New fzj80 owner looking to build

[Munson821]

Hi all just wanted to pick your brains on where to start. Its a bone stock 1995 80. I'm not on a small budget but I don't have unlimited funds either. I just want to know what are good quality products for the money and whats the first thing I should do to beef this truck up. What are the "must have mods" that I should work on first and the like and where to buy said parts. Thanks for the help and thanks for your time.

 

[MAINEFJ40]

As most will probably tell you, base line first. Make sure everything is reliable first before you worry about mods. I wish I had done mine a little different and I probably would not be doing a complete engine rebuild at the moment.
Does your 80 have lockers?
I would recommend armor as a top of the list if you plan to offroad it much. Another lesson I wish I would have done sooner, if I had the bumper that I want I wouldnt be replacing $300.00 worth of front end lights etc...

 

[kidglove13]

Alot depends on what you want to use the truck for.
Do you have lockers?
Not enough info to help you out

 

[Munson821]

Yes the truck has the factory lockers. It has an extensive maintenance history the original owner was pretty anal about maintaining the vehicle so all the scheduled maintenance has been done pretty much by the book at the dealer as far as I can tell. It doesn't leak at all or smoke or sound weird I think it's mechanically really sound. 159k miles are on it. I'm thinking a lighter trail rig build.....I have a pretty built 03 rubicon jeep that I want the 80 to be able to keep pace with for camping and the like.

 

[LandCrawler]

First thing first... rebuild both axles. Check the rear shafts for twisting (as thats a common problem for locked FJ80's). Then work up from there.

Trail protection will benefit you the most. Build some sliders & bumpers.... remember to protect your cats. Then slap some 35's on it and call it good. Or get a 3" lift and put 37's on it.

If you have a built Rubicon, then you know the drill. Unless you just paid someone to build your jeep for you.

 

[Munson821]

The axels are fine this thing has seen alot more garage than anywhere offroad. Locally I'm being told to start with sliders, 3-4" lift, tires ...35's. Next is the front bumper and a 12k winch (12k seems like overkill to me). Last would be a cargo rack and rear bumper. Hows that sound.

 

[LandCrawler]

Sounds like you dont need any of our help then.

However, I would still pull and inspect the axles. I dont care what the prev. owner told you.

 

[Munson821]

You may be correct Sir....just a new owner lookin for opinions geeze

 

[kidglove13]

Sounds like you dont need any of our help then.

However, I would still pull and inspect the axles. I dont care what the prev. owner told you.

Seriously, I call bull**** on that.

If there is no clicking and the front axle is not leaking and the knuckles have good grease levels and all the bearings feel good it would be totally stupid to pull the front end apart for no reason.

It sounds like you are on the right track.

But I would still consider some baselining such as swapping all fluids and checking the dates on the plug wires etc.

 

[LandCrawler]

Sorry its just a theory of mine. I tear down the axle on anything i plan on wheeling, soon after purchase and before any wheeling trips. I would rather find out in my garage that my bearings are dry or my gear oil contaminated, rather than on the trail.

 

[BadReligion]

If $$ is not too much of a concern, go with a complete lift like Slee's 4'' that includes everything from front DC driveshaft, new SS brakelines, and proper caster correction. I've been pretty happy with mine.

Forget about 35's. Go 37's or 345s if you get a 3-4'' lift, trim a bit and you are good to go. If you live out west then a new set of gears will help too. Add an ARB or other bumper up front, winch, some recovery gear and your truck is now pretty capable.

I personally would wait on the armor until doing the above mentioned first. With 37's and lockers, you will have plenty of clearance and control to tackle most difficult trails without risking body damage. Again, it depends on your usage but for expedition style wheelilng sliders may or may not be needed.

Upgrade the headlights too. Stock lighting is horrible and a good aftermarket set make a huge difference.

 

[7schulz]

.....I have a pretty built 03 rubicon jeep that I want the 80 to be able to keep pace with for camping and the like.

Stock will do that just fine

 

[Tools R Us]

Seriously, I call bull**** on that.

If there is no clicking and the front axle is not leaking and the knuckles have good grease levels and all the bearings feel good it would be totally stupid to pull the front end apart for no reason.
...

Agree, 100%.

 

[cody c]

just search "tirediron" on here or "volvo portals"

then buy yourself a welder if you dont already have one. If you really dont want to learn to weld, take up home brew'ing beer, you can get the same results and make more friends that way!

 

[LINUS]

As for the axles, I fall right between LandCrawler & KidGlove - just baseline the diff fluid & make sure like Kidglove said you don't have any "birf soup" & pull the grease plugs & dipstick the grease & see what you have - that'll let you know if you need to go further in or just run it & spend the cash on upgrades after all other baselines (brake fluid flush is my big one) - sliders save you money on rockers & doors where the bumpers then come after - FR 1st so you can get a winch in is solid thinking (12K isn't overkill in the PNW, but you might get away with smaller down Southwest where you aren't as exposed to deep (or esp. sticky) mud like us web-footed guys up North - then again, remember the real pull values when in the outer wraps, that's part of why I held out & saved pennies for a real Warn 12K. Just my opinion.