. Congratulations!!!

 

[ben.dicoot]

Sorry for not updating this thread guys. I have shuffled the rear storage and removed my kitchen. It now lives in the drawer and wolf pack on the sliding top. ARB winch bar installed, warn winch with rope bolted up. New radiator, hoses and belts.... the list goes on.

Sitting in the shed is some old man emu suspension ready to fit, along with a rebuilt kit for the front wheel bearings and swivel hubs.

Absolutely loving driving and maintaining this rig. Mods are coming but its satisfying fixing it and making it reliable first!

 

[ben.dicoot]

The lift is in! What was supposed to be a 2" lift has ended up with 3" front and 4" rear!
I've also been busy fitting an alloy roof rack weighing half of the original steel rack fitted. Mounted to the rack is my trusty foxwing awning, upgraded with a bag from drifta allowing the poles to be carried inside.
Finally an upgraded steering damper and braking system in anticipation of larger tyres to be fitted [emoji3]

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

I ran into the same "problem" with my OME lift. Gained 3-4" over stock initially. But that was attributed to sagging factory springs and the overall stiffness of the HD OME springs. Assuming you haven't driven much on the new spring, they should settle some. Mix that with loading the rig down and it'll look a little less drastic. Looks good! Time for bigger tires?

 

[13ADVXterra]

nice progress. this is a neat looking vehicle. what size tires are you going with?

 

[ben.dicoot]

I ran into the same "problem" with my OME lift. Gained 3-4" over stock initially. But that was attributed to sagging factory springs and the overall stiffness of the HD OME springs. Assuming you haven't driven much on the new spring, they should settle some. Mix that with loading the rig down and it'll look a little less drastic. Looks good! Time for bigger tires?

Yeah the factory springs weren't up to the task and had drooped. With a rear wheel carrier it should sit level and settle with some miles added. 285/75 tyres will add an inch but remain street legal in aus.

 

[ben.dicoot]

Sorry for the lack of action here, more happens on Instagram at @highcountrycruiser

Tyres are on! 285/75 16's keep it legal while filling out the guards. Dick cepek extreme countrys got the nod and are performing well so far.

Maintenance and handling improvements are the focus before more mods, the latest being fresh spark plugs and new swaybar bushes.

New CV's and swivel hub seals are next, then new air conditioning in time for summer.

 

[ben.dicoot]

Quick update on the cruiser!

I've started building my own drawer system in the landcruiser! I've been thinking of doing it for a while (even before Michael!) And have finally pulled the trigger.

Design constraints are very similar to Michaels; easy for partner to use, increased space and organisation, ability to sleep and light weight.

Fridge is move to the second row, with seat removal and lack of fridge slide a big weight bonus!

The second row will be split 60/40 like the seats were, to allow one rear seat to be fitted beside the fridge if needed, but will usually have a false floor/sleeping platform.
The rear will consist of one large draw for simplicity and weight, with internal dividers rather than multiple drawers. Hinged infill panels will fill in the gaps and still have access to factory storage cubbys.

Finally some recessed tie down points and carpet will have it looking near factory. It will all use the factory seat mounting points too. Wish me luck!

 

[ben.dicoot]

More progress, starting to carpet this week!