Builds Beaten, built, 80 series rebuild thread

[dogfishlake]

Hello everyone, been lurking on mud forever and finally joined. I've had a 97 fzj for 5 years and always wanted to build it but now my plans have changed. Recently bought a 97 collectors edition with lots of add ons that I want but is getting pretty whipped. My thinking is to refresh everything and make it nicer rather than all new stuff. Time will tell if my approach will work. So far I'm really fired up. Ive gotten quite a bit done so i have to get my thread caught up. Here are initial pics

#edit I've got to say that when I first posted this, I didn't know what to say. Now I feel I must say that this forum has been my go to for such an amazing amount of tech info, which there is no compare. More importantly though, is the amazing people on here as well, it has been a blast and I am grateful for it all. Also, so many of the 80's here are amazing and keep me motivated to stay broke using everyone's great ideas!

 

[dogfishlake]

Stuff on the truck already includes: 4" lift I think with slee springs. Needs dc shafts and adjustable uppers. 4.88 gearing. Worn out 35's. Front and rear tube bumpers with swing outs and 9000 lb superwinch. Sliders. TRD supercharger with custom ic and what appears to be wrx scoop. Brass radiator. Blue hub fan clutch. Ems powered exhaust ( needs some work). Skid plates. Lots of great stuff but nearly everything needs attention. 233000 miles with almost no service info other than its had synthetic lubricants it's whole life. Also it has factory lockers Yee haw!

 

[scrowley]

Looks like a sweet start. Exterior looks great. Freshening these things up is half the fun.

 

[dogfishlake]

I agree. Labor of love I guess. It looks good in pictures but I've got plenty to do

 

[dogfishlake]

Found some trd wheels and 33's on CL this winter planning on making similar color as Luke111 has on that sweet lx 450. Using spray paint to find the right combo of colors. I like the color but i think 35's are a must

 

[dogfishlake]

Really didn't like the look of the front bumper and needed re powder coating anyway so I decided to mod away. Here are my before, during, and after pictures

 

[WarWagon]

Where'd that bumper come from??

Looks like you're off to a great start!

 

[dogfishlake]

Don't know who made it originally. Went through the bumper thread and didn't see one like it. Got great ideas from there though

 

[CRUISER MONKEY]

Found some trd wheels and 33's on CL this winter planning on making similar color as Luke111 has on that sweet lx 450. Using spray paint to find the right combo of colors. I like the color but i think 35's are a mustView attachment 880404

Nice rig. Those TRD Rims are sweet. looks like 2010 Trail FJ Style Rims. Did you have to use any adapters or spacers to make them fit on? In my own personal opinion, I had liked ur original bumper,, it looked nice from the pics. Nothing to do with your custom tube bumper,, nice work,,, I guess I built a couple of Baja style rigs in my life,,, after getting my 80 , I like the square steel bumpers in front and rear of the land cruisers. You have a awesome rig,,, keep up the nice work.

CRUISER MONKEY

 

[dogfishlake]

Thanks, I have 1 1/2 spacers for them. Also I have to die grind clearance notches to fit the rear hubs even with the spacers. The trd centers don't fit yet either but I have an idea on some extensions to mod them to fit. We'll see

 

[dogfishlake]

Major mess with the rear swing outs. Had to torch out the top bearing to get the assembly apart. Just a little rough. The setup is just a trailer spindle so I got two new sets of bearings and seals from Northern Tool to rebuild it.

 

[dogfishlake]

Did my powder coating on the bumpers and sliders. Gloss black with a little metallic and clear coated. Coating went well, getting with re install.

V

 

[scrowley]

Your simple mod to the front bump makes it look way better. Nice eye.

 

[dogfishlake]

Thanks, much appreciated. I really love the arb and the slee bumpers but i have so many things on the truck that need money and attention, i just couldn't do it. The extra tubing and the bends only cost a case of beer at a friends shop. I did the fab and welding which is pretty much having fun in my book.

 

[dogfishlake]

Got a few more things done. Powder coating my wheels

 

[dogfishlake]

Got new 315 duratracs on today. Test fit seems good. Still waiting for my new lug nuts so it's still on jack stands

 

[UnderDawg]

Those wheels look sick !!!!!

 

[LandBruiser69]

I have the Duratracks on my 2500HD Duramax. I LOVE them!! Awesome tires!! Great looking truck man!

 

[dogfishlake]

Started wet sanding and polishing the sides, heavily scuffed but no real deep scratches.

 

[dogfishlake]

Also, I bought this orbital polisher from harbor freight. Seems to work pretty good