Builds Ikarus' HDJ81 Aussie-Style Build (3 Viewers)

[ikarus]

Got a bunch of switch blanks in and finally cleaned up the holes in my instrument panel and deleted the coin holders.

Pondering a hidden garage door opener. I don't want a smart mirror / Homelink. But I thought it might be cool to disassemble the opener and install it behind the instrument panel with a switch. Anyone done that?

Replaced all the fuel hoses from the hardlines to the IP, parts via Amayama.

And an oil/filter change using Shell Rotella 15W-40 and an OEM filter.

Then took it on some trips around Utah for work.

It's funny, I was rolling around in a convoy with a brand new Raptor, G Wagon and my 80 and without fail everyone we met only wanted to talk to me about my car, from guys who had spent time in Oman with Bedouins driving Land Cruisers, to diesel bros who thought I'd put a cummins in there.

Also I should have got a pic but the Raptor technically has 37s but they're BFGs so they look about the same size as my Toyo 35s. The owner wasn't happy about that haha he got asked a couple times if he was running 35s.

 

[logicbyondreaso]

Here is some info on a hidden garage door opener.
You in aviation?

HOW TO: installing a garage door opener into your 80

HOW TO: installing a garage door opener into your 80 **updated** Yes folks, I wanted to install the garage door opener as part of the vehicle instead of having it hang down from the visor. I didn't want to make access to my home that much easier and mainly...well I'm a big dork and I thought it...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[ikarus]

Here is some info on a hidden garage door opener.
You in aviation?

HOW TO: installing a garage door opener into your 80

HOW TO: installing a garage door opener into your 80 **updated** Yes folks, I wanted to install the garage door opener as part of the vehicle instead of having it hang down from the visor. I didn't want to make access to my home that much easier and mainly...well I'm a big dork and I thought it...

forum.ih8mud.com

Exactly what I'm looking for, thanks!

No, I'm not in aviation but have spent a decent amount of time around aircraft. I have a bunch of friends and relatives who are in aviation too. I swear getting your helicopter pilot's license is the hot new midlife crisis around here. haha

You?

 

[duece71]

Hi Max,
Do you have a lift with those 35s? Did you re-gear? Thanks.

 

[ikarus]

Hi Max,
Do you have a lift with those 35s? Did you re-gear? Thanks.

I do have a lift. 2.5" front and rear. I haven't regeared. Seems like this engine is relatively fine with the increased tire size. Still getting 17-18 mpg. Feels like I have more usable power than I did in my 100 with the V8 on 35s.

The lift is a Dobinsons kit. I like it, but I want to level it out. I'm looking at doing a suspension refresh at some point with Delta radius arms, tuned bypass shocks, maybe some progressive springs. I'd like to figure out what will get me the most flex on the stock setup. But that's a ways down the road, I'm happy for now.

 

[duece71]

Great, thanks. I have 32s but I am thinking of going a little bigger next time. 35s will definitely need a lift.

 

[ikarus]

Great, thanks. I have 32s but I am thinking of going a little bigger next time. 35s will definitely need a lift.

Yeah depends on the wheeling you want to do. One of my favorite tire sizes is 255/85r16. I've had it on a couple lighter trucks, like my last Tacoma. It's nice to have something a little skinnier and lighter if you don't want to go all the way up to 35".

35s will definitely slow down your cruiser, and make steering, braking etc. heavier and less responsive. But they look proportional, are a great size for offroading, and they fit easily. It makes sense to add a lift for 35s but - I could be wrong - I think I've heard that 35s even fit on a stock setup on an 80.

 

[ikarus]

The 200 took up most of my time this week. 30K mile maintenance and fluid film before winter hits. Love/hate relationship with the stuff but I'm just trying to keep the rust away. I'll probably do the same to the 80 next week.

This transfer case oil is $$$$$ - iykyk. But it's what the FSM calls for with no official substitute so it is what it is.

I usually use 6 cans per vehicle every winter. Works well but it's smelly and makes a mess. You can see it all goopy on the frame in the wheel well

Back to the 80 - my steering wheel has been off ever since I reassembled the front end and finally got around to adjusting the drag link.

Since all the components are about a month old and I used anti-sieze, I didn't even need a pipe wrench. Just turned it by hand. Took three test drives but I got it recentered. I need to check toe next but it drives fine for now.

