[MaddBaggins]

Here’s my girl Tortuga, I once thought about selling her, but have since changed my mind. I’m emotionally attached. She’s my daily driver and she sees a lot of dirt/rock miles as well.
ROTW part I
ROTW part II
160k miles
sunroof
cloth interior
no factory roof rack

MODS:
OME J spring/L shock lift
Aluminum CSC front spring spacers
Landtanks Castor correction plates
Slee lower rear control arms (the old style tube ones with stock bushings)
Slee adj upper rear arms
adj panhards from MAF
Yokohama Geolander AT/S 315/75 r16 on black steel 16x8 rims
CDL switch and pin 7 mod
Aussie locker in rear
ARB locker in front (air compressor mounted in stock jack location, plumbed with air chuck for emergency air)
4.88 Yukon gears
Slee transfer case skid plate
Slee sliders
4x4Labs DIY rear bumper with dual swingouts (tire/2 gas cans) See here
custom front bumper by me and friend part I and part II
T-Max Outback Series 9000 winch with 3/8x90 Viking trail line(synth rope) on custom receiver mount. See here
sway bar extensions by me (1/2 tube-3-1/2 extended links)
2 Lightforce 170 aux lights with OEM aux switch
Slee lighting harness and aux harness
National Luna dual battery kit
Urban Landcruisers battery cables
ARB 3/4 length roof rack
OEM hand throttle
O-ring trick on the ISC
40 series Flowmaster muffler with custom 2-1/2” exhaust
Eclipse CD deck with iPod control box, 700watt Planet Audio amp, pair of 8” woofers and door speakers
Cobra CB with Firestix 4’ antenna
Rear storage deck (3rd row seats sold a long time ago) See here
re-tubed rear driveshaft thicker than stock (.2 tube IIRC)
Slee SS extended brake lines
flares gone and Durabak coated (sun damaged a bit, needs a couple new coats or not) See here
front sway bar quick disconnects (custom-me) See here
front diff armor (custom-me)
Blue hub fan clutch fluid mod 15k cst fluid

MAINTENANCE:
birfs repacked and new bearings at 120k
rear axle hubs repacked and new bearings at 150k
new OEM radiator, hoses, t-stat a year ago.
reman Toyota starter 3 years ago
head gasket done at 144k as maintenance, head cleaned, tested and 10 thousandths milled off
water pump replaced with HG
new tie-rod ends 1 year ago
new OEM bushings in front control arms (all 6)
tranny filter cleaned 3 years ago
new belts 3 years ago
PCV valve and hoses replaced 4 years ago
Dist cap and wires replaced 2 years ago
PHH replaced with Gates greenstripe nearly 4 years ago
new OEM u-joints front shaft 2 years ago, rear shaft less than 1 year ago
new rear brake rotors
front and rear brake calipers rebuilt 3 years ago
fuel filter replaced 3 years ago
new OEM power steering pump
reman’ed OEM alternator
new PS pressure lines

For fluids I use:

motor oil Chevron Delo 400 15w40 Blackstone reports
front diff Valvoline Durablend 75-90
rear diff Valvoline Durablend 85-140
transfer case Mobil 1 Synthetic 75-90
transmission Mobil 1 synthetic ATF
power steering Mobil 1 synthetic ATF
Toyota red coolant

for grease I use:

in u-joints Mobil 1 synthetic
in driveshafts Valvoline Durablend Moly
in birfs Valvoline Durablend Moly

Well, thats all I can remember right now. I'm sure I've forgotten something.

She’s a great runner and wheeler. She’s been my first project car and I’m pretty proud of the results. She’s not as clean and polished as some, but I think she’s the best 80 out there.

Lots of pics of her in use here.

.

[MaddBaggins]

more pics

Middle pic: I'm the ugly dude on the left. Elk hunt 08

[NLXTACY]

O-ring trick on the TPS?

[MaddBaggins]

Originally Posted by NLXTACY

O-ring trick on the TPS?

