1st Timer LC Owner Stock FJ80 What's first?

[remmrtn]

I just joined the group here and am a 1st time Toyota owner. My rig is currently in the shop as of this morning having the engine swapped out. I bought a 92 FJ80 in pretty good condition with a slight knock in the engine. Definitely a rod. After checking on rebuild prices my pocketbook dictated risking a used engine. Hopefully it will work out, keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer for me tonight

The truck is a dark grey color, AT, sunroof, A/C, and has a a grey cloth interior. The previous owners took pretty good care of it and supplied me with tons of receipts for the past 6 years or so that they owned it. It appears completely stock with the exception of a push bar added to the front bumper and a tow hitch added to the rear. Paint is faded but original. It has the locking differential which from what I've read on this site is a good thing. Since I've spent most of my available cash on the purchase of the truck and engine and have the approximate cost of the install set aside, I've really nothing left for upgrades. Nonetheless I need to know from more savvy LC owners what I should be looking for in the way of parts/accessories/upgrades. I"m guessing the first thing would be a lift and then perhaps front/rear bumpers. I really don't want to do anything major as I'd like to keep it reliable for longer OTR trips. I am wanting to drive this to Cabo San Lucas at Christmas with my daughters and hopefully will have any mechanical issues behind me long before then. About the only thing I'd really like to have done prior to the trip is to find myself a nice used rack somewhere or possibly one of those car top tents. Everything else will have to be piecemeal. You wouldn't know it by looking at me but due to health issues (bad ticker-viral infection, fused back w/rods, screws, etc...-auto accident), I'll also need to pay someone to do any of the heavier installs so that will have to factor into the budget as well. So any help, suggestions, leads on parts/mechanics would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to to talking LC's or otherwise with all of you!

 

[-Spike-]

I think you'll find the information you're looking for in the 80's Tech section. I think all the Az folk with 80's read that forum too. Check out the Sonic monthly meet-and-greet for face-to-face yakking. You'll probably see the entire gamut of mods there too, from lifts to accessories, which will give you a good idea of what you might like to see on your rig.

-Spike

 

[remmrtn]

Thanks -Spike-

I think I've looked in the 80's tech section and it does have some valuable info there as far as a DIY type of situation but I think when it comes to finding hardware it pretty much has to be a local kind of thing. I see many references to "Sonic meets" but no addresses or locations are listed for some reason. I've seen a reference to "Harolds" up in Cave Creek, which is fine it it's part of a rotation, but no other locations. I am more than willing to drive on occasion to participate but I see plenty of members in the Tempe/Chandler/ Mesa area so I am hoping that there is a proportionate amount of meets going on in my area. I'm not ashamed of showing up in my VW Passat wagon to "meet and greet" should my Cruiser be OOC. TGIF!

 

[-Spike-]

Actually, all the meets I've heard of are at a Sonic in Tempe somewhere (I haven't made it out yet- I prefer to yak on the CB while navigating a bypass ). https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=21032 is the thread for the Sonic meets. Always the same Sonic, so those that go don't bother with the address, but it's in that thread.

Almost all 'hardware', or aftermarket accessories, are purchased online AFAIK. www.sleeoffroad.com www.manafre.com and www.cruiseroutfitters.com are a few of the many LC-oriented Web stores frequented by 80 owners. If there are suppliers in Phoenix for 80-specific parts I don't know of them. Desert Rat and Fly-n-Hi tend to cater to StupidDuties and poser rigs, and don't have much of a reputation as places to get good deals on useful stuff. 4Wheel Parts (http://www.4wheelparts.com) has a couple of local stores and some good sales, but their service has gotten mixed reviews. I do all my own work, so I can't recommend anyone to work on your rig.

-Spike

 

[-Spike-]

Also, you can always chat with CSC members on the trail. https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=117898 is the thread for this Sunday's run. Normally I could offer a seat, but the family has decided to join me for this one. If you're interested, post up in that thread- people are usually quick to offer a ride.

