My Land Cruiser Builds and Some Camper stuff

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KRomer

Rank III
Launch Member

Enthusiast II

539
Colorado
First Name
Ken
Last Name
Romer
Member #

21028

Ham/GMRS Callsign
K0ROM
Many of you probably know me from Expo Portal or IH8MUD (Toyota site) as Romer. I have been around a while which comes with being old (late 50's) :) Once my daughters grew up my toy budget increased significantly. They both also drive Land Cruisers and you may often see a caravan of 3 built Cruisers heading to the hills or farther into Utah to have fun. Getting them involved in their teens building and wheeling their own trucks significantly strengthened our relationship and we still like hanging out even though they are 29 and 31 now

My first Land Cruiser was an Fj40 driving it throughout college. It was an awesome vehicle and thinking when I graduated with a real job I needed something nicer. That was a mistake. In 2003 I bought a 77 FJ40 and in 2004 a 1997 80 series. Built both, wheeled both. I took the 80 series to the Rubicon with my local club and oldest daughter. One of my fondest memories. I have since had a 2004 100 series and in 2016 upgraded to a 200 series. In 2014 I also bought my current 1973 FJ40

There are links to all the build threads on IH8MUD, but I will just post up what my current vehicles have

Before I get into that. I have had a history with Camping and campers

In 2004 I bought a Jayco Baja as it was supposed to be an offroad Pop-up. Was great for the family while the girls were teenagers enabling us to go to the Mountains or Moab. I became discouraged as the forest roads would make the Particle board glue and staples come undone and I was always doing some repairs.

I then bought an Adventure Trailers Horizon when the girls went to college and it was mostly just me. I didnt really care for it with the RTT on top of the trailer as my normal camping rig. I saw a 2002 Kimberley Karavan from Austrlia come up for sale and I snapped this up. This is a great camper built for the outback. The ozzies camp for months at a time. Even though it was 8 years old when I bought it, it still looked new and I had no issues with it the 6 years I owned it. You had a full Kitchen, heat, a room with a Queen bed and plenty of room to stand or put a table. Setup was only a couple of minutes unless you were going to put up the awning. In late 2015 the Aussie dollar tanked and I bought a brand new Kimberley Karavan direct from Australia. This provided a lot more creature comforts and still could go anywhere the Kamper could go.

I also had an ARB Simpson III which I used for expedition wheeling where pulling any trailer wouldnt be practical. Only thing I didnt like about the soft sided RTT was setup and tear down time and it was just a hassle. I now have an Alu-Cab for these times when I don't take the Karavan

My 2016 Kimberley Karavan
1.JPGDSC02653.JPGDSC02661.JPG

My Alu-Cab RTT
IMG_0024.jpg
IMG_0032.jpg
 
Last edited:

KRomer

Rank III
Launch Member

Enthusiast II

539
Colorado
First Name
Ken
Last Name
Romer
Member #

21028

Ham/GMRS Callsign
K0ROM
1973 FJ40
here are the specs on my 1973 Land Cruiser.

  • 383 New build (Gen 1 rebuilt block new pistons crank, etc) with new Air Flow Research Al Heads from Colorado Speed and Chassis.
  • Chevrolet Performance Small Block Serpentine Belt Drive Systems- replaced 5 separate belts which was a pain when one broke
  • Holley 550-810 Multi-Port Fuel Injection from Colorado Speed and Chassis
  • Charcoal Canister and closed loop fuel system by Colorado Speed and Chassis
  • Headers and custom 3” exhaust from Colorado Speed and Chassis
  • NV4500 5- speed Manual Transmission (Rebuilt by Rocky Mtn Land Cruisers)
  • OME Med/Heavy lift with 3 deg Castor Correction from cruiseroutfitters
  • Bilstein Shocks
  • ARB Twin compressor for lockers, Tires and other from cruiseroutfitters
  • ARB Air Lockers Front and Rear from cruiseroutfitters
  • Rebuilt differentials (Locker and gear install) by Adventure Offroad
  • New Yukon 4.10 Ring and Pinion from cruiseroutfitters
  • Front and Rear Disk Brakes (Rear conversion from RedLine Land Cruisers, installed by Adventure Offroad)
  • RCV Performance axles and birfields from cruiseroutfitters
  • Front and Rear rebuilt axles by Adventure Offroad.
  • 4PlusFrame support and custom Tranny support bracket installed by Adventure Offroad
  • 33x10.5x15 BFG ATKOs
  • Aqualu Tub and half doors
  • Custom OEM style top: Bigger windows and magnets instead of straps – Trollhole Cruisers
  • Tuffy rear and center console storage
  • SOR Duck covers on Roll bars
  • Pioneer 8600 Stereo with Blue Tooth, Polk Audio and Jensen speakers
  • FT1900R 2M Ham Radio, Cobra 75 WX ST CB Radio
  • Warn XD9000i winch (Rebuilt with new motor)
  • XJ Fender Flares
  • Full cage roll bar with overhead console
  • Nostalgic AC and Heat
  • SOR Rear Bumper
  • Custom Front Bumper
  • LED headlight Conversion from Redline Land Cruisers
  • Corebau Bucket seats
  • 1 inch foam insulation and marine carpet installed throughout the tub
  • Upgraded Instrument Cluster
  • Custom fuel setup via RMLS using Man a Fre 22 gal pressurized tank
  • Orion with twin shifters
IMG_0830.JPG
a.JPG

