my 80 series build (1 Viewer)

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ermakr88

ermakr88

Joined
Feb 2, 2024
Threads
1
Messages
9
Location
australia
tle: Project Overland Beast - Building the Toughest FZJ80 for Australian Touring

Hey 4WD enthusiasts!

I'm thrilled to be part of this community as I embark on a journey to transform my 1994 FZJ80 Toyota Land Cruiser into the ultimate touring machine. i had unfortunate experience with my last landcruser and rolled cutting my last trip around Aus short but the good news is that car had a 1hdt engine in it. I'm determined to bounce back stronger than ever.

About Me:I'm not a seasoned mechanic, but I've got a passion for tinkering and a willingness to learn. This project is a one-person show for me, as I'm diving into the world of 4WD modification without much prior experience. I've rented out a yard, armed myself with tools, and have a skilled welder and fabricator on standby to assist with the heavy-duty modifications.

The Vision:My goal? To create the toughest 80 series for touring, specifically geared towards conquering the challenging terrains of Australia. The FZJ80 is my canvas, and I plan to document every step of the process, seeking guidance and insights from the knowledgeable members of this forum.

Current Status:
i have started stripping down the car so i can star brassing the chassy and add in all the new suspensing and diffs I'm eager to share the journey with all of you.

1HDT Engine Conversion & Transmission Challenges:One significant aspect of this project is the engine swap. I'm transplanting the heart from my last rolled Land Cruiser - a 1HDT engine - into this FZJ80. It adds a layer of complexity, and I anticipate potential challenges with the transmission or gearbox. As I delve into this, I'd appreciate any advice or experiences you can share regarding potential pitfalls with these components.

The Help I Need:While I have a fabricator ready to tackle structural modifications, the engine work, 1HDT conversion, and potential transmission issues are my domain. I'd love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and experiences on engine upgrades, addressing potential gearbox problems, suspension tweaks, and any other modifications that could turn this Land Cruiser into a true beast.

What to Expect:I plan to post regular updates, sharing the highs and lows of this project. From wrenching in the yard to navigating the complexities of customization, I hope to build a conversation around this build and learn from the collective wisdom of this community.

So, buckle up, fellow 4WD enthusiasts! I'm inviting you to join me on this adventure. Share your insights, warn me of pitfalls, and let's turn this FZJ80 into a testament to the spirit of DIY 4WD modifications.

Let the journey begin!

tempImage9S7Cfq.png


IMG_5129.jpg
 
okay guy so I'll be posting an update tomorrow of the work I have done i have realised it will be easier to post it as a video i will be making a YouTube channel to show you guys my updates currently the car is almost completely scrapped down to just the front and back diffs and tyre and suspension the cab is on the chassis the reason I have done this as I have decided to chop the back out before it is off the chasse then start doing a full restoration of the cab i have never chopped a cab before so any helo would be great ill be chopping it to a 300 space cab
 
Was it a rollover, what caused the crash? No harm no foul, I guess. You don't look unhappy or injured as a result.
 
Devils Paw 80 said:
Was it a rollover, what caused the crash? No harm no foul, I guess. You don't look unhappy or injured as a result.
Click to expand...
i had a mechanic do some work on my front dif and he didn't tight the bult enough or any of the breaks either and the rear arm bar came loose and my frount diff came out and it lost control I'm lucky i only was going 60km an hour and rolled once that's why I'm smiling
 
ermakr88 said:
i had a mechanic do some work on my front dif and he didn't tight the bult enough or any of the breaks either and the rear arm bar came loose and my frount diff came out and it lost control I'm lucky i only was going 60km an hour and rolled once that's why I'm smiling
Click to expand...
You need a new mechanic.
Or start doing it yourself 😎
 
are you planning another dual cab or keeping it a wagon this time?
 
Hey legends, I’m back—and we have some huge updates

The YouTube channel has officially launched! I’m not posting the full LandCruiser build series just yet, though—I’m holding off until we hit 1,000 subs (we’re getting there!). In the meantime, I’m growing the channel with shorts and sneak peeks.

But here’s the kicker: you guys on the forum are getting exclusive updates before anyone else.

Right now, I’m building a 1982 Subaru Brumby (or Crumby as I call it 😅) with an EJ swap, power steering conversion, lift kit, and changing it over to run on refined petrol. That’ll be the first full series I drop while I’m working behind the scenes on the 80 Series build.

🚨 Big Plans for the 80 Series​

Once the Cruiser is done, I’m posting the full trip series from my first lap around Australia—editing is nearly finished and I’m telling you now: you won’t be disappointed. It's going to be a cracker.

Then? I’m hitting the road again in the freshly built 80 Series for another lap. Everything is getting set up to be 100% reliable, capable, and tour-ready.

