1981 fj60 overlander/DD build (1 Viewer)

[overlandman]

Hey Y'all I want to welcome you all to my build thread, I am buying an 1981 fj60 all original 150k miles on it. drives perfect and taken great care of.

In the past I have remodeled over 25+ jeeps mostly cj7's (its a side business i do) Check out my web page if you'd like at garrisonoffroad.com but I have always wanted an fj60....

I'll make sure I document with pictures everything I do. Let me know what you guys would do first?

I already have a roof rack lined up, and sent forrunner a message about getting a custom back tire swing with a cooler spot.

I am a young pastor with young kiddos so I don't have tons of money to spend on it however ill do my best!

Where do you guys recommend getting a new suspension? I have a friend with a lift so I can do it myself.

also any suggestions?

 

[overlandman]

I'll post pictures of it tomorrow when I pick it up! you guys are going to love it!

 

[asmith2081]

Congrats! Cruiser Outfitters is a good place to look for a suspension.

 

[overlandman]

Ok fellows here is my first Land Cruiser! I have quite a bit of plans for it. I bought it off a gentleman that is also on mud. He did a fantastic job with it by replacing the fuel filter, adding new factory grade carpet, new tires, new AC, and rebuilt the transfer case. (I'm sure there is more). This ride is bone stock and should please any purest out there with its originality. So here is the start of a really fun project for me. Hopefully this will be a vehicle my children will have plenty of memories camping all over the US in I'll keep you posted on what I do next! please let me know what you guys recommend for the ultimate camp-mobile.

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[CruisinTiger]

Sweet looking rig man! If I had a choice I would work on the "campability" of it first, i.e. cargo container/sleeping platform in the back, outfit some led lights to give you a light source in the evening, possibly a fridge or a good cooler, and you don't need a yeti, dual batteries to run accessories at camp, etc. Then since you're on a budget and since you are camping I imagine your wheeling will mostly be mild, you could simply add a leaf to give you a little more space for now. Then save up for a 4" lift in the future, that way you can get it on the trail. But a friend of mine did wheel the heck out of his bone stock 62 at windrock, tn and never got stuck once, and had flat springs like yourself. The other option, which I will let you search and decide for yourself, is the spring over option vs. the lift kit...many opinions and all good. But enjoy it most of all and do what will suit you the best in the end. Good luck and welcome to the madness!!

 

[shopteacher]

Great find and I agree with CruisinTiger about working on the "campability" first! I put 16 inch rims with some Yokohama Geolandar 265/75/16 and it gave me a couple of inches lift and that made a big difference in stability and ride, but the again I have 4.10 gears as you have 3.73s !

 

[enfield]

First of all, I'm glad to see another brown 60 on here. Brown pride! Lol
They are very capable in stock form. I would follow the suggestions of the other posters and drive it for a while, camp in it some and then you will have a better idea of what it needs. You don't want to put a lift, big tires and a bunch of extra weight on it, until you are familiar with the limitations of these vehicles. Namely lack of power. They do ok stock, but quickly become dogs when stuff starts getting swapped out. Keeping that in mind, you probably want to stay around 32" on your tires and a mild lift to compensate for that and whatever bumpers you choose.

 

[overlandman]

Great suggestions guys! CruisinTiger where did you get your springs at? and wouldn't it be pretty rough with replacing shocks…

I think I am going to take y'all advice and do some camping first

 

[overlandman]

Just added a Garvin Wilderness rack! I need to cut the clamps to make it a shorter. (came off of a rover) but hey for 200 bucks I will literally be a happy camper
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[overlandman]

Update: I've been driving this thing all over the place and haven't had any worries!

I'll post some pictures soon of the LED bulbs I bought for camping… also I am drawing up a plan to build a rear bumper with all the cool stuff on it (swing outs, ladder, cooler holder)

Do you guys know anyone that can get me a lift (2.5) for $850?

 

[77TLCFJ40]

What is the shortest gutter clamp that will work for the above Wilderness rack to get it to the "right" height?
Recommendations on sources?

 

[overlandman]

77tlcfj40: you know I am actually not sure. I'll let you know when I cut my clamps and I'll post the progress probably in two weeks or so..

 

[TLC Norway]

Clean rig!
Make sure everything mechanical is top notch, and feel the thing out.
Sure is lots of inspiration in here, sounds like you got a good thing going since you already chose the most awesome rig for whatever the future brings.
I've done quite a few big and small mods, and really enjoyed planning and debating the mods with all wheelers online and offline.

I follow with interest!

 

[overlandman]

thanks TLC norway! yeah I just took it to a friend (40 year certified mechanic) he was pleased with it, we tightened a belt which was causing some funny overheating. He recommend for me to get all new brakes in the front including replacing the brake lines.. whatever he says goes! so looks like you'll be seeing some new brake on the forum soon!

My wife's family is Norwegian! We have many dear friends over there, just waiting for the day we can make over…

 

[TLC Norway]

Sounds like you got it covered
Also doing my brakes now, it's just a puzzle to find all the parts over here.

You should just stack a container with the rig and your family, come over!
Where in Norway are they located, I'm in mid-Troms, up north.