Sorry, ISC not TPS. It's been so many years since I did it, I forgot what it's called.
Brings down the startup RPM's.
you add a small o-ring to it and your startup RPMs will drop about 400 or more. In turn that also helps reduce startup rattle.

Here's a decent thread about it. I think I read about it on the 80's cool list at one time.
http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-te...high-idle.html

I think this is where I first read about it. Some of the pics are gone. http://web.archive.org/web/200106271...fast_idle.html

[desertdude]

Tortuga - hard to let go of a legend

[MaddBaggins]

Originally Posted by desertdude

Tortuga - hard to let go of a legend

Yeah, I have a new project in the works that will allow me to not use her as my daily driver anymore. That way I can stop racking up the miles on her for just around town stuff.

[MaddBaggins]

Over 400 views. Anybody got any questions or comments?

[Atticus]

What would you differently if you had to do it over again?

[MaddBaggins]

Originally Posted by Atticus

What would you differently if you had to do it over again?

THAT is a good question. I have often pondered that. I love my rig the way it is now and how it rides and handles. Having said that, if I did it over, I would keep the suspension and gearing closer to stock. More like hltoppr's old 80. More expedition and less rock.

If I built another it would have OME heavies with Landtanks plates. I would go with more narrow tires in an AT version and maybe a re-gear to 4.56. I would put selectables in both diffs. I wouldn't do much else different.

I don't regret what I have done to Tortuga, she's awesome, but if I did another it would be less mod'ed.

[WyattT]

Really nice truck. I Like the way that bumper looks from the front, I always appreciate the custom work so much more.

[edog's 80]

Sweet Rig, I am jealous. It looks like the hoops on the front bumper were added later according to that pic of you coming down the rocks? It does not look it needs anything.

[Bluto]

Originally Posted by MaddBaggins

THAT is a good question. I have often pondered that. I love my rig the way it is now and how it rides and handles. Having said that, if I did it over, I would keep the suspension and gearing closer to stock. More like hltoppr's old 80. More expedition and less rock.

If I built another it would have OME heavies with Landtanks plates. I would go with more narrow tires in an AT version and maybe a re-gear to 4.56. I would put selectables in both diffs. I wouldn't do much else different.

I don't regret what I have done to Tortuga, she's awesome, but if I did another it would be less mod'ed.

Thats nice to know. It gives another perspective to the newbies - mod it how you plan to use it. But I dont see Tortuga having problems doing the expedition/overland thing .

Thanks for the update on the rig.

[RedTacoma]

Awesome looking rig.

[NLXTACY]

Originally Posted by MaddBaggins

Over 400 views. Anybody got any questions or comments?

You answered them all in Parts I and II

BTW I'm not surprised that you would have stayed closer to stock had you started from scratch. This is one of those things everyone keeps harping on me about because I concentrate on making my life easier mods versus "how high can I lift it" mods.

[latinoguy]

Nice rig, eventually I will move on to adding an Aussie, then maybe ARB air front locker like your set up. How often do you find yourself engaging the front locker?

[MaddBaggins]

Originally Posted by latinoguy

Nice rig, eventually I will move on to adding an Aussie, then maybe ARB air front locker like your set up. How often do you find yourself engaging the front locker?

Only occasionally. Most of the time the rear locker and the CDL get me through.

[Lugboot]

Originally Posted by MaddBaggins

THAT is a good question. I have often pondered that. I love my rig the way it is now and how it rides and handles. Having said that, if I did it over, I would keep the suspension and gearing closer to stock. More like hltoppr's old 80. More expedition and less rock.

If I built another it would have OME heavies with Landtanks plates. I would go with more narrow tires in an AT version and maybe a re-gear to 4.56. I would put selectables in both diffs. I wouldn't do much else different.

I don't regret what I have done to Tortuga, she's awesome, but if I did another it would be less mod'ed.

