Any good TLC Specialist in the RI, North East area?

[C-Gaia]

Hi everyone, I’m pretty new to the LandCruiser scene, but I think I’ve got a nice ’84 FJ60 to start with (Check her out in the CruiserGarage section). My wife and I are planning to drive her down through Latin America starting May of ’06 for one year.

I’m looking to see if anyone knows of a good TLC specialist out in the North East that could possibly help with a Cut and Turn I want done. I spoke with Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters who gave me a good quote for shipping one out to me, but I was hoping to just find someone reputable in the North East to do the job as I may have other work to get done before heading south.

Thanks in advance for any feedback or advice.

 

[fogblanket]

where in RI are you?
as far as getting a cut and turn done in RI you might want to try Ben Carpenter at Carpenters auto body in Wakefield RI his shop is below the Napa auto parts in downtown Wakefeild. he is a fj40 guy but if he is unable to do it he would know who could in the area. otherwise in NE there are som good cruiser shops in New Hampshire. I know of a couple guys closer by that will preform a SOA if that is your end result. what else are you looking to get done? i may have an axle housing you could use as a core for sale.
Jason

 

[C-Gaia]

I’m in Providence, thanks for the advice.

I’ll be contacting Ben soon. The truck already has a 2.5” BDS Susp, so the cut and turn is the last piece I really need. I tried Cruiser Solutions in NH and the guy said they don’t do Cut and Turns and didn’t know of anyone in the North East that did, so I decided to try the forum.

I may look into replacing the brifields with the Longfield ones also.

Thanks again,

JP

 

[fogblanket]

are you doing a cut and turn for a future SOA or for just the BDS 2.5" lift?
i don't think you need to C&T for just a 2.5" lift. I run an OME 3" lift and have not and don't plan on cutting and turning. I think the rule of thumb is 5" of lift (not including any sort of body lift)
whats your end result for your rig, ie amount of lift, tire size ect. if you are going Spring over Axle on your BDS suspension then you definately will need to cut and turn.
are you having handleing problems?
Jason

 

[C-Gaia]

are you doing a cut and turn for a future SOA or for just the BDS 2.5" lift?
........I think the rule of thumb is 5" of lift (not including any sort of body lift)
whats your end result for your rig, ie amount of lift, tire size ect. if you are going Spring over Axle on your BDS suspension then you definately will need to cut and turn.
are you having handleing problems?
Jason

Not really any handling problems, but haven’t tested her off road yet. Basically the C&T was recommended to me by the guy who built the truck.

Like I said, I’m pretty new at this stuff and was basically going by his advice on the C&T. Maybe this listing of what the truck has can shed some light on my situation:

man-a-fre shackle reversle
all pro high steer with fj80 tie rod ends
BDS 2.5" susp
doestech shocks
greasable pins and bolts
man-a-fre 2" rear greaseable shackles
all new drive shafts frt/rear
Goodyear 35x12.50x15 mtr's

The truck is great and the guy who advised me on the C&T seemed pretty knowledgeable and trustworthy.

Maybe I should take a pic of the driveshaft angle for advice on the C&T?

Thanks again,

JP

 

[fogblanket]

Ok Ok I remember seeing that cruiser on ebay. nice truck. yeah with the SR you prolly got around 5" of lift when all is said and done. are you a member of Yankee toys yet? they are the local TLCA chapter that is based out of Boston but has as many members in CT and RI as in Boston a bunch of us are on Mud as well but there are prolly guys that can better diagnos exactly what you need to have done (again if anything at all) by taking a look at your cruiser. YT is on yahoo e-groups mail forum and you can contact the list administrator Mike at foxfab@comcast.net. Mike is also a toyota specific fabricator/mechanic in middle CT. and might be able to help you as well. there are a couple of fj60 guys in doing crazy things to there fj60's in Merridian CT I think Walt (the father ) is the only one online thought, but they have a fj60 with the same Man-a-fre SR as you.
I am actually headed to Mike's this friday to have my elockered 3rd installed and wired up. should be a good days worth of work.
HTH jason

 

[wink84fj60]

Jason,
my name chris and i live in new haven, ct with my 84 fj60. where is mike the fabricator located? i need some rust taken care of by someone who knows these trucks.

tks

 

[C-Gaia]

Thanks for the great info Jason. I'll be sure to post some updates once I make some calls.

JP

 

[fogblanket]

Jason,
my name chris and i live in new haven, ct with my 84 fj60. where is mike the fabricator located? i need some rust taken care of by someone who knows these trucks.

tks

mike used to be in New Haven but has moved to Marbourough which is about 45min from New Haven you can contact him via his web site foxfab4x4.com if that doesn't work there are some other cruiser dues in Merridiane CT as well.
Jason