Midlife Crisis Expedition Cruiser - The Re-birth of My 97 FZJ80

[Eric Hohlfelder]

I agree, a stock is good enough for 98% of most travels. If you travel in a group the stock will take you further than you would venture on your own. On our trip to Moab and cross country the 80 was great. We traveled a moderate trail solo in Canyonlands and up at Arches, having lockers, OME 2", 285's, RTT was plenty, but solo on unknown trails ups the anti and a little more is usually needed to make sure its enough. So I think a light build is well worth the extra cost up front, as you may decide to not take that one trail some day and regret not trying while you we're there. So keep it up, and have fun with the build.

 

[alia176]

I agree, a stock is good enough for 98% of most travels. If you travel in a group the stock will take you further than you would venture on your own. On our trip to Moab and cross country the 80 was great. We traveled a moderate trail solo in Canyonlands and up at Arches, having lockers, OME 2", 285's, RTT was plenty, but solo on unknown trails ups the anti and a little more is usually needed to make sure its enough. So I think a light build is well worth the extra cost up front, as you may decide to not take that one trail some day and regret not trying while you we're there. So keep it up, and have fun with the build.

Your points are well made. I have a 2.5" lifted 80 with the usual stuff and that gets me to most places with the family. The driveablity between the 2.5" lifted vs the 4" lifted 80 is quite remarkable; the 2.5" lifted is a better driver, I think. I'm actually looking to lowering it from 2.5" to 1.5" lifted for even better driveablity and hopefully attain a tad better mpg ( I can dream!).

 

[Eric Hohlfelder]

I'm running 305/70R16 GY Duratrac's with mine and they fit the cruiser nice. I have a full size spare under the truck with the mod to raise the mount about 3" or so and it puts the tire about flush with the low part of the reciever hitch. I would love a better rear bumper for it (I can dream as well) but cost, less visability, and added hassel getting to gear and the dog on a daily basis prohibit that option. For what it's worth, I ran a set of Toyo MT 315's with the same setup and didn't get any rub at full stuff (well just a tiny bit in the rear on the mud flap) but didn't need to trim anything. I also managed to get the same 315 to fit under the rig as a spare, by removing the entire receiver hitch which allowed the tire to shift back an extra 1/2" or so. Very tight with the rear track arm but it seamed to work and I drove it for a month or so. This may also work for some if they need to carry a second spare for really long trips. Not sure if the swing out bumpers would still allow the tire to fit though? For running our RTT, I really like the "Bump it off road" 2x6 flat rock slider/step rail as it allows for a good standing spot when we button up the cover on the RTT.

 

[Red Wagon]

I'll chime in with a more photo request too!