80 Dreams

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JohnVee

JohnVee

SILVER Star
10 Year
Joined
Dec 16, 2011
Threads
375
Messages
14,861
Location
NC & SC
Sarah and I are now officially shopping. I know we just missed the LX that Ryan bought but we weren't really in the market then (although I'll make Ryan an offer taking into consideration the damage he dished out last week ;p).

Built or stock is dependent upon price. The goal is probably gonna be lockers, 3" lift, 35's, front & rear bumper (or delete), sliders, skids, decent interior. A winch would be nice but I'd lean toward a portable and F/R receivers when the time comes.

Our goal is a daily driver capable vehicle that we won't be afraid to scrape up on the trails. I hope to take some of the pressure off of my 40, and it will be nice to have a second truck. Also, at this point we're thinking about a sleeping arrangement either inside or on top. It won't replace anything we currently own.

I welcome the thoughts and comments of any of you. And I have to give Eric and Stacey both the credit and the blame for this. I was already considering this purchase but they were kind/evil enough to let Sarah drive their truck on Sunday, after which I was told by the boss that we WILL be getting an 80.

Let me know what you would change on your build if you did it again or what you absolutely love. Especially those of you with 91-93's. I'd like to be ready to roll when URE opens again in the spring.

--john :cheers:
 
John, Don't get hung up on lockers... it really narrows the pool of available cruisers. You can add ARB in the front and a lunchbox in the rear for about $1500. Just take that into consideration when you are shopping. I did not heed that advice (I think from our pink-caped bearded Yeti) and made it really difficult to find a 15yo vehicle in good shape, WITH LOCKERS. Plus, IMO, ARB is superior to the electric factory lockers. Engage and disengage immediately.

GL with the search. Not sure if Jon Barnes (uid = Barnes) sold his or not, but it is locked. Might be a perfect candidate.

:beer: Ramon
 
You'll like that set up John.

As Ramon said (and I think it was that pink wearing yeti also :grinpimp:) don't worry about the lockers.... ARB's (and even stronger I think are the TJMs) create a stronger 3rd while at the same time have instant on and off activation. Plus there is something with the e-locked rear shaft that makes them weaker than the non elocked rear shafts.


With the 91-92 to a 93-97 debate i'm not even going to touch a 3FE vs 1FZ discussion. Look in the 80 section and there will be hundreds of threads on the subject.


Let me know if you want me to go look at this one with you.

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/3403782277.html
 
Thanks for the replies thus far. I'm not against an unlocked model, but the price difference between factory locked and doing it aftermarket leans towards factory. I'm guessing ARB in front and Aussie in the rear. I really hate the thought of $xxxx for the truck and $xxx+ lift, $1200 tires, $1500 lockers, $3000+ armor, etc. I know I can do it over time but I'm hoping to find one that has at least one of those things already to exploit the PO's depreciation. It might have to be HAMOM time depending....

Keep it coming.

--john
 
I believe the one that Al posted was for sale a year ago...maybe make a lower offer....fwiw, I got my stock 92 with 167k for 3800$ a year and a half ago...
 
John,

I hate to say it but after last weekend it would take $15,000 to get this baby off my hands. And I'm not even sure id sell her for that. HAHA.
But, good luck on the search... If I see anything.g in the area I will certainly let you know.
Ryan
 
An 80 is a great truck. I wont be selling it any time soon but i can keep my eyes open for one for you.
 
JohnVee said:
And I have to give Eric and Stacey both the credit and the blame for this. I was already considering this purchase but they were kind/evil enough to let Sarah drive their truck on Sunday, after which I was told by the boss that we WILL be getting an 80.

--john :cheers:
Click to expand...

Well You're welcome :cheers: ....and I'm sorry :doh: all rolled into one. lol. If you were kicking it around I figured it was only fair to ride/drive one like you were considering. At least that way you don't buy one and regret it. I enjoyed riding around in a 40 again and Stacy enjoyed getting to know Sarah a little better. :clap:


Like already mentioned don't let lack of lockers be a deterrent. Simply putting an Aussie in the rear will make a huge difference in the 80 and there is nothing at URE you cannot do. You can have a ton of fun and add a front locker later once the essentials are taken care of.
 
