Builds Our PanAm rig build thread

[FlyAddiction]

This weekend I installed a high output ARB compressor in the engine bay. For now it will be used for inflating tires but it might also be used to run lockers in the future. I fabricated a small bracket using the mounting plate provided that I welded to a piece of angle. I added a gusset underneath and an extra tab made from a small rectangular piece of 3/16 plate that I welded to the angle and bolted to an additional hole for added rigidity. Rubber washers were used between the compressor and the bracket for noise/vibration reduction. The supplied wiring harness was shortened in several places for a cleaner install. I tossed the supplied ring terminals and used heat shrink connectors throughout. the whole harness was protected using split loom.

 

[Jim Rosenthal]

Smart to use heat shrink terminals as you are. On my boat (I have rewired a lot of it) I use Ancor heat shrink terminals, and I also use a product called CopperShield on the wire before crimping it all together. Keeps the oxidation out of the wire strands. That and the heat shrink sleeve keeps everything nice and dry and corrosion-free.

I like your choice of winch cable. You don't want something that stretches too much.

 

[FlyAddiction]

Started to build a t-case skid plate. It will be using 6 factory frame holes and 3 factory threaded holes on the cross member. The original plan was to make it from a bent 1/4" plate, but I decided to use 3/16 instead and gusset the s*** out of it! The angle in the back also adds a lot of stiffness and better angle if I was to reverse onto a rock. holes will be added for drainage.

 

[Chund3r]

Awesome build and really cool to see you're doing it in your yard in Canmore!

I've been living in the Bow Valley for almost 6 years(Lake Louise for the past 4) and think I've seen your old cruiser around.

Had dreams of doing the same pan-am trip as you in my '92 Toyota pickup(with spring under solid axle) which is now sold.

Instead due to pressure from my girlfriend we're currently backpacking South America (Central America is already done) in Bolivia now and headed back to the Bow Valley in 6 weeks.


If you have any questions or anything you would like "feet on the ground" research about down here feel free to ask.

Also regarding the rhd thing in Costa Rica.. I met some people in Costa Rica who drove a rhd car from Mexico in January, they ended up hiring a lawyer and it took two days at the border but they got through, definitely cheaper than a LHD conversion... Just be aware that the roads are scary(other drivers are scary) and make sure your horn works and is loud.



Last and sorry for the novel/hijack but during my time down here I've absolutely fallen in love with Landcruisers(just wait til you get to Colombia, they're insane, you see a 40 series on every single block, an 80 on every other block and a 60 every 5 blocks) but I'm now shopping for a cruiser of my own and the girlfriend says she's willing to pay for half if we can find one with no rust(and I don't start work again til december) so planning to buy one and live out of it for summer if you come across any in the region.

Thanks for reading!
Kenny.

 

[FlyAddiction]

Awesome build and really cool to see you're doing it in your yard in Canmore!

I've been living in the Bow Valley for almost 6 years(Lake Louise for the past 4) and think I've seen your old cruiser around.

Had dreams of doing the same pan-am trip as you in my '92 Toyota pickup(with spring under solid axle) which is now sold.

Instead due to pressure from my girlfriend we're currently backpacking South America (Central America is already done) in Bolivia now and headed back to the Bow Valley in 6 weeks.


If you have any questions or anything you would like "feet on the ground" research about down here feel free to ask.

Also regarding the rhd thing in Costa Rica.. I met some people in Costa Rica who drove a rhd car from Mexico in January, they ended up hiring a lawyer and it took two days at the border but they got through, definitely cheaper than a LHD conversion... Just be aware that the roads are scary(other drivers are scary) and make sure your horn works and is loud.



Last and sorry for the novel/hijack but during my time down here I've absolutely fallen in love with Landcruisers(just wait til you get to Colombia, they're insane, you see a 40 series on every single block, an 80 on every other block and a 60 every 5 blocks) but I'm now shopping for a cruiser of my own and the girlfriend says she's willing to pay for half if we can find one with no rust(and I don't start work again til december) so planning to buy one and live out of it for summer if you come across any in the region.

Thanks for reading!
Kenny.

Your trip sound awesome! Ill make sure to ask you if I have questions about the trip. I often wonder how far we could of been if I didn't dump that much money into the cruiser and went backpacking instead.

 

[FlyAddiction]

Skid plate is all done! 40$ and 16 hours later... Maybe I should work overtime and buy what I need instead of building it???
Now just waiting for the Chassis Saver to dry. The whole thing ended up weighing 33lbs.

 

[FlyAddiction]

Last week update:
-Finished up the skid plate by drilling 3 x 45mil holes for oil and mud drainage and painted it all up with Chassis Saver.
-ordered and installed new dome and reverse lights from www.superbrightleds.com. Fast shipping and great product.
-Removed the rear bumper to start prepping for the rear bumper build.
-Extender the front and rear diff breather. I used exactly 12 ft of 3/16 rubber hose and 2 Napa gas filters.
-Bent up some 3/8 plate to fabricate frame mounts that will be used for sliders.

