Builds 94 FZJ80 - Let the Adventure Ensue

[Somebodyelse5]

give me a shout when you are in phx Beers and tacos on me.

 

[FMC80]

give me a shout when you are in phx Beers and tacos on me.

Sounds like a plan!

 

[PNWTreeOctopus]

That’s right! Zuk has everything but he no longer takes diffs by mail. And my diffs are inside the axles under my cruiser. In Tennessee. Zuk is in Arizona. I’m going to AZ for paint soon hopefully. More logistics for me to figure out.

I’m trying to meet a June timeline for GSMTR. I signed up. I already secured a cabin. If I don’t make it, I’ll be attending in my Super Duty. Idgaf. I need outdoors.

I made some mistakes. I procrastinated the steering box reinforcement of the frame. I don’t have a welder. I have the @Delta VS frame do it yourself kit that I bought two sets of when I was drunk and feeling too confident.
Then reality hit.
At one point I figured, I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. Then I began reading mud again. Big damn mistake!

So engine is out. It’s prime time to do it now for access. Same with steering box rebuild but that I’m not doing until later. I don’t need more delays.

Since I don’t know how to weld, I hit up @FJn00b
Who has graciously accepted the challenge to help me. So we will do that in the next coming week and I’ll be mating the engine this week getting ready to stab it on the following weekend.

I need to get this pig running so I can break it in and get it on a trailer that I don’t have, that uhaul doesn’t want to rent to me, and drag it out to AZ without diffs so I can stay a couple nights in Phoenix while Zuk does his magic. Then speed up to Flagstaff AZ and drop the pig off to @kelly saad Who will make my baby look better than new. Yes, BETTER than new!! So researching flat towing my rig using a universal tow bar of some kind.

Suspenses. What’s the worst that will happen? I bust my own suspense and what? Nothing. Who give af? No one. Not me. I will fit 37s under her and take her out west and see what all the fuss is about. I’m trying to channel my inner @Broski and cut the hell out of cruiser but I just can’t seem to do it so @Feldrian hooked me up with knowledge about some Timbrens I’m stuffing underneath to mitigate that for now.

Just ordered new tires and rear lower links and I have a few other Knick knacks and paddy whacks to order. Why am I poor?

Enough words and tagging people for attention. I’m such a whore. @PNWTreeOctopus @OGBeno @Bludozer @@@
View attachment 3250980
@simple how’s the sticker placement? I have two more remaining.
View attachment 3250982
Got my seatbelts back. What colorblind bastard did this? These suit my King Ranch better than my cruiser:
View attachment 3250983
View attachment 3250986
They’re being sent back. Wtf

Here’s the tow rig, my kids named her Journey:
View attachment 3250989

Just gears from Zuk? Is it cheaper to drive it to Az? I mean you won't even be able to wheel it there...casue break in and all. Tell us the plan man! -edited because I can't type two gud.

 

[FMC80]

@PNWTreeOctopus said:
Just gears from Zuk? Is it cheaper to drive it to Az? I mean you won't even be able to wheel it there...casue break in and all. Tell us the plan man! -edited because I can't type two gud.

I can’t quote your post so I improvised.

What else would I get from Zuk? I’m married and I don’t swing that way. Sorry, Greg

I figured I’d drop in on the way to Flagstaff. I’ll be towing the cruiser, not driving it.

 

[PNWTreeOctopus]

@PNWTreeOctopus said:
Just gears from Zuk? Is it cheaper to drive it to Az? I mean you won't even be able to wheel it there...casue break in and all. Tell us the plan man! -edited because I can't type two gud.

I can’t quote your post so I improvised.

What else would I get from Zuk? I’m married and I don’t swing that way. Sorry, Greg

I figured I’d drop in on the way to Flagstaff. I’ll be towing the cruiser, not driving it.

I know I butchered the post. But only gears, no lockers? Is this a combined mission for paint too?

 

[FMC80]

I know I butchered the post. But only gears, no lockers? Is this a combined mission for paint too?

I had to give you crap. My prefrontal cortex stopped developing at 15 y/o.

Maybe, I don’t understand. I’m already locked from the factory. I assumed I just need to do gears and be on my way. Do I need to do anything different?

