Build 97 FZj80 build- First timer

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

barbwire

barbwire

Joined
May 7, 2019
Threads
2
Messages
19
Location
Austin Texas
Hi folks,

This is my first post so if I'm in the wrong spot please let me know. I wanted to post my build on your forum because I am hopeful that if someone sees me doing something wrong they will scream. Also, I will need lots of advice on everything- so here goes:
1996 fZj80 vin: JT3HJ85J6T0124167 BUILD DATE 12/95

I am doing this build for my bro and although I'm new to Land Cruisers I have been restoring old BMW's for many years (particularly e9's)- as such there is not a lot of garbage I haven't come across.

I try to do most of the stuff myself except paint (I can never get the brush marks out) so true to form the first mod was a no go- (I need some suggestions here). As you can see in the pictures I tried to mount some 17 in. wheels from my Trd pro (4Runner). While they did fit, I couldn't get the hubcaps on. I really like these wheels so I'm wondering if anyone has run these on their Fj80. If they simply won't fit I could use some suggestions for 17 inch wheels. I know the truck came with 18 inch wheels and I would leave the wheels stock, but the PO must have been trying to impress his bottom bi#@h and totally pimped out on the wheels. Pic attached.

first mod will be installing a dual battery system. I got the system from slee they seem to have a good name so we'll see what happens :) . Thanks folks and please feel free to comment.

landcruiser4.jpg


wheel1.jpg


wheel3.jpg
 
Last edited:
There are lots of pictures out there with different types of wheels. Think there may even be a few threads on that topic specifically.

The aftermarket wheels yours came with (and yes I'd ditch those too) may be 18 inch but the factory wheel size is 16 inch. If you wanted to go back to factory you could probably find some fairly inexpensive. You can get reproduction hub caps for them on Ebay too.
 
Hello Ziff- do you know where I can get the spacers and do you have any pics? Thanks!!
 
So I tackled the easy part of the dual battery set up today- thought I would post some shots and a couple notes. As I mentioned before, I'm new to this Land Cruiser stuff and I take criticism well :-) so if I'm redundant or just plain stupid you can call me out. I got the Slee stuff and in the end everything fit well however it could have been easier with some clearer instructions -though the idea behind writing the process out was probably that if you can't either follow the instructions or just figure it out then you shouldn't be driving. Here are my notes in picture order... I think. after you open the box and get out all the crap, take the washer bottle out (3 10mm bolts). The washer bottle pump will pull out and spill bug juice if you're not careful.. so be careful, then disconnect the electrical- and here if you are forward thinking unlike me you can lengthen the harness wires for the pump while there's plenty of room. I also cleaned the area up and painted a few spots where the original paint was worn.
You can see in the second picture where the new tray has to be cut away.
3rd picture is where the battery box is cut away, and actually I had to make a few more little adjustments with my dremel, then I sanded it down a little and put some molding on there just to pretty it up.
It's hard to see, but there's a little molding attached with some Wurth glue in the 4th shot.

I took the air cleaner completely out for this and it just made things easier.
A couple of holes in the battery box needed to be elongated so I put some washers along with the Slee-supplied bolts. There are 5 mounting points and I think it's important to use them all.
The coolant tank slides right back in!

2ndbattery2.webp


2ndbattery3.webp


2ndbattery5.webp


2ndbattery6.webp


2ndbattery7.webp
 
As I was saying... the coolant tank slides right in.
I threw a battery in the box just to take up space, but it's the wrong type and the wrong size.
Now tie for the washer bottle relocation. I tied to take pictures in order because.... well
Then remove the 2 12mm bolts holding the cruise control module to the fender and place the second Slee bracket as shown. Just pull out the bolts and place the bracket on top of the rubber mounts.

Then attach as shown

2ndbattery8.webp


2ndbattery9.webp


2ndbattery10.webp


2ndbattery11.webp


2ndbattery12.webp
 
Almost there- This shot shows the order of the washers and spacer at the top. There's no need to paint the bracket because it's stainless steel, but the attaching hardware is not.

When it's all done, just slap it back together and life is grand!

Well, I hope that wasn't too boring and please feel free to comment- I need to learn allot more.

Ziff, I'm going to order those hubs today! Thanks again-

2ndbattery13.webp


2ndbattery14.webp
 
Tacocat, I just so happen to have a set of very good chrome wheels and tires (well the tires are not chrome) that you can purchase inexpensively- I'll even throw in a swank hat with a peacock feather that I stole from some guy named Huggy-bear!
 
You said you take criticism well so hear it goes...

A 96 model is a FZJ80 not a FJ80. Model years 91 & 92 are FJ80 and 93 to 97 are FZJ80. That is an important distinction because as you ask for help you will get better information mainly because they have different engines with different problems and different solutions.

To aid others it is also advised to add a signature to your profile that includes pertinent details of your vehicle. The signature is automatically appended to each post you make.

Related to your dual battery setup I would not use Optima batteries. Years ago they were good batteries but now they are junk.
 
Thanks Phil, I amended the posting title and will refer to the project as an FZJ80- I'll be thinking of Frank Zappa as I type that one out...

I totally agree about the Optima Battery, I was just doing a visual with that thing, Any suggestions on batteries welcome please.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: ppc
ppc said:
You said you take criticism well so hear it goes...

A 96 model is a FZJ80 not a FJ80. Model years 91 & 92 are FJ80 and 93 to 97 are FZJ80. That is an important distinction because as you ask for help you will get better information mainly because they have different engines with different problems and different solutions.

To aid others it is also advised to add a signature to your profile that includes pertinent details of your vehicle. The signature is automatically appended to each post you make.

Related to your dual battery setup I would not use Optima batteries. Years ago they were good batteries but now they are junk.
Click to expand...

What would be the better solution instead of an Optima?
 
Almost anything would be better than Optima. For a lead acid battery I would rate the Interstate brand at the top of the heap and Odyssey for an AGM style. There are many others depending on price point and usage.
 
Batteries plus used to stock blue top Dekka's that tend to fair well with our heat and have a warranty.... I had a set replaced for free after 2 years in my old 80 as they weren't holding a full charge. Nice have national coverage with a warranty..... but Interstate is a solid value play....
 
The X2 from Batteries Plus has been popular in these parts. 5 year full warranty for $360. Platinum AGM from auto parts store is 3 year full warranty for $200, specs are pretty good but not quite as good as X2.
 
I've had good luck with Optimas. Have had my current Yellow top for 5 years and no issues. If I had to look at another brand it would be Interstate. The Interstate batteries in my 5th wheel have done really well over the years. If you have a Costco near you consider getting batteries there, their warranty is second to none.
 
I just use Interstate as well. They work fine, havent had any issues in the various cars/trucks Ive used them in and won't break your pocket book.
 
If you going to run spacers keep a close eye on them and torque specs. I wouldnt run them personally if the sole reason was the caps. I would paint the dust caps and area same color as the rim and rock it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom