Builds Bad Bitch Betty Build v2 (1 Viewer)

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Joined
May 30, 2022
Threads
21
Messages
189
Location
Phoenix
Instagram build @rustyFJ60

www.BlasterTactical.com

Hello all!

Figured I would create a build thread for my 1983 FJ60. I found this rig days before deployment. The PO was very less than honest about the condition and a master of deceit. I did end up purchasing the rig even though there was a bit of rust that wasn't described. The day before I deployed I had it towed to Land Cruiser Specialties in Oregon City, Or.

A little about me - I currently live in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. I work full-time for a local municipality PD. I served 7 years Active Army as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (Yakima, WA for most of it) before switching to the Oregon Air National Guard - still an EOD tech. I've been deployed a few times and I always find myself digging into something new either shortly before or during the trip. Due to be married in April '23 to a girl I met at the Police Academy in Washington, she worked for King Co and I worked for WDFW at the time. I am also a PhD Student in Explosive Engineering so my project time is usually limited. Anywho enough about me.

Short Term Goal - COMPLETED (kinda)
Upon re-deployment drive the entire west coast (excluding Alaska) of the states from Washington to Southern California then bounce back over to Phoenix. We plan on taking 7-10 days to complete the trip hitting all the fun stops on the way. I may need to gather a few mudder's contact info that live on the coast for an emergency rescue.

Long Term Goal -
Circumnavigate Central and South America.

Completed:

  • Holley Sniper
  • New fuel tank with in tank EFI pump
  • Suspension refresh
  • Tuffy Center Console
  • Repo Fenders
  • LED Headlights
  • TT Armor
Work in Progress:
  • Adaptive Driving Light brackets w/ KC Flex
  • Add factory A/C
Future Projects:
  • LS3/6L80E
  • Rust repair
  • New paint
  • TT coil conversion
Maintenance Log:
  • October 2022
    • Engine Oil/Filter
    • Differential Oil F/R
    • Transmission Oil
    • Transfer case Oil
    • Radiator Hoses/coolant flush
    • Battery Cables
    • Fuel Filter
    • Leaf spring bushings/shackles/u-bolts/plates
  • January 2023
    • BFG KM3 33x10.50r15
    • City Racer LED headlights
  • March 2023
    • Gas tank lock cylinder
    • Rear hatch struts

Pictures to follow
 
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This beauty is pretty dang rough. But I have big plans for her.


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Fuel tank and in tank EFI pump. Figured less heat and noise. Plus it would need to happen for the LS swap in the future.
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Couple Land Cruisers I've run across here. I'll be buying 70 series mirrors when I get back. Love them.

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I just want to give a huge shout out to Tim at LandCruiser Specialties. He has been absolutely incredible with working with my unique situation. He has been extremely communicative and made a couple really good points and suggestions along the way. He’s also not trying to nickel and dime me. Overall I am very happy with the entire job. Highly recommend his shop if you’re near Oregon City, OR.


 
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Trying to think of the finer points that will need to be solved in a short amount of time before we head off from PDX to PHX.

1. Will 60 series outside mirror bolts fit 70 series mirrors mounted on a 60? If so what is the thread size and pitch?


I have fairly stock suspension. Is it reasonable to assume I can stuff a 33x10.50r15 under it with minimal rub? Will be loaded lightly. Couple bags and a small cooler.
 
70 mirrors needed no modifications to fit. That was super easy. I’m not sure the 33’s would fit without the extra clearance from a new suspension. They may end up rubbing. I’m pretty sure my worn out leafs would not have worked with the larger tires.
 
i love that your top priority right now is the 70 mirrors🤣. can’t wait to see what you’re going to do with the rest though!
 
i love that your top priority right now is the 70 mirrors🤣. can’t wait to see what you’re going to do with the rest though!

Haha yeah, It didn't have a passenger side mirror when I bought it. I bought some 70 series mirrors from City Racer. Just need to install them before the drive.
 
70 mirrors needed no modifications to fit. That was super easy. I’m not sure the 33’s would fit without the extra clearance from a new suspension. They may end up rubbing. I’m pretty sure my worn out leafs would not have worked with the larger tires.

It had 32s when I got it. Since, Tim has done a refreshes on the suspension but we didn't swap the leaf springs. I'm hoping I can do 33s and not have to buy new tires again soon. I definitely have to replace the tires prior to the drive home.
 
TRIP REPORT - Portland Oregon to Phoenix, Arizona

Day One
- Well got the first trip in the books. From Portland, Oregon we took I 5 to HWY 260 through Grants Pass to Crescent City. Found a great brewery called Sea Quake, their cheese curds were amazing. Headed down HWY 101 to Klamath and stopped for the night. The 60 ran great the entire way but, we quickly discovered that the steering and brakes will need to be addressed soon.

Day Two - Hwy 101 south to Leggett then over to HWY 1. Visited some of the redwoods on the way down. Again 60 running great and zero issues with the sniper EFI. Average speed was a whopping 38-42 MPH through the curves but no real need to move quickly. Weather was perfect. Stopped for the night at Timber Cove Resort. Pretty nice splurge of the moment. We planned to stop in San Francisco but we fell short.

Day Three - Woke up early and hit the road. Hit some down hill curves and induced a stall. I suspect I dropped the throttle too quickly and the sniper hiccuped. Popped the clutch and we were back in business. Ran HWY 1 to San Francisco and over the Golden Gate Bridge. From there we needed to make up time. Hopped on I 580 over to I 5 where we lived for the remainder of the southern descent. Highway speeds were about 68-72 MPH in 4th gear at about 2800 RPM. smooth sailing. Took the opportunity to install the weBoost OTR cell phone booster while Kaylee was getting a starbucks (report on that later). Stopped for the night in Valencia, CA.

Day Four - Another early morning. First stop of the day was at Specter Off-Road to pick up a pair of front fenders for Betty. From there we burned rubber to I 10 and headed to Phoenix. Average speeds 70-74 MPH on the flats, 4th gear and 2800-3000 RPM. Not a single hiccup today. Made it all the way across the desert with great cell signal thanks to the booster. Kaylee was happy. Pulled in the driveway at 5:43PM. Also noticed I have either a transmission or transfer case leak... Problem for another day.

Fuel Economy: using GPS odometer and hand calculated.

Total Milage - 1489.65 miles - 111.537 gallons - 13.355 MPG

Tank 1 - 198.68 miles - 14.021 gallons - 14.170 MPG
Tank 2 - 218.89 miles - 17.927 gallons - 14.664 MPG
Tank 3 - 162.23 miles - 11.226 gallons - 14.451 MPG
Tank 4 - 109.73 miles - 6.928 gallons - 15.839 MPG
Tank 5 - 114.92 miles - 12.423 gallons - 9.250 MPH (typo?)
Tank 6 - 99.61 miles - 6.452 gallons - 15.439 MPG
Tank 7 - 174.88 miles - 12.591 gallons - 13.889 MPG
Tank 8 - 147.28 miles - 9.535 gallons - 15.446 MPG
Tank 9 - 113.81 miles - 8.697 gallons - 13.086 MPG
Tank 10 - 149.62 miles - 11.737 gallons - 12.748 MPG
 
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TRIP REPORT


Tank 1 - 198.68 miles - 14.021 gallons - 14.170 MPG
Tank 2 - 218.89 miles - 17.927 gallons - 14.664 MPG
Tank 3 - 162.23 miles - 11.226 gallons - 14.451 MPG
Tank 4 - 109.73 miles - 6.928 gallons - 15.839 MPG
Tank 5 - 114.92 miles - 12.423 gallons - 9.250 MPH (typo?)
Tank 6 - 99.61 miles - 6.452 gallons - 15.439 MPG
Tank 7 - 174.88 miles - 12.591 gallons - 13.889 MPG
Tank 8 - 147.28 miles - 9.535 gallons - 15.446 MPG
Tank 9 - 113.81 miles - 8.697 gallons - 13.086 MPG
Tank 10 - 149.62 miles - 11.737 gallons - 12.748 MPG

This is very good fuel economy for a petrol 60!
 

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