b.JPGc.JPG
 
Last edited:

KRomer

Rank III
Launch Member

Enthusiast II

539
Colorado
First Name
Ken
Last Name
Romer
Member #

21028

Ham/GMRS Callsign
K0ROM
My 2014 200 Series Land Cruiser
  • ARB Front and Rear Bumpers
  • ARB Skid plates soon to be replaced by Slee Skid Plates
  • Slee Sliders
  • ARB Front and Rear Lockers
  • ARB Dual Compressor
  • IBS Dual Battery System
  • Gamiviti Roof Rack
  • Gobi Rear Ladder
  • ARB Drawers
  • Long Ranger Aux Fuel 13 Gal tank- Allows carrying of second spare
  • OME Heavt lift - soon to be OME BP51s
  • WARN 12K Winch
  • Yaesu 400XDR Ham Radio
  • Cobra CB
  • TRD Tundra 18" Rims
  • Toyo ATII Tires
  • ARB 52 Qt Fridge/Freezer
  • DSC03800.jpgDSC02433.JPG20160904_110653.jpgGamiviti.JPG
 

Ob1

Rank VI
Launch Member

Influencer I

3,057
Palo Alto, CA, USA
First Name
Ofer
Last Name
Bruhis
Member #

17919

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KD6UKE
Nice rigs mate. Love the photo of the 200 climbing.

...and I thought I was the only person with this disease...
1971 FJ40 F2 engine frame off restoration (Kermit). My daughter drives it.
1978 FJ40 F2 engine frame off restoration. My Son drives it.
1979 BJ40 13B-t frame off resoration (Dion). My play rig.
1985 FJ60 with 13B-t/H55 diesel conversion. My utility rig.
1993 FZJ80 with 1HDFT/H151 diesel conversion. My camping rig. Did a full camper conversion including a full kitchen, bed and hot shower.

IMG_1132.JPG
IMG_4586.JPG
 
Last edited:

KRomer

Rank III
Launch Member

Enthusiast II

539
Colorado
First Name
Ken
Last Name
Romer
Member #

21028

Ham/GMRS Callsign
K0ROM
Thanks. Those are beautiful rigs

Seems like you are starting your kids off right in cruisers

I bought both my daughters cruisers when they were 16. Now that they are 31 and 29 they drive built GX470 and a built 100 series. Even during the teenage years they enjoyed wheeling with Dad and they still do even though they are married with families of their own

DSC01499.JPGDSC02356.JPG
 

Ralph

Rank V
Launch Member

Member III

1,845
Szczecin, Westpomerania (PL)
First Name
Ralph
Last Name
Batkowski
Member #

22487

I like those old Land Cruisers. For You, mates, real LC enthusiasts it's just like grandpa and grandson in one garage ;-)
I start to want old G60 for me as Nissan Patrol lover...
 
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Boucher

Rank V
Member

Member II

2,011
Maidens, VA, USA
First Name
John
Last Name
Boucher
Member #

14789

Service Branch
Retired USN
1973 FJ40
here are the specs on my 1973 Land Cruiser.

