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- #501
Builds 1987 FJ60 Expedition Build
- Thread starter KeepCruzin
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Are you worried about the tap getting torn off when off road? Hit a rock, hit a tree?
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- #503
The mount that its on right now is really temporary. I dont have a big enough drill bit for the main faucet thread to fit through the bumper, so i mounted it on the outside for now. As soon as I get a drill bit large enough, it should be set back against the bumper about an inch and a half. And Im not too worried about ripping it off. If i reverse into something, maybe.
My thought was this: If Im wheeling hard enough to snap that thing off, then Im definately taking serious body damage. And if Im taking body damage, I wont mind replacing a 3$ brass garden spigot hahaha.
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- #505
Still working on a tank/mount solution. Probably going to mount a 5 gallon RV tank under the passenger side to balance out the third battery in the back. Also open to suggestions though.
Also look at the marine industry. Lots of flush mount fitting for boats. Might be a bit more expensive but works and is more of a perm solution. Or the RV industry.
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- #507
Wow ok so we got some big updates folks. Getting prepped for my trip to Alaska in August, and Iv never got so much done on my rig in such a short time. So this is going to be rapid fire:
Water system is DONE. Built my own tank out of 8" PVC pipe and it works great (pics to come).
I finally got on-board air. Went with a VIAIR portable unit. I dont need a permanent solution IMO.
Got a pair of knock-off maxtrax. Tested them and they seem pretty good for what I paid.
Re-worked the entire solar system and got it all cleaned up.
Water system is DONE. Built my own tank out of 8" PVC pipe and it works great (pics to come).
I finally got on-board air. Went with a VIAIR portable unit. I dont need a permanent solution IMO.
Got a pair of knock-off maxtrax. Tested them and they seem pretty good for what I paid.
Re-worked the entire solar system and got it all cleaned up.
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- #508
My old alternator gave out. So we swapped in a fresh (used) 24volt one off of an HJ61 that Mudrak hooked me up with (huge shoutout to Gary for being the man). It was a royal pain in the butt to wrangle in and out of the engine bay, but we got er done. Also took the chance to put in new belts.
I also got my windows tinted. I got 3M extreme heat resistant. I went with 15% in the rear, and 25% up front. It looks way lighter than it is because the truck transmits so much light through it because of all the windows. But I think it came out great. The rig is noticeably cooler.
I also got my windows tinted. I got 3M extreme heat resistant. I went with 15% in the rear, and 25% up front. It looks way lighter than it is because the truck transmits so much light through it because of all the windows. But I think it came out great. The rig is noticeably cooler.
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- #509
More fun stuff:
I added a 32" (I think?) single row lightbar. It was about $80 on Amazon and OH MY GOD is it bright. Adjusting for size Id say its about 75-80% of what my Rigid 10" does, so Im satisfied for the price. Im going to run some silicone around the gasket to keep it water-proofed. I wired it in with the 10" in my grill so they come on together.
I also started building a two fuel can swingout for the rear. I hate swingouts that force you to open them every time you want something from the trunk, so Im building it to be able to stay closed with the tailgate accessible. Its almost done, I just havent taken enough photos.
I also added some BEASTLY brakes, but Ill post that up tomorrow.
I added a 32" (I think?) single row lightbar. It was about $80 on Amazon and OH MY GOD is it bright. Adjusting for size Id say its about 75-80% of what my Rigid 10" does, so Im satisfied for the price. Im going to run some silicone around the gasket to keep it water-proofed. I wired it in with the 10" in my grill so they come on together.
I also started building a two fuel can swingout for the rear. I hate swingouts that force you to open them every time you want something from the trunk, so Im building it to be able to stay closed with the tailgate accessible. Its almost done, I just havent taken enough photos.
I also added some BEASTLY brakes, but Ill post that up tomorrow.
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- #510
BOOM. MORE UPDATES.
First up. Gone are those trash TruckLight LED lights. Those lights were as about as dim as my future working on jeeps.
I upgraded HARDCORE on these this time. I went with the top of the line heated Rigid Industries 7" lights. Those things throw some SERIOUS light. Its like having two little lightbars as your headlights. And with the highbeams on its unreal. I really like that they are heated incase I drive in snow.
Oh. And they look SO good with the all-black construction. Between the headlights, and two lightbars, the rig can really punch through the night. Ill get some pics sometime.
First up. Gone are those trash TruckLight LED lights. Those lights were as about as dim as my future working on jeeps.
I upgraded HARDCORE on these this time. I went with the top of the line heated Rigid Industries 7" lights. Those things throw some SERIOUS light. Its like having two little lightbars as your headlights. And with the highbeams on its unreal. I really like that they are heated incase I drive in snow.
Oh. And they look SO good with the all-black construction. Between the headlights, and two lightbars, the rig can really punch through the night. Ill get some pics sometime.
