Builds My *Slow* Build Thread (1 Viewer)

[Luke84]

As everyone else does, I will do the same.

Bought my first FZJ80 about a month ago, and intend to build it up over time (in school, Army Reserve, and way too much else going on to devote a ton of cash and time). My first car was a 1975 Jeep Wagoneer 401ci, and as a daily driver I couldn't keep fixing it fast enough. This time, the Cruiser is my second vehicle, and I intend to do it right.

Stats:
1996 FZJ80
Bought at 244k miles
Appears bone stock, save for a junky head unit and some goofy wiring harnesses hanging out
Locked x3

Goals:
35s fit the right way
Replace front & rear bumper; install swing out tire carrier
v8 swap-in when the I6 goes out
keep interior stock in appearance, but hopefully add some storage inside and jazz it up a little.
Legit roof rack
Snorkel, Line-x rockers, dual battery & winch also.

I project there will be a lot of the same photos on here y'all see everyday, but I think I'll bring a little innovation to the table. I hope not to ask too many dumb questions!

 

[Luke84]

First things first:

Removal of those horsepower-robbing sidesteps. I oughta have gained at least 25hp at the wheels, and 4-5mpg with this mod!

 

[Luke84]

Installed Slee's CDL Switch yesterday. Easiest Mod so far! Next up will be 7 pin mod and locker actuator skid plate. I really want a bumper or a snorkel soon.

 

[UnderDawg]

Hey man good stuff. What kinda bumper are you looking for? Are gonna do a lift? What kinda wheeling do you do?

 

[JohnnyOshow22]

Man you got robbed, not really but you could've done the CDL switch for like $10 with a 4runner hazard switch!

 

[Luke84]

I'm shooting for an ARB front. Those look the best to me on all fronts. Slee's rear bumper setup is awesome, but sooo expensive.

I want to lift- not sure yet on my plan for that. 35s are my goal size right now, but I want to fit them right.

I honestly don't intend to wheel it much, but want to be prepared for most anything. I try to hike/camp/rock climb a lot, and I don't think I need anything too aggressive.


As for the cost of the switch, I agree, but I'd rather give them some business, and not have a bootleg looking dash, haha

 

[JohnnyOshow22]

Im a 19 year old on a budget so mine is kind of a bootleg looking dash with two hazard switches haha

 

[Luke84]

Keeping up with the key word "slow," Here's another addition:

Broke the intake hose last October trying to change the airfilter. I held it together the best I could with high temp RTV and Gorilla Glue Duct Tape. Finally today I installed a silicone intake hose by HPS Performance. It sounds about the same I think, but definitely looks better. I haven't had my Scanguage plugged in for a while so I probably won't be able to comment on MPG/HP gains if any.

 

[Luke84]

No pics, but just logging that I recently swapped the 9005 & 9006 headlight bulbs for the 9011 & 9012. I can definitely notice the difference in the high beams. Hopefully will begin swapping/fixing interior lights with LEDs too.

 

[Luke84]

Last week I did the Man-A-Fre 30mm spacer lift all around. It was straightforward enough, but I had to get a set of coil spring compressors. I swapped out the spark plugs for some Denso IK16s, starting from the rear since I knew it would be the hardest. I used two 6-inch extensions with a U-joint between them and the socket and it came out nice and easy with the engine cold. Took maybe 20 minutes.

Today I pulled the trigger on some new tires finally. Got some Maxxis Bighorns in 255/85/R16, and will be getting the spare sometime next week. I think it looks a lot better now, but I also want to pull the fender flares. No rubbing yet from the tires.

Other Info: Stock Springs (266k miles), 30mm spacers front and rear. Front Differential went from ~8.5" to ~10" clearance, and I gained about 3" front and rear in height (highest point of fender to ground on drivers side measures 36 7/8" front, 37 1/8" rear, without back seats and nearly empty)

 

[Louie4]

Looking good. I like the overall stance. If you can keep it low with a little bit of tire I think it will serve you well as an everyday driver and weekend warrior. Do you have any plans for the axles? (e.g. lockers) Is the front axle able to convert to a manual hub?