🔧 What’s Been Done So Far:​

  • 80 Series with a 1HDT motor is back and stripped
  • Toner (donor) car has been chopped and a custom firewall built
  • Stripped everything down to bare chassis
  • Currently cleaning, painting, and reinforcing the chassis
  • Fixing any minor issues before putting the drivetrain or cab back on

🔜 What’s Next:​

  1. Rebuild the axles front and rear
  2. Add E-lockers (likely ARB or Harrop)
  3. Strengthen both axles with welded plates/diff armor
  4. Upgrade to heavy-duty CVs, seals, and brakes
  5. Install 4-link suspension, sway bars, HD arms, and possibly long-travel shocks
  6. Finalize chassis protection, skid plates, and underbody gear before drivetrain goes in

❓ Questions for You Legends:​

  • What lockers do you guys rate most for touring? Harrop E-lockers vs ARB Air Lockers?
  • Best CVs for 35s + 1HDT? I’m eyeing RCVs, but open to suggestions.
  • Anyone here running budget-friendly suspension that’s still tough enough for a loaded tourer?
  • What parts would you NOT cheap out on? And where can I cut some cost safely?
  • Any little mods you wish you did before putting the cab back on?
I’m not a mechanic, I’m learning as I go, and half the time I have no idea what the hell I’m doing—but that’s the fun of it. If you’ve got tips, feedback, or just want to follow a full bare-bones rebuild, follow along here or on the channel hectic adventure - https://youtube.com/@hecticadventure?si=SAprvsQsHsQy0bKN

Let’s make this 80 the best tourer on the road. 💪
Cheers boys!

I will update with photos on Tuesday I have 9 weeks to get this project going to I will be very active here for now on

 
ermakr88 said:
Hey legends, I’m back—and we have some huge updates

The YouTube channel has officially launched! I’m not posting the full LandCruiser build series just yet, though—I’m holding off until we hit 1,000 subs (we’re getting there!). In the meantime, I’m growing the channel with shorts and sneak peeks.

But here’s the kicker: you guys on the forum are getting exclusive updates before anyone else.

Right now, I’m building a 1982 Subaru Brumby (or Crumby as I call it 😅) with an EJ swap, power steering conversion, lift kit, and changing it over to run on refined petrol. That’ll be the first full series I drop while I’m working behind the scenes on the 80 Series build.

🚨 Big Plans for the 80 Series​

Once the Cruiser is done, I’m posting the full trip series from my first lap around Australia—editing is nearly finished and I’m telling you now: you won’t be disappointed. It's going to be a cracker.

Then? I’m hitting the road again in the freshly built 80 Series for another lap. Everything is getting set up to be 100% reliable, capable, and tour-ready.

🔧 What’s Been Done So Far:​

  • 80 Series with a 1HDT motor is back and stripped
  • Toner (donor) car has been chopped and a custom firewall built
  • Stripped everything down to bare chassis
  • Currently cleaning, painting, and reinforcing the chassis
  • Fixing any minor issues before putting the drivetrain or cab back on

🔜 What’s Next:​

  1. Rebuild the axles front and rear
  2. Add E-lockers (likely ARB or Harrop)
  3. Strengthen both axles with welded plates/diff armor
  4. Upgrade to heavy-duty CVs, seals, and brakes
  5. Install 4-link suspension, sway bars, HD arms, and possibly long-travel shocks
  6. Finalize chassis protection, skid plates, and underbody gear before drivetrain goes in

❓ Questions for You Legends:​

  • What lockers do you guys rate most for touring? Harrop E-lockers vs ARB Air Lockers?
  • Best CVs for 35s + 1HDT? I’m eyeing RCVs, but open to suggestions.
  • Anyone here running budget-friendly suspension that’s still tough enough for a loaded tourer?
  • What parts would you NOT cheap out on? And where can I cut some cost safely?
  • Any little mods you wish you did before putting the cab back on?
I’m not a mechanic, I’m learning as I go, and half the time I have no idea what the hell I’m doing—but that’s the fun of it. If you’ve got tips, feedback, or just want to follow a full bare-bones rebuild, follow along here or on the channel hectic adventure - https://youtube.com/@hecticadventure?si=SAprvsQsHsQy0bKN

Let’s make this 80 the best tourer on the road. 💪
Cheers boys!

I will update with photos on Tuesday I have 9 weeks to get this project going to I will be very active here for now on

Click to expand...
What is the name of the YT channel? Man, a lap around Australia would be awesome! I want to drive from Ohio to Deadhorse AK….soon!
 
okay so we have almost finished repainting the chassis im now working on the diffs to get it back to a rolling chassis is there any recommendation on breaks/breather or even regearing what do you recommend im also thinking of doing a 4 link conversion
 
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