[desertdude]

A big thank you to Johnny for warming up the crowd with his stellar 80 series. Many thanks also go out to Christo Slee and Ben Swain for their endless patients in answering my questions and having the best stock of 80 series "stuff". It also goes without saying ( but I will mention it anyway), the many people here who have offered there advice, tips and instructions. Without this forum ( Woody) it would have taken years to learn about the incredible legend 80 series landcruiser. OK on to the show

My History with Landcruisers goes way back to 1979 I was living back east at the time and was looking for a cool one of a kind vehicle - I bought a 1979 FJ40 right off the dealer lot for 13.5K. Since that time I have owner three more FJ40's. Somewhere in that time I had a conversation with my girlfriend Kristina AKA desertgirl, that on a certain important birthday passage, I would take her up to Alaska in the FJ40 and have an adventure.
Fast forward to 2004 I am driving a modified for off-road Tacoma - I show up at a Norcal Death Valley run, and I am now surrounded by 80 series Landcruisers. Seeing how these guys wheeled, and in total comfort, I new what I had to do, find myself a low milage 80 series and build it to go to Alaska...

BTW- you can read all about that trip HERE

[desertdude]

I have always been impressed with the look of the 80 series and how well they are built. I think I spent the next year reading every thread on this forum and all the FAQ's Having mostly spent my time on the FJ40 section. the 80 was new territory for me.
We found our 40th anniversary model in Cupertino Ca. The town made famous by Apple computer. The 80 came to us with 40K miles. The previous owner was meticulous with his care for this vehicle. He drove it on occasion on the pavement only and when he was finished driving it he gave it a complete detail and put it back in the garage. The 80 series was in new condition. And dripping with gold bling. ( first thing to go was all that extra gold bling badging... )

Once we took ownership desertgirl and I made or mod list and prepared to dig into the axles and brakes to make sure the landcruiser was ready for a 2.5 month Alaskan adventure. Once we had all the axles cleaned and re-greased bearings replaced and greased with new seals -slotted rotors and new '97 brake pads , which included Slee's stainless steel brake lines, we started the process of installing Slee's 4" lift kit. Using Christo's detailed PDF it was a breeze for us to do in the garage, while the 80 was up on 12 ton jack stands. I also used Slee's front control arms and the stock drive-shaft for the install.
We installed and ARB front bumper along with an XD9000 Warn winch fitted with Amsteel blue rope. Ken Hanna was kind enough to make us a rear bumper with tire and can carrier, along with a set of solid sliders. We installed Since this 80 came without lockers, we sent the diff's up to Slee off-road for ARB locker install and to have the diff's re-geared to 4:88's. We went with 315/75/16 BFG MTR Km's all the way around. I used the OEM locker switch to make a clean install ( and will soon replace the ARB compressor switch with something OEM for a nicer panel look.
For the many 12v outlets I added - I set up a blue sea 12 space fuse block in the rear under the panel on the passenger side. I ran a #4 wire from the main battery to the fuse block, from there I was able to distribute the power as needed. I used a Hell roaring battery combiner/isolator and installed a second Aux. battery in the engine compartment. Using Slee's washer bottle re-locater kit and a second battery tray I was able to fit in a second optima yellow top group 31 battery.

Check out a bunch of photos of the build process HERE

[desertdude]

A few scans of the brochure saved for us by the prevoius owner:

[desertdude]

We took the time to custom build a deck/drawer system which holds the Engel 45 fridge freezer a 48" drawer, a 15 gallon poly tank , an Isotemp Marine water heater which runs on 110 and or hot water from your engine, as well as a 12v shurflo water pump, 12v pump and a 12v extreme outback compressor. All of this fits neatly under the deck we covered the unit with heavy duty speaker carpet in prarie tan a perfect color match for the oak interior. I installed a couple of ties downs for the pelican cases and his and hers extra large North Face duffel bags -


See the complete set of deck/drawersystem photos HERE

[desertdude]

