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01-28-08, 01:39 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 666
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ROTW: The Toad
I don’t have the best writing or story telling abilities, and I tried to get the little woman to edit/contribute but she got side tracked with too much time spent in s/chat.
Background:
It all began in the winter of 1987 when I got my drivers license. I was on the hunt for a car/truck/something with wheels and a motor to get me from one place to another. The vehicle that I wanted most in life at that time was the then brand new Toyota FJ60, but alas, my wallet was not that full. So I settled for the 1984 Toyota sr22 4x4 pickup. I beat the life out of that poor truck, and it took it like a champ! Made me love it even more. Every fire road in the Los Angeles area was my playground, when I could not find enough time to make it out to Frasier Park or Azusa Canyon. The years went by and thought of owning a landcruiser slowly faded from my mind. Girls and fast cars became my main interest.
Then one day things changed. I started talking to the wife (you all know her by now) about the landcruiser and she was hesitant until she saw one in person. She was onboard from that moment on. We sold her passat when we found our rig on Ebay. Won it, and flew up to Portland OR to pick it up (having only seen pictures of it) and drove it back home to (then) California. Looking back it was kind of silly assuming that it would make it back without really knowing much about the vehicle. It had 193K on the OD, but she made it without issue. That was in the April of 2005.
From almost the day we bought her we have taken her off road as often as our schedules will permit. She has also taken us from Colorado to California a few times now and family members still think we are nuts for driving her that far. I think they think it is going to break down because their POS cars would. This is a Toyota we are talking about here folks!
We have since moved to Colorado and met some great people to wheel with (not that we have done all that much wheel’n here yet). Just finished the De-smog, and we are now getting ready for Cruise Moab 08. This will be our first trip to Moab and we can’t wait to see how she will perform there.
Current Modifications:
• OME 3” medium duty lift
• BFG Mud 33x10.5 on stock rims
• H55 trans, SROR rear bumper with tire/gas can swing arm
• Bent front bumper
• De-smog, 4.11 gears
• Rear locker (lockrite)
• Kenwood cd player with aux input for the kick ass Sirius satellite
• Small but efficient rear storage box
• 1200 watt power inverter (margarita’s anyone?)
• Cobra CB (so I can make fun of you on the trail)
• Rock lights
• Tinted windows
Future Plans include:
• SROR Sliders (coming very soon)
• U-Bolt flip kit
• Custom front bumper (coming not soon enough)
• On board air
• Dual battery
• Dual alternator (fits where the smog pump was)
• GPS navigation system
• Maybe a snorkel someday.
Her name comes from the journy home from Portland OR. The suspention was so worn out that we we all over the road. It felt like Mr. Toad's wild adventure at Disneyland... and there ya have it.
I am still trying to dig up some good shots to post up.
If I forgot to mention something, please remind me.
__________________
I had a 60, but my X took it.
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01-28-08, 02:02 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 666
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Here are some pics to go along with the story.
The day we picked her up. Natalie claimed her fast (it was to be HER DD)
The proud new papa
Then I got her stuck when the road collapsed under me and we didn't have good enough tires or a locker to get us out of the mess
Our fisrt camping trip to Bigsur with her
Our littlest cruiser chick (no longer the littlest)
The first major project I took on (H55 and transfer case rebuild)
As a team we take on the rear end 
And then Jim @ SROR gets us that extra rear end ground clearance we had wanted for so long. Thanks for making a killer bumper Jim!
This is still one of my all time favorite shots of her. The bumper was not on at this time, but the lift and tires were, and COME ON, the moon is in the sky at sunset with beautiful mountains and our beautiful Toad.
This is the last one. Everyone at my work (hung it at my desk) thought that it looked broken. I would just look at them and think "Dumbass"!
That is all got folks. More to come if I can find them.
__________________
I had a 60, but my X took it.
Last edited by Dirty Toad; 01-28-08 at 02:26 PM.
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01-28-08, 02:14 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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what he said
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 13,100
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Thanks!
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01-28-08, 02:27 PM
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#4 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 666
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mace
Thanks!

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No Sir, Thank you!
__________________
I had a 60, but my X took it.
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01-28-08, 02:52 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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IH8MUD VOYEUR
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Wetside, Wa
Posts: 676
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Looks awsome! Great job
__________________
-'76 FJ55-ARB's/4x4labs/Longs/60ps/60axles/36's/SOA/H55/Custom Awesome Driver!