 

[Luke84]

Looking good. I like the overall stance. If you can keep it low with a little bit of tire I think it will serve you well as an everyday driver and weekend warrior. Do you have any plans for the axles? (e.g. lockers) Is the front axle able to convert to a manual hub?

It's already got lockers! They make part-time kits, but they're like $7-800 I think. With a few wiring mods I already did, I am able to operate it just like a regular 4WD- it's in AWD all the time, but I can lock the center diff for true 4WD, and can use lo-range in AWD or 4WD. The lockers are either off in AWD, and can be selected to rear only or front and rear while in true 4WD. Hopefully that made sense!

 

[Louie4]

That's pretty sweet. If I ever save up enough money, I want to put an ARB in my rear axle.

 

[Luke84]

Today I installed the AJIK Overland Spare Tire 'lift kit,' which will have to do until I can can afford a swing out bumper, and finally had Slee's Rear Differential Actuator Skid Plate installed. I ordered the skid plate probably a year ago, but the ancient actuator bolt heads stripped (probably my fault for using a 12 point socket at first). I had to get my local 4wd shop to pull the OEM bolts- I assume with an impact gun and some patience.

Also it seems as if my leak at the speedometer cable has stopped after I replaced the o-ring the other week, and the differentials have stopped as well after swapping in the hex-head plugs and new crush washers.

Baby steps!

 

[Luke84]

Goodbye ashtray, hello 12V power! I ordered a 12"x12" sheet of 0.188 inch Kydex off Amazon, and this set of 12V plugs. I made a cardboard template and used the ashtray itself to guide where I'd need to drill the bolt holes. I attempted to use that FreeCAD software, but got a little stuck. I think it'd be easy to do if you have the equipment. If anyone's interested and would trade me a free bracket, PM me and I'll send you the measurements. I had to eyeball a lot of this and therefore wound up with slightly off-center cuts, but it all fit.

I've seen other versions of this, but I want to perform as many mods as possible that can be taken back to stock easily. This one definitely does.

Soon: wiring all this up. Planning on installing a Blue Sea circuit block under the driver's seat and running from there. Probably gonna add two more of these near the center console too, just gotta figure out how to make it pretty.

 

[Luke84]

Yesterday ran my rear diff and rear diff locker actuator up into the passenger side quarter panel. I used ARB's 8mm hard line for the axle and cleaned up the stock breather. next up are the transfer case, tranny, front diff and distributor. Took a while to figure it all out, mostly from planning and rerouting a few times

 

[LTrain]

I like your stuff, and am happy to see I'm not the only one who is moving slowly!

 

[hamishpotter]

Today I installed the AJIK Overland Spare Tire 'lift kit,' which will have to do until I can can afford a swing out bumper, and finally had Slee's Rear Differential Actuator Skid Plate installed. I ordered the skid plate probably a year ago, but the ancient actuator bolt heads stripped (probably my fault for using a 12 point socket at first). I had to get my local 4wd shop to pull the OEM bolts- I assume with an impact gun and some patience. View attachment 1187190View attachment 1187192

Also it seems as if my leak at the speedometer cable has stopped after I replaced the o-ring the other week, and the differentials have stopped as well after swapping in the hex-head plugs and new crush washers.

Baby steps!

What size tire are you fitting with the

Today I installed the AJIK Overland Spare Tire 'lift kit,' which will have to do until I can can afford a swing out bumper, and finally had Slee's Rear Differential Actuator Skid Plate installed. I ordered the skid plate probably a year ago, but the ancient actuator bolt heads stripped (probably my fault for using a 12 point socket at first). I had to get my local 4wd shop to pull the OEM bolts- I assume with an impact gun and some patience. View attachment 1187190View attachment 1187192

Also it seems as if my leak at the speedometer cable has stopped after I replaced the o-ring the other week, and the differentials have stopped as well after swapping in the hex-head plugs and new crush washers.

Baby steps!

What size spare tire are you fitting with lift kit?

Sent from my Nexus 6P

 

[Luke84]

255/85R16, and it's pretty snug. You could probably stuff a slight bit more in there