Then I got bit by the car shopping bug, you know how it is

My wife has been talking about how fun it would be to have a defender or something similar with a soft top just to cruise around with the boys. I saw this '76 FJ40 pop up locally for $7500 and had to go check it out. It ran great and I've always wanted a patina yellow 40 but it was just a little too much of a project for me so I had to pass.

So I'm starting to keep an eye out for a clean BJ43, FJ40 or HZJ73. Might have to postpone the HZJ105/HDJ101 project I've been considering.

Then we've also wanted to drive a new 300 series (LX600) but the wait times have been up to a year if you ordered one. A local Lexus dealer just happened to have 2 on their lot for the first time this week so we drove them both.

It drove well and in some ways is a decent upgrade over the 200 but not nearly enough for me to want to spend that kind of money. I think we're just going to keep the 200 forever. Plus the way interest rates are if you got payments on it with a minimal down payment you're looking at $3K/mo hahaha yeeeeesh

Now if I could easily swap the front end with a 300 and get rid of that massive grill I could see myself scheming something - but you still have the Lexus d pillar...

We'll probably check out a 250/GX550 when they come around but I have a feeling we'll feel the same. Hard to beat a 200.

uhh anyway back to my 80, then I was stupid and broke my clock bezel. I just needed to clean up some wiring and while removing it, it broke a lot easier than I expected.

Luckily, Partsouq to the rescue. Very relieved to find that they still sell them new. I was about to break out the epoxy and try to glue it back together

 

[Dusten]

From reading bobistheoilguy there are now several aftermarket solutions that run about $17-20 a quart with almost identical Virgin oil analysis

 

[duece71]

The 200 took up most of my time this week. 30K mile maintenance and fluid film before winter hits. Love/hate relationship with the stuff but I'm just trying to keep the rust away. I'll probably do the same to the 80 next week.

This transfer case oil is $$$$$ - iykyk. But it's what the FSM calls for with no official substitute so it is what it is.

I usually use 6 cans per vehicle every winter. Works well but it's smelly and makes a mess. You can see it all goopy on the frame in the wheel well

Back to the 80 - my steering wheel has been off ever since I reassembled the front end and finally got around to adjusting the drag link.

Since all the components are about a month old and I used anti-sieze, I didn't even need a pipe wrench. Just turned it by hand. Took three test drives but I got it recentered. I need to check toe next but it drives fine for now.

Then I got bit by the car shopping bug, you know how it is

My wife has been talking about how fun it would be to have a defender or something similar with a soft top just to cruise around with the boys. I saw this '76 FJ40 pop up locally for $7500 and had to go check it out. It ran great and I've always wanted a patina yellow 40 but it was just a little too much of a project for me so I had to pass.

So I'm starting to keep an eye out for a clean BJ43, FJ40 or HZJ73. Might have to postpone the HZJ105/HDJ101 project I've been considering.

Then we've also wanted to drive a new 300 series (LX600) but the wait times have been up to a year if you ordered one. A local Lexus dealer just happened to have 2 on their lot for the first time this week so we drove them both.

It drove well and in some ways is a decent upgrade over the 200 but not nearly enough for me to want to spend that kind of money. I think we're just going to keep the 200 forever. Plus the way interest rates are if you got payments on it with a minimal down payment you're looking at $3K/mo hahaha yeeeeesh

Now if I could easily swap the front end with a 300 and get rid of that massive grill I could see myself scheming something - but you still have the Lexus d pillar...

We'll probably check out a 250/GX550 when they come around but I have a feeling we'll feel the same. Hard to beat a 200.

uhh anyway back to my 80, then I was stupid and broke my clock bezel. I just needed to clean up some wiring and while removing it, it broke a lot easier than I expected.

Luckily, Partsouq to the rescue. Very relieved to find that they still sell them new. I was about to break out the epoxy and try to glue it back together

Getting ready for the Fluid Film treatment myself, just waiting on the wand to get into the frame. I ordered enough to do my daughters car as well (Honda civic). I had the Krome treatment done back in April, just a touch up before the white stuff hits the ground. I saw a nice yellow FJ40 locally a few weeks ago, really nice shape.

 

[WiscoPat]

The 200 took up most of my time this week. 30K mile maintenance and fluid film before winter hits. Love/hate relationship with the stuff but I'm just trying to keep the rust away. I'll probably do the same to the 80 next week.

This transfer case oil is $$$$$ - iykyk. But it's what the FSM calls for with no official substitute so it is what it is.