-Matching FJ55 Trailer-ARB RTT/ARB Fridge/Same 36's/ trailer-being setup for long range travel/Basecamp
-'89 FJ62-350/700R4/reversal/33's/18"Mojave's/blacked out
-'69 FJ40-Now on 40's/SOA/60 axles w-ARB's/60ps/ 60 springs/4x4Labs... installed soon
See my Land Cruisers Myspace @ http://www.myspace.com/hicruisefiftyfive
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01-28-08, 03:00 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 417
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Great looking rig...
And that was definetly a Kodak moment....that should be in the calendar.
__________________
02/83 FJ60
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01-28-08, 03:03 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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Supporting Vendor
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Crawlorado.com
Posts: 3,540
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Sweet truck, and it was nice to meet you at the FR4x4 Get together,, BTW your dog looks just like my dog!
I i could find a girl that would help me chage out my diff!
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01-28-08, 03:10 PM
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#8 (permalink)
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Turbo Diesel Lover
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Panamá
Posts: 11,423
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I thought the best part of this it's your wife helping you in the Cruiser .. ( I hope I can live to see mine at the same ) .. hope you don't have much more history skills ..
Thanks for sahring with us your experience ..
__________________
HJ-60 2H-T Intercooled Tencha
HDJ-80 1HD-T not stock at all ! Marilu
FZJ-80 1FZ-FE ready to Play ( wife rig ! )
Join us at our local Panamá Off Road Forum
Quote:
Originally Posted by crushers
if you are achieveing the max boost then it isn't the boost that is going to kill your engine... it is your right foot.
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01-28-08, 04:57 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Austin, Tx
Posts: 631
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the mountain picture was my background for a long time, I love that one!
__________________
-Matt
1987 60 series- OME, 33"s, 4.56, Aussie rear, SROR tube front & JK custom tube rear bumpers, Weber, Header, 1" BL.
1986 22RT-E truck- Know nothing about turbos.
LSLC Austin.
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01-28-08, 05:17 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: In Between Worlds
Posts: 1,461
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Good stuff!!
__________________
fj60: imagine the most aweomely built 60 (complete with toyota black box snorkel top)
fj80: slowly sport building it
suzuki samurai: the next project
Its not how fast you get there, its how you get there.
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01-28-08, 05:18 PM
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#11 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: queensland
Posts: 263
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that photo with the mountains is beautiful. it must be great having the family interested in cruisers(mine thinks i'm nuts) you got a nice clean lookin cruiser.
what is the lockrite like? are they an auto locker or cable or air?
__________________
1984 FJ60
19?? FJ40
"after the next nuclear war all that will be left are roaches, toyotas and rim dintin rum drinkin leprechauns"
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01-28-08, 05:20 PM
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#12 (permalink)
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North Florida Cruiserhead
Join Date: May 2005
Location: The Sunshine State
Posts: 2,034
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Digging the silver!
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01-28-08, 06:21 PM
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#13 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: In a 60 DOWN BY THE RIVER!!
Posts: 987
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Nice rig man! Wish I could get my wife to fix mine!
Butt
__________________
Arcata, CA
7/85 FJ60 277K
For sale - 2f carb
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01-28-08, 06:32 PM
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#14 (permalink)
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Forum Regular
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 167
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Fantastic mountain/moon photo.
Like the bumper a LOT.
Nice looking cruiser and a better looking family. Things are good for you....enjoy!
__________________
88 fj62
80 fj40
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01-28-08, 07:05 PM
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#15 (permalink)
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Forum Regular
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 78
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beautiful! great photos.
__________________
84 fj60
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01-28-08, 07:10 PM
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#16 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SF Bay area, California
Posts: 440
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You are blessed, man. Great photos of the family, your rig and
an insight into you.
Awe inspiring.
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01-28-08, 08:24 PM
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#17 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 759
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Looks awesome Dirty! Those tires are right on, good choice!  nice pics too.
__________________
'85 FJ60 bone stock w 33x9.50 skinnies
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01-28-08, 08:52 PM
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#18 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 666
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Thanks for all the kind words guys. Most of you know the labor of love that is required to be a cruiser owner, and our baby has been great to us from the very begining. Not without issue, but still a great rig. I just wish there was an imoticon to express the love felt petween a person and there rig.
We have mad-crazy-love for our Toad.
__________________
I had a 60, but my X took it.
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01-28-08, 10:57 PM
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#19 (permalink)
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Forum Regular
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Dallas till i get to Austin
Posts: 241
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nice pics of a great looking rig. awesome to see your ol' lady workin on it w/ you. i've had mine for a year now and my wife has never so much as taken a spin around the block in it. (seriously, not one F'ing ride in it for the past 12 months). i'm not bitter or anything though. that's ok, my number one girl rides w/ me every morning to daycare.
