Hi guys,
Thought I would start a buildup thread to chronicle this new project, share ideas, and learn all that I can. I just became a member of OB this week and am really loving it so far.
Great community you guys have here, and I'm proud to be a part of it.
My name is Greg and I live in Seattle, I purchased this rig about 3 months ago from someone local here who posted it on craigslist. I had just sold my 2016 TRD Pro and was looking around for a older project.
Don't get me wrong, the TRD was nice, but a little too nice. I would cringe every time I put a pinstripe down the side of the paint or hate the smell of dust when turning on the AC. I decided to sell it and look for something more trail worthy, more me I guess. I've always had old rigs and not sure why I thought a new rig was the answer. Plus, aftermarket parts and labor for anything new is just ridiculous.
Anyway on to the project,
Specs:
1985 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ70
JDM (Japanese Domestic Model) Right hand drive
Current mileage: 230,000 km which is about 143,000 miles
Toyota 3B diesel engine non-turbo
H55 5 Speed Manual Transmission
Factory PTO winch
9" Full Floating rear-end
Center diff lock
Manual locking front hubs
Air Conditioning (Works)
It was bone stock when I picked her up, everything worked, every light, every gauge, AC, everything.
There are a few minor rust spots, but nothing major, frame is in good shape.
Few little rust spots that PO pointed out.
Previous owner had just replaced the OEM shocks and steering arm. However the spring were looking pretty sad and I had planned an OME 2-3" Kit anyway. I gave Cruiser Outfitters a call and had the right kit I needed within a week. Great customer service! I went with the ultimate kit which replaces everything and comes with grease able shackles. The kit also comes with a new steering stabilizer and shocks.
I had planned to get new tires, but after inspecting the stock chrome wheels I found that they were super pitted and rusted out. I searched around for some new wheels, and I knew that I didn't want to run any wheels spacers. I've actually broke one on my JK. I did my research and found these new 15" FJ40 wheels at Cruiser Corps. Again great customer service!
On my FJ80 I had BFG KM2's and was really happy with them, I watched OB video about the new KM3's and decided to give them a try. I ordered 5 33x10.5xR15.
I attempted to do the lift kit myself. However, I ended up having to pay someone to torch off all the old suspension. It was just too difficult to remove even after soaking in blaster for a week. I called a few shops and was even quoted $1500 just for the install. I ended up going to 4Wheelparts the did the whole thing for like $500. And they did an awesome job!
I picked up the above roof rack from a guy on craigslist, it's a warrior rack bed for a Tacoma and ended up fitting perfectly. Couldn't get the 33" spare to fit and had to to wait till I got home to flip the tire carrier, this will allow the tire to clear the rear bumper.
A few weeks later I picked up a Front Runner rear ladder. I really like how it bolts thru the rear door
behind the Lic plate holder which makes for a clean install.
Next, I picked up an Overland Pros Wraptor 2000 awning.
I have heard some good things about these guys, and the price was hard to beat.
I had been shopping around for a Hard Top Tent for awhile and spoke with the crew over at Mule Expedition Outfitters, they said they had a new Tepui White Lightening Gen 2, that was about to arrive in a few days. I went ahead and picked it up and had it installed last week. It has some really great features, it's made in the USA, and there customer service is exceptional. I called Tepui to get an additional ladder attachment since with the OverlandPros awning I would need to enter the tent from the right side and not the rear. They are actually sending a technician to Mule to do the install this weekend.
Today, I ripped out the back seat and built a plywood sub floor, I covered it with 1/4" gym flooring and added some aluminum angle to give it that nice finished look.
The plan is to install a 3rd bucket seat so, my son can ride along with us. I've ordered a Smitty Built bucket seat and an universal base that can be easily removed when he doesn't want to go.
Anyway, I'm all caught up on this build so far, and will post any new developments. I have an appointment with TorFab next month and they will go through make sure she is road worthy.
There are some electrical issues I need to figure out since this rig has a 24v system.
