New Member... in Guatemala. (1 Viewer)

[brazerbramon]

Hello all,
First off, amazing forum. Looking through as made me even more excited to get started on this project.

My name is Brandon, originally from the US, but now based in Guatemala. Recently purchased an 80 here, with the goal of making it my adventure rig to get me around all the fun/complicated terrain and roads here in Guatemala and the rest of Central America. I want to keep a stock look, no bumpers, winch, or anything like that. Atleast, not at first. But, I do want some pretty good suspension and tires. After the basic maintenance is taken care of, that is my next step.

Any suggestions welcome. And thanks for having me.

 

[Rusty Marlin]

Welcome to the madness!

 

[effjay80]

Happy Trails and many safe miles! Truck looks great.

 

[baldilocks]

Welcome! It’s difficult for us to make suggestions on what you should spend time and money on and in what order. We know nothing specifically about your 80 nor how much time and money you have/want to spend.

I’d suggest doing a very detailed visual inspection with a good light first off looking for areas of wear, aging, signs of leaks (especially coolant), chaffing etc., basically things that are a ticking time bomb like an original pesky heater hose AKA PHH. Pay attention to anything made of rubber. If you are not ready to do a full front axle service then at least check wheel bearing preload and pull the grease plugs from the knuckles to see how much grease is in them and of course confirm all fluid levels. This is a basic initial evaluation just to address those items that could cause an untimely and unexpected breakdown until you have time and money to proceed with a full on base line maintenance campaign.

 

[brazerbramon]

Welcome! It’s difficult for us to make suggestions on what you should spend time and money on and in what order. We know nothing specifically about your 80 nor how much time and money you have/want to spend.

I’d suggest doing a very detailed visual inspection with a good light first off looking for areas of wear, aging, signs of leaks (especially coolant), chaffing etc., basically things that are a ticking time bomb like an original pesky heater hose AKA PHH. Pay attention to anything made of rubber. If you are not ready to do a full front axle service then at least check wheel bearing preload and pull the grease plugs from the knuckles to see how much grease is in them and of course confirm all fluid levels. This is a basic initial evaluation just to address those items that could cause an untimely and unexpected breakdown until you have time and money to proceed with a full on base line maintenance campaign.

So far, I have replaced engine oil, transmission fluid, differential oils, transfer case oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant. Also replaced the brake pads. Discovered a pin hole in the brake booster. Parts are a little difficult to find here, so I have to wait a couple weeks for the booster to arrive. All hoses look okay, but, it wouldnt hurt to start replacing them bit by bit. Good idea on the wheel bearings.

Id like to keep a stock look as not to draw too much attention. But, tires and good suspension are important here. Also, the current tires are pretty bald. And the suspension looks original. So, those are two areas that are important to me.

Thanks for the reply.