Rugged Expeditions FZJ80 Build

[Rugged Expeditions]

1994 FZJ80 - 199k and counting.

Specs:
- Stock Motor
- Stock Drivetrain
- Dual Optima Batteries
Suspension & Tires:
- 2.5" OME Heavy Lift
- 285/70R17 BFG AT on Gear Rims
Body:
- ARB Front Bumper equipped with XRC10 Winch
- Kaymar Rear Bumper
- Surco Roof Basket
- PIAA Hi-Lo Beam Fog Lights
Utilities:
- PROwatt SW2000 Power Inverter
- Cobra 18 WX ST II CB Radio with Firestik Antenna
- Custom Center Arm Rest
- JVC Deck Bluetooth USB
- Galaxy Tab 3 for GPS & Maps with RAM mount
- Custom Leather Bucket Seats (x4)
- Smittybilt GEAR Seat Cover
- Smittybilt Clinometer

To Do List:
- Custom Storage Units
- Custom Rock Sliders
- Tepui Roof Top Tent
- Custom On Board Air with Tank

Most Recent Pictures of My 80 on my last expedition:

I hope you guys follow my build with me and I will try to be as detailed as possible when building.

Here is a couple pics of my last rig:

 

[jonb96150]

hey, I recognize that drink tahoe brew sticker!

I am just re-visiting my 80 series build that got hijacked by my kids for about 10 years lol! And a Tepui tent is also on the list.

Good luck on the build.

 

[theotherwhitemeat]

all youre missing is a built in grill! pretty sweet

 

[Rugged Expeditions]

Storage

all youre missing is a built in grill! pretty sweet

Way ahead of ya!

I started my storage drawers and grill slide out today. Basic design for simplicity. 43" wide, 36" deep, and ~12" high (about the height of the tailgate).

We have the basic structure done and one pull out completed, grill in front storage in back. Maybe thinking of adding another drawer above the grill. Next is to build the other drawer and add fold up sides and two panels facing toward the back on each side, with 12v outlets/switches for LEDs. Also planning on adding Molle Racks on each side against the windows.

This is how my layout was for the last year, I did have my spare in the roof basket, but it was killing my MPGs. So I decided to place it into the back for now until I can figure out my bumper situation.

Quick mock up of the basic structure.

Once everything was squared out, then we built the slide to the width of the grill on the right side.

24" slides.

End of the day photos:

Oh and these just came in:

To be Continued...

 

[Rugged Expeditions]

Its been a while since I have been able to work on my storage. Work has been busy, so I had a buddy build some drawers for me and they turned out GREAT!

I did get to build my prototype basket ceiling storage unit. About 6" depth of storage.

I made some quick tabs and tacked on some hooks to hold the basket in place, they are bolted into where the handles were.

For the bracing of the storage unit, I used the existing holes that were in the corners and bolted them to the chassis on both corners

And the one holding the unit back against the seats. VERY SOLID!

It got dark quick! this is the only end of the day photo I have:

My buddy brought these by for me and they are sweet!

(small one is for the center console)

Look forward to these drawers installed and some more of the storage unit next time, the side wing storage pieces are traced out just waiting to be cut and then attached onto the unit.

 

[Rugged Expeditions]

Installed the center console drawer (aka the junk drawer ) it will be painted when Im done and ready to paint the storage unit:

Final received my SMD48 LED dome light kits, got them on amazon for about $2 per panel!!
Old worn out BA9S bulb.

Replace with BA9S adapter and connect to SMD48 panel.

Peel 3M adhesive back, stick it, and your done!

Here is how the Festoon adapter went in:

Night shots, a must have for anyone wanting more light in their cab.

 

[cruiserpilot]

I really like that overhead rack. I've been working on the same idea, I have a 60. I'll have to see if your
hook idea works. Where did you get the rack? How far forward does it extend?

 

[TLC Norway]

Nice build! Is that overhead basket hinged in the front? That's my plan, so I can pack it from the rear.
And what mount do you use for the tab? Looks sturdy!

...via IH8MUD app

 

[JCruse]

Yeah how do you access that rear inside roof rack?

I'd like to do something similar. If not metal then a mesh net of some kind.

I did the same 48 LED panels for all three overhead domes in my '97, throws a ton of light. Plus 12 LED panels in the doors.