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11-28-05, 04:20 AM
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 #1 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Kingsport, TN
Posts: 1,282
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ROTW TiredironGRB
1991 FJ80 with Volvo Portals
Having been a military vehicle collector for over twenty years I’ve owned a wide range of vehicles from a World War Two tank to a Slantback Humvee, but the military vehicle that performed best off-road was the Volvo C304 6X6 which had portal axles but lacked in the "Creature Feature" area.
I’m also a big Land Cruiser fan having owned a couple FJ40s and a FJ55, so when I ran across a good deal on a "91 FJ80 I couldn't resist. My original intention was to make it a medium duty trail rig with the usual modifications (springs and shocks, lockers, tires, etc.). I drove the 80 for a couple of weeks and was amazed at the comfort and sturdy design, with it parked beside the Volvo 6X6 I began to notice how well the Volvo portal axles would fit underneath the 80.
Fujitsu tablet PC with Delorme TopoUSA with GPS.
ARB Bumper with MileMarker 12,500# winch.
Mounted the MileMarker upside down and used the upper fairlead mount.
I picked up a setup of Volvo C303 Portal Axles with the 5.99 gearing.
All the old brackets were removed and the stock FJ mounts were graphed on.
The Volvo axles have vacuum operated lockers so I also got the control valves from the donor vehicle.
I added a vacuum pump from an RV to backup the engine vacuum, it also acts as backup for the brake booster.
These adapters let me keep the stock driveshafts, the Volvo stumps were 1" shorter so the adapters fit perfectly.
The portals gave me 5" of lift but it was still a little close so I got a set of OME 2" Heavy springs and shocks from Slee.
I went with 38.5-11-16 TSL Boggers, anything wider would require custom wheels with less backspacing.
With the new springs it measures 44.5" to the center of the wheelwell.
There's about 2" of clearance at the tightest point.
17.5" of ground clearance.
Homemade sliders.
I have put about 3000 miles on it and it drives great and is very capable off road.
Last edited by TiredIronGRB; 12-25-06 at 11:53 AM.
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11-28-05, 04:36 AM
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#2 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: chicago
Posts: 689
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wheeling PICS!!!!!...... very cool build...
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11-28-05, 07:51 AM
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#3 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,335
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WOW  That is awesome. Very nice truck.
How are those drum brakes on stopping the Cruiser? Your 3000 mile test drive any on the highway? How has does it roll at 65? Braking from highway speeds?
Edit...and I second...MORE WHEELING PICS!
__________________
1994 FZJ80, stock, emerald green, 148k
TLCA #14457
LSLC Member
TX_TLC ROTW
"We will know how long they last when the first one wears out."
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11-28-05, 08:00 AM
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#4 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Kingsport, TN
Posts: 1,282
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Last edited by TiredIronGRB; 12-25-06 at 11:55 AM.
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11-28-05, 08:37 AM
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#5 (permalink)
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Forum Lifer
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Corrales, NM
Posts: 4,935
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Nice air on that tree corner...you need some more pushers!!
Beautifully throught-out rig.
Congrats! 
-onur
__________________
1997 FZJ80 with and without lots of stuff.
2001 Honda Accord 3.0L V6 VTEC Coupe EX.
In and out of focus, time turns elastic.
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11-28-05, 10:22 AM
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#6 (permalink)
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grown up MOD
Join Date: May 2004
Location: 'in dat der briar patch'
Posts: 3,886
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Wow!!!!!
Thats all I have to say about that.
__________________
"If it wasn't a Landcruiser and hadn't been built the way it was you do realize you would be DEAD." VA State Police Officer
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11-28-05, 10:44 AM
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neowulf
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This message has been deleted by Romer.
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11-28-05, 11:01 AM
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#7 (permalink)
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500- Club
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: South Missippi
Posts: 421
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I want those axles !!!
Very nice rig,
Thanks
__________________
Chris
97 lx450 retro-locked, CDL switch, 7 pin mod, Slee 4" kit, ShortBus bumper, 35's, GPS, DVD.
Temporarily not muddy or dented.
The Gruen Machuen
04 530i 
"A human being has a natural desire to have more of a good thing than he needs"
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11-28-05, 11:32 AM
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#8 (permalink)
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Forum Regular
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Boca Raton/University of Florida, Gainesville
Posts: 186
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watched your build up. great job i love your rig.
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11-28-05, 12:58 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Long Island, New York
Posts: 362
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How would you say that Slant Back Mil Spec Hummer does against your LC???
I almost sold the LC for a Mil Spec M998 with 27k miles but that 6.2 GM diesel stinks!! And the matinence is insane.
__________________
DESPERATELY SEARCHING FOR A CHEAP FJ60!!!! HELP!
