97 fj80 poor mans build

[Di0z0r]

So I have been a member of mud 2 time but over all since I was 15 when I bought my 71 fj40. But I sold it and kick my self every day for it. So for years I built the Toyota pickup and 4runners. Then life happened got married and had a kid knowing I was going to have more I looked in my back yard and saw my 87 turbo pickup. Took all my good parts off and put it back to stock. Every one said get another 4Runner it will fit the kids. But I was bored with them. I know I wouldn't buy anything but a Toyota and I remembered fj80 have a solid axle and the search began. Ended up trading my turbo truck for my 97 fj80 and it has a bad history. It had been in a bad side impact accident on the driver side. I didn't get any pictures of it then. Last owner put new doors on it and pulled out some of the rocker panel dents. Luckily it's not a salvage title and he didn't report it. Frame was checked and is straight but rear axle was bent. I got it and it didn't run. When it got hit it pulled the fuel pump harness out and I plugged it back in and fired right up. They day I picked it up

 

[musthave]

Congrats! Looks nice!

 

[Di0z0r]

The over all plan for the 80 is low to the ground with low gears and big tires. Manly use for rock crawling and camping.
I got a new rear axle and put it in took about 2.5 hrs to do by my self in gravel.
I put my 37's on it with stock lift 37's stock lift
The guy I bought my axle from have me a CDL switch so I put that in thought it wasn't working. But it was my light in the dash is burnt out or not there.
Drove up and down the street ended up taking 3" out of the front fenders and I will be starting to take 1.5" out of the rear. That's all I have for now it will be a long build.

 

[Di0z0r]

Congrats! Looks nice!

Thank you.

 

[Milkm4n]

37's on stock height very ambitious...I like it. Looking forward to the rest of your mods looks like your not afraid to push the envelope. Welcome official mud salute.

 

[Di0z0r]

37's on stock height very ambitious...I like it. Looking forward to the rest of your mods looks like your not afraid to push the envelope. Welcome official mud salute.

Before I decide on a lift I'm going to put bump stops in.
The big ticket items I plan on first is 4.88 or 5.29 gears don't know what's going to work best for me
Marlin Cralwer tcase gear kit
12 bolt fm mini spool mod in rear and if I can find a used ARB for the front
Hydro assist steering and a half exo cage and a full interior cage

 

[baldilocks]

Sounds like an interesting a fun build plan. Keep those pics coming!

 

[Phildoh]

Just ordered 5.29s for my 37's, can't wait, mines a slug on stock r&p's. Yes, mines tall, but I love the low slung rigs as well. Welcome to the s*** show!

 

[Di0z0r]

I took some pictures of the rocker panel and passenger side door after the crash driver door was the main hit point

 

[GW Nugget]

Welcome.
A 1" body lift will give you a bit more fender room for low a budget mod. I just did mine & it made a huge difference. Coil spring spacers are also a cheap mod.

 

[Di0z0r]

Welcome.
A 1" body lift will give you a bit more fender room for low a budget mod. I just did mine & it made a huge difference. Coil spring spacers are also a cheap mod.

Yeah I have thought about 1" spacers but I'm just waiting for a deal on some 2"-2.5" lift springs then I'll buy the caster bushing kit as money comes in.

 

[GW Nugget]

You are going to need the front ones anyways if you do a 851/860 combo unless you go 850/860s. This is for the stinkbug factor. I have a 851 plus a 25mm spacer / 860. That's a 3" lift unloaded. No 3rd row seats. Still up in the back just a bit. You can try a 851/866 that might be a level 2.5" just ask Christo at Slee. The 866 is a 100 series rear spring.

 

[voorland80]

Congrats! Welcome (back).
Great find and save.

 

[Di0z0r]

Yeah I want some heat spring in the rear. I'll have a spare and tools and way down the road I'll make a cabinet and sleeping spot but I plan on building a tent/camping trailer so I don't have to have everything inside and I already have a full rig with 2 kids lol

 

[Di0z0r]

So I just wanted to do a little update. I haven't been able to do a hole lot on the 80. Hard time came I had to sell the rig. Then they guy let me buy it back for the price he paid. I got the registration paid and exhaust back on. Now that the exhaust is on and you can hear it run it has a rod knock. So now on the look out for a cheap good running motor for it. At this point I don't care about miles.