Build FJ60 budget beater buggy

[Gus]

About a year ago a friend gave me a tip on a free 87 FJ60 nearby; well after talking to the owner I went and picked it up. The rig is completely stock, mechanically looks ok but the body is seriously rusted, like put your foot through the rocker panels and rip the quarters apart with your hands rusted. I've seen a few pics of chopped up 60/62 trail rigs around here and would like to build something similar only kind of junk yard wars, scavenger style. I'm talking something I don't have to sink many thousands into, a rig to go have fun in and not really care if it rolls over or bounces off of rocks or trees. I should be able to handle the fabrication part of the build(welding, bending tube, etc), plus it'd be a good excuse to buy/build more fabrication tools. I was roughly thinking of sticking with most, maybe all of the stock drivetrain(for the time being), spool the rear end or weld it(depending upon which axles are used), SOA and cut away the large majority of the body, build a cage and run something around 36's, maybe larger. I do have a axles from a 87 F350 (Dana 60 front(needs rebuild), 10.25 FF rear, 4:10 w/ limited slip) available so there's something else to consider. I'd like to hear your recommendations and ideas on this, what would you do if this was your rig? Anyone with pics of chopped up, beater Fj60/62 trail rigs, please post em up

The rig is MUCH worse than the pics shows.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

Oh, this is easy - chop the top and bob it in the rear flush with the shackle mounts. Full roll cage.

SOA swap with 'lockers front and rear. For gearing, I dunno, maybe install a NP203 GRB btween the H42 and the 'split t-case?

But, since you mentioned wanting to build it on a budget, I'd suggest building it gradually. If the body is so rusty then chop-out the fenders and slap on the biggest set of tires and rims you've already got (on one of your other rigs) and take this "project" 'wheeling! I'm sure the experience would give you some ideas of which direction to proceed in.

This should be a fun, informative thread!

Good luck!

Alan

 

[RredFJ40]

Have you been checking out the "velveeta lite" thread?

You should.

 

[kling-on]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=121997


hears mine too lots o fon get the sawsall out and go after it

 

[Gus]

Thanks for the input guys, Lowtiderides Velveeta lite, Kling-ons Bobed 60 and Maces (I think it's his)Project Bob thread have been inspiration for building my rig.
Alan, I can probably score a NP203 are fairly easy, I like the idea of dual cases. I was also planning on eventually going with an SM465, maybe I'll go for the dual cases then, but first things first I just want to get it out in the dirt.

 

[lowtideride]

Awesome, I can't believe how many 60s are going under the chop right now...


Too cool and good luck..

 

[D'Animal]

Free vehicles always cost the most in the end.

 

[Mace]

Don't be a hater

If you are gonna do the 465 do it now. It will cost more in the end to retrofit..

 

[incogrhino]

Thats what I'm puttin together next week, 350/465/203/splitcase.

 

[Mace]

Cut a lot off and beat it like a redheaded step child..

 

[Texican]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=80963

 

[cody c]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=80963

Your rig looks sweet texican! the dents in the body make it look even better i think!
Is there anything you would have done differently if you had to do it over again?

 

[redcorn]

Is there anything you would have done differently if you had to do it over again?

He would have shot the wad on his wifes back instead of in her..................

 

[bkfj40]

He would have shot the wad on his wifes back instead of in her..................

that's funny.....


Josh would've had to of been a fast and strong swimmer then

bk

 

[Tapage]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=80963

This rig it's in other level .. badass !

 

[LT]

He would have shot the wad on his wifes back instead of in her..................

 

[Gus]

Texican, that's the kind of stuff I like to see, very cool.
Last sunday I commenced chopping the 60 up, torch, sawzall and skid loader made for an easy job; the pics pretty much tell the tale.

 

[Texican]

He would have shot the wad on his wifes back instead of in her..................

That's some funny s***, not true at all but funny.. ....

For those that don't know the rig is my son, Josh's. I had a heavy hand in building it........still running a stout 2F

Butch

 

[Leaping Deer]

Looking good. Cool project. I may have a SM465 from a project that looks like it isn't going to happen. I am located in northern RI if you are interested. Looking to get $100 obo.

 

[kling-on]

any updates