1997 LC Green/Tan (SOLD) I'm Kicking My Self In the ACE AS YOU ARE READING THIS!!!
2004 Honda Pilot EX
2007 honda Accord V6
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11-28-05, 01:19 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Kingsport, TN
Posts: 1,282
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I wouldn't trade my 80 for two of the Humvees if I had to keep them. I got it stuck in wet grass once...seriously 
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11-28-05, 01:39 PM
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#11 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Cranbrook BC
Posts: 1,369
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Well, I am sure you have heard it before.
But NICE!
Portals and an 80. Sounds tasty.
Put a 1HD-T into the mix and I would have to steal it from you. 
But seriously, good job.
Thats one nice looking rig.
__________________
1988 BJ74 / Lots of goodies - Sold
1990 HDJ81 / Fully outfitted loaded beautiful truck - Rolled
1985 BJ60 / Beautiful Stock truck - Stolen
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11-28-05, 02:04 PM
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#12 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Kaneohe, HI
Posts: 595
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Thanks for thinking outside the box! You have pushed the envelope just a bit further in what can be done, and how to do it correctly. One question, what would you consider the weak link now of the rig? No more Birfs, but what are the limits of the Volvo's?
Nice rig!
-Matt
__________________
94 FJZ80,locked,EMU'd,snorked,AMMO Sliders,plated,FAB'd, int LINEX'd,body lifted,over-head consoled,AMMO HD tie-rods,Sparco, rollin on 17's wrapped in 37's Iroc's *Now more gooder w/ 5.29's* LINK MOTORSPORTS Recovery Vehicle
http://www.linkmotorsports.com
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11-28-05, 02:10 PM
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#13 (permalink)
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Infidel for hire
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 1,893
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Thats one sweet rig. A few questions
Hows the engine performance with the new axles?
Is it easy for you to regear if you ever need to?
How are the vacuum operated lockers in comparison to the standard lockers we all know ie OEM or ARB?
__________________
Victor
08 FJ TT edition
71 fj40 project rig
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11-28-05, 02:11 PM
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 Biff
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This message has been deleted by Biff.
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11-28-05, 03:27 PM
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#14 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Tampa
Posts: 1,008
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You've definately got some skills. Truck looks great! I also enjoyed perusing the WWII vehicle restoration on your website - also some nice work. Thanks for raising the bar in the 80's community.
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11-28-05, 03:35 PM
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#15 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Kingsport, TN
Posts: 1,282
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by AMMO
One question, what would you consider the weak link now of the rig? No more Birfs, but what are the limits of the Volvo's?
-Matt
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It still has birfs but they are pretty strong, I think the weak link would be the portal gears if you had more horsepower. Biggest limit is not wanting to tear it up.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Biff
Thats one sweet rig. A few questions
Hows the engine performance with the new axles?
Is it easy for you to regear if you ever need to?
How are the vacuum operated lockers in comparison to the standard lockers we all know ie OEM or ARB?
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It performs better with the portals because when I got it had 33" BFG ATs and it was very slugish, final gearing now is a little lower than stock so it gives the 3FE a little more out of the hole.
There's only three different ratios on the Volvo portal axles 6.00 (which I have), 7.10, and 7.56.
The vacuum controls are great, with the 80 or the Volvo 6X6 I never had any problems. Vacuum tends to seal rather that seep. I never cared much for the ARB lockers because of the leaks after they have some age on them. All the vacuum parts are servicable from outside the axle housing.
Last edited by TiredIronGRB; 12-25-06 at 12:00 PM.
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11-28-05, 07:01 PM
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#16 (permalink)
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Lickalotapus Rex
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Planet P
Posts: 2,575
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Portals on the 80, that is cool! That's a good looking rig, nice job 
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11-28-05, 10:41 PM
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#17 (permalink)
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Forum Lifer
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Reno
Posts: 5,959
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Good pics and great video...thanks for sharing!
__________________
Modded '99 for overlanding/exploring: 35's, 4.88's, AO drawers, Slee rr, TJM fr, ARB fr locker, ear candy, Waeco CF-50, PowerGate with 2nd battery with custom home brew battery tray, home brew sliders & Slee belly and skid plates, 9.5XP/Masterpull, Solstice LEDs, OEM 864's, Foxes x 4, 12mm BL, Carl's UCAs, LT285/75R18 GY MT/R Kevlar, KK in tow... HAMified
ROTM: http://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-c...pressomon.html
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11-29-05, 04:19 AM
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#18 (permalink)
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Forum Regular
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 248
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Been waiting to see you on the ROTW for a while now. Love your rig, I want my 91' on portals.
__________________
Nick Martinez
TLCA # 14984
07' Tacoma PreRunner 5spd Brought home 12/29/06 
05' SR5 Tacoma Brought home 4/24/06 Flipped 12/06/06 
1991 FJ80 155k - Traded in 4/25/06 
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11-29-05, 10:42 AM
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#19 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 1,369
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Just when I start thinking I am done with the mods.....
Nice job bro!
__________________
Tim A
TLCA #2620
'97 LX-450, 163K miles SOLD to BUCKRU
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11-29-05, 11:15 AM
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#20 (permalink)
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still solving problems...
