Builds Project Overland (2 Viewers)

[VTCruiser]

I finally got around to working on the cruiser some more, nothing major just a couple things that were long overdue.

One was getting the glow electronics cleaned up a little and in an enclosure. I found one made by BUD that was just the right size for the relay and timer. I just drilled a couple holes for the wires, and an access hole on top for the timer adjustment.

Before:

After:

The second was getting a controller for the contour fan. I bought one from DCC which was pretty easy to install. I mounted it right to the shroud, and cut out a area for the temp sensor.

I also cleaned up the wiring a little.

Mounted, you can see how the temp sensor is installed. This is a shot from below.

It seems to be working, but I haven't had a chance to really test it yet. It's getting pretty cold up here so the engine hasn't gotten hot enough for it to turn on automatically. I decided to wire in an override switch to shut the fan down completely. When the override switch is "on", the fan is shut down, and a warning chime is activated so I don't forget to turn it back on again. I mounted the chime behind the driver's kick panel, it's the black box with "208" written on it.

I took advantage of having the dash ripped apart to wire in switches for the Racor fuel heater and aux power supplies as well which, if you recall, I pre-wired before. I mounted he switches where the cargo pocket, or inclinometer would be normally. The PO of m cruiser had up just a flat piece of ABS so I just mounted them in that for now.

 

[AGreekBoy]

good to see some more of your work man. oh and thanks for the comment of having the uc meeting at my place.

 

[VTCruiser]

good to see some more of your work man. oh and thanks for the comment of having the uc meeting at my place.

no problem, sorry I won't be able to make it!

 

[Falco80]

This is a great build-up mate! It almost makes me want to head out into the garage, strip my 80 and re-build it the way i would like it!
Top job, keep them pics coming!

 

[VTCruiser]

This is a great build-up mate! It almost makes me want to head out into the garage, strip my 80 and re-build it the way i would like it!
Top job, keep them pics coming!

Thanks! Hopefully I'll be able to find a heated shop to borrow this winter so I can keep working on it. It's 7degF right now with wind-chill...

 

[VTCruiser]

I put some new shoes on the cruiser today. I picked up some some used 33x10.5-15 BFG AT KO's dirt cheap and decided they would be a better tire for the winter. The MT's are less than stellar on packed now and ice, plus I just don't wheel the 60 like I used to. I mounted the new shoes on some late model FJ40 wheels I had lying around. They're not pretty, but they'll do for the winter and until I go to 16's. I'll probably get another set of MT's at some point, probably in 255/85. In the mean time I'll sell the 33x12.5 MTs and alloys.

33x12.5 on a 15x8 wheel compare to 33x10.5 on 15x5.5 wheel:

mounted...

Skinny!

Curious horse...

 

[89s rule]

Looking Good. I kinda like the semi rusty rims. Looks cold. I was in Cullowhee 2 weekends ago and we woke up to snow.

 

[Dirtgypsy]

Still looking great. Hows the day to day driving? Still enjoy it? Odd question here but how do you think the 1HZ would push a set of 37's around? Maybe regear to 4.56's add a turbo? I know a long shot for an expedition forum but I thought I would ask.

Clint

 

[VTCruiser]

Looking Good. I kinda like the semi rusty rims. Looks cold. I was in Cullowhee 2 weekends ago and we woke up to snow.

yup, it's definitely winter. Can't wait to hit the slopes!

Still looking great. Hows the day to day driving? Still enjoy it? Odd question here but how do you think the 1HZ would push a set of 37's around? Maybe regear to 4.56's add a turbo? I know a long shot for an expedition forum but I thought I would ask.

Clint

I really enjoy driving this rig. I mean it's slow and bouncy, but the big wheel, long throws of the shifter and brick sh*thouse feel give it a lot of charm. Complete strangers will come up and talk to me about, and I get a lot of looks from small kids with big smiles, the same way I used to look a my moms FJ60 when I was a boy.

If a 2F or 3FE can do it, a NA 1HZ isn't far off on power. You'd probably need to regear, but with a turbo there's no question.