I did install a pair of 240 light-force aux lights on the ARB front bumper, but they came to an early demise on the Norcal Wagons Moab Prerun ( I should pay more attention in the forward direction) I replaced those with something I bought for my Tacoma. A nice pair of OEM Toyota aux lights purchased from Mot in Japan. Besides the 240's a quite big and could be blocking some cooling air in front of the radiator. I Switch those lights from an OEM light switch I bought from Slee.
In the ashtray position is a Uniden PRO510XL Compact CB Radio and behind the armrest console we installed a Yeasu 2800 2M radio. The CB antenna is a firestik Venice - and the 2m is a Comet 2m/70m - both on Comet hood lip mounts -I decided to use a hood mount on both the CB and 2M for a quick install ( I am thinking of moving the 2M antenna up on the back hatch like Cruiserdrew has , after talking with Andrew and Ron ( paradisecruiser) they both seem to have the best signals. and getting the anttena up higher should yield optimum results. The CB and 2m radios are powered directly to the main starting battery as are all the extra 12v power. I have a 60 gig iPod running into an FM converter module that the previous owner used for a DVD system. I use a monster cable from the ipod to the module. The 80 series sound system leaves a lot to be desired and this will be replaced at some-point with a new system once we finishe the more important modifications.
The last thing electrical we did was to install a Xantrex 1800 watt inverter to run the Isotemp hot water heater and to run/charge our Apple powerbooks and anything else we need 100 volts for. I ran extra heavy 3/0 wire from the Second Aux battery to the inverter. Trying not to make too long a run acrosst the Radiator to the main battery. This works out OK as I usually have the invertor on and heating water while I am driving, which keeps a fresh charge in the Second Aux battery. It takes about 30 minutes to bring the watwer temp to hot in the Isotemp stainless steel marine heater.
I installed a cold water dispenser in the back on the passenger side of the Engel fridge for easy access to cold drinking water, I included a marine aft deck shower controls on the rear drivers side of the deck for outside showering. The water tank is filled from the water inlet we drilled into the raer panel near the gas door. We use an inline water filter and a coil hose to fill the water tank. If we are out in the wild and can find a good water source I have a 110v water pump and can pump filtered water from a stream with ease.

[desertdude]

a few close ups

[desertdude]

Thanks to Kevin (Boston Mangler) I was able to join in on a group but for a 44 gal long ranger Aux. fuel tank. After seeing Robb's ( BluePaddler) 44 gal aux. tank while on a Baja trip, I was sold on the mileage range. I have the OEM sub-tank switch installed, and will make the time to install the tank, duel filler neck and the fuel gauge ( maybe use the switch and OEM gauge) I will also use George's pump module on the transfer pump. Kevin has a great install write up on this. Thanks Kev!

We had a chance to test out the 80 series on the Death Valley Daze 06 trip with the Norcal Wagons as well as their Moab Pre-run. The 80 performs beyond all our expectations. Having just spent the last 2.5 months on the road up to greet Mark Whatley and the Alaskan Cruiser Crew for the ACT06 trip - We had a real chance to get this vehicle out in the outback for river crossings and mud bogs. Even though we were traveling quite heavy the 80 wheeled well and got us up and back with no real mechanical issues. I changed out a cap and rotor and had two flats which I plugged. We we getting between 12.5 and 14.5 MPG depending on how hard I pushed. The leather interior seats make it very easy to drive for 12-16 hours with little fatigue. We are stoked to be driving this incredible legend, being a part of this community, and look forward to wheeling this 80 down through Mexico and on to South America...

in the last photo -see Jay DeShetler (AKA snook) hanging on for dear life (bless his heart) to get a video of the water crossing at Kane creek at CM06 for his up and coming Norcal prerun DVD

[desertdude]

more photos

[desertdude]

A few photos of behind the rocks run at CM06 - thanks to Chad Zierenberg AKA cougarfreak for the last photo of me catching air

[desertdude]

a few photos of the Maggiolina roof top tent and our tarp set-up. More to come...

[FirstToy]

The Dude Abides

[NorCalDoug]

kick ass!

[reffug]

can anybody give me directions to the gas station in pic #1???????

Dude nicely done.

Especially the links to mod write ups you have done so people can easily access the info.

As always thanks for contributing.

As previously mentioned dat is one kick azz 80.

[desertdude]

a few more very clean photos...

[desertdude]

doesn't anyone sleep around here?

I gotta ge driving to CA - it will be hot across the Mojave desert if I don't leave now - catch everyone later tonight

Thanks a bunch for letting me in here

[rgsiii]

Very nicely done with some great ideas!

[tarbe]

Wow! Just an amazing combination of mods.

I didn't catch it if you mentioned...any idea what she weighs fully loaded for a trip?

Did you give the Slee 4" any help in the back (packers)?

Great job all the way around.


ps - I could see making your 80 my retirement home

[loquito]

I was curious if you would tell me of any short comings your 80 had driving around up here. I am short real tires and lockers, oh and time of from work or I would have joined Mark and the crew.

I am one of the few 80's in the Alaska Cruiser Crew and so far have only been on the Kiddie trails. Can you offer me any 80 related advise?What tires did you run and how did they do in our mud?How did you do compared to the 40's and mini truck?Stuck more becouse 80's are so heavy? Did the size or the weight of your rig hinder you in comparison to the others in the group?

Way cool ride, I wish I had seen it in person but you guys left while I was working a 16 hour shift. Dam work gets in the way
Steven

[Beowulf]

Another excellent expedition rig and superb write-up.

In the past 2 weeks we have had Black-n-Tan and now Desertdude's fine truck. I really feel sorry for Big_Moose and the others that have to follow these last 2 ROTW threads.

-B-

[Riley]

Very nice truck. My wife and I are very impressed. The tent is super interesting. I need to go research that and might have some follow-up questions.

edit:

1st question: What width of tent did you get? Seem roomy enough for 2 adults?

