Builds 1993 refreshed (now gone) and 1995 build up with new OEM engine (3 Viewers)

[SNLC]

Also, FYI relative to my post above about engine cost. Do the easy math, a new long block cost about $8500. Granted you will be re-using your covers (which can still be bought for even more $$$) and sump pans but that is about what it will take to build a new long block in your garage. Short block + head + head studs + Head gasket + oil pump + water pump + few other gaskets and items is what Toyota would have provided as a long block when you could even buy them. Certainly better if Toyota assembled it but build your own or having a shop build you one is as close as it gets these days. And honestly I don’t think $8-10k for a new 1fz long block is all that bad, parts wise. It’s 10x the remanned 1fz in eBay for $4k.

Get them while they last folks, you can be sure in the next few years building a new OEM long block won’t be possible and if it is I will happily eat those words.

Cheers

 

[Broski]

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The Carne Asada tacos were particularly good.

Over all a good test for the Cruiser. It’s 50 miles of hwy at 80mph then almost 100 miles through the desert on gravel roads at 50-60mph and then some snow wheeling at the end. A bit early in the season to do the intended trail and loop which drops into a big canyon, camping on the river with some fun wheeling and a good ford as well. Just to much snow right now, about a month early as it is down in the Nevada-Idaho border at about 7,000ft. We were the first ones in though this year and it’s always fun breaking trail in the spring snow conditions. We did drop into a smaller canyon while a bunch of jeepers stood around and said no way. Normally this section of the trail is driving down a creek in the bottom of the canyon but it was still frozen which made for some fun wheeling too. Once it was pushing 2ft deep it was game over for us but we did get close to either side of the big canyon. Opted for camping lower down on the river where most normal folks camp, had it all to ourselves though.

My engine rocks hard, loving every minute of driving it. Diff locks all good and in and out fast. Brakes are excellent on my Cruiser. Shocks are not bad but I do and can get them hot, the coils are fine just pretty low lift.

Other areas of the Cruiser need attention and I need-am going up in tire size soon.

Cheers

The only thing I think is missing in the first picture is a bottle of good tequila to go with all those limes

 

[SNLC]

The only thing I think is missing in the first picture is a bottle of good tequila to go with all those limes

Nope, not even Mexican beer. Total fail in that department but the asada is the real deal from local Latinos.

Cheers

 

[FMC80]

Looks like a great time!

 

[SNLC]

I got new wheels and tires.

Kidding! Those are just my shop rollers. I am getting my wheels powder coated and some 35’s are on the way. Here is what a 35 looks like with the 861/862 lift.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Got my wheels back from powder coat end of day Friday.

Got new 315 Yokohama’s mounted up Saturday morning.

Went wheeling and camping.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

I prepared marinated chicken breasts stuffed with bacon, garlic, peppers, mushrooms and cheese. We also had portabella mushrooms stuffed with garlic, peppers, bacon and cheese. It was divine.

Small but great spot right on the river.

Coming out this morning, the trail is a loop and this was the end of crossing the canyon.

Time to go wash it.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Cruiser is a little bigger than the 4Runner.

Dropping into the canyon.

Cheers

 

[FMC80]

Looks like a great time and your wheels came out cherry! You lookin at a side career as a professional, camping chef? The food looked equally amazing!

 

[Speedytech7]

Bruneau? Looks like they fixed the canyon trail if it is, was really eroded last year, barely was Tacoma width

and of course the picture was taken after the washout haha

 

[SNLC]

Bruneau? Looks like they fixed the canyon trail if it is, was really eroded last year, barely was Tacoma width

and of course the picture was taken after the washout haha

Yes. I don’t think they fixed it. I was there 4yrs ago and it looked the same. It just looks like it has been driven more and there was a big boulder in the trail that has been pushed to the side.

We did not take any pics at the washout either, to sketchy and to busy driving or spotting. I had six inches in there with the 80 on 35’s.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

So I didn’t mention it yet but I also tossed in some caster bushings and fresh frame side OEM bushings in the radius arms. You are not far out with the 861/862 caster wise but for me it was in the 0-1* range and I should be pushing 3* now. It is noticeably better. I also installed some Dobinsons adjustable panhards at the same time. I don’t really need adjustables at this lift height but a cost analysis equals not a lot more for the Dobinsons vs fresh OEM and my time to press them is. Plus I am prepped for more lift now. My panhard bushings were bad so both that and the radius arms is a noticeable difference for the better. Still need to deal with all the RLCA and URCA bushes which are also haggered and sway bar bushes too but again, it’s better already.

The Coopers for some reasons caused bad vibes. 60+mph and they came on strong and stayed to 80+mph. I hit 91mph with the Yokohama’s on the highway over the weekend and they are smooth as can be.

I didn’t notice any rubbing over the weekend but also was not flexing it to max. The Cruiser currently has the 861/862 and the shorty OME BP51s which I know at least in the front only measure 9”. The Cruiser measures 22” hub to flare pretty much the same front and rear. I plan to go up although not a lot, thing is it’s a big expense for the shocks I want.

I had the Yokohama’s on the last Cruiser, I liked them a lot for the price. Tough, hook up excellent off-road, not terribly noisy on road and seem to balance alright. I went powder coat on the wheels simply cause it’s cheaper than bling wheels. I also like the stock wheel look and they are tough.

I think I am going to finish off suspension bushings for now and then focus on other things. A rear bumper is high on my list because I am sick of carrying my spare in the back. Sliders already purchased just waiting. A front bumper and winch is also coming but I might do drawers and a fridge first. Some stereo things is also on my top five next upgrades list.

Over all the Cruiser performed excellent all weekend with zero issues.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

This pic is kind of cool because all the work I did last summer was/is for this.

I gave it it’s second oil change since the break in on Friday before we left. Nearly 5,000 miles on the new engine now.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Installed my Slee HD steering today.

Both my upper and lower control arm bushings need it, that is for another day though.

Installed bother pieces of new weatherstripping on the rear hatch today.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Oh ya, engine is still looking pretty underneath after 5,000 miles.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Another fun weekend out in the Land Cruiser. 🏕

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

A couple more.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

End of the day install so didn’t finish it.

Stoked though, my days are done carrying the spare in the back of my Cruiser.

Cheers