That's really interesting--when we first got ours, I used to think about going bigger but then I just put it off to see how I was primarily using the truck. Now I know I'm at a good height for what the truck will see. I have Heavies and Landtank's plates, too. I wonder if everyone goes down the "bigger is better" road when they frist think about modding these things.

Very nice truck. Thanks for sharing!

[lt1fire]

Does the winch being so high up block any air flow to the rad??

Also what does this do exactly (air compressor mounted in stock jack location, plumbed with air chuck for emergency air)

[MaddBaggins]

Originally Posted by lt1fire

Does the winch being so high up block any air flow to the rad??

Also what does this do exactly (air compressor mounted in stock jack location, plumbed with air chuck for emergency air)

I've never seen any issue's with cooling. There's still lots of exposed grill for airflow. I live in Tucson, so if airflow was an issue, I would have found out by now.

The air compressor is for the front ARB locker. Rather than stuff it into an already crowded engine bay, where it's hot, I put it at the rear of the vehicle in an un-used space. Then plumbed it with an air chuck for "just in case" air. I also have a 10lb power tank and MV1050 compressor. The ARB would be last resort for filling tires.

[cc93cruiser]

-Baggins, you got any pics of your Elk hunt? Would love to see them! Where did you hunt?

[MaddBaggins]

Originally Posted by cc93cruiser

-Baggins, you got any pics of your Elk hunt? Would love to see them! Where did you hunt?

Just a couple more snow pics like the ones above. We hunted around Stoneman Lake and Schnebly Hill. Just south of Flagstaff AZ.

[josharre2000]

I actually like the idea of putting the ARB compressor in one of the rear panels. You happen to have any pictures? I am getting ready to start a HG PM and after that's over its on to ARBs and 4.88s.

josh

[MaddBaggins]

Originally Posted by josharre2000

I actually like the idea of putting the ARB compressor in one of the rear panels. You happen to have any pictures? I am getting ready to start a HG PM and after that's over its on to ARBs and 4.88s.

josh

These were the best angles I could get around my storage deck. One from the side and one from above.
Also, I sleeved the entire length of the blue air line in 1/4 fuel line. Not an easy task, but protects every inch if air line from getting cut or worn thru. The air line runs thru the rear quarter panel, then under the carpet to the firewall, then thru the firewall and down to the front diff.
.

[80t0ylc]

Originally Posted by MaddBaggins

Also, I sleeved the entire length of the blue air line in 1/4 fuel line. Not an easy task, but protects every inch if air line from getting cut or worn thru. The air line runs thru the rear quarter panel, then under the carpet to the firewall, then thru the firewall and down to the front diff.
.

Wow, I bet you made up some new words doing that! And on the ARB air locker subject, since my 80 is unlocked and I envision it someday having air lockers. I wonder if you could use hard brake line for most of the runs - like on the frame and down on the axles. Use a SS flex line from frame to axle and then use the blue air line just at the ends (diff. & compressor). Seems like it would hold up and be less susceptible to damage. I thought I'd ask a current air locker owner & user for their .02.

BTW - Tortuga looks awsome! '94s were the BEST year!

[MaddBaggins]

Originally Posted by 80t0ylc

Wow, I bet you made up some new words doing that! And on the ARB air locker subject, since my 80 is unlocked and I envision it someday having air lockers. I wonder if you could use hard brake line for most of the runs - like on the frame and down on the axles. Use a SS flex line from frame to axle and then use the blue air line just at the ends (diff. & compressor). Seems like it would hold up and be less susceptible to damage. I thought I'd ask a current air locker owner & user for their .02.

BTW - Tortuga looks awsome! '94s were the BEST year!

It wasn't to difficult. A little WD40 and some patience.

If you can make the connection work on the hard line then go for it. My only worry would be the connection point. Instead of one long run from the compressor to the diff, you would have transitions in there. Those would be your most likely point to fail.

Thanks and 94's are the best

Congrats on the front bumper!