I usually use 6 cans per vehicle every winter. Works well but it's smelly and makes a mess. You can see it all goopy on the frame in the wheel well

Back to the 80 - my steering wheel has been off ever since I reassembled the front end and finally got around to adjusting the drag link.

Since all the components are about a month old and I used anti-sieze, I didn't even need a pipe wrench. Just turned it by hand. Took three test drives but I got it recentered. I need to check toe next but it drives fine for now.

Then I got bit by the car shopping bug, you know how it is

My wife has been talking about how fun it would be to have a defender or something similar with a soft top just to cruise around with the boys. I saw this '76 FJ40 pop up locally for $7500 and had to go check it out. It ran great and I've always wanted a patina yellow 40 but it was just a little too much of a project for me so I had to pass.

So I'm starting to keep an eye out for a clean BJ43, FJ40 or HZJ73. Might have to postpone the HZJ105/HDJ101 project I've been considering.

Then we've also wanted to drive a new 300 series (LX600) but the wait times have been up to a year if you ordered one. A local Lexus dealer just happened to have 2 on their lot for the first time this week so we drove them both.

It drove well and in some ways is a decent upgrade over the 200 but not nearly enough for me to want to spend that kind of money. I think we're just going to keep the 200 forever. Plus the way interest rates are if you got payments on it with a minimal down payment you're looking at $3K/mo hahaha yeeeeesh

Now if I could easily swap the front end with a 300 and get rid of that massive grill I could see myself scheming something - but you still have the Lexus d pillar...

We'll probably check out a 250/GX550 when they come around but I have a feeling we'll feel the same. Hard to beat a 200.

uhh anyway back to my 80, then I was stupid and broke my clock bezel. I just needed to clean up some wiring and while removing it, it broke a lot easier than I expected.

Luckily, Partsouq to the rescue. Very relieved to find that they still sell them new. I was about to break out the epoxy and try to glue it back together

Living in WI, I'm very familiar with fluid film. However, I've enjoyed using wool wax instead - it has less of an odor, sticks better initially/over time (less of a mess), and comes in black. Check it out sometime, really good stuff!

 

[ikarus]

From reading bobistheoilguy there are now several aftermarket solutions that run about $17-20 a quart with almost identical Virgin oil analysis

Nice, I'm down for that, you have a link? I spent some time on that forum a few weeks ago when I bought the oil but couldn't find anything

Getting ready for the Fluid Film treatment myself, just waiting on the wand to get into the frame. I ordered enough to do my daughters car as well (Honda civic). I had the Krome treatment done back in April, just a touch up before the white stuff hits the ground. I saw a nice yellow FJ40 locally a few weeks ago, really nice shape.

Nice! You got a link to the wand? What does it connect to, a sprayer and air compressor?

Living in WI, I'm very familiar with fluid film. However, I've enjoyed using wool wax instead - it has less of an odor, sticks better initially/over time (less of a mess), and comes in black. Check it out sometime, really good stuff!

I'm definitely interested. Do you just use the spray cans?

 

[duece71]

Nice, I'm down for that, you have a link? I spent some time on that forum a few weeks ago when I bought the oil but couldn't find anything


Nice! You got a link to the wand? What does it connect to, a sprayer and air compressor?


I'm definitely interested. Do you just use the spray cans?

The wand is available from Amazon, it comes in a 2 pack and attaches to the top of the spray can version of Fluid Film.
Amazon product ASIN B0CBPSVQZ4Eventually when I get around to getting an air compressor set up, I want to go with a dedicated spray gun for applications.

 

[WiscoPat]

Nice, I'm down for that, you have a link? I spent some time on that forum a few weeks ago when I bought the oil but couldn't find anything


Nice! You got a link to the wand? What does it connect to, a sprayer and air compressor?


I'm definitely interested. Do you just use the spray cans?

I use the pro gun/wands by Kellsport and the black quart cans of wool wax. You can find them online/amazon.

 

[Dusten]

No because I was googling a while when I found it

But basically this

https://www.blauparts.com/ravenol-manual-transmission-fluid-mtf-3-75w-1l.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwkNOpBhBEEiwAb3MvvQ3uUJlV40oIlEYScJOQQReLtkANv9-UeTyUTulgWJUJtzIz5V28fRoC_3UQAvD_BwE

MT-LV 70W/75W GL-4 Gear Oil

Meet our newest addition to the GL-4 family!

www.redlineoil.com

 

[ikarus]

Beautiful day up the canyon for the first shakedown run since the intercooler and front axle rebuild. Nothing crazy, I need to get down to Moab. Decided to hike some instead of driving on trails all day.

