Builds Adventure Cruiser "Rosey" - How Many More Times... (1 Viewer)

[Skniper]

@BMValentine just read through this thread. Out of curiosity what is the appeal of the 80 rear axle for this build? Assuming the benefit is full float and locking I understand the appeal, but the width of the 80 rear seems to be creating more issues than necessary.
What about a full floater rear from a 60 series that keeps everything '60 correct'?

 

[cruisermatt]

@BMValentine just read through this thread. Out of curiosity what is the appeal of the 80 rear axle for this build? Assuming the benefit is full float and locking I understand the appeal, but the width of the 80 rear seems to be creating more issues than necessary.
What about a full floater rear from a 60 series that keeps everything '60 correct'?

The wider width doesn't create an issue, it's a benefit. The 60 front axle being too narrow is the issue.

 

[cruisermatt]

Well I was at the UPS store to ship something, and while I was there I asked about shipping my front axle housing to Cruiser Outfitters....The woman quoted me at $930 something. That is not even close to worth it...UPS is who Bryce said they use when I reached out to them. Maybe the woman just didn't look at all the options...

Whatever Cruiser Outfitters charges and the shipping there and back isn't worth it no matter what the cost. You should do the cut-and-turn with the axle under the truck with the weight of the vehicle on the springs, with all heavy accessories installed or accounted for. Bumper, winch, dual batteries, etc.
Besides, if you don't feel comfortable doing the cut-and-turn then you shouldn't be modifying any other suspension components.

 

[BMValentine]

@BMValentine just read through this thread. Out of curiosity what is the appeal of the 80 rear axle for this build? Assuming the benefit is full float and locking I understand the appeal, but the width of the 80 rear seems to be creating more issues than necessary.
What about a full floater rear from a 60 series that keeps everything '60 correct'?

I see it as a benefit as well. I picked up the locked 80 series rear for a pretty good deal and now I have a wider stance which will help stability and help run wider tires and it is beefier. It also has a locker and disc brakes. Full float 60 rear ends are pretty rare. As @cruisermatt said the narrow 60 front is the issue. Really the steering locations are the issue or else you could swap an 80 series front in.

 

[BMValentine]

Whatever Cruiser Outfitters charges and the shipping there and back isn't worth it no matter what the cost. You should do the cut-and-turn with the axle under the truck with the weight of the vehicle on the springs, with all heavy accessories installed or accounted for. Bumper, winch, dual batteries, etc.
Besides, if you don't feel comfortable doing the cut-and-turn then you shouldn't be modifying any other suspension components.

I’m in agreement. If I was in Utah it would be different.

 

[Cruzerman]

The wider width doesn't create an issue, it's a benefit. The 60 front axle being too narrow is the issue.

How so? I have been running my FZJ80 for trail use for the past few years. The thing does well, don't get me wrong. But it is a fat (i.e. wide) pig. And don't get me started on the 60 series offroad issues such as the mile long rear overhang.

 

[cruisermatt]

How so? I have been running my FZJ80 for trail use for the past few years. The thing does well, don't get me wrong. But it is a fat (i.e. wide) pig. And don't get me started on the 60 series offroad issues such as the mile long rear overhang.

The axle or an 80 series truck itself is too wide? An 80 series body shell is definitely wider then a 60.
Rear overhang is easily improved by cutting 1/4 panels and good rear sliders..

 

[Cruzerman]

I've removed my flares on my 80 and so the rig isn't too much wider than the axle. On narrow sections of trails, I wish is was narrow like my 40 was (or even my 60). Out here in Oregon, we got lots of trees that can make for some tighter trails. All I can say is thank goodness for my sliders.

As for the 60, while you can improve the rear overhang some, unless you bob the rig, there will always be too much of it. As always, JMHO.

I'm always interested in what others do and how they use their rigs. What one person does isn't what another would do. It's all good. For me, I just don't see that big of a benefit from all the work in going to an 80 rear. I like the idea of the rear discs, but the full floater isn't all that big a deal for me. The semi-floaters just don't break that often. I'll be watching though for your progress. Cheers.

 

[BMValentine]

How so? I have been running my FZJ80 for trail use for the past few years. The thing does well, don't get me wrong. But it is a fat (i.e. wide) pig. And don't get me started on the 60 series offroad issues such as the mile long rear overhang.

Where are you noticing yours is too wide? We are only talking a couple inches each side, which can be made back up with backspacing and tire width if it is too concerning. I’m thinking wish is going to be for the best, overhang is something I’m worried about but I’ll address that if I need too. The 80 series wheel base is longer too which doesn’t help for maneuverability.