  • 383 New build (Gen 1 rebuilt block new pistons crank, etc) with new Air Flow Research Al Heads from Colorado Speed and Chassis.
  • Chevrolet Performance Small Block Serpentine Belt Drive Systems- replaced 5 separate belts which was a pain when one broke
  • Holley 550-810 Multi-Port Fuel Injection from Colorado Speed and Chassis
  • Charcoal Canister and closed loop fuel system by Colorado Speed and Chassis
  • Headers and custom 3” exhaust from Colorado Speed and Chassis
  • NV4500 5- speed Manual Transmission (Rebuilt by Rocky Mtn Land Cruisers)
  • OME Med/Heavy lift with 3 deg Castor Correction from cruiseroutfitters
  • Bilstein Shocks
  • ARB Twin compressor for lockers, Tires and other from cruiseroutfitters
  • ARB Air Lockers Front and Rear from cruiseroutfitters
  • Rebuilt differentials (Locker and gear install) by Adventure Offroad
  • New Yukon 4.10 Ring and Pinion from cruiseroutfitters
  • Front and Rear Disk Brakes (Rear conversion from RedLine Land Cruisers, installed by Adventure Offroad)
  • RCV Performance axles and birfields from cruiseroutfitters
  • Front and Rear rebuilt axles by Adventure Offroad.
  • 4PlusFrame support and custom Tranny support bracket installed by Adventure Offroad
  • 33x10.5x15 BFG ATKOs
  • Aqualu Tub and half doors
  • Custom OEM style top: Bigger windows and magnets instead of straps – Trollhole Cruisers
  • Tuffy rear and center console storage
  • SOR Duck covers on Roll bars
  • Pioneer 8600 Stereo with Blue Tooth, Polk Audio and Jensen speakers
  • FT1900R 2M Ham Radio, Cobra 75 WX ST CB Radio
  • Warn XD9000i winch (Rebuilt with new motor)
  • XJ Fender Flares
  • Full cage roll bar with overhead console
  • Nostalgic AC and Heat
  • SOR Rear Bumper
  • Custom Front Bumper
  • LED headlight Conversion from Redline Land Cruisers
  • Corebau Bucket seats
  • 1 inch foam insulation and marine carpet installed throughout the tub
  • Upgraded Instrument Cluster
  • Custom fuel setup via RMLS using Man a Fre 22 gal pressurized tank
  • Orion with twin shifters
View attachment 132575
View attachment 132576

View attachment 132577View attachment 132578
Nice rig
 
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Glacierdog

Rank V
Member
Member

Off-Road Ranger I

2,600
Sisters, Deschutes County, Oregon, United States
First Name
Chris
Last Name
Nygren
Member #

25841

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KK7KJK
1973 FJ40
here are the specs on my 1973 Land Cruiser.

  • 383 New build (Gen 1 rebuilt block new pistons crank, etc) with new Air Flow Research Al Heads from Colorado Speed and Chassis.
  • Chevrolet Performance Small Block Serpentine Belt Drive Systems- replaced 5 separate belts which was a pain when one broke
  • Holley 550-810 Multi-Port Fuel Injection from Colorado Speed and Chassis
  • Charcoal Canister and closed loop fuel system by Colorado Speed and Chassis
  • Headers and custom 3” exhaust from Colorado Speed and Chassis
  • NV4500 5- speed Manual Transmission (Rebuilt by Rocky Mtn Land Cruisers)
  • OME Med/Heavy lift with 3 deg Castor Correction from cruiseroutfitters
  • Bilstein Shocks
  • ARB Twin compressor for lockers, Tires and other from cruiseroutfitters
  • ARB Air Lockers Front and Rear from cruiseroutfitters
  • Rebuilt differentials (Locker and gear install) by Adventure Offroad
  • New Yukon 4.10 Ring and Pinion from cruiseroutfitters
  • Front and Rear Disk Brakes (Rear conversion from RedLine Land Cruisers, installed by Adventure Offroad)
  • RCV Performance axles and birfields from cruiseroutfitters
  • Front and Rear rebuilt axles by Adventure Offroad.
  • 4PlusFrame support and custom Tranny support bracket installed by Adventure Offroad
  • 33x10.5x15 BFG ATKOs
  • Aqualu Tub and half doors
  • Custom OEM style top: Bigger windows and magnets instead of straps – Trollhole Cruisers
  • Tuffy rear and center console storage
  • SOR Duck covers on Roll bars
  • Pioneer 8600 Stereo with Blue Tooth, Polk Audio and Jensen speakers
  • FT1900R 2M Ham Radio, Cobra 75 WX ST CB Radio
  • Warn XD9000i winch (Rebuilt with new motor)
  • XJ Fender Flares
  • Full cage roll bar with overhead console
  • Nostalgic AC and Heat
  • SOR Rear Bumper
  • Custom Front Bumper
  • LED headlight Conversion from Redline Land Cruisers
  • Corebau Bucket seats
  • 1 inch foam insulation and marine carpet installed throughout the tub
  • Upgraded Instrument Cluster
  • Custom fuel setup via RMLS using Man a Fre 22 gal pressurized tank
  • Orion with twin shifters
View attachment 132575
View attachment 132576