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- #511
BRAKES:
This one is HUGE. I would say that for the money I spent, this has been the best modifications I have done to my trucks driving performance. It might be the best, dare i say.
So I left the rear wheel cylinders and drums alone (they are brand new). Im running 87 4runner calipers up front which are a bit of an upgrade over the factory 60 calipers.
HERE is where it gets good: I put in an 80 series master cylinder. That made everything worse. The brakes were mushy and in all honesty the truck wouldnt stop. You could stand on the brake with both feet and you couldnt even get close to locking the wheels. I drove it for over a year like that (cause Im lazy and an idiot).
BUT THEN I added an 80 series brake booster. Bolted right up, and fit perfect. Literally a 15 minute job and $20 (Shoutout to Chris for going to picknpull and getting the booster).
HOLLY SMOKES IT STOPS. I can lock the brakes up with a good press now. The brakes are SUPER responsive but not overly touchy. They dont grab or skid instantly. To put it in perspective, the brakes on my 60 are now better than my dads LX470...... Without ABS I doubt the 60 will stop as quickly, but the compared to what they were, its been a night and day change. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Especially if you run big tires.
This one is HUGE. I would say that for the money I spent, this has been the best modifications I have done to my trucks driving performance. It might be the best, dare i say.
So I left the rear wheel cylinders and drums alone (they are brand new). Im running 87 4runner calipers up front which are a bit of an upgrade over the factory 60 calipers.
HERE is where it gets good: I put in an 80 series master cylinder. That made everything worse. The brakes were mushy and in all honesty the truck wouldnt stop. You could stand on the brake with both feet and you couldnt even get close to locking the wheels. I drove it for over a year like that (cause Im lazy and an idiot).
BUT THEN I added an 80 series brake booster. Bolted right up, and fit perfect. Literally a 15 minute job and $20 (Shoutout to Chris for going to picknpull and getting the booster).
HOLLY SMOKES IT STOPS. I can lock the brakes up with a good press now. The brakes are SUPER responsive but not overly touchy. They dont grab or skid instantly. To put it in perspective, the brakes on my 60 are now better than my dads LX470...... Without ABS I doubt the 60 will stop as quickly, but the compared to what they were, its been a night and day change. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Especially if you run big tires.
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- #512
ANOTHA ONE:
Finished the swing out. Its freekin tight if you ask me. Its got reverse lights and a liscense plate illumination light. All are wired in with my trailer wiring harness system. Dont worry, Im adding a second reverse light so its even. I just didnt have time this time around.
This thing is pretty beefy. Im not worried about anything breaking thats for SURE. I jumped up and down on it and it didnt even creak. Oh. AND YOU CAN STILL OPEN THE HATCH. (that was the whole point. I hate swingouts that force you to open them every time you want to put groceries in your rig or get your sweatshirt out of the trunk. And yes.
Im ready for the haters to tell me that "the departure angle is gonna be terrible" But ill handle that when I get there. The thing is so easy to remove that if im ever THAT worried about my departure, Ill just take it off and carry it 20 feet. I use my hatch more often than I need an aggressive departure angle.
Finished the swing out. Its freekin tight if you ask me. Its got reverse lights and a liscense plate illumination light. All are wired in with my trailer wiring harness system. Dont worry, Im adding a second reverse light so its even. I just didnt have time this time around.
This thing is pretty beefy. Im not worried about anything breaking thats for SURE. I jumped up and down on it and it didnt even creak. Oh. AND YOU CAN STILL OPEN THE HATCH. (that was the whole point. I hate swingouts that force you to open them every time you want to put groceries in your rig or get your sweatshirt out of the trunk. And yes.
Im ready for the haters to tell me that "the departure angle is gonna be terrible" But ill handle that when I get there. The thing is so easy to remove that if im ever THAT worried about my departure, Ill just take it off and carry it 20 feet. I use my hatch more often than I need an aggressive departure angle.
Is your Rack the 80 series Baja Utility Rack? They dont seem to make a 60 Series specific rack.
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- #514
When I purchased mine, they made one specific to the FJ60. It appears they no longer make it. Maybe give them a call.
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- #515
Its been a while and its time for an update.
I took 5 weeks in August, 2018 and drove from San Francisco, through British Columbia, and into Alaska. The cruiser ran like a dream. In 6,000 miles (yes thats six thousand), we didnt have a SINGLE mechanical besides seriously overheating the brakes going down the most insane grade I've ever driven.
Enjoy the photos!
I took 5 weeks in August, 2018 and drove from San Francisco, through British Columbia, and into Alaska. The cruiser ran like a dream. In 6,000 miles (yes thats six thousand), we didnt have a SINGLE mechanical besides seriously overheating the brakes going down the most insane grade I've ever driven.
Enjoy the photos!
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