 

[BMValentine]

I've removed my flares on my 80 and so the rig isn't too much wider than the axle. On narrow sections of trails, I wish is was narrow like my 40 was (or even my 60). Out here in Oregon, we got lots of trees that can make for some tighter trails. All I can say is thank goodness for my sliders.

As for the 60, while you can improve the rear overhang some, unless you bob the rig, there will always be too much of it. As always, JMHO.

I'm always interested in what others do and how they use their rigs. What one person does isn't what another would do. It's all good. For me, I just don't see that big of a benefit from all the work in going to an 80 rear. I like the idea of the rear discs, but the full floater isn't all that big a deal for me. The semi-floaters just don't break that often. I'll be watching though for your progress. Cheers.

I’m also coming from a Tacoma so comparatively this has like no overhang in the rear! I saw the 80 series rear as a cost effective way to answer a few questions. I needed a locker and this was a way to get that and a lot more.

 

[Cruzerman]

According to the site I found, the 60 series rear axle is 58.3" vs. the 63.5" of the 80 series. That may not sound like much, but again, every inch counts of tighter trails. But it sound to me like you're not looking for a wider stance. If that is the case, why are you going through all that work to put an 80 rear under your 60? Lot of work / expense to get a locker.

I have to say that the FZJ80 wheels pretty darn well. It is factory locked. I just put some bolt on items (lift, tires, sliders, skid) and I'm impressed what that thing will do. I doubt you could get a 60 to come close without lots of work. That being said, I can't wait to get my 60 going again. I like the 60 so much more than the 80. Personality thing. The 60 has personality, the 80 doesn't.

 

[BMValentine]

According to the site I found, the 60 series rear axle is 58.3" vs. the 63.5" of the 80 series. That may not sound like much, but again, every inch counts of tighter trails. But it sound to me like you're not looking for a wider stance. If that is the case, why are you going through all that work to put an 80 rear under your 60? Lot of work / expense to get a locker.

I have to say that the FZJ80 wheels pretty darn well. It is factory locked. I just put some bolt on items (lift, tires, sliders, skid) and I'm impressed what that thing will do. I doubt you could get a 60 to come close without lots of work. That being said, I can't wait to get my 60 going again. I like the 60 so much more than the 80. Personality thing. The 60 has personality, the 80 doesn't.

I do want the wider stance, doing a spring over puts the center of gravity up higher and I want the width to offset that. I just don’t think it’ll hang me up that much. I would rather be more stable and have to get creative on trails

 

[tmxmotorsports]

Rubber bumper just bang the tire off the tree lol

 

[tmxmotorsports]

Or car in Va Beach traffic

 

[60Works]

Thanks for the info, I already have 16" wheels bought. So it looks like Tundra brakes are out, which is a bummer I do like the IFS idea, and that could be done at a later date too.

I 'think' the Tundra brake/IFS hub will work with 16" wheels. I used 17" with 4.5" BS so couldn't say for certain but when I was researching new disks on RA there was only reference to 16" OEM wheels. Worth digging a little deeper, maybe calling FROR for tech help.

I love the big brakes on my HJ. Widens the stance to be comparable to the 80 axle you're contemplating. There is definitely an up front cost but all your mods are Toyota parts with no custom order axles or modified axle housings.

 

[BMValentine]

I 'think' the Tundra brake/IFS hub will work with 16" wheels. I used 17" with 4.5" BS so couldn't say for certain but when I was researching new disks on RA there was only reference to 16" OEM wheels. Worth digging a little deeper, maybe calling FROR for tech help.

I love the big brakes on my HJ. Widens the stance to be comparable to the 80 axle you're contemplating. There is definitely an up front cost but all your mods are Toyota parts with no custom order axles or modified axle housings.

I am definitely going to look into it. I had tundra brakes on my tacoma, it stopped it very well with all the extra weight. What is FROR short for?

 

[cruisermatt]

Front Range Off Road.
The extra rear width won’t hang you up offroad. You’ll like the extra stability. Depending on what backspace wheels you use the tires will tuck into the fenders nicely too.

 

[BMValentine]

Front Range Off Road.
The extra rear width won’t hang you up offroad. You’ll like the extra stability. Depending on what backspace wheels you use the tires will tuck into the fenders nicely too.

I’ve already got and grinded the axle. It’s going in. I’ll have to double check my backspacing just as an FYI I can’t remember off the top of my head.

 

[BMValentine]

5.5” backspacing. I went with VTX Rebel’s

 

[BMValentine]

Updated the pictures on the first page! Both axles are now out from under; now starts the grinding on the front axle housing and the shock mounts on the frame and spring mounts to do the shackle reversal.

Couple questions for you guys:

Does anyone have an idea how much custom sway bars would cost to have made?

Any recommendations for soft brake lines, preferably stainless braided?