Build Dad's Montana 80

[cbmontgo]

Put about 100 miles on the 80 today and gave her a wash. Good to be back behind the wheel of this rig.

Driver's side mirror is getting shaky, so I need to tackle that in the coming weeks.

 

[OffRoadScott]

Again great looking rig. Love that you kept the 80 in the family and did not sell it. Any plans for new wheel tire combo?

 

[cbmontgo]

Again great looking rig. Love that you kept the 80 in the family and did not sell it. Any plans for new wheel tire combo?

Thanks.

I’ve looked into 35s a time or two, but I’ll likely keep the 285s.

 

[PNWTreeOctopus]

Thanks.

I’ve looked into 35s a time or two, but I’ll likely keep the 285s.

I'm a huge fan of the Toyota wheels. They look right. They work perfectly. They are stout, and you already have them.

 

[cbmontgo]

I'm a huge fan of the Toyota wheels. They look right. They work perfectly. They are stout, and you already have them.

Agreed. I'd never veer away from the OEM wheels.

 

[OffRoadScott]

Agreed. I'd never veer away from the OEM wheels.

315/75-16 KO2 on OEM wheels. This is an older picture.

315/75-16 Yokohama Geolandar MT G003 how she sits currently

 

[cbmontgo]

Took another phenomenal trip over to Utah a few weeks back. We camped deep in the San Rafael Swell.

This part of the world never disappoints.

 

[cbmontgo]

I've decided to take on a little project comprising of a Warn 8274 and an ARB winch bar over the next couple of weeks.

 

[cbmontgo]

So I put a thread in Tech about this, but I am wrapping up this project. Took quite a bit of test fitting, marking up the grille, cutting, sanding, and painting to make it all come together. Other than adding the synthetic rope and some wiring, project is nearly complete.

The 80 sits 1/4" lower than it did with the stock bumper, so I may end up swapping the 10mm spacers for 30mm.

I love the look of a classic 8274 and am super happy with it. Can't believe it's possible to squeeze one onto an 80 Series.

 

[cbmontgo]

Installed a new Warn 98381 contactor and spooled on some new synthetic rope. Ready to roll.

 

[cbmontgo]

Great day for a cruise. Ran into town for lunch with the pup and hit the National Forest on the way back home.

Supposed to be getting more rain this afternoon. We've had a pretty green/wet summer so far, which is key where we live up in the mountains.

The 80 is running like a sewing machine.

 

[MooseMichaels]

Beautiful 80 - I love the look of an 80 without the factory roof rails on top.

 

[cbmontgo]

Fresh Mobil 1 5W-30, OEM filter, and a cruise through the National Forest on the way home from lunch.

Fall is in the air for sure.

 

[cbmontgo]

Put another 100 miles on the ole 80 and engaged/exercised the lockers for a couple of miles. The ole girl is looking forward to 2026 adventures as the temps cool and outdoor stuff slows this time of year in CO.

 

[TRDdrew]

Love seeing updates from this thread!

 

[cbmontgo]

My brother was in town for a few days this week and we were able to get some exploring in. Headed from Divide to Victor, and then took the old railroad route through Phantom Canyon. This area has an interesting history of ghost stories throughout the years.

 

[cbmontgo]

Phantom Canyon and the old railroad grade eventually dump out into Canon City, which is a colorful town on the Arkansas River. It is known for the Royal Gorge and some infamous prisons, among other things.

We made a lunch and beer stop at World's End Brewing downtown and then cruised up Skyline Drive, which is a one-way historical road over the town.

Quick stop at Fremont County Airport to see what was going on. Coupe of cool old taildraggers were tied down. Here is my brother with a 1946 Luscombe. Don't see these too often.

 

[cbmontgo]

We made a big loop back towards Divide and pulled off on a trail that I've been eyeing for a couple of years. Had a beer on the tailgate and let the dog run for a bit. Beautiful area. Got into a couple of technical spots and the lockers pulled up that hill without spinning a tire. Such a capable old rig.

We talked about how much our dad would've enjoyed seeing the old Land Cruiser in its element today.

It was nice having my brother in town and catching up after a busy year.

 

[cbmontgo]

On an 80 Series Tech note, my wife got me this R/C Land Cruiser. This thing has driveshafts, u-joints, legit axles, and tons of suspension flex. I've been having a blast terrorizing animals and driving over pillows and books around the house.