__________________
1984 FJ60
1965 Mustang
2004 HD Dyna Wide Glide
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01-28-08, 11:32 PM
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#20 (permalink)
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Forum Lifer
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 4,479
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Its nice to see the people here utilizing their rigs to get out and enjoy the beauties of the country!
Beautiful pics in the scenery.
Thanks for sharing!
Chicago
__________________
TLCA#16202, KE7VAT
Toyota family:
88 FJ62 (Sold to a good home. Goodbye old friend!)
76 FJ40 (Blotch rig part deux)
06 4runner...wifes rig!
06 Tacoma, DD, BONE STOCK and staying that way!
PROUD member of the WEST COAST BLOTCHERS and the Battle Born Cruisers of Northern Nevada!
FAWKING CUBS!
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01-29-08, 09:01 AM
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#21 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Memphis, TN
Posts: 1,409
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Sweet truck, and great pictures.
My wife likes to ride in the 60 (roomier than her  LX450), but I can't get her to drive it, let alone wrench on it... good score there! My 19mo. old son on the other hand cries when we have to put up the tools
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dirty Toad
...Most of you know the labor of love that is required to be a cruiser owner...
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dirty Toad
...and family members still think we are nuts...
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X 2 I don't think you can explain it to them either.
__________________
Cameron Mosley
'85 FJ60 - Daily Driver
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01-29-08, 09:24 AM
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#22 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 1,698
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Once again...best color ever! Thanks for letting me hug the toad.
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01-29-08, 09:25 AM
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#23 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: North Pole, Ak
Posts: 1,176
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Great ROTW! Great mods do far.
TK
__________________
1966 FJ-45lv resto. in progress
1966 FJ-45lv donor
1971 FJ-40 fun truck, resto. in progress
1974 FJ-40 donor
1985 FJ-60 donor
1985 FJ-60 creampuff
1993 FZJ-80 built to haul groceries
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01-29-08, 09:37 AM
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#24 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: New Engrand
Posts: 2,172
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Excellent write-up and pics, and a very nice rig.
__________________
Prepare to be woo-ed by the master
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01-29-08, 01:38 PM
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#25 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Posts: 1,721
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The couple that wrenches together, stays together!! Thanks for sharing!!
__________________
1974 Toyota FJ40 (sold Jan 27)
1985 Toyota FJ60 two-tone, Safari Rack, OME Heavy,33x9.5's, custom front/rear bumpers, fully sound deadened, Alpine H/U, Rainbow components, dual v12 amps, 12" Type_R, Mot's Lights.
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01-30-08, 10:41 AM
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#26 (permalink)
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no bueno
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: КАГІҒОЯИІА
Posts: 2,880
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Very nice.
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01-30-08, 11:14 AM
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#27 (permalink)
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IH8MUD Lifer
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tigard, OR
Posts: 1,539
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I love working on the cruiser with my wife. Excellent job.
  Chad
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01-30-08, 04:03 PM
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#28 (permalink)
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Forum Lifer
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: where men are men and metrosexuals better be making me a CapMo.
Posts: 2,683
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Nice writeup!!! I wish my wife could wrench on my cruisers with me!!!
__________________
Chad
1976 FJ40: TBI350/SM465/SOA/SR/37" MTRs/ARBs/30-Longs/Metal Tech/SROR/Oeyes
1985 Toy Hilux: 6" lift/4.3L/R150F/Marlin's DUC/ARBs/30-Longs/5.29s/37" KM2s/Oeyes
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD bullydogged, airlift
My views on Animal Rights: Animals have the right to be tasty.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mrs bigndn
If it's got knockers or lockers, he'll be checking it out."
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01-30-08, 07:21 PM
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#29 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 312
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Your so lucky. My girlfriend still thinks I use gasoline in my cruiser.
__________________
1985 fj60, 6.2 military diesel, NV4500, long range fuel tank, Frankenstein 3" lift mostly OME, Con ferr roof rack.
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01-30-08, 08:05 PM
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#30 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,122
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Good write up,
Gunnar has a nice cruiser in is a cool dude too. I love the pics.
Dynosoar
__________________
'82 V8J60 - TPI 350 with a 700R4 attached to a splitcase, Cable Locker FF rear end, 4" SUA (National Spring), Copper Metalic Has been south to Cabo San Lucas, BCS and North to Port Angels,WA.
Call Sign: KI6SMP
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LinkBack to this Thread: http://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/202218-rotw-toad.html
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