My 80 Evolved (1 Viewer)

[FloridaFJ80]

COMMs upgrade : Installation of Yaesu FT-8800R

I got my HAM technicians license so it was only reasonable to update my in cab comms. I have a Cobra 75WXST CB radio, so I wanted to add my HAM radio installed similar, I didnt want any cables anywhere so i tried to make it as stock as possible. I purchased a JDM overhead console and integrated my FT-8800 faceplate into it. I installed the radio body on to my storage system. I also went with a lip mount NMO for a Diamond NB73 NMO Antenna. I used the Yaesu detachable kit and ran the control cable to the faceplate. Since the mic hooks up to the faceplate I purchased a RJ6 cable, looks like a phone cable, and ran that back down to the DS where I have the mic holder. i used a RJ6 to RJ6 coupler and plugged in the MIC. I also trimmed my sun visors in order to fit the overhead console. The console was gray and I used some rattle can paint that matches the tan paint perfectly. Here are some pics.

 

[FloridaFJ80]

Removed MAF drop down brackets:

I decided to remove the MAF Drop down brackets and went with some SLEE Caster plates. Install was pretty straight forward. I wish I had taken pictures, but when I removed my front control arms, 4 of the 6 bushings were shot, so call Sam Stewart and ordered 6 OEM bushings, got them installed and finished up my caster plates installation.

 

[FloridaFJ80]

Quick Simple Mod: DIY Jumper Cables

I had some pretty heavy duty jumper cables that were very long. So I remembered NLXTACY's thread on the most expensive jumper cables. I didnt go to the extent he did with an in cab switch. But I did order some Anderson plugs and spliced them into my jumpler cables. Then I was to find a mounting place for the plugs. I opted up into installing it on top of my winch. I connected up to my spare battery running up 2 gauge wire.

 

[FloridaFJ80]

Armor update: Sean Huston Rear Bumper

So I had always wanted a rear bumper for my rig. I was always torn between the SLEE and the Sean Bumper. I liked the Slee because I didnt have to cut my crossmember, but working on other projects I gained some experience with a cut off wheel so I wasnt to afraid to tackle the install. I called up Slee and they were about 6 weeks back order on their bumpers. I called IPOR and they werent building bumpers until February 2015. I then called up Sean, and he had a bumper where someone had backed out at the last minute and was ready to ship. He had created a new design for the jerry can/ladder mount with some hinges, its a door type basket that opens giving you access to the ladder. No need to remove anything. Really ingenious on his part. So I was on board immediately. A week later the bumper arrived. I live in a small townhome community with an HOA and I need this was a noisy job with the cutting of the crossmember. So a buddy and I picked up the bumper a the freight terminal, we drove around and found an empty warehouse parking lot and setup shop. We went at it for approx 6 hours until the bumper got installed. This thing is amazing. It was love at first site when I opened up the box.. Now for the pictures..

 

[FloridaFJ80]

Purchased a Matching tire and wheel:

Now the rear bumper is complete!!

 

[FloridaFJ80]

Suspension Upgrade: Dobinson 4" Heavy Duty Springs

So with the added weight of the rear bumper and all the accessories I had added in the rear. The OME J springs were awesome but I wanted some more lift. So I have a buddy who became the Dobinson Distributor in the US and he said try these out, if you like them you can pay for them. So I took them and installed them.

First impressions: These things are beefy and heavy. Look at the pictures and you be the judge. only have about 5 miles on them and driving manners are retained, no wondering around. I will be going wheeling in a few weeks so I will update on how they hold up.



Comparison between the 850J front spring and the Dobinson rear spring:



Comparison between the 863J rear spring and the Dobinson rear spring.

 

[FloridaFJ80]

Here are the before and after shots of my rig. This lift added around 1.5" all around on top of my J spring setup with 1" spacer in the front.

Before pictures:

No Gear


With Camping gear no rear bumper


After Pictures

 

[FloridaFJ80]

I might have to add a trim packer in the rear.. not sure what size to go with.

 

[Juan Munoz]

Just a read the whole thing.. Awesome truck!!

 

[FloridaFJ80]

Just a read the whole thing.. Awesome truck!!

Thanks alot Juan!!!

 

[UnderDawg]

Truck is looking great!! Man I miss having time to read the threads..

 

[HDJDub]

Just read the whole thread, love the truck! Those MAF drop brackets, you wouldn't happen to want to sell those would you?

 

[FloridaFJ80]

Sorry i already have sold it

 

[burnttoastburgos]

cool build !!.......now that you are where you want to be suspension wise, how is the flex maxxed out? can you tuck those tires deep in the wells? I only ask because i see you went piece by piece instead of a "complete" kit....Did you gain max articulation and highway manners going piece meal vs. blowin the whole nut on a kit? Thanks...........

 

[FloridaFJ80]

I ended up building the suspension as many on here have. I havent flexxed it to see how it tucks the tires. But I can say I am happy with the look.

I ended up selling the LX and I bought a 40th anniv, as you can see in my sig. I transferred all my gear to the new rig. Been a huge project for the last 4 months. I still havent driven the 40th more than 1 mile so the anticipation is burning.

Here is my LX before it went to its new home.

 

[rmblaire]

I hop you're not offended but I am going to be completely unoriginal and copy everything you have done. I now have my wish list... I'm sure the wife will love me!

 

[FloridaFJ80]

By all means!!! Glad I could inspire you lol

 

[smittycrusher]

Do you remember what all you had to do to the frame when installing that rear bumper? I know cutting the cross member, but what about the frame? Do you use existing holes to mount or did you have to drill new ones? I am sorry for all the questions but I have just about settled on this bumper and I want to get as much prep work done ahead of time in order to install quickly. Did it come with instructions or did you just figure it out?

Thanks a ton for your help!

Smitty

 

[FloridaFJ80]

Do you remember what all you had to do to the frame when installing that rear bumper? I know cutting the cross member, but what about the frame? Do you use existing holes to mount or did you have to drill new ones? I am sorry for all the questions but I have just about settled on this bumper and I want to get as much prep work done ahead of time in order to install quickly. Did it come with instructions or did you just figure it out?

Thanks a ton for your help!

Smitty

We just removed the rear crossmember. No other cutting needed. I installed this same bumper on 2 rigs and on the second one I used a plasma cutter and it was a lot easier than the grinder. Very simple after cutting the cross member and yes it did come with instructions.