Hello, Mudders-
I’m new to the whole “building an off-road rig” thing. I’ve been attempting to research and learn, but still have questions. If anyone could help out/offer insight to the Noob, I would appreciate it! The knowledge base here appears rather impressive, so I am confident I'll get off on the right track!
1991 stock FJ80 w/ 3FE. I live in the San Juan mountains here in Colorado, and want to build a rig that will be comfortable and capable for doing the “standard” off-road trails such as Imogene Pass, etc. The plan for the rig is that it will see travel from home within a less than 100 mile radius; if I’m traveling further, it stays home. Slow and steady to/from the destination is OK. My initial plan for the build up is as follows:
* ARB front bumper and some style of rear bumper w/ tire carrier, etc.
* 2.5” OME lift kit (medium duty- can upgrade to heavy duty if the build develops into such things as winch, gear drawers, etc.) Other than the springs/shocks/steering damper are there other components that will need to be upgraded, like longer brake lines, other suspension parts, etc.?
* Add 16x33 wheel/tire package (should I plan on a gearing upgrade? Current stock is 15x31)
* Would like to attempt my own fab. of step-side/slider (need to practice my welding skills!)
* Speaking of welding skills, the exhaust system is just about shot from front to back. Are there any suppliers that offer pre-bent tubes, etc. specifically for my rig?
My background is that I have had a few automotive projects in the past- ‘66 Mustang restoration, 302 motor rebuild, ’89 Toy truck front end/front motor rebuild after deer mishap, and various other tinkering/mechanic projects. That is to say, I’m not totally unskilled, just not a huge gearhead. I do have a friend that is, however, so I can get some help from him from time to time.
The gearing thing has left me with questions- I don’t believe that the 33” tires will be a huge deal with the stock gears (4.11 should be upgraded to 4.56?), but if I decide to go to a 35” tire set, then it would be a necessity (upgrade to 4.88?). With the full time 4WD, would that require re-gearing both the front and rear axles at the same time? It seems logical…? Trying to plan, budget-wise…
Also the question of the air filter. It appears to me (living on a 3.5 mile gravel road to/from town) that the airflow directed from the front pass. fender is a crappy design, and sucks up WAY too much dust. Would a snorkel help this situation? It would seem logical that one would potentially pull much cleaner air… Any thoughts on this?
High altitude: (I know, I'm already screwed.) Living at 7000 ft and running the rig up to 11,000 or so, the fact is that engines have trouble breathing. Any timing advise or other tweaks I should know about?
Thank you all in advance for any reply posts.
Cheers!
I’m new to the whole “building an off-road rig” thing. I’ve been attempting to research and learn, but still have questions. If anyone could help out/offer insight to the Noob, I would appreciate it! The knowledge base here appears rather impressive, so I am confident I'll get off on the right track!
1991 stock FJ80 w/ 3FE. I live in the San Juan mountains here in Colorado, and want to build a rig that will be comfortable and capable for doing the “standard” off-road trails such as Imogene Pass, etc. The plan for the rig is that it will see travel from home within a less than 100 mile radius; if I’m traveling further, it stays home. Slow and steady to/from the destination is OK. My initial plan for the build up is as follows:
* ARB front bumper and some style of rear bumper w/ tire carrier, etc.
* 2.5” OME lift kit (medium duty- can upgrade to heavy duty if the build develops into such things as winch, gear drawers, etc.) Other than the springs/shocks/steering damper are there other components that will need to be upgraded, like longer brake lines, other suspension parts, etc.?
* Add 16x33 wheel/tire package (should I plan on a gearing upgrade? Current stock is 15x31)
* Would like to attempt my own fab. of step-side/slider (need to practice my welding skills!)
* Speaking of welding skills, the exhaust system is just about shot from front to back. Are there any suppliers that offer pre-bent tubes, etc. specifically for my rig?
My background is that I have had a few automotive projects in the past- ‘66 Mustang restoration, 302 motor rebuild, ’89 Toy truck front end/front motor rebuild after deer mishap, and various other tinkering/mechanic projects. That is to say, I’m not totally unskilled, just not a huge gearhead. I do have a friend that is, however, so I can get some help from him from time to time.
The gearing thing has left me with questions- I don’t believe that the 33” tires will be a huge deal with the stock gears (4.11 should be upgraded to 4.56?), but if I decide to go to a 35” tire set, then it would be a necessity (upgrade to 4.88?). With the full time 4WD, would that require re-gearing both the front and rear axles at the same time? It seems logical…? Trying to plan, budget-wise…
Also the question of the air filter. It appears to me (living on a 3.5 mile gravel road to/from town) that the airflow directed from the front pass. fender is a crappy design, and sucks up WAY too much dust. Would a snorkel help this situation? It would seem logical that one would potentially pull much cleaner air… Any thoughts on this?
High altitude: (I know, I'm already screwed.) Living at 7000 ft and running the rig up to 11,000 or so, the fact is that engines have trouble breathing. Any timing advise or other tweaks I should know about?
Thank you all in advance for any reply posts.
Cheers!