 

[PNWTreeOctopus]

I had to give you crap. My prefrontal cortex stopped developing at 15 y/o.

Maybe, I don’t understand. I’m already locked from the factory. I assumed I just need to do gears and be on my way. Do I need to do anything different?

nope! Its just a long way, and I was curious if there was a reason that Zuk was the key choice? and why you are trailering the whole rig there. It seems easier to send him loose thirds, or drive loose thirds to him. I don't doubt your methods...or your madness!

 

[FMC80]

nope! Its just a long way, and I was curious if there was a reason that Zuk was the key choice? and why you are trailering the whole rig there. It seems easier to send him loose thirds, or drive loose thirds to him. I don't doubt your methods...or your madness!

Oh yeah, man. No doubt. I don’t need Zuk but he’s one of the best in the biz from my research, and I figured why not, since I’m already going up that way to drop my cruiser off to get painted. He is up in Flagstaff, AZ. I put a deposit down with him and am in line to get a full-up, windows out paint job.

And I like to complicate my life.

 

[suzuguru]

Great intro and great thread. I was in the Army and Navy (Greenside with the Marines), and spent time at Yokosuka and also at Wheeler AAF on Oahu. My wife and I go back to Hawaii almost every Fall now. Headed back to Japan and Hawaii this coming August.

 

[PNWTreeOctopus]

Oh yeah, man. No doubt. I don’t need Zuk but he’s one of the best in the biz from my research, and I figured why not, since I’m already going up that way to drop my cruiser off with Kelly Saad to get painted. He is up in Flagstaff, AZ. I put a deposit down with him and am in line to get a full-up, windows out paint job.

And I like to complicate my life.

Ok, it makes sense that its on its way to paint. I get it now. I'm slow. I also might be mud surfing and procrastinating making dinner....might get another beer and stir up a discussion on coolant type or OEM water-pump vs Asin.

 

[Feldrian]

....might get another beer and stir up a discussion on coolant type or OEM water-pump vs Asin.

 

[Feldrian]

That’s right! Zuk has everything but he no longer takes diffs by mail. And my diffs are inside the axles under my cruiser. In Tennessee. Zuk is in Arizona. I’m going to AZ for paint soon hopefully. More logistics for me to figure out.

I’m trying to meet a June timeline for GSMTR. I signed up. I already secured a cabin. If I don’t make it, I’ll be attending in my Super Duty. Idgaf. I need outdoors.

I made some mistakes. I procrastinated the steering box reinforcement of the frame. I don’t have a welder. I have the @Delta VS frame do it yourself kit that I bought two sets of when I was drunk and feeling too confident.
Then reality hit.
At one point I figured, I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. Then I began reading mud again. Big damn mistake!

So engine is out. It’s prime time to do it now for access. Same with steering box rebuild but that I’m not doing until later. I don’t need more delays.

Since I don’t know how to weld, I hit up @FJn00b
Who has graciously accepted the challenge to help me. So we will do that in the next coming week and I’ll be mating the engine this week getting ready to stab it on the following weekend.

I need to get this pig running so I can break it in and get it on a trailer that I don’t have, that uhaul doesn’t want to rent to me, and drag it out to AZ without diffs so I can stay a couple nights in Phoenix while Zuk does his magic. Then speed up to Flagstaff AZ and drop the pig off to @kelly saad Who will make my baby look better than new. Yes, BETTER than new!! So researching flat towing my rig using a universal tow bar of some kind.

Suspenses. What’s the worst that will happen? I bust my own suspense and what? Nothing. Who give af? No one. Not me. I will fit 37s under her and take her out west and see what all the fuss is about. I’m trying to channel my inner @Broski and cut the hell out of cruiser but I just can’t seem to do it so @Feldrian hooked me up with knowledge about some Timbrens I’m stuffing underneath to mitigate that for now.

Just ordered new tires and rear lower links and I have a few other Knick knacks and paddy whacks to order. Why am I poor?

Enough words and tagging people for attention. I’m such a whore. @PNWTreeOctopus @OGBeno @Bludozer @@@
View attachment 3250980
@simple how’s the sticker placement? I have two more remaining.
View attachment 3250982
Got my seatbelts back. What colorblind bastard did this? These suit my King Ranch better than my cruiser:
View attachment 3250983
View attachment 3250986
They’re being sent back. Wtf

Here’s the tow rig, my kids named her Journey:
View attachment 3250989

Only new lowers? So you'll be able to center the axle but not set pinion angle?