View attachment 132577View attachment 132578
I am going through my second build out on my 78 FJ40. What did you do for a parking brake because of the chronic oil leak fouling the zoEM drum style E-brake?
 

KRomer

Rank III
Launch Member

Enthusiast II

539
Colorado
First Name
Ken
Last Name
Romer
Member #

21028

Ham/GMRS Callsign
K0ROM
I have never had an issue with the stock parking brake on any of the three FJ40's I have owned. Pretty sure the one on my truck is OEM and havent had to do anything in the 6 years I have owned it
 

Glacierdog

Rank V
Member
Member

Off-Road Ranger I

2,600
Sisters, Deschutes County, Oregon, United States
First Name
Chris
Last Name
Nygren
Member #

25841

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KK7KJK
I have never had an issue with the stock parking brake on any of the three FJ40's I have owned. Pretty sure the one on my truck is OEM and havent had to do anything in the 6 years I have owned it
Thanks. There is something about the way my output seals. I have rebuilt my transfer case and OEM parking brake twice without getting much more than 10,000 miles out of the rebuild. I have talked to the folks at BTB, Manafre, SOR, Cool Cruisers, and Proffitt. In the end I got a mixed bag of info. In the end I think I will hang the Manafre disc E-brake off the back of the Orion. I still have time before I start tearing down and installing stuff. Thanks for getting back to me. I wish the OEM drum brake would have worked, but it has been the bane of my 31 years of ownership.

Stay safe and healthy.

Chris
 

Ob1

Rank VI
Launch Member

Influencer I

3,057
Palo Alto, CA, USA
First Name
Ofer
Last Name
Bruhis
Member #

17919

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KD6UKE
Thanks. There is something about the way my output seals. I have rebuilt my transfer case and OEM parking brake twice without getting much more than 10,000 miles out of the rebuild. I have talked to the folks at BTB, Manafre, SOR, Cool Cruisers, and Proffitt. In the end I got a mixed bag of info. In the end I think I will hang the Manafre disc E-brake off the back of the Orion. I still have time before I start tearing down and installing stuff. Thanks for getting back to me. I wish the OEM drum brake would have worked, but it has been the bane of my 31 years of ownership.

Stay safe and healthy.

Chris
Try to contact Georg @Valley Hybrids in Stockton. They are experts on these TC.

Cheers
 

KRomer

Rank III
Launch Member

Enthusiast II

539
Colorado
First Name
Ken
Last Name
Romer
Member #

21028

Ham/GMRS Callsign
K0ROM
Yeah, if you are near Valley Hybrids, Great place to go. Mudrack is another option up there.
 
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Glacierdog

Rank V
Member
Member

Off-Road Ranger I

2,600
Sisters, Deschutes County, Oregon, United States
First Name
Chris
Last Name
Nygren
Member #

25841

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KK7KJK
I'm hoping to snag my first Cruiser in 2020. Thanks for the inspiration!
If you are purchasing a new 2020 LC 200. Go for the Heritage Edition unless you need the third row seating. I owned a Lexus LX and had the third row pulled out (very easy to do) and stashed in the garage. The extra space was great for my dog riding in her crate (rear A/C) and not having to stuff gear tightly in the limited space behind or between the folded up seats of that last row.
 

