Bone Stock FJ60+$3k=????

[Dirtgypsy]

Hi all, new the the FJ60 world with my first puchase to be picked up on Sat. Will be my daily driver, grocery getter, weekend wheeler rig. I have about $3k left after selling my other car and would like some input on what would people do to thier rigs if they had it to do all over again. I know I want a lift, wheels and tires, carpet plus a brake upgrade with V6 calipers and large bore master cyl, etc. Plus it has to look cool! Any input is very appreciated and anyone in or around Portland that can help source parts would be great.

I love this site!!!

Here she is: The Silver Slug

 

[Jan-78FJ40]

lift=1400 (Dakar)
Tires= 700 (BFG 33s, 5x)
Clean up your wheels/powdercoating = 200
take out the carpets and wash them = free (sort of)
service the brakes you have (they are pretty good, when working well) = 100
save the remaining 600 for unexpected repairs that will inevitably come.
enjoy

 

[meluhha]

Welcome aboard!

Matt

 

[cruzerfetish]

at the time I got my Dakar set up including all parts and shipping it was 1700.00, but you might be able to do better than that. Mine was medium front and medium-heavy rear. Then I got 5 33X12.5 BFG ATs and 5 black steel rock crawler type wheels and I want to say that was about 1200.00. So you have jsut enough left over to get some new loaded 4runner calipers and maybe you can grab a t100 or 4runner mc from a junk yard for 15.00 if you talk a good game.

So I would say that comes to just over 3Gs.

That said if you need engine work or anything else you should definitely get that done instead.

Welcome to the club.

 

[sundaypunch]

Lots of good suggestions.

I would put some miles on it before spending money on anything that isn't urgent. You want to make sure that 1. you like the vehicle, 2. you don't have any problems / fixes that become apparent after you just spent all your money on a lift and some wheels.

 

[agent orange]

I second the importance of boring maintainance stuff first. If you have anything lacking or worn on the truck you and can be damn sure that its not gonna last when you strap those big tires on there and go wheeling. Plus, it would be real embarrasing to break on the trail in your nice new lifted truck and be forced to tell the inquiring gay jeepers that are sure to turn up that you neglected to fix those worn tie rods/crappy brakes/worn knuckles yada yada.

 

[Dirtgypsy]

Great suggestions guys!!

I had the truck thoroughly inspected by LCNW here in Portland. They suggested a front rotor/ brake and hub rebuild. All else seems to be in great shape. All cyls around 170psi, tranny, transfer and clutch in great shape. New alternator, radiator, WP, hoses and belts etc.

I was planning the brake upgrade, basic tune up, and tie rods later this month as well as collect some bits for a weekend of re-building and tinkering prior to lift and tires.

There are a ton of pro's and cons agains the OME Dakar kit, is this mainly the SR system or the whole thing??

I was thinking Alcan springs 4" lift (depending on cost), no shackle reversal, upgraded/ greasable shackles/ pins, pro comp shocks, 33/12.5/15 BFG or MTR, rack of some sorts.

Ideas on cost of Alcan springs?

Does anyone have opinions on JT outfitters service and products IE: lift kit and racks, or any thoughts on CCOT hell stout lifts?

I really appreciate the help guys and am excited I finally got my FJ60. It has been a long wait!

Clint

 

[Mike S]

first, spend some money getting all the deferred maintenance done - brakes, tune, hoses, belts, ALL fluids. Then put OME suspension, shocks and greaseable shackles under it. Spend the rest on good tires. The wheels you have as better than others you can buy, so keep them.



Then take your wife or significant other to dinner and say, "Thanks for your help." Best investment you can make.

My $.02

M

PS: Alcan springs will run about $225 per corner, last I talked to them.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

All of this depends on what type of driving you are going to do. If you are going to wheel much, then begin with 34" tires, OME heavies and a SR. Then drive for a while and see what you need/want.

That is, after the truck is mechanically sound, not that it isn't. 170 psi!!!

 

[pvidrummer]

Hey guys.

Hey, I am also new, and I am wondering about the brake upgrades that you guys mentioned. Can some one send me a link or tell me how this is? I don't know how to search very well. I have to get a new master cylinder for my 83 FJ60 and I was wondering if I could upgrade.

 

[baldredhead]

Hey, I am also new, and I am wondering about the brake upgrades that you guys mentioned. Can some one send me a link or tell me how this is? I don't know how to search very well. I have to get a new master cylinder for my 83 FJ60 and I was wondering if I could upgrade.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/search.php?searchid=927545


i've done it, pretty easy.

master cylinder and calipers from a 95 4runner, though as you'll see others fit too

 

[89s rule]

Great suggestions guys!!

I had the truck thoroughly inspected by LCNW here in Portland. They suggested a front rotor/ brake and hub rebuild.

I was thinking Alcan springs 4" lift (depending on cost), no shackle reversal, upgraded/ greasable shackles/ pins, pro comp shocks, 33/12.5/15 BFG or MTR, rack of some sorts.