-Spike

 

[FJ40LVR]

You wouldn't know it by looking at me but due to health issues (bad ticker-viral infection, fused back w/rods, screws, etc...-auto accident), I'll also need to pay someone to do any of the heavier installs so that will have to factor into the budget as well. So any help, suggestions, leads on parts/mechanics would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to to talking LC's or otherwise with all of you!

I think you are going to find that everyone on this board will be more than willing to lend a hand with any of the heavy work, myself included. Like Spike, I do all my own stuff outa my garage, or the shop of a buddy, but if there is anything I can do to offer a friendly hand when it is needed, please do not hesitate to ask.
Like Spike said, most of the off road shops are focused on poser rigs, J**ps, or on bling bling options, a few smaller places, like the Toy Speciaties on Southern, http://www.toyspecialistsaz.com/
Or for fabrication one off custom FST in phoenix, are rated pretty high in my book. http://www.fstmotorsports.com/
I am not a 80 owner, but if there is anyhting I can do to help, please do not hesitate to ask.
Josh

 

[Tools R Us]

My first recommendation on mods is to wheel your rig and see what you need for it. Going with other locals and seeing what works best on local trails is good input. Your welcome to come in the morning, I will have seats, just bring lunch and drinks so you don't starve!

 

[remmrtn]

Thanks everyone for the advice and offers of help. I'll certainly keep that in mind. As far as the run tomorrow Kevin I appreciate the offer but I'm heading up to Wickenburg to visit a friend in a couple of hours and will be hanging out there for a day or two. Where are you guys going to go? Do you always do your runs on Sundays?

 

[Tools R Us]

Thanks everyone for the advice and offers of help. I'll certainly keep that in mind. As far as the run tomorrow Kevin I appreciate the offer but I'm heading up to Wickenburg to visit a friend in a couple of hours and will be hanging out there for a day or two. Where are you guys going to go? Do you always do your runs on Sundays?

The run thread; https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=117898

Our runs happen whenever someone gets the urge, usually they happen on Saturday. The Germans are coming out for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I will probably be hitting the trails often around the holidays.

 

[DSRTRDR]

The Germans are coming out for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I will probably be hitting the trails often around the holidays.

yeah, right, now you are blaming it all on us

 

[hj60]

The Germans are coming out for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I will probably be hitting the trails often around the holidays.

Ach!
Du bist ganz verrueckt!
Jetzt brauchst du eine Entschuldigung, um 4wheeling zu gehen?

 

[Sean K.]

I worked at a few of the shops in the valley and the one "mainstream" shop that always gets the most kudos is 4Wheelers Supply in Phoenix.

There are many competent custom fab shops in the valley and the better ones charge accordingly. I don't care for FST, or Toys by Troy for various reasons....if asked I can provide reasons, but if you don't have anything nice to say........ I'd highly recommend Campbell Enterprises, the fab shop at 4Wheelers, and Randy Ellis or Ian Lejiblad (sp?) if you can find out what they're calling their lastest businesses.

HTH,
Sean

 

[Epic Ed]

Welcome to the forum, Randy. I'm a relatively new LC owner, too, and it sounds like we have similar goals in mind. A little more off-road capable than stock is what I'm looking for, but primarily it's going to be an expedition vehicle. The first major thing I've done is a new set of tires. I went up to 285/75 Bridgestone Revos from the stock 275/70 Michellins. The tires aren't cheap, but as nearly everyone else who owns these has testified, so far they are well worth it. Next for me is a slight suspension lift. I'm not exactly sure which combo of springs/coils yet, but Old Man Emu is the way to go for the components to get a 2" lift. Do some searching in the 80's forum for "OME" and "lift" and you'll get plenty of threads discussing this type of lift -- ad nauseam.