I could find the breather hose for the transfer case and feel my way up towards the fire wall but could not find the end of the hose. Neither could I find the transmission (5 speed) Breather. Does anyone know where I can find the end of both these breather lines?

Rear:

Front

 

[FlyAddiction]

The company I bough my RTT from is doing a sale for mud members, check out this thread;

Rocky Mountain Outdoor RTT Group Buy!

 

[FlyAddiction]

Built 4 Brackets from 3/8 x 4" plate. I cut one piece 6" 7/8 and the other 10 3/4. I bent the long piece with a press brake at 3" 3/4 to 90*.
Drilled 2 x 1/2" holes per plate (the center of the hole is 6" 3/8 from the bottom of the frame). Now I am ready to start fabing up the sliders legs and rail. I will use the 4 threaded holes for the drivers side front leg and a U bolt bracket like the Slee sliders for the passenger side front leg (limited space between the trans cross member and the control arm bracket , 1")

 

[Chund3r]

Still can't believe you're doing all of this in your yard in Canmore, looks great man, will be back in the valley in 4 weeks and may have to check it out, hopefully will have my own LC by then!

 

[gnarlynick2072]

The company I bough my RTT from is doing a sale for mud members, check out this thread;

Rocky Mountain Outdoor RTT Group Buy!

View attachment 1230617

The t case breather hose runs to a tee on the top of the H151 and they common to a single breather. The tee is on the LH side close to the shifter base. I believe the stock location of the breather itself is in the tunnel somewhere on the LH side.

If you want to extend the breather you can try what I did. For the t case and 5 speed I bought this breather assembly: 33019-60011 Yours probably has this assembly already as it is a stock 5 speed.

Then I bolted it to the tapped hole where the auto trans dip stick would have been bolted to and put a longer hose on it and attached to the tee on the H151.

Hope this helps!

 

[FlyAddiction]

The t case breather hose runs to a tee on the top of the H151 and they common to a single breather. The tee is on the LH side close to the shifter base. I believe the stock location of the breather itself is in the tunnel somewhere on the LH side.

If you want to extend the breather you can try what I did. For the t case and 5 speed I bought this breather assembly: 33019-60011 Yours probably has this assembly already as it is a stock 5 speed.

View attachment 1232883

Then I bolted it to the tapped hole where the auto trans dip stick would have been bolted to and put a longer hose on it and attached to the tee on the H151.

View attachment 1232884

Hope this helps!

Thanks! Ill dig around a bit more under there and will probably end up doing exactly what yo did.

 

[FlyAddiction]

Now I understand why 80's sliders are so expensive... I used; 1 1/2 x 3 x 3/16 main rail, 1 1/2 x 3/16 square tubing legs, 1/4 gussets. Now on hold until I get the 1 1/2 tubing back from bending from a local shop. Time to cut the rear bumper cross member and start the rear bumper.

 

[FlyAddiction]

Time for a quick update.
Got ahead on the sliders, I just need to cleanup my s***ty welds ant they will be ready for Paint.

I also removed the decal on the side.
Before:

After:

 

[FlyAddiction]

I also cleaned up the rust off the exhaust and painted it using VHT high temperature ceramic paint and primer. Will see how long it last!
I cut the last section to make it less vulnerable to impact.
Next: Rear bumper

 

[FlyAddiction]

Roof rack Painted and ARB 2500 Awning installed. We also got the Awning Room to go with it.

 

[FlyAddiction]

Fridge arrived on Saturday. We went for the Dometic (Waeco) CFX 50. It is definitely bigger then I taught. I decided to mount it sideways behind the drivers seat. The Idea is that it will be accessible from the rear side door (Awning side) and the drivers/passengers seat. I also allows for maximum leg room for the passenger that can move the seat as far as they want. We also wanted to be able to sleep inside the truck, on top of the drawers, if we are in a situation where we do not want to pull out the RTT for the night and be a bit more incognito. My wife is short enough to sleep on the fridge side fairly comfortably. Again this is not our first option for sleeping quarters. Just finiched up a bracket that uses the factory seat mountain screws. 3/4 x 2 aluminum tubing was used as well as 4 3/8 eye bolt and 4 rubber furniture anti-slip pads bolted to the frame. The rubber pads fit inside 4 recessed circles on the bottom of the fridge, preventing any side to side movement.

 

[FlyAddiction]

Fridge bracket finalized

Sliders painted

Rear bumper started

 

[SNLC]

Nice fab on that skid, looks great!

I have also done the PanAm, twice from Wyoming to Panama and back, solo. You can't take a RHD truck into El Salvador iirc. I think I have heard Peru is an issue too. I think some people have done it but it is difficult. And as gnarlynick2072 said, could be sketchy. Lot's of narrow roads and passing in a RHD truck will not be ideal. Otherwise it will be fine.

You will absolutely have the trip of a lifetime! I suggest no GPS for the most adventure and don't make to many plans, just go with the flow. Also don't drive at night, sometimes you have to but do everything you can not to, this is where a little planning is good. If you want any recommendations or suggestions pm me.

Watching your build and please do a trip report when you go.

Cheers

 

[FlyAddiction]

Rear bumper build is going real good. here is a few pictures.