[Moody]

Hey there Alvin...I didn't get to see your truck all that closely as we were in your driveway at night (AT Pickup) it sure is a choice rig.
I have a question, and forgive my ignorance, but why two different weights on the diff fluid?
I am guessing it has to do with the aussie locker?

Roger

[MaddBaggins]

Originally Posted by Moody

Hey there Alvin...I didn't get to see your truck all that closely as we were in your driveway at night (AT Pickup) it sure is a choice rig.
I have a question, and forgive my ignorance, but why two different weights on the diff fluid?
I am guessing it has to do with the aussie locker?

Roger

Exactly. Aussie recommends using a heavier oil with their locker. It helps keep down the noise of the locker in street use.

[UCBerzerkeley]

Why such a variety of fluids if you don't mind me asking? Do you stay loyal to the fluid in each location, or is that just what is currently in your truck?

Thought about running a synthetic motor oil? I know the chevron delo is unbeatable for a dino, but you got synthetics in so many other places already, so just thought I would ask

[MaddBaggins]

Originally Posted by UCBerzerkeley

Why such a variety of fluids if you don't mind me asking? Do you stay loyal to the fluid in each location, or is that just what is currently in your truck?

Thought about running a synthetic motor oil? I know the chevron delo is unbeatable for a dino, but you got synthetics in so many other places already, so just thought I would ask

I tried Mobil 1 motor oil for a while. It's pricey and I couldn't let the change interval stretch out enough to justify it.
I'm getting excellent results with Delo at 4500 intervals and it's 8-9 bucks a gallon. See here and here for my Blackstone reports.

With the diffs I change out once a year. Mobil 1 is to pricey for that. I use the Valvoline Durablend over the cheapy stuff though.

I use Mobil 1 syn in the transfer because it only has 1-1/2 qts and see's harsh duty. Only the best there and I change it once a year.

The tranny gets a drain and refill (6qts) once a year with Mobil 1 syn ATF.

Yes, I'm loyal to each of these fluids in each application. When I first got the rig, I went nuts with Mobil 1 everywhere. Thats expensive. It's the best out there and so I continue to use it in the tranny and transfer because they get used hard. There's a ton of good choices for motor oil and I prefer to change it more often so I went back to dino for the cost savings. With the diffs I change once year since you never know when you might get water contamination from deep crossings. My breathers are extended, but I've heard it can still get in. Hasn't happened to me, but I still change it anyway.

[UCBerzerkeley]

Originally Posted by MaddBaggins

I tried Mobil 1 motor oil for a while. It's pricey and I couldn't let the change interval stretch out enough to justify it.
I'm getting excellent results with Delo at 4500 intervals and it's 8-9 bucks a gallon. See here and here for my Blackstone reports.

With the diffs I change out once a year. Mobil 1 is to pricey for that. I use the Valvoline Durablend over the cheapy stuff though.

I use Mobil 1 syn in the transfer because it only has 1-1/2 qts and see's harsh duty. Only the best there and I change it once a year.

The tranny gets a drain and refill (6qts) once a year with Mobil 1 syn ATF.

Yes, I'm loyal to each of these fluids in each application. When I first got the rig, I went nuts with Mobil 1 everywhere. Thats expensive. It's the best out there and so I continue to use it in the tranny and transfer because they get used hard. There's a ton of good choices for motor oil and I prefer to change it more often so I went back to dino for the cost savings. With the diffs I change once year since you never know when you might get water contamination from deep crossings. My breathers are extended, but I've heard it can still get in. Hasn't happened to me, but I still change it anyway.

You make some great points, especially about the engine oil. That Delo is mighty impressive. I'd prefer to run Delo in several spots, particularly the delo gear oil, but it is virtually impossible to get ahold of. A Delo dino/Mobil1 synth combo vehicle is in my future, but currently I have valvoline in too many places for my liking because it's cheap.

thanks for the input, i'll be following your advice for sure