Builds 1997 FZJ80 to HDJ80 1HD-FTE + H152F (5 Viewers)

[jomelo]

Received some goodies from @cruiseroutfit this afternoon. A water pump/timing belt kit and fan clutch for the 1HDFT, a transfer case rebuild kit, and some oil filters. This is about to get real.

 

[ccslider]

Great build so far!

 

[jomelo]

I took the truck out to the National Forest yesterday to shake down the BP-51’s. I really had not played around with them much since the diesel conversion and addition of winch etc will require some more tuning. I have these set at 6R/6C all around - no real logic just seemed like a decent place to start. They performed quite well speeding down the rutted out forest roads. One thing I noticed right away is that the suspension can handle almost anything thrown at it. Absent huge bumps, the truck never got away from me. My prior standard OME setup seemed to require letting off the gas after a series of quick bumps. I always felt in control with the BP-51’s.

Will need to do some additional dialing in but I was pleased enough to order another set for the Collectors Edition I am playing around with.

 

[jomelo]

This afternoon I installed the new recovery points I got from @TRAIL TAILOR. These things are a huge upgrade!

 

[jomelo]

I have not been very happy with the current radio setup. Did some research and decided I should just bypass the factory amp. I got a great deal on a new double-din Pioneer head unit with CarPlay so I decided I would replace the Sony head unit I installed last year.

The great thing is that Toyota makes it so easy to get rid of the amp. You just need to purchase the right adapter kit to tie into the factory wiring. Basically, there are three harnesses behind the radio, one for using the factory amp and then there are two harnesses for use when bypassing the amp. Here they are pictured:

The factory amp removal is easy enough. You just need to remove the glove back and unplug the two connectors on the side of the amp.

The amp can then be removed by popping the cover off the dash speaker and unbolting the amp brackets. Once they are undone, you can just pull the amp out and toss in the trash.

 

[ppc]

As I recall the brackets on the amp can be removed from the amp. I would save the brackets for mounting some new accessories in the future.

 

[jomelo]

As I recall the brackets on the amp can be removed from the amp. I would save the brackets for mounting some new accessories in the future.

Got any ideas of what to stick back there? It's not exactly easily accessible on the run. I am going to install the Wits End quarter panel mount for a new sub and amp combo, along with some other electrical items.

 

[Wompom]

Got any ideas of what to stick back there? It's not exactly easily accessible on the run. I am going to install the Wits End quarter panel mount for a new sub and amp combo, along with some other electrical items.

I've seen small fuse panels placed in the amp location. easy access but hidden. Seems like a decent idea.

 

[jomelo]

I ordered some RAM mounts to play around with the Icom 5100 setup. The useless ashtray bracket from @NLXTACY is pretty cool. I was able to keep the Icom head unit low enough that it does not interfere with the radio but is still easily viewable from the drivers seat. I still need to get everything wired up but I think this is going to look pretty clean.

 

[jomelo]

I ordered some new Scheel-Mann seats for my other 80 series and decided to order some extra fabric to match. It really bothers me when things don't match and having a stock backseat to contrast with the front Scheel-Mann's was driving me nuts. The other seats finally showed up along with the fabric and I hurried over to the local upholstery shop and set them to work. The result was pretty fantastic.

Big credit to @wardharris on helping out with the seats and the upholstery.

I've got quite a bit of material left over. I should have enough to do the rear seat in my other 80 series and also recover a couple of trim pieces in both trucks.

 

[wardharris]

Hmmmmmmmmmm

 

[Workhorse]

When does the HDFT/A442F get swapped in? Looking forward to that part of this build thread. Nice truck, looks good so far.

 

[jomelo]

When does the HDFT/A442F get swapped in? Looking forward to that part of this build thread. Nice truck, looks good so far.

The injector pump is being rebuilt now. We are waiting on the LRA fuel tank. Rob claims he is almost ready to start the heavy lifting on the swap. I am very much eager to dump whatever resources are necessary to get it done.

 

[orangefj45]

This cruiser just keeps getting sexier ...….. keep up the great work John!

And thanks for the ongoing support and patronage, it's been a pleasure working with you.

Georg

Valley Hybrids, Cruiser Brothers & Long Range America ( in other words, Ward's much better half LMAO )

 

[jomelo]

The engine tear down has begun. The unit was in great condition and so far has shown minimal signs of wear. Rob is still tearing it down and replacing some bearings, seals and gaskets so there are (hopefully) no surprises once the install occurs. I’ve left everything in his hands and will report back as the work progresses.

The goal is to have the truck ready for a shakedown run at Windrock in late September to coincide with the 70 series meet and greet.

 

[Bama4door]

@jmlockwood look forward to seeing you again this year at 70 series meetup. This 80 build is coming along nicely!

 

[jomelo]

So I have to give a plug to @dogfishlake and his roof racks. A few weeks ago, I was up late at night buying random land cruiser things and decided I wanted a roof rack. To be clear, I am not sure what I was thinking but I ordered the roof rack. I immediately had buyers remorse the next day and almost reached out to cancel the order - but I got distracted and next thing I know this large package is on my front steps. I realized what it was and dragged it into the garage where it sat a few days. Another night comes along and I was bored so I decided to tear into this package and start assembling the roof rack. I've assembled a few roof racks over the years so I thought I knew what to expect. Wow, was I ever wrong.

This roof rack is absolutely incredible. The quality is amazing. It came with all the hardware!!! And the hardware was labeled telling you exactly where it went. The rack fits perfect and doesn't make any noise. My last roof rack was a front runner and I ended up giving it away because it made so much noise - even with the wind deflector. I don't even know this rack is up there. Bottom line, if you are thinking of getting a roof rack for your 80 just get up with @dogfishlake - you will not be disappointed.

 

[dogfishlake]

So I have to give a plug to @dogfishlake and his roof racks. A few weeks ago, I was up late at night buying random land cruiser things and decided I wanted a roof rack. To be clear, I am not sure what I was thinking but I ordered the roof rack. I immediately had buyers remorse the next day and almost reached out to cancel the order - but I got distracted and next thing I know this large package is on my front steps. I realized what it was and dragged it into the garage where it sat a few days. Another night comes along and I was bored so I decided to tear into this package and start assembling the roof rack. I've assembled a few roof racks over the years so I thought I knew what to expect. Wow, was I ever wrong.

This roof rack is absolutely incredible. The quality is amazing. It came with all the hardware!!! And the hardware was labeled telling you exactly where it went. The rack fits perfect and doesn't make any noise. My last roof rack was a front runner and I ended up giving it away because it made so much noise - even with the wind deflector. I don't even know this rack is up there. Bottom line, if you are thinking of getting a roof rack for your 80 just get up with @dogfishlake - you will not be disappointed.

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Thanks for the compliment!
Your truck looks great. It is very important to me that the racks give people a sense of a wise purchase. I have done plenty of not so wise ones myself so I get it. It should give you years of service and utility.

Cheers!

 

[Jroc561]

This is one of my more favorite rides on here, making me consider a roof rack of my own.

 

[jomelo]

This is one of my more favorite rides on here, making me consider a roof rack of my own.

Thank you! I would highly recommend the Bowfin rack. I love it.