Pistol Pete’s 1994 FZJ80 Build (1 Viewer)

[Pistol Pete 85]

After a recently failed attempt at selling my 80 on BaT, I’ve realized that I’ve put too much into her to sell and am more attached than I thought. I purchased this 80 to be my forever truck and though I don’t have the funds to “complete” the build as fast as I’d like, I’m trying to learn to enjoy the process. I’ve been a member of this site for years but rarely post. It’s time for this amazing truck’s own thread.

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

When I purchased the truck she was stock except for a 2.5” Old Man Emu suspension lift and 33” BFG KM2s. The PO had some important quality work done to the mechanics of the truck, but otherwise wasn’t taking great care of her (extremely dirty interior, not promptly addressing wear and tear, etc.)

 

[Broski]

Please tell more. Clean truck!

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

My first priority once I acquired the truck was getting her to @OGBeno at OverLand Cruisers in Sonoita, AZ for a thorough inspection. Fortunately, their report was that I acquired this 80 for a steal of a price and that she was a great platform to bring back to baseline and worthy of a long-term investment.

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

I am the 4th owner of this truck. PO before me had the truck for 10 years and had some quality work done including: Diff lock switch repair (all 3x lockers work great now), brakes, transmission service, power steering service, oil pump, hood struts, lock actuators, interior light bulbs, front seats reupholstered grey leather, etc. (photos of delivery day and at home with the 200)

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

The truck was delivered in the middle of the Summer and I live in Southern AZ. The A/C wasn’t working and the windows weren’t tinted. Aside from an oil change and fluid check, those were the first two things I addressed. Then, since the truck is my DD and I knew that 35s fit on an 80 with 2.5” lift thanks to this site, I took off the noisy KM2s and put on Falken Wildpeak A/T3W in 315/75r16. The wheels are the stock 16” wheels just sprayed black with a rattle can. Other early cheap mods include new wiper blades and assembly, thorough interior detailing, and some of the interior 3D printing “nice-to-haves” like cup holders, cell phone holder, etc.

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

The first real mod that I did was the ARB front bumper. I’d been drooling over 80 Series’ on this site and YouTube long before I acquired one and that is the one mod where the brand I’d go with was never in question. (Also hit the heritage grill with the spray can)

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

Next was Baseline - Phase 1 at OverLand Cruisers where the 80 received new OEM suspension bushings, weatherstripping and window runs/belt molds all around, radiator, fan shroud, engine belts, coolant flush, E-brake repair, etc. Only major concern that was found was rust under the driver’s side rear quarter panel glass. Thanks to @OGBeno and the crew who cut it out and welded in a patch replacement - now good as new!

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

Rust!

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

Repaired!

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

Leaving OverLand Cruisers and enjoying her with a little more confidence in her reliability.

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

The latest mod I added was the Bellfab V2 tire carrier so I could mount a full-size spare without the weight of a rear bumper.

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

Next on the to-do list in no certain order:

OverLand Cruisers - Baseline Phase 2
-front control arms correction
-front and rear axle overhaul

Mods:
-rock sliders
-on-board air
-winch
-roof rack
-new speakers
-new sound deadening and carpet
-exterior lights

 

[OGBeno]

Nice Grant.

Looking forward to more spa time.

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

Getting rid of the black aftermarket side mirrors for the OEM white. Sometimes it’s the little things…

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

Interior mods compliments for Bellfabrication and At Wits End.

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

ARB alloy basket rack 87”x49”

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

Couldn’t find an OEM driver’s side mirror in white, but I painted an aftermarket one so my mirrors match again.

 

[Pistol Pete 85]

Couldn’t find an OEM driver’s side mirror in white, but I painted an aftermarket one so my mirrors match again.