Some other priorities for me will be a dual battery set up. I already have the components, just haven't had the time to mess with it. The first investment I made even before tires was an upgrade to the "entertainment" and communications components. I installed stuff to keep me and the family happy during long trips or long waits in traffic. Plus I added a CB, and will probably set up a VHF HAM radio soon.

The next project I'll be doing on my on will be to build a storage system for the back like many others have done. There are a lot of different plans for building these, and I'm really encouraged by those who have had no previous wood working experience, but have had some mighty nice results.

Front and rear aftermarket bumpers will probably be next, followed by a beefy roof rack, and eventually a roof top tent. My last mods will probably adding an aux gas tank and on board water tank.

Head out to the Sonic meet this month. You'll meet plenty of helpful Cruiser owners and it's always nice to be able to put a face with the screen name. I've found this is a very resourceful group, and several guys have extended offers to help me with various projects. The knowledge and resources some of these guys have is just incredible.

Ed

 

[remmrtn]

Well it seems when I am ready to do some work there will be no shortage of help, be it in advice or a helping hand. That's very encouraging.

 

[desertdude]

for all the trips weekend - long week or just the day - the Engel/ARB 45L fridge freezer has made a hugh difference in having food and drink along without the need for ice - you can even run it on one batttery no problem - second would be a set of sliders just incase you get yourself near those AZ rocks... I also like that OEM cup holder

 

[Brian Macgyver]

Actually, all the meets I've heard of are at a Sonic in Tempe somewhere (I haven't made it out yet- I prefer to yak on the CB while navigating a bypass ). https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=21032 is the thread for the Sonic meets. Always the same Sonic, so those that go don't bother with the address, but it's in that thread.

Almost all 'hardware', or aftermarket accessories, are purchased online AFAIK. www.sleeoffroad.com www.manafre.com and www.cruiseroutfitters.com are a few of the many LC-oriented Web stores frequented by 80 owners. If there are suppliers in Phoenix for 80-specific parts I don't know of them. Desert Rat and Fly-n-Hi tend to cater to StupidDuties and poser rigs, and don't have much of a reputation as places to get good deals on useful stuff. 4Wheel Parts (http://www.4wheelparts.com) has a couple of local stores and some good sales, but their service has gotten mixed reviews. I do all my own work, so I can't recommend anyone to work on your rig.

-Spike

Nobody has answered your location question. Meets are at a lot between a Sonic and A QT Mart on the north side of Broadway about 1/3 mile east of Rural in Tempe, usually on the third Friday night of each month. It is well known, so nobody talks about it much. But newbies need to know where and when to find the rest of the cruiser-heads.

 

[dfmorse]

A good overall start place is here:

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm

...

 

[Blues Dawg]

Nobody has answered your location question. Meets are at a lot between a Sonic and A QT Mart on the north side of Broadway about 1/3 mile west of Rural in Tempe, usually on the third Friday night of each month. It is well known, so nobody talks about it much. But newbies need to know where and when to find the rest of the cruiser-heads.

East of Rural

 

[RHINO]

Ach!
Du bist ganz verrueckt!
Jetzt brauchst du eine Entschuldigung, um 4wheeling zu gehen?

Das stimmen jonathan zu, werden wir ihn nächst Zeit wir verletzen messen, die alle wheelin gehen

 

[remmrtn]

FJ60 or FJ80 ??

I'm back! Hello everyone. Been a busy 3 weeks since my last post here. A week in Wickenburg, 5 days in San Diego, and an old friend back in town has kept me from getting online here. My 80 is still in the shop getting the engine swapped out but should be done this week. But guess what? While in San Diego over Thanksgiving weekend (Belated Happy Turkey Day!) I happened across an FJ60 and................. I bought it! Couldn't resist! So now I have a choice to make, FJ80 or FJ60? I am pretty sure I already know which way you'll go. And I know it's probably been addressed here a million times, but, it's still a choice I have to make. Having 3 vehicles is just too much and the '03 Passat Wagon definitely has to stay. I'll try and get some pics up tomorrow.