DIRTBIKEUSA’s Alaska Cruiser build thread

[DIRTBIKEUSA]

Yeah I know the name isn’t original, nor is the over all progress, but the purpose might as well be. (Edit title)

I told the wife if she let me build a Land Cruiser, I would take her and the family to Alaska to see her cousins in it this coming fall..well here we are! And the project is well underway ..lol!

I picked her up a couple hours away from home. Got a killer deal because it was running rough, has some dents, some leaks, and the front seats were trashed, but…everything was there it all worked the and the seller had receipts from years of dealer maintenance. Not a cream puff, but not a clapped out mud bogger either.

So I took her home and started.. Replaced all the injectors and all the ignition parts, all the vacuum lines. Runs great now! Has a lean code coming up. Need to sort out if it’s a intake problem or o2 sensor that has drifted..

Removed and shampooed most of the stains out of the carpets. Cleaned and moisturized the rear seat leathers. Starting the patch and leather repair some spots.

Deleted the egr with block off plate on cyl head, took 4 hours in two days to remove two bolts...

Inspected valve train and timing chain parts. Replaced valve cover gasket. Changed the oil and engine filters.
Flushed the cooling system, replaced all the hoses and changed all hose clamps, bypassed the rear heater. Replaced water pump and thermostat.

Added heating elements to the front seats and reupholstered them.

My contract was up at my last job and I walked away to spend more time with the family and do this project for a bit. It has been bringing me happiness.

I’m a heavy equipment tech by trade, btw. About 20 years experience. Mostly specialized equipment like fire trucks and military type stuff.

This project is one of a few I have done over the years. Below are some pictures. I will add more as the project progresses.

Bring on the comments and suggestions. I have been scouring the tech section for all the standard tips, tricks, and upgrades. Seen some good stuff that I’m going to copy. I have a few ideas of my own to share..

Thanks!

 

[Marvelicious]

Has a lean code coming up. Need to sort out if it’s a intake problem or o2 sensor that has drifted..

Smoke testing the intake is a pretty easy way to narrow it down. Also, an intake leak is where I'd put my money.

What are the plans beyond baseline reliability?

 

[DIRTBIKEUSA]

Smoke testing the intake is a pretty easy way to narrow it down. Also, an intake leak is where I'd put my money.

What are the plans beyond baseline reliability?

Yea could be a vac line is crossed or is off under the manifold. Rpm show 1000 with ac ON and 600-700 with AC OFF.

My timing light shows 10-15 advance.

picked up the steel for rock sliders and front bumper.

Beyond reliability I’m looking for comfort and ability to tow lightly and unstuck itself. Like I said it’s going to Alaska..

It does need 2-3 inches of lift so the right springs for it crucial. I want to talk about that at leaning if y’all are interested.

A winch is coming. Thinking 10,000lb with a snatch block. Price is right and it will fit between the frame.

I did just change the shocks to kyb gas-a-just, the price was right and I’m happy with the ride. Doing little things like hub greasing and bearings. Front drive shaft u joints are originals so gunna change them.
I want to change the rear view mirror to an auto dimmer..

 

[Marvelicious]

I don't know if you've found it yet, but the FSM is stashed in the resources section.

There's a sticky thread at the top of the section all about suspension components. There is a lot of discussion on here about springs, and getting it right is heavily dependent on weight. There's a huge range, especially for the rear because people run with drastically different weights. My own was done by the PO, and unfortunately has a bit of a "stinkbug" effect happening because he bought too stiff in the rear thinking he'd add more overland stuff.

I've been thinking lately that I might swap my rears out for a light set and add some airbags to be able to adapt when necessary for towing, camping, etc. I haven't done any real searching on here about that topic yet though.

I've got a 10,000lb winch on mine and haven't had anything yet it couldn't handle, but I wouldn't rule out 12,000lb options if I were shopping.

Overall, it seems like you have a decent handle on where you're starting. I'm looking forward to seeing how it moves forward.

 

[CharlieS]

Are you jumping the DLC connector pins before checking timing? Spec is only 3 deg of advance, although mine is more happy with a tiny bit more ~5-7 deg). 10-15 deg is higher than I've heard anyone here mention previously.

