Ok, finally have time to start the build-up on my '88 FJ62.
For those of you who don't know, she's a well-worn, Gray exterior, brown interior (pics will follow shortly), 154k miles, no power package, cruiser.
Here's the agenda:
Step 1 - Complete tuneup, fluids, hoses, etc., brakes (see below), suspension, wheels/tires.
Step 2 - Exterior - black out, new paint.
Step 3 - Interior - swap to gray, re-do seats, carpet to rubber in cargo, storage, etc.
Step 4 - Bumpers / Roof Rack
Step 5 - 6.2L diesel swap
So, since I'm starting Step 1 this week, I have some questions before I order parts. If you have personal knowledge regarding any of the following, I'd appreciate your advice.
1) Brakes- I've heard pros/cons about changing the rears from drum to disc. I agree that most braking is done via the fronts, so am inclined to leave the rears as-is (albeit doing a rear brake job to freshen them up). The fronts is the bigger question. I've heard about the Toyota 4-Runner calipers and master cyllinder upgrade. I've seen the MAF upgrade kit:
MAF Front Brake Upgrade Kit 40 and 60 Series
Anyone have any thoughts on the kit. I think it'd be easier to pick it up all at once instead of piecing the 4-Runner setup together. I know cost is double (at least) w/ the MAF package, but the convenience is greater in my opinion.
I'm looking for thought as to which (if either) is better - stopping wise.
2) Suspension. I'm going to go with the MAF kit (unless someone can point me to a similar kit elsewhere):
MAF Old Man Emu Suspension Systems
I'm thinking the deluxe/heavy kit, as I'll be adding heavy bumpers (front w/ winch, rear w/ tire, gas cans & ladder), roof rack, and eventually doing a diesel engine swap. I'll also go w/ the extended SS brake lines at the same time.
Any thoughts that this may be overkill (heavy) - I don't really think so, but would like to confirm before ordering.
Thanks everyone - I hope to update this thread every few weeks.
Robert
For those of you who don't know, she's a well-worn, Gray exterior, brown interior (pics will follow shortly), 154k miles, no power package, cruiser.
Here's the agenda:
Step 1 - Complete tuneup, fluids, hoses, etc., brakes (see below), suspension, wheels/tires.
Step 2 - Exterior - black out, new paint.
Step 3 - Interior - swap to gray, re-do seats, carpet to rubber in cargo, storage, etc.
Step 4 - Bumpers / Roof Rack
Step 5 - 6.2L diesel swap
So, since I'm starting Step 1 this week, I have some questions before I order parts. If you have personal knowledge regarding any of the following, I'd appreciate your advice.
1) Brakes- I've heard pros/cons about changing the rears from drum to disc. I agree that most braking is done via the fronts, so am inclined to leave the rears as-is (albeit doing a rear brake job to freshen them up). The fronts is the bigger question. I've heard about the Toyota 4-Runner calipers and master cyllinder upgrade. I've seen the MAF upgrade kit:
MAF Front Brake Upgrade Kit 40 and 60 Series
Anyone have any thoughts on the kit. I think it'd be easier to pick it up all at once instead of piecing the 4-Runner setup together. I know cost is double (at least) w/ the MAF package, but the convenience is greater in my opinion.
I'm looking for thought as to which (if either) is better - stopping wise.
2) Suspension. I'm going to go with the MAF kit (unless someone can point me to a similar kit elsewhere):
MAF Old Man Emu Suspension Systems
I'm thinking the deluxe/heavy kit, as I'll be adding heavy bumpers (front w/ winch, rear w/ tire, gas cans & ladder), roof rack, and eventually doing a diesel engine swap. I'll also go w/ the extended SS brake lines at the same time.
Any thoughts that this may be overkill (heavy) - I don't really think so, but would like to confirm before ordering.
Thanks everyone - I hope to update this thread every few weeks.
Robert