Glacierdog

Rank V
Member
Member

Off-Road Ranger I

2,600
Sisters, Deschutes County, Oregon, United States
First Name
Chris
Last Name
Nygren
Member #

25841

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KK7KJK
Thanks. There is something about the way my output seals. I have rebuilt my transfer case and OEM parking brake twice without getting much more than 10,000 miles out of the rebuild. I have talked to the folks at BTB, Manafre, SOR, Cool Cruisers, and Proffitt. In the end I got a mixed bag of info. In the end I think I will hang the Manafre disc E-brake off the back of the Orion. I still have time before I start tearing down and installing stuff. Thanks for getting back to me. I wish the OEM drum brake would have worked, but it has been the bane of my 31 years of ownership.

Stay safe and healthy.

Chris
Try to contact Georg @Valley Hybrids in Stockton. They are experts on these TC.

Cheers
Thank you for the feedback. Stockton is about 50 miles from me.
 
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Glacierdog

Rank V
Member
Member

Off-Road Ranger I

2,600
Sisters, Deschutes County, Oregon, United States
First Name
Chris
Last Name
Nygren
Member #

25841

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KK7KJK
1973 FJ40
here are the specs on my 1973 Land Cruiser.

  • 383 New build (Gen 1 rebuilt block new pistons crank, etc) with new Air Flow Research Al Heads from Colorado Speed and Chassis.
  • Chevrolet Performance Small Block Serpentine Belt Drive Systems- replaced 5 separate belts which was a pain when one broke
  • Holley 550-810 Multi-Port Fuel Injection from Colorado Speed and Chassis
  • Charcoal Canister and closed loop fuel system by Colorado Speed and Chassis
  • Headers and custom 3” exhaust from Colorado Speed and Chassis
  • NV4500 5- speed Manual Transmission (Rebuilt by Rocky Mtn Land Cruisers)
  • OME Med/Heavy lift with 3 deg Castor Correction from cruiseroutfitters
  • Bilstein Shocks
  • ARB Twin compressor for lockers, Tires and other from cruiseroutfitters
  • ARB Air Lockers Front and Rear from cruiseroutfitters
  • Rebuilt differentials (Locker and gear install) by Adventure Offroad
  • New Yukon 4.10 Ring and Pinion from cruiseroutfitters
  • Front and Rear Disk Brakes (Rear conversion from RedLine Land Cruisers, installed by Adventure Offroad)
  • RCV Performance axles and birfields from cruiseroutfitters
  • Front and Rear rebuilt axles by Adventure Offroad.
  • 4PlusFrame support and custom Tranny support bracket installed by Adventure Offroad
  • 33x10.5x15 BFG ATKOs
  • Aqualu Tub and half doors
  • Custom OEM style top: Bigger windows and magnets instead of straps – Trollhole Cruisers
  • Tuffy rear and center console storage
  • SOR Duck covers on Roll bars
  • Pioneer 8600 Stereo with Blue Tooth, Polk Audio and Jensen speakers
  • FT1900R 2M Ham Radio, Cobra 75 WX ST CB Radio
  • Warn XD9000i winch (Rebuilt with new motor)
  • XJ Fender Flares
  • Full cage roll bar with overhead console
  • Nostalgic AC and Heat
  • SOR Rear Bumper
  • Custom Front Bumper
  • LED headlight Conversion from Redline Land Cruisers
  • Corebau Bucket seats
  • 1 inch foam insulation and marine carpet installed throughout the tub
  • Upgraded Instrument Cluster
  • Custom fuel setup via RMLS using Man a Fre 22 gal pressurized tank
  • Orion with twin shifters
View attachment 132575
View attachment 132576

View attachment 132577View attachment 132578
It seems like all the great custom shops are out of my current residence in CA. What a great build. Thank you for sharing.
 

Fishiam

Rank III
Launch Member

Enthusiast II

509
San Diego, CA, USA
First Name
Richard
Last Name
Sardena
Member #

23389

Nice rigs mate. Love the photo of the 200 climbing.

...and I thought I was the only person with this disease...
1971 FJ40 F2 engine frame off restoration (Kermit). My daughter drives it.
1978 FJ40 F2 engine frame off restoration. My Son drives it.
1979 BJ40 13B-t frame off resoration (Dion). My play rig.
1985 FJ60 with 13B-t/H55 diesel conversion. My utility rig.
1993 FZJ80 with 1HDFT/H151 diesel conversion. My camping rig. Did a full camper conversion including a full kitchen, bed and hot shower.

View attachment 137316
View attachment 137315
Nice rigs! Any other pictures of the 80? I'm kind of just getting started and would love some ideas.