Thanks again, everybody. Now, the loaded question... What bolt on goodies (& brand) do you swear by? I've got my list but want opinions straight from the 80's mouths...

"The goal is probably gonna be lockers, 3" lift, 35's, front & rear bumper (or delete), sliders, skids, decent interior."

--john
 
Keep the sliders cheap.... no need for a $800 set when a modified $250 set from trail gear or MC will do fine.

Lockers for the price TJMs are a little stronger than ARB's so go with TJM's

I like the way the TJM bumper looks over the ARB but that is just personal preference... both will protect and hold up to abuse.

Winch..... can't beat a Warn but there are cheaper options that are still very reliable options. Viper/Ramsey/Superwinch

Rear bumper... can't really beat the price on a 4x4 labs or the fact that it helps on your departure angle..... but it can't really be removed as the rear cross member needs to be chopped and the bumper welded in.

Skids.... its pretty much a wash as they are all well made and stout.... it would be easier to get an iron pig with them so close and members are always heading in that direction so you could get it mud shipped for free.

Tires.. mostly personal preference..... Destination MT's ride good and wear pretty good also and if you wait for one of FS great tire deals then you can get 1 for free. Only downside to them is they don't appear to be a "true" size to what they claim.... they always seem to be a tad bit smaller than the size advertised. But still a great tire. Goodyear MT's are good also and offer fairly good street driving as well.

For the lift, go with FOR for that size.
 
Let me know when you are ready for bumpers and I can help you out if you like. I build bumpers with 2" receivers for the FJC and can do the same for the 80. I also sell Viper winches including winch tray and the wiring for both front and rear dissconnects.

Stan
 
NCFJ said:
Let me know when you are ready for bumpers and I can help you out if you like. I build bumpers with 2" receivers for the FJC and can do the same for the 80. I also sell Viper winches including winch tray and the wiring for both front and rear dissconnects.

Stan
Click to expand...

Just browsed your website and didnt see any applications for an 80. Mind PMing me with some info?

Sorry to stel your thresd john.. You know as well as anyone I need protection..:D
 
lt1fire said:
Rear bumper... can't really beat the price on a 4x4 labs or the fact that it helps on your departure angle..... but it can't really be removed as the rear cross member needs to be chopped and the bumper welded in.
Click to expand...

Just for clarity, sorry to hijack...

In the 4 4X4 Labs bumpers I've been involved building, none were welded in. All can be removed to repaint or ???

Yes, the rear crossmember is cut out, when the 4X4 bumper is bolted in, with its crossmember, replaces/acts as the removed factory crossmember. At least that's how I/we built them...

[hijack off]

Completely agree that the 4X4 Labs rear bumper is the best option for the 80...:beer:
 
Mtbcoach said:
Just for clarity, sorry to hijack...

In the 4 4X4 Labs bumpers I've been involved building, none were welded in. All can be removed to repaint or ???

Yes, the rear crossmember is cut out, when the 4X4 bumper is bolted in, with its crossmember, replaces/acts as the removed factory crossmember. At least that's how I/we built them...

[hijack off]

Completely agree that the 4X4 Labs rear bumper is the best option for the 80...:beer:
Click to expand...


Well that shows how many of those i've actually put in :doh:
 
I have not built any 80 bumpers to this point, but...

When I build 60/62 and some 40 bumpers I cut out the stock crossmember, usually heavy rust because the stock bumper and crossmember trap debris between them and rust both out. The new bumper has a cross member built into and that crossmember acts as the front support for the 2" receiver.

In the end you wind up with a much stronger boxed out frame because of a new cross member farther forward of the removed OEM cross member and the new bumper acting as a cross member as well. This design also allows for recovery points going through the bumper and bolting directly to the frame as it is the main attachment point for the bumper.

Hope that helps
Stan
 
sliders and bolt on?

lt1fire said:
Keep the sliders cheap.... no need for a $800 set when a modified $250 set from trail gear or MC will do fine.
Click to expand...

Not to hijack, but hopefully useful question. - Is there a local fabricator that does bolt on transformations on the trail gear sliders?
I was not happy with slide on and rust/repainting, etc. otherwise I was happy with TG... I need a set for my Taco and 80 now ; )
 
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