 

[Marvelicious]

Are you jumping the DLC connector pins before checking timing? Spec is only 3 deg of advance, although mine is more happy with a tiny bit more ~5-7 deg). 10-15 deg is higher than I've heard anyone here mention previously.

That was the thing I intended to mention in my post and forgot.

 

[DIRTBIKEUSA]

That was the thing I intended to mention in my post and forgot.

Oh that’s right DLC connector. I would suspect I would be running hotter engine temp of it had that high advance. I will check when I get my trans filter I and get it filled back up with trans fluid. Rock auto sent the wrong filter..

Here are some bumper fab shots. Decided to go a different route after starting with some frame sleeves. I’m going to partially box the winch mount to the frame and still use the original tow hook mounting hard/ number mount bolt holes will most likely be enlarged for bigger bolts. Probably add anchors to the front of the completed bumper.

 

[DIRTBIKEUSA]

Plate bolted to OEM Tow hook holes.

 

[DIRTBIKEUSA]

There is a lot of discussion on here about springs, and getting it right is heavily dependent on weight.

I see . Well for the. Sake of time saving I will wait to get the truck outfitted and find the right ones then. Duly loaded I’m thinking I will be hitting almost 9000, but we will see.

 

[DIRTBIKEUSA]

More pics of bumper progress steps and proposed final edge support. Tried to be as minimal with material as possible to save on mint and weight. I still need the allotted material for the rear bumper/ tire mount and sliders. A little hesitant about the filter dryer clearance. I may grind and adjust that side. These cheapy flux welder from HF are great for track welds BTW.

The right trans filter came in so I tossed that together and did drain and fill 2x. Let it idle in gear and didn’t find any leaks. Next up is PWR steering pump and hoses. The steering gear looks ok but I got a seal kit anyway for it. Fingers crossed. Enjoy!

 

[DIRTBIKEUSA]

More bumper winch mount.

1/4 plate bwt

 

[DIRTBIKEUSA]

I plan on doubling to 1/2 base mount for the winch. That way weld additions will be reinforced with lapped plate. All this will make sense in pictures posted later if required.

 

[DIRTBIKEUSA]

More bumper fan pics

Look at dem speed holes!

 

[DIRTBIKEUSA]

No loud noises at night!

So quiet time; cleaning condenser and trans cooler/straightening fins.

But metal at an acceptable decibel is ok.

 

[DIRTBIKEUSA]

Finished unmounted. I like it.

 

[DIRTBIKEUSA]

Front bumper painted.

A picture of my girls in the local meadow.

 

[DIRTBIKEUSA]

Pictures of the bumper painted.

Also found some broken stuff while behind the grill straightening fins. Super glued the grill support and them used high strength hot glue to give it some strength after the super glue set up.

Found a small crack on the headlight so I used some outdoor stick and seal clear to patch it up.

It’s a lot of little things like this..

 

[DIRTBIKEUSA]

Thinking about spare tires with steel aftermarket wheels in 16in.

I also want to use the same size tire and rim for the little camper trailer I plan on towing behind..

Anyone use something in 16in steel wheels?

If so what brand wheel? Thanks!

 

[Offroader93]

Thinking about spare tires with steel aftermarket wheels in 16in.

I also want to use the same size tire and rim for the little camper trailer I plan on towing behind..

Anyone use something in 16in steel wheels?

If so what brand wheel? Thanks!

I have 16" what i beleive are Cragars, but i cannot remember.

 

[DIRTBIKEUSA]

Back home from the trip. Gotta get the garage a bit organized.

A few more weld-ons for the front bumper and some holes for fog lights and it’s about finished minus winch and wiring. Can’t decide on brand. Seen some reviews a bit back. 10k is what I’m going for..not to expensive and no HF. Needs to have steel wire.

The rear bumper will be some square tube, so it’s going to be fun playing with the geometry of that.

Been thinking about the rock slider attachment and one that’s going to be. I seen lots of bolt points when I took the rotted out steps I have plenty of 1/4 plate

I had lots of time to research 3.5 inch lifts and OME spring rates. With the weight I plan on traveling with I came up with these:

2864/ 2850

I think the truck will have enough weight to warrant these. Let me know what y’all think..

Anyway at least some pictures tonight.