PeterTheBeater's Build Log

[PeterTheBeater]

I haven’t updated the thread in a while!

First, let’s show some suspensions upgrades, in which a cracked panhard bracket shortly followed!

Front 3L delta arms (which moved up pinion angle back, which consequently required a DC front shaft at 3.5” lift)
Post in thread 'Delta VS Radius Arms'
Delta VS Radius Arms - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/delta-vs-radius-arms.1058871/post-16019878

Thread 'Loose Suspension/Rattle Noise - Can’t Figure It Out'

Jul 30, 2025

I’ve got a 1997 fzj80 with about 255k miles.

35’s, fox shocks no bypass, dobinsons 3” - 3 1/2” heavies.

Recently, decided to splurge out and get delta control arms to fix the caster, got 3L’s which brought my caster back to +2.5*. As well as rear panhard bracket.

I’ve pressed the bushes in myself. (Rubber bushes, not Toyota ones, but look very close and they are pretty soft). Used all new Toyota bolt hardware, torqued at ride height to spec.

After install and drive, noticed my front panhard bar had a crack in it, so I’ve removed:

Steering stabilizer, front steering arm, steering...

• PeterTheBeater
• Replies: 26
• Forum: 80-Series Tech

Rear 3” delta panhard bracket (no pics)

New DC front shaft.

Front panhard reinforcement (welds are too embarrassing to post but they work)

 

[PeterTheBeater]

For new update, suspected head gasket failure. Did all the tests and it’s pointing towards cyl 6 coolant passage head gasket (or cracked block head).

Post in thread 'Rough idle/misfire when cold until warm - Re-Solved - HG'

Jan 7, 2026

It’s the head gasket, cyl 6

263k

Owner since 163k, only Toyota coolant, blue fan clutch, aisin water pump, aluminum radiator, coolant filter, never overheated, ScanGauge for coolant. Serviced frequently and with best parts.

• PeterTheBeater

I’ve decided to pull the engine/trans out and rebuild both. Currently trying to understand the differences between FZJ80 and 105 cylinder heads. Most likely will go with ARP studs & MLS gasket, as well as stage 2 cams.

Got it about 75% ready to pull.

 

[PeterTheBeater]

The engine unit is out

Disconnecting everything wasn’t really that difficult, I would say hardest part was trying to to pull the engine out uphill. I time lapsed it, might make a small YouTube series on it.

 

[baldilocks]

Is there a turbo in this plan?

 

[PeterTheBeater]

Is there a turbo in this plan?

Probably at least something.

I’m in California, it hugely complicates adding anything to my truck.

I’d rather drop a cummins, OM648 or LS in it, would have more power and better fuel economy, but I also don’t have 10k to spend on it. All engine swaps ive seen, to do it right, is around 7-10k. Turbo is the cheapest option I’ve seen at around 2k.

 

[PeterTheBeater]

Things are escalating rapidly, old engine is for sale . I listed it as is for now, but I might just throw a head gasket in it myself and sell it with new gasket. Just don’t want to spend time doing that when I could be putting a new one together.

Using heavy advice from PIP and some dude on YouTube.