Builds TiredIron's TLC build up

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TiredIronGRB said:
No, they will go as fast as the bearings will hold up. The portal is 2:1 ratio. Mine runs great at 70mph but is very comfortable at 62mph 2600rpm.

Can you regear the Volvo portals like the Mog's?
 
TiredIronGRB said:
There's three ratios available...
7.55
7.09
5.99

Which final drive ratio are you using on your set-up?
 
I'm running the 5.99, but I had a Volvo 6X6 that had the 7.09.
304_Bogger07.jpg
 
Well I just love my 80. I've had two weeks to drive it after the portal conversion and it rides and drives great other than the Bogger drone. At 70mph you can let go of the wheel and it tracks straight as an arrow.

I was very suprised at how much better it drove with the new springs and shocks, I knew it would be better but it's like a different truck. I was a little concerned with the brakes at first but now that the shoes have seated in the drums and I've re-adjusted them it stops great.

I can't tell that the fuel mileage is any worst, my speedometer cable broke about a week before I swapped the axles. I'm working on getting one from C-Dan then I'll check the difference in mph compared to my GPS then I'll try and get an idea about the mpg.
 
Firstly, Great truck, nice work.

Well, as I wait for the funds to add up I am doing as much research into putting these axles under my 97 FZJ80 as possible and I have a couple of questions.... I assume my stock ABS will have to be eliminated??? Is this a problem on the 97??? Computers and all, anyone??? I also assume a removal of the LSPV for the rear brakes will have to go? and maybe a heavier brake booster??? My other question concerns the brackets off the stock cruiser axles, did you sacrafice a pair of axles just to get these brackets? I was hoping to sell my stock axles with 4.88's and a rear locker to off-set the price of the portals but, I would think it would be harder to sell them sans the brackets. Can just the spring pads/shock mount brackets be bought? I'm sure custom one could be made as well but would take more time than using stock.
 
First let me say that I wouldn't do this mod to a DD although I've drove mine daily since I finished it but will be cutting back soon...maybe...hopefully.

I think your master cylinder would be ok. As for the axles, they are highly sought after by Minitruck builders and they usually cut the brackets off anyway. I could have sold mine ten times, people will stand in line for them especially the later ones with lockers and rear disc brakes. I'm looking at a '95 right now that I might get to convert.
 
This truck will not be a daily driver, just my weekend and wheeling rig but, I want something that doesn't need to be towed to the trail. I never gave it a thought about who would want my FJ axles. The mini truck conversion makes sense. How much are late model axles with lockers going for? Not an item you see too often or maybe I just need to search a bit harder.
 
Cruiser Dan, can these axle brackets be ordered from Toyota? So, I guess now is the time to get the cruiser up on Jack stands and start pulling the axles. I wonder how the wife will like half of the garage consumed by a torn apart rig? $2000 for the pair pays for one Volvo axle.... Not bad....
 
MSGGrunt said:
Cruiser Dan, can these axle brackets be ordered from Toyota? So, I guess now is the time to get the cruiser up on Jack stands and start pulling the axles. I wonder how the wife will like half of the garage consumed by a torn apart rig? $2000 for the pair pays for one Volvo axle.... Not bad....
I would have the Volvo axles there ready to weld on (old mounts cleaned off) before I turned a wrench on the 80. Make sure the boots on the front axle are in good shape, if they are even slightly dry rooted repalce them.

Also replace all the brake shoes, springs and wheel cylinders. The parts are same as a Land Rover series IIa LWB, the best place to get them is Here.
 
What is your opinion of fabricating all new mounts out of 3/16" steel instead of grinding all the stock brakets off? I'd like to keep the 80's axles in stock form in case I ever want to reverse the lift, which I doubt would be the case.

What is the outside diameter of the Volvo axle tubes?

Did you have any issues with setting the pinion angles? What is reccomened with the Volvo axles?
 
MSGGrunt said:
What is your opinion of fabricating all new mounts out of 3/16" steel instead of grinding all the stock brakets off? I'd like to keep the 80's axles in stock form in case I ever want to reverse the lift, which I doubt would be the case.

What is the outside diameter of the Volvo axle tubes?

Did you have any issues with setting the pinion angles? What is reccomened with the Volvo axles?

If your'e a good fabicator go for it, but it seems like a lot of trouble. The Volvo housings are mostly square about 4" IIRC. The pinion angle was almost exactly the same as the toyota when I matched the camber.

I ran it on a good local trail Friday with out any problems so I took it to Harlan Saturday and rode for about 5 hours solid on a wide range of surfaces and it did awesome.
 
Just curious, but why would you not use this as a DD? You first said it tracks straight as ever and now it seems as if there are some problems with driving with the setup, would you please elaborate on this, or do you suspect it is mainly the tires?
 

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