Builds My FZJ80 Build years late

[hicruise55]

Had enough questions lately and a request for pic's, figured it's just easier here.. normally I'd be in the shop than spending a ton of time on the computer but I now have a 20 day old mini me and I'm in the house more now.

I have a '69 FJ40, a '76 FJ55, and the '97 FZJ80 currently, I have had a couple 40's, a couple 55's, and a FJ62. I always wanted an 80 but money was tight going to school ect. not to mention the pure cost of them back then. My type of wheeling has changed over the years as well, I used to see how high I could jump and how fast I could go, now I enjoy a slower pace and like to keep my money in my pocket more (parts) lol. I do have different purposes for the rigs though, at least in theory. My FJ40 was/is to be used for more hardcore, don't mind if it needed to be trailered home kinda wheeling, the FJ55 was to be used for long distance/exploring basecamp kinda stuff, could wheel it pretty hard but make the long trip home. The 62 I had at that point was the daily driver (cause I couldn't afford a 80) I did everything I could to make it an 80 lol. I put a V-8 in it, Volvo heated/power seats, shackle reversal, stereo, yadda yadda- still wasn't even close to an 80. I decided to bite the bullet and get an 80! I shopped and looked for no joke a year, found a CE 1997 with 97K miles, I purposely didn't want lockers cause it was to be my DD and didn't want to be tempted to wheel it- ya right!? In a attempt to make a long story shorter- I went wheeling with the CRAWL crew in my 55 had some engine issues, had another trip planned after that and that's when my 80 started seeing a lil action...

Enough of the days of our lives...

Here it is 5 years ago (I think)
and cause we all love pictures, and sharing them
The FJ40
The FJ55
The FJ62

 

[hicruise55]

Started the base-lining and then realized how comfortable an 80 was in the dirt! Started exploring with it and my 55 soon wasn't the priority.

I took the American Racing Mojave Teflon's off the 62 before I sold it, they're the 18x9 IIRC and had some Toyo A/T something something 18's I think they were 33's
The rack and bumper on the rig at that point were what was on it when I bought it

 

[hicruise55]

Not too long after starting to use the 80 exploring I was going on a trip and needed the RTT and the 55 was still having some pulmonary issues so I started to use the 55 trailer behind the 80, which was nice, but obviously didn't match- whatsoever.

So I took it out and flexed it, as much as a poser shot it was I was impressed, and decided it needed a lil more

Best handling rig in the snow... as we all know

My Dogs Love the Cruisers... I always say, they're actually theirs, I'm just the chauffeur

 

[hicruise55]

Some Christmas tree hunting up towards Mt Rainier

The Beverly hillbillies packing up camp and back on the road

Sun and water

The OME "J's" and OME 863's going in... finally lol

 

[hicruise55]

Got tired of the stereo and replaced- headunit and all, had to have a lil bass and quickly got sick of the sub box sliding around in the rear and continually being in the way, so I build one into the passenger rear panel, also added the CB to the old ashtray location

All protected with remote start and alarm

 

[MARKTLC80]

Good looking 80, I love the sectioned 55 trailer that you have made there, what axle are you running on the trailer? Thanks for sharing the photos!

 

[hicruise55]

I felt a lil backwoods towing the 55 trailer behind the 80 so I figured it was time to mount the RTT to the 80

Also ordered a BinksFab front bumper and Warn winch with synthetic line

I built the rack with an EMT bender and some 1" tubing... I think it turned out pretty well, I wanted it as low as possible, and it is! I'm getting ready to mount a 22" LED flood/spot in the center, and 4"'s on the rear, already has 2 PIAA 510 spot lights

I also did the Slee harness and the bright bright bulbs from candlepower, one of the very best upgrades I've done.

Added the full LED interior lighting from Pfran also an awesome upgrade!

 

[hicruise55]

Mt Rainier National Forest

One of the glacial run-off beds

And a lil guy that was curious

 

[hicruise55]

Cannon Beach/ Seaside Oregon trip

Fully loaded, need some airbags- minibike on a hitch hauler, fridge, ect gets heavy quick!

A lil better shot of the rack without the tent on it and now with the Toyo A/T's 285/75/18's (35x11.5x18)

 

[DWHeigher]

Mind if I ask how much the front bumper was? I looked at the BinksFab site and there are no prices. I have been looking for a bumper I can mount a Warn HS9500i in and this looks like it would work.
Is it pretty stout?

 

[jfz80]

Hicruise. Nice fleet and great work on the 80. Love the mods and the scenery you get to use them in.

Mind if I ask how much the front bumper was? I looked at the BinksFab site and there are no prices. I have been looking for a bumper I can mount a Warn HS9500i in and this looks like it would work.
Is it pretty stout?

Good luck with that one. Don't think your going to be able to score a bumper from binks. It's a shame cause it is one of the nicer ones out there. Could always pick up the phone and try asking but its been a dead end for most.

 

[hicruise55]

I forgot about this thread lol..

The best mod was bringing my beautiful baby boy home from the hospital in it! he's now 2.5 years old and affectionately calls it the "bouncy truck"

Well it now has a dorkel, rear bumper, I made a different rack for the RTT and a 50" lightbar and other led lights.
I recently rebuilt the winch, new motor/solenoids and line with a factory 55 thimble. Hoping to have a TRD supercharger for it soon (even though it's at my shop @yahvos lol). I have some 4:56 Arb's in another Cruiser I am going to scavange, I already have a 8" air locker for the front. This winter I plan on pulling the interior out as well as a refresh of the entire cooling system. Maybe some new tires as well.
I haven't had my own place to put my tools until just recently, I just finished my 40'x60' shop. Excited to get back to Cruiser work.

Now on to pics, cause I know that's all we really want to see

 

[hicruise55]

"Getting Lost"

Dads new Cruiser

My Boy in the "bouncy truck"

Towimg the CrawlZuk

One of our tricks in a Comp @ IdahoXRocks

 

[hicruise55]

Above the Alcoa factory on the Columbia

"Getting Lost"

My boy learning


Gone fishing

It's new home

 

[hicruise55]

Wheeling pics from this weekend, finally finished the house.

 

[hicruise55]

More pics

 

[hicruise55]

I guess it's kinda more of a progress than build thread? I don't take too many pics during building/wrenching. I also built a rear tailgate storage like others have, more or less a piano hinge, sheet of alum, and some boat storage locks as others have.. I did a CMKA12 underhood mounted to the firewall with a piece of stainless bent to 45*, not sure if I'll have to move it with the supercharger or not yet? If anybody wants any pics or has any questions, please feel free to ask!

Happy wheeling! Cruise On!