Ideas on cost of Alcan springs?

Does anyone have opinions on JT outfitters service and products IE: lift kit and racks, or any thoughts on CCOT hell stout lifts?
Clint

1. Do all your maint. 1st. Look it over yourself and get all maint finished. Change all fluids, etc. The rebuild the hub/front axle. You should have at least $2K left over if nothing crazy pops up at you.

2. I have 4" alcans like them alot. Bought mine used, but they run around $200 each spring. Give them a call after you search on here for Alcan or alcan spring, etc. (I do recomend getting the rear springs 1" longer in the rear if you get them made. There is a little info about that on a few threads.) Feel free to check out any of the threads I started on Alcans. Especially ones to try and figure the shocks needed.

3. JT Outfitters- Runnnnn Runn away as fast as you can. Haven't heard much good at all about them or thier service!

4. CCOT lift - dont knwo much about them, search and you should find some info about them.


Hope this will help you out some. Remember to get it running and performing #1 then go for mods.

Be thrifty and you shoudl have a decent set-up with the $2K left over. I would definately think about protection of some form if my body was that clean!

Nice score!

 

[cruzerfetish]

what are the cons against OME DAKAR? Besides $.

 

[89s rule]

what are the cons against OME DAKAR? Besides $.

None that I know of. But no matter what lift you get if it is a complete suspension lift it won't be cheap. If it is then I dont know if i would trust it.

 

[Jan-78FJ40]

what are the cons against OME DAKAR? Besides $.

I have heared nothing but good about it, and I am very happy with mine (heavy/heavy).

 

[Live to Ski]

Also, as this is a daily driver, you may want to consider the h55 tranny swap. I have heard nothing but raves about this mod (note: I haven't done it yet, but it will be #2 after the OME suspension).

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Also, as this is a daily driver, you may want to consider the h55 tranny swap. I have heard nothing but raves about this mod (note: I haven't done it yet, but it will be #2 after the OME suspension).

I'm one of the ones raving, but that's $3000 right there by the time you do everything that goes with it. Dive it for a year first.

I agree about all the maintenance items first, and include a knuckle rebuild regardless of how "good" it looks. TREs are easy and the old ones are certainly worn. I would tighten the compression springs on the drag link ends more than it says in the book if you plan to run big tires.

You are going to go way over your budget-if you run bigger tires, you'll want to regear. Most cost effective is lift + 31's. If you go to 33s you won't like how sluggish it will be.

 

[Mr. Toad]

Put the $3,000.00 in the glove compartment and withdraw in periodic increments to pay for gas.

 

[Mike S]

Like Andrew, I am a fan of the H55F - it will transform the FJ60 interms of driveability - especially on the highway. Stay with 31" tires unless you regear to 4.11s.

It is easy to get carried away on upgrades and mods. Better to fix the obvious tuff, then drive the truck for a while, and make intelligent, planned changes based on what YOU need. I spent hearly $9,000 setting up my '87 FJ60 over a year and a half. It was sweet, and the 2F ran well. No compliants, just didn't have the power I wanted, and I decided it was too nice to convert to a different engine. So I sold it and bought the 80. Wish I still had it sometimes, but I already have too many vehicles.

M

 

[dogboy2]

Great suggestions guys!!

I had the truck thoroughly inspected by LCNW here in Portland. They suggested a front rotor/ brake and hub rebuild. I was planning the brake upgrade, basic tune up, and tie rods later this month as well as collect some bits for a weekend of re-building and tinkering prior to lift and tires.

There are a ton of pro's and cons agains the OME Dakar kit.....

Does anyone have opinions on JT outfitters service and products IE: lift kit and racks, or any thoughts on CCOT hell stout lifts?

Welcome to the world of Cruiser Madness Clint

A couple of thoughts:
• if you haven't already guessed by the number of responses from the BTDT Club, the FIRST place to spend your $$ is on all of the mechanicals. DO THIS FIRST.... go through the truck system by system, diagnose, repair and replace with OEM parts as necessary
• LCNW is a great outfit: good guys, straight shooters, very knowledgeable, and they do good work - no affiliation, just a satisfied customer
• Brakes: if you don't know the history of your truck, do the rears at the same time as you do your fronts - start fresh. If upgrading, check out Man-a-fre for DBA slotted rotors and extended SS brake lines (since you're planning a lift). Do a search on this site for much info on 4Runner caliper/MC upgrade.
• Replace your drag link ends at the same time as your TRE's
• I would ask LCNW to check your knuckles for rebuild if you choose them to do the brake/hub work
• OME/DAKAR: no issues....great suspension - you get what you pay for. Some negative feedback re: CCOT's HFS springs going flat quicker than most but take that for what it's worth. Cannot go wrong with OME.
• JT Outfitters: PM nuclearlemon on this board and ask her about JT Outfitters....others will second her opinion. Better places to spend your $$$
• good color on your rig.... not that I'm biased of course

HTH,
-dogboy- '87 FJ60