Builds Box Rocket 1995 FZJ80 Build

[Box Rocket]

So I'm getting some smaller, bullet style cats put on this coming week, and I need some advice. Is it worth losing the 3" ground clearance and running the exhaust back under the frame/all the way out, or could I benefit from tucking it up high in the exterior with it dumping out before the tire, and having to modify all the slider legs a bit. I measured it all up and I'd have to mod them by (at most)1-1/2 inches to make it work. "Muffling" levels/noise aren't an issue, myself and the family are used to loud vehicles, just wondering in your, and all opinions, if the mod of all slider legs is worth the less ground clearance and less headache from the axle back? Any and all $.02 welcome!

This is a good question. Personally I don't have a problem with the stock exhaust routing but anything that can be done to improve clearance at the cats, and at the tailpipe I think it's worth it.

If it were me I'd change the cats to "bullet" style to tuck them up under the rockers a bit more and do the same with the rest behind the cats as much as you can but try to keep the legs pretty straight on the sliders so you're not losing clearance all the way back. If you're going full custom exhaust, I'd ditch the factory muffler and run a magnaflow and lose the stock resonator and have the tailpipe dump just behind the rear axle.

 

[Box Rocket]

Took the family for a drive into the local mountains yesterday.

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[retrofive]

Very nice pictures.

 

[Box Rocket]

Ordered a TMS snorkel today on Amazon. It's a Safari knockoff.....yeah I know, you get what you pay for. I have had a few safari snorkels in the past and the quality is great. We'll see how this one compares. For the cost, I won't be too hurt if it doesn't stack up. But if it's decent, I'm sure it will do the trick. I'll occasionally venture into deep water but I like the snorkel more for the help in the dust on the local trails as well as to reduce my intake temps which can get pretty toasty in the summer time.

 

[Box Rocket]

TMS Snorkel showed up this morning. Initial inspection looks really good. I see very little difference between this TMS snorkel and the Safari ones I've had in the past. Obviously it doesn't have "Safari Snorkels" embossed in the body so it's a smooth exterior but the plastic is thick and looks to be well formed with no flaws that I could find. I haven't had time to install it yet or check the template for accuracy so I can't report on fitment quality yet. But for now it seems like $40 well spent.

 

[NLXTACY]

Well...at least you know it will survive a roll over

 

[Box Rocket]

Well...at least you know it will survive a roll over

yes. It does have that going for it.

 

[Box Rocket]

I know some will like this, some will flat out hate it. Personally I like it. Purely cosmetic mod.....mustang scoop.

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[Box Rocket]

I finished up the TMS snorkel install last night. Overall pretty smooth. The supplied template wasn't quite accurate. The two holes closest to the windshield were not in the correct place but that was about all I needed to change. After drilling the holes, I removed the fender to make it easier to tighten all the bolts and remove the factory intake plumbing. The quality of the snorkel is really quite good, in fact excellent considering the price. For a $40 Snorkel it is great. Comparing it to the Safari snorkels I've used in the past, the obvious difference is the lack of the embossed Safari logo on the main body. Fitment is and construction is good although it may not be quite as precise where the snorkel follows the contours of the fender at the front, but I'm getting quite nit-picky. Material seems to be the same plastics. Time will tell if this one has problems with UV exposure and fading or cracking, but I doubt it. So with the exception of needing to do some double-checking of measurements I'm very please with the purchase.
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[Box Rocket]

**Announcement**
Tepui Tents will be a special event this weekend at Bass Pro Shop in Manteca, CA. They will be set up at Bass Pro Shop and showcasing the Kukenam Sky and Autana Sky with both models available for sale through the store. You can find Tepui there from 9AM to 5PM on Saturday and Sunday this weekend.
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Take your camping experience to the next level with one of these awesome tents. There are adventures waiting for you.
If you are in the area please stop by and check out the tents in person, and this is a great opportunity to pick one up if you've been on the fence about getting one!
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Bass Pro Shop is located at:
1356 Boss Pro Drive
Manteca, CA 95337
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Kukenam Sky

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Autana Sky

 

[dcguillory]

Count me in. Good excuse to go to Bass Pro

 

[Box Rocket]

Right on! Tell the guys I sent you.

 

[mderrick]

Adam, did you document your antenna swap? Did you set it as a dual band?

 

[Box Rocket]

Adam, did you document your antenna swap? Did you set it as a dual band?

No I didn't. Sorry. I considered dual band but just was short on time and kept it simple. The antenna I have is just a cheap fixed antenna from Autozone. Fishing the cable through to the head unit was that toughest part.

 

[Box Rocket]

Replaced my rear swaybar bushings. The little round ones in the ends of the sway bar. Mine were trashed and the swaybar was making a serious racket. Much quieter now. I also cut off my exhaust resonator but only left it off for a couple hours. The whistle was unbearable without the resonator so I welded it back on. It's interesting how the resonator makes a lot of difference for some and on other trucks it's not even noticeable when it's gone.

lastly. I've been going back and forth about keeping the hood scoop. I put it on just to help cover up the peeling clearcoat (and I don't mind the look) but I'm not sure how much I like it and I'm thinking of taking it back off. What say you?

Keep it or lose it?
with it:


without it:

 

[BILT4ME]

I like it! Keep it!

 

[NLXTACY]

Find ANY non-ford replacement and it will look mo-betta

 

[9780LC]

I like the scoop.

 

[ALX4X4]

Weld in a 78 series hump. There's quite a few 80's in Australia who have done it, me included. But I guess you don't have 78's in USA

 

[Box Rocket]

View attachment 1097492 Weld in a 78 series hump. There's quite a few 80's in Australia who have done it, me included. But I guess you don't have 78's in USA

yes I would do that if I could source a 78 series hood without it using up my retirement fund. Sadly, too hard to find one in the US and far to costly an option to get one otherwise. But I agree with you, it is by far the best looking and cleanest option if done well (like yours).