Build LHD HZJ73 Refresh

[wngrog]

@wngrog How do you like the H55F with a diesel? I know you don't necessarily like it with the gassers.

Honestly it’s so different that I have not thought about them as a comparison.

The diesel does not seem to care about the stupid gear spacing though.

 

[FJBen]

Honestly it’s so different that I have not thought about them as a comparison.

The diesel does not seem to care about the stupid gear spacing though.

I was wondering if it was more of a diesel designed tranny. I didn't quite get the complaints however I've never driven a 2F/H55f combo.

 

[wngrog]

It’s not that I hate the H55 but I prefer to drive an H42 with 3.70 gears.

 

[wngrog]

Used some M8 rivnuts and attached the drawers to the tub. Nice and clean now. Got the National Luna strapped down with some FrontRunner straps.

These GX drawers are perfect for the mid-wheelbase. They give you a lockable storage and even plenty of room between them and the seats for the ever present dog Kaderabek carts around.

Que the short jokes …. But I can sit on the front of the drawers facing forward and not hit my head on the roof back there. They are a great height.

Should be getting the final parts shipping next week.

 

[bottombracket]

The headroom in the 70s is craaaazy. My kid wants to string a hammock from corner to corner and sleep in our 74 that way. I bet he could do it with me sitting in the driver’s seat.

 

[Kaderabek]

As long as the dog can stand up and the blonde can sit down, life is good.

 

[OGBeno]

^^^ Words to live by.

 

[wngrog]

Alright. 2 weeks this ole smoker has been sitting and waiting for its suspension.

The boat was slow but sore from Australia and Dobinsons did an admiral job getting it shipped out in just a few days. I’m heading out of town for a few days for it to ship so I’m going to spend the day getting the old suspension out.

Glad I started this early. It’s a fight.

 

[Kaderabek]

Yeah - those bushings look a little beat.

We're looking forward to seeing Julie on Saturday.

 

[wngrog]

Another thing that had a good salt road soak was the tie rods. We ordered OEM ends 6-8 weeks ago and they finally arrived. I was secretly hoping they would not make it so some tire shop guy would have to do them in Asheville.
Before I lost the rigidity of the front springs being in the truck I decided to do them before I pull the front springs.

Whipped my ass but I won. I’m only bleeding from two places.

 

[Kaderabek]

That might be the most important upgrade right there.

Milwaukee Tool connection worked out well for you. Might open back up after he graduates from Ole Miss next year.

 

[wngrog]

Well that was officially the hardest to remove suspension in 22 years of screwing with Cruisers. I got it but holy hell every part kicked my ass.

Fire. Sledge. 6” cut off wheel(s) Pickle Fork. Lots of cussing.

 

[svsisu]

Well that was officially the hardest to remove suspension in 22 years of screwing with Cruisers. I got it but holy hell every part kicked my ass.

Fire. Sledge. 6” cut off wheel(s) Pickle Fork. Lots of cussing.

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European rust belt, with original suspension... Nice work getting it off and nice looking 70 series.

 

[FJBen]

you seem a little......salty..........about the whole thing

I'll see myself out

 

[Kaderabek]

Pickle fork. Sledge. Cussing. The holy trinity of convincing a Land Cruiser to cooperate.

 

[wngrog]

2 months later the Dobinsons kit is in the house.

Add a tasty @lcwizard ubolt flip kit and you got a beautiful front end.

 

[Kaderabek]

Mmmm hmmm. Gonna ride like a redneck Caddy.

Well - after it rides like a brand new suspension for a while.

 

[OGBeno]

Nice work.

 

[FJBen]

2 months later the Dobinsons kit is in the house.

Add a tasty @lcwizard ubolt flip kit and you got a beautiful front end.

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Is that just the 60 series flip kit or does he have a 70 series specific one?

 

[wngrog]

Is that just the 60 series flip kit or does he have a 70 series specific one?

Its 1/2 FJ40 (rear) and 1/2 FJ60 front.

This is the 3rd Dobinsons leaf spring kit I’ve installed and I can’t say enough how much I love the quality and fit of their kits.

As for ride…..I’m betting it rides great out of the box. The way they design the springs they just flat ride better than OME. Not sure how because they are more arched. I think it’s the thinner leafs and less of them that the deal.

Also the Dobinsons yellow shocks are way better in my opinion than the OME yellow.

I’m done for the day. It will be tomorrow for the elevation shot. I still need to trim Ubolts, figure out the front tow hook reconfigure and hose it with Fluid Film.

Todd. You should buy a can and start spraying it around Katherine so she thinks it’s you that smells like rotten eggs and not the Land Cruiser.