Builds Layonnn's 100 series build

[Layonnn]

Got snorkel installed last night. Notching the snorkel for the antenna took forever. I had to use a torch and handle from Hi-Lift jack. Heat, melt, notch, test fit, repeat.
Most of the "easy to remove" fender clips broke, ha. So i just replaced these with other automotive plastic push pins that are much more user friendly.

Tomorrow night i am planning on welding some angle steel to the rear lower links for some added protection to them. Hopefully this will extend their offroad life for a little while.

Going to be picking up an OEM roof rack.
I could use a full size roof rack but they are all pretty expensive and the stock rack will suit my limited use needs for now of holding down large, light items on road trips.

 

[Layonnn]

Also have a custom machined billet aluminum shift knob for the transfer case in the mail.
teaser pic If there is interest in these, there is a guy on the FJ cruiser forum that makes them and can do a group buy on em. Ill get some installed pics when i get it. Probably going to try and get a battery clamp from the same guy (Ellis Precision) for my dual battery optima.

 

[smm3]

Layton truck looks great!! I would be interested in the shift knob if it isn't too expensive.

 

[Gottagetone]

Nice, cant wait to check it out at Wheeltoberfest.

 

[Newps]

Wow great build thread, just read the whole thing. Must be really nice to have access to that garage and a lift. Looks like the new headers were a real pain in the ass to install. I had similar problems installing my torsion bars too. Rig looks great, look forward to seeing what’s next.

 

[Layonnn]

Layton truck looks great!! I would be interested in the shift knob if it isn't too expensive.

Thanks, i'll post up a thread when i get it in the mail with some contact info if needed.

Nice, cant wait to check it out at Wheeltoberfest.

Same for yours!

Wow great build thread, just read the whole thing. Must be really nice to have access to that garage and a lift. Looks like the new headers were a real pain in the ass to install. I had similar problems installing my torsion bars too. Rig looks great, look forward to seeing what’s next.

Thanks, yours is looking great as well.
The shop and garage is nice. I went to use the lift the other night to weld on some lower link skids but my Dad had his mustang on there
It is almost finished up though and it is looking saweet! Will be mine someday.
I'd highly recommend having a friend help with header install, made things a lot easier on the DS. PS was pretty easy.

 

[Layonnn]

Pics Jason took from this past weekend at Sicily Island.

Byebye already half broken mud flap

Couple seconds later while spotting Jason i almost got ran over

I was taking the lead. I got to a spot with some pretty soft muck/sand. I started going forward, while trying to avoid a tree to my left. Once i got pretty far into it, i noticed the tree was missing quite a good bit of bark, which is usually a bad sign, haha. So we rigged up some straps and shackles and had Jason pull me back out, then had to get everyone turned around.

Stock length rear shocks = no rear flex

 

[Layonnn]

Placed a few orders:
From TRDparts4u
ARB sport chair as my other camping chair is pretty trashed.

ARB LED adventure light. Only draws 1amp, perfect for working on the truck, just connect it to the secondary battery.

And 4 polyurethane socket holders. To be able to get rid of my big socket case and put everything in my tool roll. Red holder for metric, black for SAE.

Placed an order with Brad for this guy:
JVC KW-AVX840
Main reasons i went with this unit:
Detachable face
Full 7" viewing screen
Ability to play video apps from iPhone directly on the unit, like Netflix, Youtube, etc.
And i am not over-paying for a crappy navigation that i won't use due to the much better apps available for the iPhone.

And ordering this tomorrow with a group buy on ih8mud

 

[pfran42]

Day-yum! Keep the goodies comin'! So if you don't mind me asking, If you could only write one (long) sentence each about the 80, 100, and FJ, what would it be? Also, which one is your favorite?

 

[Layonnn]

Day-yum! Keep the goodies comin'! So if you don't mind me asking, If you could only write one (long) sentence each about the 80, 100, and FJ, what would it be? Also, which one is your favorite?

Hmm, a better way for me would be to list the main pros/cons of each due to my needs.

FJ Cruiser:
Pros: Styling, Offroad capability (rear locker + atrac), Mod-ability, comfy onroad
Cons: 2 real doors, room for gear, IFS, visibility out of, size on the trail

80 Series:
Pros: Styling, most offroad capable (SFA, triple lockers), 4 doors and plenty of room, mod-ability, visibility, felt easier to navigate on the trail
Cons: Anemic engine for its weight, braking power (comparatively), on-road ride comfort (darn crappy OME shocks), so many long/tedious maintenance items.

100 Series:
Pros: Styling, most comfortable/luxurious, best power, best towing, most room for gear/dog/people,
Cons: First to not have lockers, Torsion bar IFS, size on trail (honestly about same as FJC)

I have loved them all.
If i could easily have the body of an 80, with the interior of a 100 series, with the running gear of a 100 series, and the front axle of an 80, this would be my perfect Toyota
The FJ would be great if it was a fullsized 4 door. I have never been a huge fan of the looks of the 4Runner until the new 5th gens. It just kind of sucks taking a vehicle you just spent 30+ grand out on the trails. You care way too much about damage at that point, haha.

I bought a new welding helmet and some HD leather gloves. Plan to practice some more welding soon to try and hone in my skill. I also need to get my CB fixed and wired up soon.

I just checked my tracking and my new custom transfer case shift knob came in! Pics and possibly group buy to follow soon!

 

[Layonnn]

Radflo 2.5" rears, ToyOutfitter rear lower and upper links, and Rigid amber light covers ordered.

ARB f&r lockers soon to be ordered.

 

[Gottagetone]

Thats a Beast!

 

[OGBeno]

Truck is looking really good Layton. Nice work on the build.

!

 

[Layonnn]

Thats a Beast!

Truck is looking really good Layton. Nice work on the build.

!

Thanks Onur and Matt!

 

[Manhattan]

Okay, time for the razor knife...

Step one (well, two - one is removing the flaps)

Step two

Your 'Cruiser just keeps getting better... and better...

 

[Layonnn]

Thanks Manhattan!

The following got ordered today:
ARB lockers front and rear
ARB high output compressor and fitting to use it to air up tires
Nitro 4.88 gear and master install kits.
Rigid industries amber LED bar light covers

Tomorrow my ToyOutfitters lower links go on. Don't know when the shocks are gonna get here.

 

[RobRed]

Okay, time for the razor knife...

Razor Knife? Waaaaaaay too slow.

 

[Gottagetone]

Thanks Manhattan!

The following got ordered today:
ARB lockers front and rear
ARB high output compressor and fitting to use it to air up tires
Nitro 4.88 gear and master install kits.
Rigid industries amber LED bar light covers

Tomorrow my ToyOutfitters lower links go on. Don't know when the shocks are gonna get here.

Thats Awesome!

 

[Chris Sandstorm FJ]

Crap..No more pictures and the wife is home from shopping...

Layton that is a great build...Right behind you on many of these...

 

[Layonnn]

Quick edit as Woody made a rule that you can no longer edit posts that are over 60 minutes or something.

The lower links that i have are Hardline Fabrication Services. ToyOutfitters is their FJ related parts. I have some upper links coming soon as well. Very nice job on the website Stan!
HFS Suspension Links | Hardline Fabrication Systems

Installed these last night and installed a suspension lift on a friends FJ Cruiser. Also, came down with a bad cold and now i feel like poo.

Thanks Chris and Matt.

Also, my Radflo rear shocks and Rigid amber light bar covers came in.
Thanks Metal Tech(Radflos) and Offroadgears.com(Light bar covers.)