Thanks for looking
Greg
Thought I would start a buildup thread to chronicle this new project, share ideas, and learn all that I can. I just became a member of OB this week and am really loving it so far.
Great community you guys have here, and I'm proud to be a part of it.
My name is Greg and I live in Seattle, I purchased this rig about 3 months ago from someone local here who posted it on craigslist. I had just sold my 2016 TRD Pro and was looking around for a older project.
Don't get me wrong, the TRD was nice, but a little too nice. I would cringe every time I put a pinstripe down the side of the paint or hate the smell of dust when turning on the AC. I decided to sell it and look for something more trail worthy, more me I guess. I've always had old rigs and not sure why I thought a new rig was the answer. Plus, aftermarket parts and labor for anything new is just ridiculous.
Anyway on to the project,
Specs:
1985 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ70
JDM (Japanese Domestic Model) Right hand drive
Current mileage: 230,000 km which is about 143,000 miles
Toyota 3B diesel engine non-turbo
H55 5 Speed Manual Transmission
Factory PTO winch
9" Full Floating rear-end
Center diff lock
Manual locking front hubs
Air Conditioning (Works)
It was bone stock when I picked her up, everything worked, every light, every gauge, AC, everything.
There are a few minor rust spots, but nothing major, frame is in good shape.
Few little rust spots that PO pointed out.
Previous owner had just replaced the OEM shocks and steering arm. However the spring were looking pretty sad and I had planned an OME 2-3" Kit anyway. I gave Cruiser Outfitters a call and had the right kit I needed within a week. Great customer service! I went with the ultimate kit which replaces everything and comes with grease able shackles. The kit also comes with a new steering stabilizer and shocks.
I had planned to get new tires, but after inspecting the stock chrome wheels I found that they were super pitted and rusted out. I searched around for some new wheels, and I knew that I didn't want to run any wheels spacers. I've actually broke one on my JK. I did my research and found these new 15" FJ40 wheels at Cruiser Corps. Again great customer service!
On my FJ80 I had BFG KM2's and was really happy with them, I watched OB video about the new KM3's and decided to give them a try. I ordered 5 33x10.5xR15.
I attempted to do the lift kit myself. However, I ended up having to pay someone to torch off all the old suspension. It was just too difficult to remove even after soaking in blaster for a week. I called a few shops and was even quoted $1500 just for the install. I ended up going to 4Wheelparts the did the whole thing for like $500. And they did an awesome job!
I picked up the above roof rack from a guy on craigslist, it's a warrior rack bed for a Tacoma and ended up fitting perfectly. Couldn't get the 33" spare to fit and had to to wait till I got home to flip the tire carrier, this will allow the tire to clear the rear bumper.
A few weeks later I picked up a Front Runner rear ladder. I really like how it bolts thru the rear door
behind the Lic plate holder which makes for a clean install.
Next, I picked up an Overland Pros Wraptor 2000 awning.
I have heard some good things about these guys, and the price was hard to beat.
I had been shopping around for a Hard Top Tent for awhile and spoke with the crew over at Mule Expedition Outfitters, they said they had a new Tepui White Lightening Gen 2, that was about to arrive in a few days. I went ahead and picked it up and had it installed last week. It has some really great features, it's made in the USA, and there customer service is exceptional. I called Tepui to get an additional ladder attachment since with the OverlandPros awning I would need to enter the tent from the right side and not the rear. They are actually sending a technician to Mule to do the install this weekend.
Today, I ripped out the back seat and built a plywood sub floor, I covered it with 1/4" gym flooring and added some aluminum angle to give it that nice finished look.
The plan is to install a 3rd bucket seat so, my son can ride along with us. I've ordered a Smitty Built bucket seat and an universal base that can be easily removed when he doesn't want to go.
Anyway, I'm all caught up on this build so far, and will post any new developments. I have an appointment with TorFab next month and they will go through make sure she is road worthy.
There are some electrical issues I need to figure out since this rig has a 24v system.
Thanks for looking
Greg