[locrwln1]

Excellent example. I hope mine will grow up to be like that someday.

Jack

[desertdude]

Originally Posted by tarbe

Wow! Just an amazing combination of mods.

I didn't catch it if you mentioned...any idea what she weighs fully loaded for a trip?

Did you give the Slee 4" any help in the back (packers)?

Great job all the way around.


ps - I could see making your 80 my retirement home

I am using Slee's 4" with OME L shocks - I spoke with Christo before leaving for AK his 4" heavies were not quite in yet ( they are now) I will be installing those end of this month - this will help with the 160L Aux tank ( extra weight) I also have in the garage waiting to be installed are Bilstein 7100 Remote Res shocks to help with a bit of body roll from the tent and addition weight.

We were approx. 7K lbs quite heavy for off-roading - but hey what can you do

Brett ( dieselbigot) calls this an offroad motor-home he is right we lived in it for almost 12 weeks and only hit a resort maybe 5 times just for a change of pace - the set up is real easy to set up as a matter of fact it is built so either I or desertgirl can fuly set up camp by ourselves in less than 20 min.

[desertdude]

Originally Posted by loquito

I was curious if you would tell me of any short comings your 80 had driving around up here. I am short real tires and lockers, oh and time of from work or I would have joined Mark and the crew.

I am one of the few 80's in the Alaska Cruiser Crew and so far have only been on the Kiddie trails. Can you offer me any 80 related advise?What tires did you run and how did they do in our mud?How did you do compared to the 40's and mini truck?Stuck more becouse 80's are so heavy? Did the size or the weight of your rig hinder you in comparison to the others in the group?

Way cool ride, I wish I had seen it in person but you guys left while I was working a 16 hour shift. Dam work gets in the way
Steven

sorry to have missed you on the trek - I ran the same BFG MTR KM's totally worthless in the mud - if I could have I would have run TSL's swampers - but I did learn how to hit the gas and power my way through the mud - reving the tires to spin them clean on occasion-

Wheeling is all driver - we got stuck in the first mud hole because I was not fully in 4X4 mode in my mind - once I got a few tips from Mark I only got stuck once more due to the mud being deep - I felt like we were a bit heavy, but so were many of the other rigs ( Gregs BJ74 ) and he did real well- all and all I felt we kept up - and some of use 80's were really rallying through it.

[desertdude]

Originally Posted by Beowulf

Another excellent expedition rig and superb write-up.

In the past 2 weeks we have had Black-n-Tan and now Desertdude's fine truck. I really feel sorry for Big_Moose and the others that have to follow these last 2 ROTW threads.

-B-

thanks for the fine words

[desertdude]

Originally Posted by Riley

Very nice truck. My wife and I are very impressed. The tent is super interesting. I need to go research that and might have some follow-up questions.

edit:

1st question: What width of tent did you get? Seem roomy enough for 2 adults?

I have the Maggiolina Airland small ( they call it now) 51” x 83” x 11-3/4”

sleeps two very comfortable ( I am 6'1") this tent has made all the difference in expedition type travel - all you do is crank it up and drop the ladder down the bedding and pillows are all up there made all ready - just like a motel and I can move it from the 80 to the Tacoma in less than 15 minutes -

[desertdude]

this was my third Snorkel install so it was not to scary -I still can't reach the last two nuts deep inside - Rob (clarkrw3) from our club has offered to reach them for me

[desertdude]

I installed the ARB compressor using Slee's nicely made bracket which tucks the mini compressor neatly into the corner - I then ran the lines back to the rear and to the front diffs - and connected those to the air switches. The switches are mounted on Slee's ultra cool air manifold - then screwed onto the firewall - I made very sure all my lines mimicked the hydraulic brake lines and left some extra for the lift and flex -

[desertdude]

I really like the way the interior of the 80 comes apart - kinda like an airplane - easy once you know the few tricks and best of all it usually snaps back together for a nice tight fit with no rattles

I used an OEM locker switch I got from Slee - this is a nice way to activate the front and rear lockers - I searched this forum for the wiring diagram - I used the stock ARB switch for the compressor - but I am planning on changing this to some simple OEM switch - reason is I seem to keep hitting the switch off and then I have no lockers ...right Cruiserdrew

[desertdude]

While I was under the 80 running the air lines- desertgirl was digging into the panel near the stereo to install the CDL switch we got from Slee - using the supplied PDF it was an easy mod - we then found the wire to pull out near the drivers dead pedal to give us total manual control of the center diff lock

[desertdude]

We removed the diffs and sent those up to Slee for re-gearing to 4:88's and to have the ARB lockers installed - Knowing this would cost me some in shipping - I still felt it was worth having quailty work done once on this our Alaskan Expedition vehicle

"buy the best and cry once" has been my motto - We have not been dissapointed in this decision

See desertgirl making sure the diff nuts go on correctly