Day 1:
Current:
I'm pleased to introduce Sophia. She is a 1991 PZJ77 in dark blue metallic 8B4 (my best guess at the factory color code). I picked the truck up from Hikari Auto in Kurashiki, Okayama Japan. It took a bit of time getting the required inspections and "Y-plate" registration, but it was worth it in the end. Big shout out to Bill at B&M Okinawa. If you ever find yourself here, he is THE dude to take your car to.
The truck is loaded as far as 70's go, and the PO did some good things and not so good things. I still haven't really been able to do a full inspection. I may end up taking it to the local dealer and asking them to give me a full-on diagnostic. We shall see how quickly I can up my knowledge game. For now my priorities are to fix any rust, rebuild the front axel, full fluid change, address the wiring nightmare that is the aftermarket radio, and fix cosmetic issues as time and money allows. I only have a year and a half left in Okinawa, so I will be trying to get the old girl back up to her best quickly. Once I feel preventative maintenance has been addressed I will start looking at modifications to make her better. I will be re addressing the suspension; the PO felt the need to lift the truck and unknown amount (the current tires are 255/85R16's and they look tiny!) I likely go with the OME greaseable-everything kit. Of course armor of some kind. I'd like to fab my own stuff but we shall see. Lastly, a turbo will likely find its place in the engine bay.
I must say, every time I look at the truck and read the threads here it seems more and more daunting. This truck is the first genuine attempt at an off road project I've ever done. My extent of Toyota experience is a 92' 2wd pick-up with a 22RE. I did nothing to it but abuse it in high school. Also an 88' supra turbo I bought with a friend to abuse in parking lots. My off road knowledge drops off with a S10 blazer I traded a shot gun for and, my most recent truck, a 93' Pajero iO. My mechanical experience really come from building a few VAG cars. Notably, a B5S4 that received the full on "stage 3" with fueling and meth. It was the best and worst car I'd ever owned. All that being said, please forgive any dumb questions I make post up. Some of you, namely Chad, Dan and Chris have already given help as this project has started.
This will serve as my build/progress thread. I look forward to keeping it up to date. I also look forward to leaning on you fine people for knowledge and feedback as time passes.
- Nic
Current:
I'm pleased to introduce Sophia. She is a 1991 PZJ77 in dark blue metallic 8B4 (my best guess at the factory color code). I picked the truck up from Hikari Auto in Kurashiki, Okayama Japan. It took a bit of time getting the required inspections and "Y-plate" registration, but it was worth it in the end. Big shout out to Bill at B&M Okinawa. If you ever find yourself here, he is THE dude to take your car to.
The truck is loaded as far as 70's go, and the PO did some good things and not so good things. I still haven't really been able to do a full inspection. I may end up taking it to the local dealer and asking them to give me a full-on diagnostic. We shall see how quickly I can up my knowledge game. For now my priorities are to fix any rust, rebuild the front axel, full fluid change, address the wiring nightmare that is the aftermarket radio, and fix cosmetic issues as time and money allows. I only have a year and a half left in Okinawa, so I will be trying to get the old girl back up to her best quickly. Once I feel preventative maintenance has been addressed I will start looking at modifications to make her better. I will be re addressing the suspension; the PO felt the need to lift the truck and unknown amount (the current tires are 255/85R16's and they look tiny!) I likely go with the OME greaseable-everything kit. Of course armor of some kind. I'd like to fab my own stuff but we shall see. Lastly, a turbo will likely find its place in the engine bay.
I must say, every time I look at the truck and read the threads here it seems more and more daunting. This truck is the first genuine attempt at an off road project I've ever done. My extent of Toyota experience is a 92' 2wd pick-up with a 22RE. I did nothing to it but abuse it in high school. Also an 88' supra turbo I bought with a friend to abuse in parking lots. My off road knowledge drops off with a S10 blazer I traded a shot gun for and, my most recent truck, a 93' Pajero iO. My mechanical experience really come from building a few VAG cars. Notably, a B5S4 that received the full on "stage 3" with fueling and meth. It was the best and worst car I'd ever owned. All that being said, please forgive any dumb questions I make post up. Some of you, namely Chad, Dan and Chris have already given help as this project has started.
This will serve as my build/progress thread. I look forward to keeping it up to date. I also look forward to leaning on you fine people for knowledge and feedback as time passes.
- Nic
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