Build The Belgian 1997 FZJ80 Build

[TheBelgian]

1997 FZJ80 40th Anniversary Edition with 245,045 miles. Top pics are from the day I picked it up on 5/7/15. Was stock so started by baselining the truck then it all started...

• OME 2.5″ Heavy Duty 850/ 863
• 315/75/16 Cooper STT

 

[Walletclan]

That looks great. I have a 96 LX450 and the paint scheme is the same almost. I want to lift mine and this looks perfect.

 

[TheBelgian]

Been working on the front seats... Trying to stop the stitching from ripping apart before I get some seat covers... Also painted the rims black (rustoleum satin black).

Then I cleaned it all up and got it ready for our wheeling trip the next day!

The buddies were impressed by the 80!!! Albeit it wasn't a hardcore expedition, it had no problem following then leading the pack

 

[SmokingRocks]

Is there a reason why you left the bumpers for the hood deflector on? Looks clean otherwise. You certainly will need new upholstery.

 

[TheBelgian]

That looks great. I have a 96 LX450 and the paint scheme is the same almost. I want to lift mine and this looks perfect.

Thanks man! Yeah, I think 2.5" is good enough. Eventually, I'll add 1 1/4'' rear & front bump stop spacers to overcome the front & rear bull bar...

 

[TheBelgian]

Is there a reason why you left the bumpers for the hood deflector on? Looks clean otherwise. You certainly will need new upholstery.

Well, the hood paint was pealing off so I didn't bother taking them off until I was gonna deal with it... Which I did recently Pics will follow!

 

[TheBelgian]

Some more pics of that first trip to the mountain.

 

[TheBelgian]

Refinished the hood in order to fix the clearcoat and paint peeling off then did the CDL switch mod (thanks @Hitit66) and removed the old fake wood plastic trim from the front cabin (damn that glue is still holding strong even after 18 years) ah!

 

[TheBelgian]

Finished results. Achieved with Dupli-Color BTY1605 Antique Sage Pearl & clear coat. Not perfect but I didn't aim for perfection... Just wanted to stop the paint from pealing off.

Eventually, I think I'll Plasti Dip the truck. Cost effective and durable enough.

 

[half k cruiser]

@TheBelgian how do you like your coopers ? That's the exact tire and size I am looking at getting this year. Whatever feedback you have would be appreciated.

 

[SmokingRocks]

Avoid plasti-dip it doesnt stand up over time as well as a coating like monsta-liner or herculiner.

 

[TheBelgian]

@TheBelgian how do you like your coopers ? That's the exact tire and size I am looking at getting this year. Whatever feedback you have would be appreciated.

So far so good... I only have ~700 miles on them but ride comfort is great with no wobble and they are not not that loud. I like the aggressive tread design, it extends far down the sidewall of the tire.

My tire guy told me that they are "self-cleaning" thanks to a tapered tread blocks that throws the mud out with every revolution and they also have rock ejectors between the tread blocks that seem to work really well.

I run them at 32 psi and went on a moderate trail and they performed really well (I do 80% dirt & mud). Didn't even have to bag them, great control and GREAT grip. I like that they are well priced (paid $275/ea. balanced & mounted + all the crazy CA fees) and that they are Made in USA!!

 

[TheBelgian]

Got my Zulu Nylon Gear MOLLE Visor Organizer in the mail!! Perfect addition, well built, strong velcros, fits like a glove!

 

[SmokingRocks]

stick 2 more glow sticks and a jerky stick in there and your set. And personally I'd put it on the passenger visor as it would drive me nuts to have all of that right in my field of view.

 

[TheBelgian]

Just got my Seat Repair kit from Gamiviti.com and it worked like a charm!! My passenger seat is now functional again!! Thanks @nakman

Here's the thread detailing the problem and solution!

 

[TheBelgian]

Upgraded the low beams with CREE XML L2 LED (US) 40w 20W 2000lm 9006 HB4 9005 HB3 H10 headlight light bulbs ($60 on eBay).
Now I'm gonna have to buy a set for the high beams ah!

 

[TheBelgian]

Package Includes:
Two (2) pcs of 9006/HB4, 9005/HB3, H10 2000Lm XML-L2 Headlight 6500K White 40W LED Bulb (All in One)

Product Description

Item Name: 40w 2000lm 9006/HB4, 9005/HB3, H10 Car Cree XML-L2 LED Headlight Kit Lamp Bulbs Light All In One 6500K White

LEDS : XML L2 CREE Clip x 2 (each bulbs)
Applications : Headlight, (Low beam/ High beam,)


Condition: 100% brand new
Certificate: CE, CCC
Package includes:
2x 9006/HB4, 9005/HB3, H10 High Power genuine CREE-XM-L2 Bulbs
2x LED cooling fans(built-in)
2 years warranty service

Item Specifics & Feature:
LED quantity: 2pcs (each bulb has 2 LEDs)
Power input: 12V-24V vehicles
Material: Aluminum
Color: White 6000K - 6500K
Power:40W (20W each)
Lumens: 2000Lm/per bulb
Lifespan: > 50,000 Hours
Low Voltage Protection, High precision Constant Current Driver Chip
Great for ANY Application
Built in IC Circuit (Current Regulator)-Prevents LED Damage from Voltage Variations & Spikes
60% Less Power Consumption
Easy Plug and Play Installation

 

[TheBelgian]

 

[TheBelgian]

So I got my Dorman 742-601 Window Lift Motors from Amazon and decided to go ahead and install them (Front Left and Rear Right)
PO or his mechanic did a screw up job cutting the moisture barrier instead of peeling it off...

Supporting the window before removing the regulator...

Comes with the correct wiring harness, literally plug and play. They even provide a zip tie!

Now pay attention to the support rail! Mine had shifted to the left by over 1" casing the plastic wheel to come off... Always perform a function test prior re-installing everything

Nothing duct tape can't fix eheh!

Now to the driver window... Weirdly enough, no cutting this time. Yet, it gets worse...

This is what my regulator looked like... the motor was toast but do you notice the problem???

See how the arm is bent?!

This is how it should look like...

I was able to salvage mine since I didn't have a spare and the window now operates properly but I'll be ordering a new window regulator, also from Dorman.

 

[TheBelgian]

Today was delivery day!! Got my Power Stop K1155 Front/Rear Ceramic Brake Pad and Cross Drilled/Slotted Combo Rotor One-Click Brake Kit & my Trasharoo! Gotta love Amazon Prime! Now, I just need my Extended Brake Line Kit and I'll be upgrading the whole breaking system!