Builds 1987 FJ60 Expedition build thread

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Keeping with the portability theme, I changed my brake assist set up for the 60 vs what we were using in the van.
After checking out a lot of reviews I went with the RVI brake 3 (built in Castle Rock, CO). It's only been 8 days (2300 miles) of use but I really like this set up as well so far. Sets up in about 15 seconds (very simple), and I really like that I can use it in another vehicle easily if ever needed. Plugs right into your cig lighter. My cig lighter is not working at the moment so I have a direct fused line running to the battery (this is temporary but a good back up).

 

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Lastly, here is our biking set up. We've used a Kuat bike rack for a while which I like. It's heavy as all get out but very durable. I've used it over 10k miles and have had no problems. I used a Roadmaster 6" high lo hitch to lower the rack (makes removing and putting biked up easier) and it's easier to access overall vs having to go behind the bumper to install a hitch pin.

 

[erse]

With your towing set up are you transfer case and trans in neutral? I am assuming your not disconnecting drive shafts? Racking up miles on the odometer as you tow?

 

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Correct, transfer case in neutral and transmission in neutral. There are a lot of good threads on mud covering the topic of flat towing - many long time veterans have commented on how to flat tow.

Yes it's racking up miles while being towed which sucks on a low mile cruiser. I've considered disconnecting the speedo cable at the guage while towing but not sure if I'll do that.

I guess the good new is that with the 33" tires for every 100 actual miles towed, I'm only adding about 85 to the odo

 

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Long time since an update but the 60 has been doing great and we have really enjoyed exploring the west with it.
I need to update the thread with some of our adventures but have spent most of the summer in Idaho which is just unbelievable. It's been so nice to head down every backroad that looks interesting without hesitation, so more to come on that.

We are back in SoCal and happen to be traveling near Apple Valley, CA - home to White Knuckle sliders. Was able to meet John and Natalie who own White Knuckle. I can't say enough about the both of them and their friendliness and unbelievable customer service. I could have spent hours talking to John.
When I noticed we'd be going near their shop I reached out 2 days before not really expecting anything to come of it knowing their 4 to 6 week lead time but to my surprise they said come on by and I picked up a set of the DOM steel sliders with 10 degree angle. This is certainly not the norm but I couldn't believe they made it happen. Their sliders really are a work of art and they are also having a 10% mud sale right now so bonus!!

Dropped them off at the powder coaters and will install next week

 

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Rock sliders powder coated and installed. Thanks again @white-knuckleoffroad!!
Install wasn't bad, took me about an hour but I'm slow. Most of the time was spent adding the spacers for the brake lines. Also had to use RV levelers (the orange Lego looking things) to hold the sliders in place while I bolted them up since we are on the road and I don't carry jack stands. It was a sight to see and I would have taken pics but the slides were teetering on the levelers and I needed to get them on there.
I really like the way they turned out and the kiddos love having a step in now.

 

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Field repair:
I noticed my clutch master beginning to weep through the fire wall. After I pulled it out I believe this is the original master to the truck.

Engine side

 

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Since we are on the road traveling, I did what anyone would do and ordered a new Aisin clutch master from Amazon and got it in 2 days with free shipping

Bench bleeding with the help of a tree.

 

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And installed.

 

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I ordered the slave cylinder at the same time but will wait to install it when I'm back home in a couple of weeks.

 

[Willard]

If you are still looking for a roof rack, keep and eye on Diamond Racks. I am going to get one built buy them to mount my hardshell RTT. Do not just go off the web site and contact Greg, seems he has other options than what is on the site.
Another one who builds amazing racks is Trail Tailor, but based on another thread, no idea on lead time as he has a huge order to fill.

 

[gregnash]

If you are still looking for a roof rack, keep and eye on Diamond Racks. I am going to get one built buy them to mount my hardshell RTT. Do not just go off the web site and contact Greg, seems he has other options than what is on the site.
Another one who builds amazing racks is Trail Tailor, but based on another thread, no idea on lead time as he has a huge order to fill.

@reevesci is a seriously busy man, but you never know. Shoot him a line on the rack and he may respond in a way you like!

Also, your sliders look awesome! Are they bolted directly to the frame or are they u-bolts?

 

[upperblack]

@reevesci is a seriously busy man, but you never know. Shoot him a line on the rack and he may respond in a way you like!

Also, your sliders look awesome! Are they bolted directly to the frame or are they u-bolts?

Thanks
They u-bolt on in 3 places, here are a couple pics from the other side. Both frames so you can see how they bolt under the hard lines.
Man the underside of my truck needs a bath.

 

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Dave @4plus built me this sweet plate style ladder for the rear swing arm basket. It folds down so it's easy to get up on.
Will be great for the eventual roof rack.
Aspens changing here in Breckenridge, CO

 

[BMValentine]

Nice build thread, I am restoring a 1989 FJ62 and definitely got some ideas from your build! These 60 series cruisers are awesome, they surely don't make cars like this anymore.

 

[upperblack]

Nice build thread, I am restoring a 1989 FJ62 and definitely got some ideas from your build! These 60 series cruisers are awesome, they surely don't make cars like this anymore.

Thanks for the kind words and couldn't agree more on the 60 series.

 

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A pic the wife took today while out cruising the back roads here in CO.
Before this trip she couldn't drive a manual, now she's out exploring while I'm working
So proud of her.

 

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Love this pic she took today

 

[NookShneer]

Long time since an update but the 60 has been doing great and we have really enjoyed exploring the west with it.
I need to update the thread with some of our adventures but have spent most of the summer in Idaho which is just unbelievable. It's been so nice to head down every backroad that looks interesting without hesitation, so more to come on that.

We are back in SoCal and happen to be traveling near Apple Valley, CA - home to White Knuckle sliders. Was able to meet John and Natalie who own White Knuckle. I can't say enough about the both of them and their friendliness and unbelievable customer service. I could have spent hours talking to John.
When I noticed we'd be going near their shop I reached out 2 days before not really expecting anything to come of it knowing their 4 to 6 week lead time but to my surprise they said come on by and I picked up a set of the DOM steel sliders with 10 degree angle. This is certainly not the norm but I couldn't believe they made it happen. Their sliders really are a work of art and they are also having a 10% mud sale right now so bonus!!

Dropped them off at the powder coaters and will install next week

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I’m pretty sure we passed you as you headed South bound on the North side of the Perrine Memorial Bridge in Twin Falls, ID as we headed North toward I-84 on August 12th. Not many tow a silver 60 behind a RV. You would have seen 3 60/62’s on the other side of the road. We were on our way to SAS in CO from Seattle.

Beautiful rig, and looking forward to seeing more photos of your adventures.

 

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Yeah that was us, we spent most of the summer in Idaho.
I remember passing you and the kids screaming out "60s"