 

[JJS]

Very nice. I would say too nice to drive in VT during the winter. Are you going to oil the undercarriage?

 

[VTCruiser]

Very nice. I would say too nice to drive in VT during the winter. Are you going to oil the undercarriage?

nope. After what I went through degreasing the underbody to seal it with rust bullet there's no way I'll oil back under it. Plus, I spend way too much time under the cruiser to want it covered in oil. It really makes it a mess to work on. I think I have it pretty well sealed. I have all the plugs and grommets in place and I am just going to wash it as often as I can. I'll have my sisters civic hybrid to drive as well, so i'll leave the cruiser garaged and drive her car as much as I can stand to...

Salt sucks.

 

[Bryan062087]

Any report on the mileage you are seeing with the 1hz in town/highway. I'm assuming you have 3.7 gears still.

 

[VTCruiser]

Any report on the mileage you are seeing with the 1hz in town/highway. I'm assuming you have 3.7 gears still.

nope, 4.11 in the new axles. I've been averaging about 21mpg. My average commute is now about 1.5 miles and coupled with the winter warm-ups I expect it to go down a little this winter. But, the new tires are little less aggressive and narrower, so I hope get back a little on the highway. I have only had them on for about 100 miles though, so it's too soon to tell.

 

[Bryan062087]

nope, 4.11 in the new axles. I've been averaging about 21mpg. My average commute is now about 1.5 miles and coupled with the winter warm-ups I expect it to go down a little this winter. But, the new tires are little less aggressive and narrower, so I hope get back a little on the highway. I have only had them on for about 100 miles though, so it's too soon to tell.

I see.. was there a drop in MPG when you went from 3.7 to the 4.11's?

 

[VTCruiser]

Just a little i think. I can get the same mpg as I used to, just not at the same speed.

 

[VTCruiser]

A few more updates...

A couple months ago one of my sealed beam headlights burned out and I finally got around to replacing it last week. I decided to get some roundeyes for it and get rid of the dated sealed beams. The install was super easy and I am pretty pleased with the way it turned out. I left the stock replacement 60/55 bulbs for now but may upgrade the harness and bulb later. Sorry for the crappy pics taken in the dark cramped garage...

Before:

After:

I also just realized I never posted info about the completed 4WD setup. If you recall I opted not to convert the t-case to manual shift, but keep the vacuum shift system despite all the problems I have read about from 62 owners. I like the push button shift on the fly feature and for me it has always been reliable. I can see how with a gas engine it may be different because the vacuum systems are a lot more complicated making trouble-shooting difficult and more prone to leaks. On the other hand, the 1HZ vacuum pump produces plenty of consistent vacuum, about -90kpa (~27 in.Hg) at idle and the only things on the system are the brake and clutch booster, the 4WD and the fuel pump compensator. very simple.

The HJ shift setup, from what I could tell, is exactly the same as the FJ62 only the solenoids have fixed wiring (no plugs) and are 24V. I talked a little about the wiring HERE but never revisited the results. I had to modify the solenoids slightly to attach them to the HJ bracket and to accept a FJ62 harness pigtail. The threaded hole existed on the FJ60 firewall and it bolted right up.

This winter was the first time I really used the 4WD and I found it was really slow to engage. I finally got around to looking at it yesterday and I discovered that one of the hard lines was clogged just before the t-case. I used the lines off a 62 parts rig which were in better shape than the HJ units, but I guess I forgot check this one closely . Anyway, now the system works perfectly and the t-case shifts instantly.

 

[Sporin]

killer build!

 

[VTCruiser]

I just added a pic to my last post of the $18 solenoids for the 4WD.

Otherwise, not much of an update. I had the front d-shaft u-joints replaced only to find out the 4wd vibration was actually a worn slip yoke so it looks like I'll need a new front driveshaft. Once I get all the little things sorted it'll be time to start outfitting...big plans for this spring...

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Once I get all the little things sorted it'll be time to start outfitting...big plans for this spring...

Nice. Do tell!

 

[VTCruiser]

Nice. Do tell!

soon enough...