FJ80 Suspension Installation in Southern Calif.

SoCal_80 · 04-21-08, 11:55 AM

Hey! Just bought a '93 FJ80 that I want to begin working on. I am looking for someone or a shop in the Southern California area (near Long Beach would be best) to install an EMU suspension kit for me. I checked with the local source where i want to purchase the kit from and they seem rather high... Thanks in advance! Oh ya, I would love to help with the install and or buy

when we are done!

1967 TLC · 04-22-08, 10:26 PM

If you're looking for a good local Cruiser Mechanic call Jim Dickey. He's been working on Land Cruisers for years and he can help you with everything from a simple tune-up, to a frame-up restoration complete with all the latest modifications that you could want. Phone: 310-329-9007.

This is a link Southern California Toyota Land Cruiser Association to the Socal TLCA Land Cruiser web site. Go to the "Parts and Service" page.

From what I'm told, this install is not too hard and can be done in a weekend. Great way to learn about your Cruiser!

Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

SoCal_80 · 04-23-08, 08:51 AM

Hello and thank you for getting back to me. I phoned Jm and and i got the feeling he did not really like or want to work on 80 series trucks. But ya, i heard the install was not toooo bad even for a complete newbie. Another member offered to lend a hand so i think i might try to tackle the install myself. Thanks again!

1967 TLC · 04-23-08, 10:02 PM

I think you will find working on the Cruiser is quite addictive! Jim is a good guy and he did a lot of work on my FJ-40, but when I got the 60, the wife was none too pleased and took the check book! So, I did all the labor and loved it.

Had a fellow member help me with the 350 engine swap, but I pulled the old engine out myself. Not being a mechanic, I felt pretty good! So much so, I then tackled the whole suspension and replaced all the leaf springs and shocks. The list goes on! Its fun!

TLCAddict · 04-27-08, 04:40 PM

Hey So Cal-
After years of searching, I finally bought my 88 FJ62. Fortunately, I know Jonathan Ward, owner of TLC 4x4...cool shop & they'll work on your 80.
Try these guys too...and chk out their site TLC. 818.785.2375Service mgr is Jay, another cool cat. They're located in Van Nuys, off the 405, so I'm not sure if this conveniently located for you, but give 'em a chance.
BTW, on 5/3, there's a Toyotafest at Long Beach City College...lots of vendors & land cruisers showing up!
hope this helps...

SoCal_80 · 04-29-08, 11:05 AM

Hey..Thanks for getting back to me and referring TLC. I worked with them years ago and they are great, just a wee bit expensive at times though. That said, their quality is 2nd to none, period. I met a number of local guys on the forum who offered to give me a hand with the lift and we are going to do it soon.

I will defiantly be at Toyotafest! I almost live across the street from the stadium and will be checking it out!

04-21-08, 11:55 AM	#1
SoCal_80 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Beach, Ca. TLCA# 18849 Posts: 102	FJ80 Suspension Installation in Southern Calif. Hey! Just bought a '93 FJ80 that I want to begin working on. I am looking for someone or a shop in the Southern California area (near Long Beach would be best) to install an EMU suspension kit for me. I checked with the local source where i want to purchase the kit from and they seem rather high... Thanks in advance! Oh ya, I would love to help with the install and or buy when we are done!

04-22-08, 10:26 PM	#2
1967 TLC IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Anaheim, CA TLCA# 12272 Posts: 186	If you're looking for a good local Cruiser Mechanic call Jim Dickey. He's been working on Land Cruisers for years and he can help you with everything from a simple tune-up, to a frame-up restoration complete with all the latest modifications that you could want. Phone: 310-329-9007. This is a link Southern California Toyota Land Cruiser Association to the Socal TLCA Land Cruiser web site. Go to the "Parts and Service" page. From what I'm told, this install is not too hard and can be done in a weekend. Great way to learn about your Cruiser! Good Luck and let us know how it goes. __________________ Jerry 1967 FJ-40: SUA, 33x12.5 MTR, 1F, 4 speed, Soft top, drop down tailgate. 1985 FJ-60: 350 TBI, 4 spd, OME lift, 33x10.5 BF Mt, split rear seat, African Outback roof rack, RTT, Kevin's Tailgate & Quarter Storage panels. 1978 MGB: Red. 1976 GMC Motor Home: Classic

04-23-08, 10:02 PM	#4
1967 TLC IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Anaheim, CA TLCA# 12272 Posts: 186	I think you will find working on the Cruiser is quite addictive! Jim is a good guy and he did a lot of work on my FJ-40, but when I got the 60, the wife was none too pleased and took the check book! So, I did all the labor and loved it. Had a fellow member help me with the 350 engine swap, but I pulled the old engine out myself. Not being a mechanic, I felt pretty good! So much so, I then tackled the whole suspension and replaced all the leaf springs and shocks. The list goes on! Its fun! __________________ Jerry 1967 FJ-40: SUA, 33x12.5 MTR, 1F, 4 speed, Soft top, drop down tailgate. 1985 FJ-60: 350 TBI, 4 spd, OME lift, 33x10.5 BF Mt, split rear seat, African Outback roof rack, RTT, Kevin's Tailgate & Quarter Storage panels. 1978 MGB: Red. 1976 GMC Motor Home: Classic

04-27-08, 04:40 PM	#5
TLCAddict IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Monrovia, CA TLCA# 72230080 Posts: 34	try TLC 4x4 in Van Nuys Hey So Cal- After years of searching, I finally bought my 88 FJ62. Fortunately, I know Jonathan Ward, owner of TLC 4x4...cool shop & they'll work on your 80. Try these guys too...and chk out their site TLC. 818.785.2375Service mgr is Jay, another cool cat. They're located in Van Nuys, off the 405, so I'm not sure if this conveniently located for you, but give 'em a chance. BTW, on 5/3, there's a Toyotafest at Long Beach City College...lots of vendors & land cruisers showing up! hope this helps...

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04-23-08, 08:51 AM	#3
SoCal_80 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Beach, Ca. TLCA# 18849 Posts: 102	Hello and thank you for getting back to me. I phoned Jm and and i got the feeling he did not really like or want to work on 80 series trucks. But ya, i heard the install was not toooo bad even for a complete newbie. Another member offered to lend a hand so i think i might try to tackle the install myself. Thanks again!

04-29-08, 11:05 AM	#6
SoCal_80 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Beach, Ca. TLCA# 18849 Posts: 102	Hey..Thanks for getting back to me and referring TLC. I worked with them years ago and they are great, just a wee bit expensive at times though. That said, their quality is 2nd to none, period. I met a number of local guys on the forum who offered to give me a hand with the lift and we are going to do it soon. I will defiantly be at Toyotafest! I almost live across the street from the stadium and will be checking it out!