They let you work on aircraft? We're they only allowed to engage at balloons?

 

[FMC80]

Only new lowers? So you'll be able to center the axle but not set pinion angle?

They let you work on aircraft? We're they only allowed to engage at balloons?

I have the adjustable uppers already.

Remember, I was an officer. I didn’t have to do shít, but pretend to know what I was talking about at meetings and take credit for all the hard work of my enlisted men and women.

 

[Bludozer]

That’s right! Zuk has everything but he no longer takes diffs by mail. And my diffs are inside the axles under my cruiser. In Tennessee. Zuk is in Arizona. I’m going to AZ for paint soon hopefully. More logistics for me to figure out.

I’m trying to meet a June timeline for GSMTR. I signed up. I already secured a cabin. If I don’t make it, I’ll be attending in my Super Duty. Idgaf. I need outdoors.

I made some mistakes. I procrastinated the steering box reinforcement of the frame. I don’t have a welder. I have the @Delta VS frame do it yourself kit that I bought two sets of when I was drunk and feeling too confident.
Then reality hit.
At one point I figured, I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. Then I began reading mud again. Big damn mistake!

So engine is out. It’s prime time to do it now for access. Same with steering box rebuild but that I’m not doing until later. I don’t need more delays.

Since I don’t know how to weld, I hit up @FJn00b
Who has graciously accepted the challenge to help me. So we will do that in the next coming week and I’ll be mating the engine this week getting ready to stab it on the following weekend.

I need to get this pig running so I can break it in and get it on a trailer that I don’t have, that uhaul doesn’t want to rent to me, and drag it out to AZ without diffs so I can stay a couple nights in Phoenix while Zuk does his magic. Then speed up to Flagstaff AZ and drop the pig off to @kelly saad Who will make my baby look better than new. Yes, BETTER than new!! So researching flat towing my rig using a universal tow bar of some kind.

Suspenses. What’s the worst that will happen? I bust my own suspense and what? Nothing. Who give af? No one. Not me. I will fit 37s under her and take her out west and see what all the fuss is about. I’m trying to channel my inner @Broski and cut the hell out of cruiser but I just can’t seem to do it so @Feldrian hooked me up with knowledge about some Timbrens I’m stuffing underneath to mitigate that for now.

Just ordered new tires and rear lower links and I have a few other Knick knacks and paddy whacks to order. Why am I poor?

Enough words and tagging people for attention. I’m such a whore. @PNWTreeOctopus @OGBeno @Bludozer @@@
View attachment 3250980
@simple how’s the sticker placement? I have two more remaining.
View attachment 3250982
Got my seatbelts back. What colorblind bastard did this? These suit my King Ranch better than my cruiser:
View attachment 3250983
View attachment 3250986
They’re being sent back. Wtf

Here’s the tow rig, my kids named her Journey:
View attachment 3250989

why am i being tagged cant i just s***post in peace

 

[White Sheep]

Remember, I was an officer. I didn’t have to do shít, but pretend to know what I was talking about at meetings and take credit for all the hard work of my enlisted men and women.

Preach brotha

 

[Broski]

That’s right! Zuk has everything but he no longer takes diffs by mail. And my diffs are inside the axles under my cruiser. In Tennessee. Zuk is in Arizona. I’m going to AZ for paint soon hopefully. More logistics for me to figure out.

I’m trying to meet a June timeline for GSMTR. I signed up. I already secured a cabin. If I don’t make it, I’ll be attending in my Super Duty. Idgaf. I need outdoors.

I made some mistakes. I procrastinated the steering box reinforcement of the frame. I don’t have a welder. I have the @Delta VS frame do it yourself kit that I bought two sets of when I was drunk and feeling too confident.
Then reality hit.
At one point I figured, I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. Then I began reading mud again. Big damn mistake!

So engine is out. It’s prime time to do it now for access. Same with steering box rebuild but that I’m not doing until later. I don’t need more delays.