Wheels seems to stuff just fine and the Dobinsons setup flexes well. Little rubbing on either side in the front when I hit a hard bump though. Gotta figure that out.

Locals will recognize this as AF Canyon. If you're reading this, get up there for the best time you'll have in AF for a while. The trail washed out at the narrows so the only way to get to Mineral Basin is via Midway and there was almost nobody up there. I saw maybe 2 RZRs, 2 dirt bikes and a few Jeeps in ten hours. Had the hiking trails all to myself.

It's pretty well set up as is. The gearing in both high and low is ok for now. I should leave it alone and enjoy it

- but I would like lockers. And an air compressor... and a roof rack... and man it's fun to drive, the torque is so great. Would be nice to have Fox or Kings or Icons so the suspension can keep up on forest roads. And I didn't run one particular trail cause I don't have sliders yet... just money pit things haha

 

[TXMeatball]

Got a bunch of switch blanks in and finally cleaned up the holes in my instrument panel and deleted the coin holders.

Pondering a hidden garage door opener. I don't want a smart mirror / Homelink. But I thought it might be cool to disassemble the opener and install it behind the instrument panel with a switch. Anyone done that?

Replaced all the fuel hoses from the hardlines to the IP, parts via Amayama.

And an oil/filter change using Shell Rotella 15W-40 and an OEM filter.

Then took it on some trips around Utah for work.

It's funny, I was rolling around in a convoy with a brand new Raptor, G Wagon and my 80 and without fail everyone we met only wanted to talk to me about my car, from guys who had spent time in Oman with Bedouins driving Land Cruisers, to diesel bros who thought I'd put a cummins in there.

Also I should have got a pic but the Raptor technically has 37s but they're BFGs so they look about the same size as my Toyo 35s. The owner wasn't happy about that haha he got asked a couple times if he was running 35s.

For the garage door opener I've had this sitting in my amazon cart. Doesn't need to be wired to anything either.
Amazon product ASIN B077NYF667

 

[ikarus]

For the garage door opener I've had this sitting in my amazon cart. Doesn't need to be wired to anything either.
Amazon product ASIN B077NYF667

Rad! Thanks for sharing. I wonder how well it would fit in an 80 switch blank?

 

[ClassyJalopy]

I may be in minority here but I think bumpers and other masculine jewelry takes away from the overall visual coherence of these trucks
I find sliders non-offensive (and necessary!) and then pretty much everything else just doesn't feel organic. I am even a fan of slick top without the roof rack.

I know I say that while having all that on my current 100 - but heart wants what it doesn't have

Beautiful day up the canyon for the first shakedown run since the intercooler and front axle rebuild. Nothing crazy, I need to get down to Moab. Decided to hike some instead of driving on trails all day.

Wheels seems to stuff just fine and the Dobinsons setup flexes well. Little rubbing on either side in the front when I hit a hard bump though. Gotta figure that out.

Locals will recognize this as AF Canyon. If you're reading this, get up there for the best time you'll have in AF for a while. The trail washed out at the narrows so the only way to get to Mineral Basin is via Midway and there was almost nobody up there. I saw maybe 2 RZRs, 2 dirt bikes and a few Jeeps in ten hours. Had the hiking trails all to myself.

It's pretty well set up as is. The gearing in both high and low is ok for now. I should leave it alone and enjoy it

- but I would like lockers. And an air compressor... and a roof rack... and man it's fun to drive, the torque is so great. Would be nice to have Fox or Kings or Icons so the suspension can keep up on forest roads. And I didn't run one particular trail cause I don't have sliders yet... just money pit things haha

 

[ikarus]

I may be in minority here but I think bumpers and other masculine jewelry takes away from the overall visual coherence of these trucks
I find sliders non-offensive (and necessary!) and then pretty much everything else just doesn't feel organic. I am even a fan of slick top without the roof rack.

I know I say that while having all that on my current 100 - but heart wants what it doesn't have

Yeah I feel ya. It looks great as is. I love the slicktop but would like the utility of a roof rack, i like the bumpers as is but it would be nice to run a winch and more lights.

What do ya do.