Project Old Gregg

[GordieGiroux]

First and last build I ever did I did not document very well at all. It was my beloved '99 Isuzu VehiCross that eventually sat on 35" double (triple as LC land likes to call them) locked, 5 spd manual with H3 Trans and T-case 4:1, and powered by a non VVTI n/a 1UZ. That rig found it's way to Powers 4x4 in Des Moines, Ohio via BAT. Bad knee forced me to sell and switch to an automatic. Yea getting old!
This build will likely be my last but you never know. For these reasons and also so I can go back and remind myself what I've done I am starting this as my project build thread.
This is how I got him:

 

[GordieGiroux]

This is to pique interest:

 

[Tim Herald]

Will follow. I have a similar ‘92 without lift but 33’s as well. Have done a bunch mechanically in past 10 months sorting out and still going. I am not a recreational wheeler but use mine to hunt. 263k on it now. Eventually will need a rebuild or new motor. What ya figure the V8 swap will cost ? Would love the added power but something about having it more toward the original appeals to me as well…

 

[GordieGiroux]

One of the first mods I did was a retro face-lift tat I like a lot but many of you will hate. I was initially looking to buy an FJ60/62 but the one I looked at in my neighborhood had a lot of cancer and the woman wanted too much for it to make sense. Then I ran across this '92 FJ80 virtually rust free and already had a couple of desired mods such as ARB front, winch, and snorkel and was priced very attractively. I do love the retro look of the FJ60 front though so with the help of LandCruiserGrilles I back dated my 80.

 

[GordieGiroux]

Will follow. I have a similar ‘92 without lift but 33’s as well. Have done a bunch mechanically in past 10 months sorting out and still going. I am not a recreational wheeler but use mine to hunt. 263k on it now. Eventually will need a rebuild or new motor. What ya figure the V8 swap will cost ? Would love the added power but something about having it more toward the original appeals to me as well…

Well, in my limited experience the engine is the cheapest part. I think I'm going to go with factory ECU instead of Link ECU this time so that should be significantly cheaper. My philosophy is to not add up the costs as they arise and then just like taxes you never feel the sting all at once. But, I figure:
Engine - $1k
Trans - $1.2k
ECU - $800
Trans controller - $1200
All the things I don't know yet - $$$$$$$$

 

[Tim Herald]

Well, in my limited experience the engine is the cheapest part. I think I'm going to go with factory ECU instead of Link ECU this time so that should be significantly cheaper. My philosophy is to not add up the costs as they arise and then just like taxes you never feel the sting all at once. But, I figure:
Engine - $1k
Trans - $1.2k
ECU - $800
Trans controller - $1200
All the things I don't know yet - $$$$$$$$

So $5kish?

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

The little things add up. Bet on $10k.

 

[GordieGiroux]

Yeah, I agree. Double that and you may come in under budget.

 

[GordieGiroux]

Early after buying my FJ80 I was alerted that my local pick-n-pull had just got in a '91 FJ. I hopped on it and yard listed a ‘91 FJ80 but it turned out to be a ‘95+. Bought the rear axle which turned out to be locked also! Also grabbed the hood since mine has hail damage. Also got the rear bumper with tire swing and Jerry can swing out. Needs some clean up but definitely a great find. The previous owner had built a sleeping platform with long drawers which I also snagged. I think the whole haul cost me about $1400. Rebuilt and installed the rear axle.

 

[GordieGiroux]

I also found a company in Malaysia that sells an e-locker to air activated OEM locker conversion. I was a little concerned about ordering from Malaysia but it was no problem and quite fast FedEx shipping.

Asli4x4

 

[GordieGiroux]

One problem I have now is my brakes. Even after putting in the disc brake rear axle and bleeding everything including the LSPV and swapping out the older '92 booster and master for the one from the '96 the brakes feel awful. Full double foot pressure to the pedal and it barely wants to stop. No possibility of locking up any wheels. I'll definitely need to dig into this before any real driving. Pedal has a reasonably firm feel to it just no braking power at all. Vacuum issue perhaps?

 

[GordieGiroux]

Transmission has arrived!

 

[GordieGiroux]

No real updates, recovering from knee replacement surgery. I've ordered a dual diaphragm brake booster and new braided steel lines to try and fix very weak brakes. Also, I'm a big fan of simplification and like to run air actuated lockers using mechanical pneumatic switches. Below is my locker switch solution:

 

[ajordan1975]

 

[ajordan1975]

No real updates, recovering from knee replacement surgery. I've ordered a dual diaphragm brake booster and new braided steel lines to try and fix very weak brakes. Also, I'm a big fan of simplification and like to run air actuated lockers using mechanical pneumatic switches. Below is my locker switch solution:
View attachment 4230264
View attachment 4230265

ABS and LSPV still intact?
That could be a culprit to the weak brakes

 

[GordieGiroux]

ABS and LSPV still intact?
That could be a culprit to the weak brakes

No ABS in this one. LSPV is still there but not for long. Still even with no rear brakes at all fronts should be biting and they just aren't.