Since I don’t know how to weld, I hit up @FJn00b
Who has graciously accepted the challenge to help me. So we will do that in the next coming week and I’ll be mating the engine this week getting ready to stab it on the following weekend.

I need to get this pig running so I can break it in and get it on a trailer that I don’t have, that uhaul doesn’t want to rent to me, and drag it out to AZ without diffs so I can stay a couple nights in Phoenix while Zuk does his magic. Then speed up to Flagstaff AZ and drop the pig off to @kelly saad Who will make my baby look better than new. Yes, BETTER than new!! So researching flat towing my rig using a universal tow bar of some kind.

Suspenses. What’s the worst that will happen? I bust my own suspense and what? Nothing. Who give af? No one. Not me. I will fit 37s under her and take her out west and see what all the fuss is about. I’m trying to channel my inner @Broski and cut the hell out of cruiser but I just can’t seem to do it so @Feldrian hooked me up with knowledge about some Timbrens I’m stuffing underneath to mitigate that for now.

Just ordered new tires and rear lower links and I have a few other Knick knacks and paddy whacks to order. Why am I poor?

Enough words and tagging people for attention. I’m such a whore. @PNWTreeOctopus @OGBeno @Bludozer @@@
View attachment 3250980
@simple how’s the sticker placement? I have two more remaining.
View attachment 3250982
Got my seatbelts back. What colorblind bastard did this? These suit my King Ranch better than my cruiser:
View attachment 3250983
View attachment 3250986
They’re being sent back. Wtf

Here’s the tow rig, my kids named her Journey:
View attachment 3250989

No need to cut it up for 37s there the sweet spot spot for a 80 !! Especially with the Delta arms.
And really nice tow rig the Super Duty F350 rides better then the Dodge 2500 on coils and carry’s a load. JMHO
Your 80 is way to nice for any of the famed Sierra trails but if you willing I would be honored to run any of them with you.
Have a few runs planned already for this season

 

[FMC80]

@BILT4ME I forgot to tag you, especially because I need your help. Again. I read @jonheld posts about strengthening the frame around the steering box long ago and I referred to it again last night and this morning.

With a more sober mind, I am second-guessing myself. Mud tends to blur the lines of logic and reason with the absurd and ridiculous quite easily for me.

I read about the various changes in the molecular structure of metal and the way welds won’t penetrate, or create stress risers, or not do vertical welds etc etc. there seems to be many potential pitfalls if not done correctly. Although I appreciate @FJn00b willingness to help me weld, by his own admission, he is a novice welder. I don't want to introduce more harm in my attempt to preemptively make the area stronger.

My question to whoever is reading this and is a skilled fabricator is this:

Factors-
- tire size 37s
- use case moderate to advanced wheeling

Questions:
- Should I leave it alone until a crack develops?
- should this repair be done by a master craftsman?
- what would you do?
- what if anything am I missing?
- @jonheld any regrets with the path you took?

Any useful insight is welcome. Thank you, and happy weekend finally.

 

[jonheld]

@jonheld any regrets with the path you took?

My only regret is that I didn't reinforce that area of the frame before it cracked. Both of my 80s cracked in the same area. I don't consider myself an "extreme" wheeler, but I do enjoy taking the hard lines. Both 80s ran 36" Swampers in the woods with the same 4" IronMan suspension.

 

[FMC80]

My only regret is that I didn't reinforce that area of the frame before it cracked. Both of my 80s cracked in the same area. I don't consider myself an "extreme" wheeler, but I do enjoy taking the hard lines. Both 80s ran 36" Swampers in the woods with the same 4" IronMan suspension.

Thanks, it makes sense not to wait until something fails. I tend to catastrophize scenarios, especially after reading certain people's expert opinions on automotive repairs. I simply don't want to **** things up worse.....the old adage, don't fix it if it isn't broken comes to mind. The evidence is there to do something about it though, and I'm at a good point to do it.

Another factor I forgot to mention and for me to consider is that I only have 110v in my garage.

 

[jonheld]

Another factor I forgot to mention and for me to consider is that I only have 110v in my garage.

This is not something I would do myself. I am not a welder. I have never welded anything and would not practice on a structural area of a vehicle.
I found local fabricators who did it all for me. I gladly handed over cash, sprayed some black paint after it cooled, and went on my way.