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: uhhhh...duh...Northern CA
Posts: 5,334
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That's a very nice and very clean build.
__________________
a couple pairs of pink panties...
Another convert to the Church of Latter Day Swank, a sub-cult of Shahrislam
"...Opportunity doesn't knock, you have to kick the fuckin door in and drag the bitch out screamin." -- Ullr
"I have more respect for people who change their views after acquiring new information than for those who cling to views they held thirty years ago. The world changes. Ideologues and zealots don't." - Michael Crichton
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11-29-05, 12:28 PM
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#21 (permalink)
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Parts Geek, M1 Mechanic
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Wheelin' a Camry
Posts: 14,952
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"Having been a military vehicle collector for over twenty years I’ve owned a wide range of vehicles "
Yer such a tease........
Got any halftracks?
I want one.... 
__________________
Original owner 93 FZJ80,locked,blown,water/methanol injected(like a WWII fighter aircraft),lifted,winched,snorkeled,slidered,Sleeed ,moneypit. Balanced on a pin head. 95 FZJ80 trail truck (hers), 94 FZJ80 320K with a knock and a lumpy old Dodge car. 
http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/r...Gastrap063.jpg
http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/r...frifles004.jpg
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11-29-05, 12:45 PM
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#22 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Kingsport, TN
Posts: 1,282
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Oh yea, I had this M16 Half Track. It has a Quad 50Cal turret in the rear.
You can look on my web page at all the other MVs I've built over the years.
Tired Iron Military Vehicle Club
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11-29-05, 01:44 PM
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#23 (permalink)
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The quick brown fox .....
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Somewhere in the foothills...
Posts: 11,847
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I wonder if we will ever be able to buy the M1A1 tank?
-B-
__________________
97 FZJ80 - Locked, 315 Toyos, 4.88s, Slee 4", George's sliders, Slee bumpers, Warn M12000, OBA, Yaesu 7800, Outback drawers + other stuff. Transformation complete.
Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere. And sometimes in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.
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11-29-05, 02:07 PM
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#24 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Kingsport, TN
Posts: 1,282
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Beowulf
I wonder if we will ever be able to buy the M1A1 tank?
-B-
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Nope, nor Bradley's.
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11-29-05, 04:36 PM
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#25 (permalink)
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Parts Geek, M1 Mechanic
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Wheelin' a Camry
Posts: 14,952
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What if we were to found a new country that needed a bit of "assistance"?
__________________
Original owner 93 FZJ80,locked,blown,water/methanol injected(like a WWII fighter aircraft),lifted,winched,snorkeled,slidered,Sleeed ,moneypit. Balanced on a pin head. 95 FZJ80 trail truck (hers), 94 FZJ80 320K with a knock and a lumpy old Dodge car.
http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/r...Gastrap063.jpg
http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/r...frifles004.jpg
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11-30-05, 04:30 PM
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#26 (permalink)
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Forum Regular
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Boca Raton/University of Florida, Gainesville
Posts: 186
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 we could take over the wooorrrrrrllllllllllllddddddddddd
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11-30-05, 05:34 PM
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#27 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 364
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Very nice I wish i had the money to do that.It looks great.
__________________
1997 anniversary FZJ80 Factory Lockers,custom sliders,Rebuilt Engine bored .020,Custom winch bullbar bumper.
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12-04-05, 12:31 PM
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#28 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Kingsport, TN
Posts: 1,282
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I would like to thank everyone for their compliments and encouragement on this project . This forum has been a wealth of knowledge (and entertainment) for me.
I hope to build a portaled FZJ80 in the near future so stay tuned.
George
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12-04-05, 02:36 PM
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#29 (permalink)
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The quick brown fox .....
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Somewhere in the foothills...
Posts: 11,847
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by TiredIronGRB
I hope to build a portaled FZJ80 in the near future so stay tuned.
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Buy and install Mot's brand new Safari Turbocharger and you have built my fanatasy vehicle. (Well, maybe with a few other Slee bits and pieces)
This has been one of my favorite ROTWs.
-B-
__________________
97 FZJ80 - Locked, 315 Toyos, 4.88s, Slee 4", George's sliders, Slee bumpers, Warn M12000, OBA, Yaesu 7800, Outback drawers + other stuff. Transformation complete.
Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere. And sometimes in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.
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12-04-05, 07:14 PM
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#30 (permalink)
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Forum Regular
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 222
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by TiredIronGRB
I hope to build a portaled FZJ80 in the near future so stay tuned.
George
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Are you planning to convert to disc brakes?
In your opinion how difficult would this be with the Volvo axles?
Thanks,
PS Dream rig by the way!
__________________
Newly relocated to Mid-coast Maine, USA
1997 FZJ80 40th Edition (w/ OEM Lockers, OME 850/860 with Bilsteins, Slee Slider-Steps, CDL w/ "Pin 7" and 33" Swamper LTBs)
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reffug
cruiserdan
