Cory's 94 FZJ80 Build

[colsoncj]

thanks!

 

[colsoncj]

Well, bunch of parts arrived yesterday and Thursday, and ordering more today...

What arrived Thursday
7 Slee stainless extended brake lines

What arrived yesterday:
Set of OME 850 front coils
Set of OME N73 and N74 shocks
OME Caster correction kit
OME steering stabilizer
(Already have a set of OME 863 rear springs)

What I'm ordering today:
DBA slotted and heat treated front and rear rotors
PBR Heavy Duty 4WD brake pads, front and rear
MAF Heavy Relay Rod
All 4 Jap Tie Rod ends from MAF

This all should get my soggy brakes, bent relay rod, and belly dragging under control...

 

[colsoncj]

Got the new springs and shocks installed... Its a bit higher than I thought it would wind up... I guess I just need to carry more people and cold beverages...

Also installed the rear extended brake line with no issues... front not having the same luck... they are made a little shorter at the connection so you have to stretch the metal lines a bit... plus the flare nut on the metal lines is mushroomed and needs to be filed...

Finally surveyed the damage from the last wheelin trip... looks like I managed to bend a radius arm, tie rod, relay rod, tow hook, and possibly the front frame end... got new tie rod and relay rods on the way... tow hooks are coming off, frame is no biggie... The radius arm I have NO idea how it could bend, but it did... just goina live with it til it breaks or til I get a 3-link done.

Pics to come.

 

[timer00]

Read through this thread and wanted to say awesome work, I wish I had the time with 3 kids to learn welding and fabrication stuff, I guess I should just be proud I have done all maintenance myself on mine since I got it.

Keep up the nice work

 

[colsoncj]

Thanks for the comment!! I'm sure it was a long read, but its been quite an evolution, with a lot more to be done... I hope time allows this winter for it to go under the knife for some body modification... by necessity, I'm having to start a little early, this weekend. I'm shaving and filling the factory tailights and going a different route... should be interesting.

 

[julstirn]

Pics with lift?

 

[silverhorse]

Cool build, I like the do it yourself factor. I love melting metal too!

 

[colsoncj]

Pics with lift?

They're coming... soon as I get it all wrapped up. Gotta finish doing brake work this weekend, and get the relay rod on. after that, I'll get some.

 

[colsoncj]

ok... time for some pics.... still a work in progress with more pics to follow:

First up some more parts ordered:
The new heavy duty relay rod from MAF to replace the bent stock one:

New taillights that are going in the tailgate to replace the stock ones on the corners:

New brake setup (pads and rotors) to compliment the new stainless brake lines:

Now for some lift pics:
Rear springs/shocks installed:

Front springs/shocks installed:

How it currently sits (more to come):

And some current work in progress, installing new pads/rotors:

Also got the relay rod installed, the steering stabilizer installed... still need to install the caliper brake lines, do the rear axle, adjust the caster, and install/wire the new taillights. Hope to be road ready by the end of the weekend.

 

[julstirn]

Awesome!

 

[colsoncj]

Got the caliper brake lines installed, and the brakes bled. Have great pedal feel when its not running, but as soon as you start it, it gets mushy. Working on figuring that one out.

Also took a break from the brakes to work on the tailights... got the old ones out, got the new ones in and wired up, but I dont have brake lights. Tail and reverse work, but the turns are weak, and brake doesnt work at all, so I've got to do some digging on that one too... soon as I get all that sorted out, it should be back on the road!

Pics and specs from the lift and work to come, soon as its all done!

 

[colsoncj]

Picture time... First up that new relay rod installed:

Next, rear brake rotors and pads... and all the stainless lines

New taillight setup... still need to cover up the factory holes with sheetmetal. its a work in progress. right now just tryin to get it ready to wheel.

Finally some brief test shots of the springs and shocks. It could have been lifted higher, if you'll notice no wheels are off the ground yet, i was just looking for binding or anything else that wasnt quite right.

 

[dafun1]

Cory,

I saw on your sig Ozark Mountain Cruisers. Do you guys roam around Northwest Arkansas?

 

[colsoncj]

yes we do as a group occassionally. I do more than the club does, due to my dual membership with the ARTTORA guys, and my close proximity to NW AR.

 

[colsoncj]

Well another update... Got the caster correction bushings in. No idea what my caster is at, but it drives a WHOLE lot better... way more sure-footed. Did another check on the suspension/steering for any binding. all looks good. Can lift a front tire 30" before any other tire comes off, 31.5" for a rear. Also started working on some body/paint. Got one of the taillight covers welded in, need a little bit of bondo on it and it will be good. Other side is tacked in, going to finish welding it tonight. Also started welding up the holes from the fender flares. My roommate also got the entire body sanded down yesterday, getting it ready for paint. Should have all the welding done, and maybe the paint by tomorrow. Will post some pics when I get some time!

 

[colsoncj]

Picture time:

Starting on welding up the tail light buckets...

Rolled sheetmetal to fill with:

Welded in:

Body sanded down:

Welded up holes for flares, laying on some spot putty to fill:

Start priming:

Letting the coats dry:

Tape/Paper removed:

Pulled out the next day:

Way back from wheeling the next day:

 

[julstirn]

Is that how you tow? Looks good, bright and bold!

 

[colsoncj]

Yup, tandem pull with the car hauler and the camper... Thanks. I really like the orange. Wanted something bright.

 

[jabhb]

The orange I'd really sharp looking on an 80!

 

[colsoncj]

thanks, I like it.