Intro Xml325 38.5's with no lift 80

[Corbet]

This just became awesomer in every way.

 

[jkdowty]

This is awesome!! I want to UTE my 80, but in the middle of a 5.3 swap right now... Maybe I'll buy another and UTE it and make it a "crawler" so the one with a 5.3 becomes the tow rig... Hmmmmmm

 

[GW Nugget]

This just got very interesting...
Does the sun roof still work?

 

[Phildoh]

I've always wanted nted to see a T-100 cab on a fj80 chassis, still haven't, but this is getting closer to the look. Awesome!

 

[2KCruiser]

You're right, once the rear door handles are shaved and smooth, it will stop tricking our eyes and resemble a truck.

 

[hamishpotter]

Wow - very impressive "cut and paste". Will you keep the hatch functional?

Great build so far, keep it up!

 

[AaronM33]

Man, I just started reading this and couldn't wait to see the SR5FJ80. Awesome Taco body minus the s***ty Dana frame. This is still cool though, keep the posts coming.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

I understand the itch you need to scratch. Took her for a drive and it's like a damn race car. Those are stock spring rear and J springs front. She lost a lot of weight....

 

[GW Nugget]

How much weight do you estimate is in the glass, top & hatch door?
J front vs. stock rear is like a 3" difference.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

I'd need to know for sure what the stock rear spring rate was. I've heard 150 lb/in and 180 lb/in. Then compare stock measurements to chopped measurements for a rough idea.

 

[Qball]

Now we are talking! I would never do it but it's damn cool and will make an amazing crawler. What's next? Roll cage t-top?

Now you just need to 3 link it......oh my!

 

[Lcshack]

This just got very interesting...
Does the sun roof still work?

No the fuctional sun roof had to go but I am keeping the fixed glass as a moon roof.

 

[Lcshack]

Wow - very impressive "cut and paste". Will you keep the hatch functional?

Great build so far, keep it up!

Yes the rear hatch is staying functional to access the van type 3rd row seat that I plan to mount in the extended cab area.

 

[Lcshack]

View attachment 1253095 I understand the itch you need to scratch. Took her for a drive and it's like a damn race car. Those are stock spring rear and J springs front. She lost a lot of weight....

Yeah its crazy how it feels now!

 

[Lcshack]

Now we are talking! I would never do it but it's damn cool and will make an amazing crawler. What's next? Roll cage t-top?

Now you just need to 3 link it......oh my!

Not sure just need to finish so I can drive the dang thing! I do want to get creative with racks and armor.

 

[jkdowty]

There's some inherent unavoidable oddness like the centered cab but looks great.

I think the front might be longer than the rear... But I love the look though!

 

[Lcshack]

How much weight do you estimate is in the glass, top & hatch door?
J front vs. stock rear is like a 3" difference.

I'm guessing I shaved 250 to 300 pounds. But I'll be adding some back. My stock springs lifted 1" after all the cutting. I do have a floor scale so I'll know exactly what I shaved here soon.

 

[Mieser]

Cool build. I love seeing more hack and chop on the 80 series stuff.

 

[LINUS]

Did your cab chop save you doing plexi / buying new glass for your "xtra cab" windows out back - like using the rear 1/2 slider from the stock cargo glass?

Love the UTE chops myself, and with enough roof left to use "tilt" yet on the moonroof really adds to the ventilation (heat summer, humidity if you carry dogs).

Like it, keep us up on build pics - I may find a day my plasma comes out on the 40th since I got it for a song myself!

 

[neatus]

Dude, this is the best! Need more progress and pictures!