Hi everyone! My name is Devin and I recently purchased my first Land Cruiser - a 1996 FZJ80 with 208,000 miles. I have been searching for an older vehicle to build up into a camping/wheeling/exploring rig for a while. I was originally going to buy a full size truck with an 8' bed and get a topper. I am 6'8" tall and a requirement for this vehicle is that I need to be able to sleep inside the vehicle. A friend suggested that I look at the Land Cruiser platform, as I might be able to build a sleeping platform inside that would be long enough. So, I called a friend that had a 1996 to see if I could take some measurements. Turns out that I will be able to build a platform that is long enough. It also turns out that he was thinking about selling his. So, I made him an offer, and he accepted.
So, everyone, meet Kronk (I name all my vehicles - the Tundra behind is called Yeti):
Although this is my first Land Cruiser, it is the 4th Toyota that I have owned. I have my 2013 Tundra, and have owned 2 4Runners (2005 and 2016).
The rig currently has an OME lift kit, a stainless steel catback exhaust system, an upgraded light harness from Slee, ARB front bumper, and a home-made roof rack on Yakima bars. I have a whole bunch of plans for it, and this will serve as my build thread. I am sort of a forum junky, and I like keeping track of the stuff I do on projects.
First on the list is to go through and perform necessary repairs/maintenance to get a good baseline. This is what I have observed and thought of so far:
Now, for the plans:
I am sure the list will evolve over time. But this is a good start. I am really looking forward to starting. I have been reading a ton already and learning a bunch. I am sure that I will have a bunch of stupid questions - so I apologize in advance.
So, everyone, meet Kronk (I name all my vehicles - the Tundra behind is called Yeti):
Although this is my first Land Cruiser, it is the 4th Toyota that I have owned. I have my 2013 Tundra, and have owned 2 4Runners (2005 and 2016).
The rig currently has an OME lift kit, a stainless steel catback exhaust system, an upgraded light harness from Slee, ARB front bumper, and a home-made roof rack on Yakima bars. I have a whole bunch of plans for it, and this will serve as my build thread. I am sort of a forum junky, and I like keeping track of the stuff I do on projects.
First on the list is to go through and perform necessary repairs/maintenance to get a good baseline. This is what I have observed and thought of so far:
Compression test.Done. Results not good.Valve cover gasket/plug gaskets. (currently leaking slightly)Done....along with a new engine.PHH and FHH (PO said he hasn't done these yet.Done.Coolant system flush and hose replace.Oil change.PCV valve and hose change.Power steering fluid flush.Replaced the power steering pump.Brake fluid flush.- Windshield washer reservoir replacement. (current cracked)
It currently has a K&N air filter - I think I might go back to stock.Window rubber/trim replace.Tie rod ends look a little loose - I will inspect more closely and address if needed.Track bar bushings are pretty toasty.Xfer caseand differential oil change.HG test. PO said he doesn't use any coolant, so hopefully it is ok. Rebuilt head and new short block.TB maintenance/cleaning.Plugs/wires/dizzy maintenance/replace.Replace drive belts.Transmission fluid.Charcoal canister.Front end rebuild - birfields are making a little noise, and there is leakage on the backside of the joints.Fuel filter.Replace brake lines/hoses.
Now, for the plans:
- New lift kit - leaning toward the 4" kit from Slee. Might consider a 3" slinky, though. Regardless, I will be running some higher end shocks. I currently have ADS 2.5 with remote resis and clickers on my Tundra. That was my first venture into a rebuildable shock like that - and I am hooked. I love the setup on my Tundra. DONE
- 35" tires and 4.88 gears. 35" tires installed
- Rear lockers. Sort of leaning toward an e-locker right now, but considering ARB as well. Front and rear elockers installed.
- Ditch the current ARB bumper - I am not a big fan of the brush guard look. But, definitely will have a winch bumper and appropriately size winch. New bumper from Lost Industries installed.
- Rear bumper with tire swingout and maybe a second swingout for gear/icebox. 4X4 Labs rear bumper installed.
- Lose the rear seats and build an interior storage/sleeping platform. DONE
- Lose the current roof rack and replace with a lighter unit. ARB full-length alloy rack installed.
- Add an auxiliary fuel tank.
- I am considering monstalining the whole rig. Monstaliner installed.
- I might add the part-time conversion kit so I can run around in 2WD if I want.
- Eventually I might end up doing a V8 swap - but I will run this engine for now. I've done a swap in a previous build and it was pretty fun. Not done - factory Toyota short block installed instead.
I am sure the list will evolve over time. But this is a good start. I am really looking forward to starting. I have been reading a ton already and learning a bunch. I am sure that I will have a bunch of stupid questions - so I apologize in advance.
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