Who'd you get the brakes through?
Builds Tokyo to Wisconsin - JDM HDJ81 Build Thread (2 Viewers)
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- Thread starter
- #22
I ordered via Slee Offroad.
Called to confirm stock, which everything is in stock except the front DBA pads. Currently looking at another distributor for front DBA pads, though I've signed up for Slee's notifications as they're expecting a shipment this summer.
I forgot yours was newer. He doesn't have anything for me
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2004
- Threads
- 186
- Messages
- 11,054
- Location
- Boise - Idaho
- Website
- www.snlandcruisers.com
I run the DBA’s, I like them.
Cheers
Cheers
- Thread starter
- #25
A few more things being done to the Cruiser recently.
Escape Gear seat covers are on and fantastic. Ordering through Equipt was painless, total time to get them delivered was about six weeks:
Also, the rear brake calipers failed after a recent trip; pistons seized and boots torn, likely due to age. While the front calipers seem fine, it's about time for a fresh upgrade all around - new OEM front and rear calipers with 3 coats of VHT caliper paint to compliment new DBA rotors, pads, and OEM brake lines (standard caliper lines, extended frame lines to accommodate up to 4 inches of lift).
Escape Gear seat covers are on and fantastic. Ordering through Equipt was painless, total time to get them delivered was about six weeks:
Also, the rear brake calipers failed after a recent trip; pistons seized and boots torn, likely due to age. While the front calipers seem fine, it's about time for a fresh upgrade all around - new OEM front and rear calipers with 3 coats of VHT caliper paint to compliment new DBA rotors, pads, and OEM brake lines (standard caliper lines, extended frame lines to accommodate up to 4 inches of lift).
- Thread starter
- #26
Recently explored the sand dunes of Silver Lake, Michigan.
Nearly 950km round trip and on the dunes - the 80 performed flawlessly. Averaged about 18-19mpg while lifted on 35s, not bad!
Very pleased with the Dobinsons shocks and springs, as well as the brake system overhaul, to include:
Rear: DBA rotors and pads, new OEM calipers, new OEM axle to caliper lines, and new OEM extended axle line.
Front: New OEM calipers, new OEM axle to caliper lines, and new OEM extended axle line (no ABS). DBA rotors and pads will be part of the front axle rebuild later on.
Nearly 950km round trip and on the dunes - the 80 performed flawlessly. Averaged about 18-19mpg while lifted on 35s, not bad!
Very pleased with the Dobinsons shocks and springs, as well as the brake system overhaul, to include:
Rear: DBA rotors and pads, new OEM calipers, new OEM axle to caliper lines, and new OEM extended axle line.
Front: New OEM calipers, new OEM axle to caliper lines, and new OEM extended axle line (no ABS). DBA rotors and pads will be part of the front axle rebuild later on.
- Thread starter
- #27
Also, one other note - this 80 obviously has the rear OEM tire carrier. There's lots of concern in various threads about it, especially with increased weight.
Over the past year of ownership, so far there hasn't been a single issue. The spare tire and tire bag w/recovery gear totals about 110lbs, for reference.
Granted this could change over time. However, the design has four areas of reinforcement and seems incredibly stout.
Over the past year of ownership, so far there hasn't been a single issue. The spare tire and tire bag w/recovery gear totals about 110lbs, for reference.
Granted this could change over time. However, the design has four areas of reinforcement and seems incredibly stout.
Several of us in my club (coastal cruisers) and circle of friends have been running 35s on the stock carrier for a long time, have not heard of a single issue yet.
Nice truck!
I'm seeing mid to high 17s on my commute and high 18s on the highway. I'm thoroughly impressed. I expected 16s when I bought it.
- Thread starter
- #30
Wanted to try an overseas distributor I've heard good things about, Rough Trax 4x4 in the UK. They did not disappoint!
First, while the digital manuals and FSMs are good, I wanted a hard copy on hand too - not the easiest to come by:
From there, the equivalent of "while I was in there" happened. Ordered up a whole bunch of spare parts and planned replacements, to include new OEM upper and lower rad hoses, spare fuses, Gates' belts, a rear Hella wiper blade, diff plugs, and some nifty magnetic oil plugs (in purple, no less).
Fair prices with the current exchange rate and the package arrived at my doorstep one week from ordering.
Cheers!
First, while the digital manuals and FSMs are good, I wanted a hard copy on hand too - not the easiest to come by:
From there, the equivalent of "while I was in there" happened. Ordered up a whole bunch of spare parts and planned replacements, to include new OEM upper and lower rad hoses, spare fuses, Gates' belts, a rear Hella wiper blade, diff plugs, and some nifty magnetic oil plugs (in purple, no less).
Fair prices with the current exchange rate and the package arrived at my doorstep one week from ordering.
Cheers!
You ordered fuses from the UK?
- Thread starter
- #32
Main intent was the manual and rad hoses, then added a bunch of spare parts while I was shopping their catalog.
I hope they were cheaper than just going to napa
- Thread starter
- #34
They were!
The other reason was to see how well the distributor packaged things and what their turnaround time is. Reason being, there are other more expensive replacement items I'm interested in.
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- Thread starter
- #35
New timing belt kit and water pump will be installed soon, all OEM and/or Aisin components. Creeping up to 130,000km.
Meanwhile, I've been gradually testing out the suspension/wheel/tire combination and couldn't be happier. Seems to be a great blend of on road comfort and off road capability.
Meanwhile, I've been gradually testing out the suspension/wheel/tire combination and couldn't be happier. Seems to be a great blend of on road comfort and off road capability.
kenavt
SILVER Star
Your 35s with Dobinson 3" IMS setup looks awesome. Glad to hear your FT pulls well at 75mph too as you said on the first page. Your HDJ81 is looking excellent. 
I kind of want to step up to 35s at some point from my 33s. I did notice an acceleration difference though from stock 31s to 33s, and I do hit 100% throttle on mountain passes around here to maintain 75mph. So maybe I'll time that with some power upgrades. Did you consider going down in tire size?
I kind of want to step up to 35s at some point from my 33s. I did notice an acceleration difference though from stock 31s to 33s, and I do hit 100% throttle on mountain passes around here to maintain 75mph. So maybe I'll time that with some power upgrades. Did you consider going down in tire size?
- Thread starter
- #37
Your 35s with Dobinson 3" IMS setup looks awesome. Glad to hear your FT pulls well at 75mph too as you said on the first page. Your HDJ81 is looking excellent.
I kind of want to step up to 35s at some point from my 33s. I did notice an acceleration difference though from stock 31s to 33s, and I do hit 100% throttle on mountain passes around here to maintain 75mph. So maybe I'll time that with some power upgrades. Did you consider going down in tire size?
Appreciate the kind words!
I really have no negatives to say about the current set up. Everything has settled nicely too, sitting at about 2.25" of lift in the front and 2.75" in the rear. This will drop down a bit further yet, once sliders and a winch are added down the road, which is what I was aiming for.
As for the 35s, I'm glad I went with this size for my use. So far, it's been a good happy medium between long stretches of road and ground clearance off road. Plus, when aired down below 20 PSI, they really soak up vibrations and hook up nicely on rocks/sand/etc.
That said, if this was a daily or strictly for pavement, 35s are overkill - a skinny 33, like a 255/85 r16, or a 32 would be far better, in my opinion.
You're going with the upsized rotors, calipers, pads and backing plates from the 93+ years right?
Good luck finding backing plates....
