Build What did you do to your Land Cruiser/Toyota/Lexus 4X4 this week?
- Thread starter murf
- Start date
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and so it begins...
No long uphill runs yet but that'll happen soon. Per JT's (Just Differentials), there's a "break in" with new gears. First 5 or 6 trips should be no more than 20 miles each and on flat grades followed by full cool down (let the rig sit for hours to bring all temps down). From there, try to stay relatively flat for a total of approximately 500 miles or so at which time the diff fluids need to be changed. After that, do what you will.
I'm getting close to that 500 mile mark. Had to run to Glendale and back this weekend for a dance convention for one of my girls (got to hang out at the bar last night with other "dance dad's", didn't see this coming....). The round trip was a good 130 miles. This thing is sooooooo much easier to drive with the 4.88's in. It stays in D the whole time, I routinely have to take my foot entirely off the gas to avoid speeding too much, it just "cruises" a TON better.
I'll report back soon, dropping her off up north for the summer so the drive to/through Payson and up to top of the Rim is when I'll understand whether freeway hill climbs are noticeably better. I don't expect it to be perfect......but the "daily driving" aspect of things is absolutely better so I'm pretty darn happy.
They aren't cheap....total cost to get these is probably equal to everything else I've done since buying this a few years ago (lots of baseline/PM work, Gobi ladder, WagonGear storage, bigger brakes up front, new stereo/speakers, etc. etc. etc.). I'll have this truck for a long time, definitely happy with the upgrade so far.
busy testing my "new" ride
Where were those pics taken? If in the White Mountains somewhere I'd like to go check that area out.....thx!
Went to change the oil last weekend and was greeted with pink crystals adorning the front of my engine compartment. Radiator cracked.
Identical to @jclarke450 from a month ago....CBT came through with a replacement radiator and I replaced it this weekend. Pretty straight forward swap. Should be good for another 150K miles.
Identical to @jclarke450 from a month ago....CBT came through with a replacement radiator and I replaced it this weekend. Pretty straight forward swap. Should be good for another 150K miles.
PM sent.
Installed some springy thingies and related OME goodies
Removed old deck and hauled to the dump, grossed over 8200 lbs there. Trailer is 1460 dry, I figure the 80 sits about 6200 empty with 32+ gallons of fuel.
Got my crossover steering installed. Of course that required higher lift springs. Front and rear. And a new front spring hanger. And flipping the u-bolts. And new shocks. And new rear shock lower mounts. And a new steering stabilizer and custom mounts. And since the rear springs are much longer, required relocated spring hangers and shackle attachment points. And a new front driveshaft. 
That was totally my experience. Wife isnt buying my "cheap" lift with only some springs and shocks anymore.
Got my crossover steering installed. Of course that required higher lift springs. Front and rear. And a new front spring hanger. And flipping the u-bolts. And new shocks. And new rear shock lower mounts. And a new steering stabilizer and custom mounts. And since the rear springs are much longer, required relocated spring hangers and shackle attachment points. And a new front driveshaft.
Pics or it didnt happen
Pics or it didnt happen
Yeah the installers didn't take any pics. And lacking a front driveshaft at the moment, I haven't been in the dirt yet. Poser driveway pics, I can do that.
Engine rebuilt and installed. OME Lift completed, all new suspension bushings in! Front bumper is next and Hunter Off Road starts work on the rear swing out next week! Great work from Pat at Transparent Auto solutions in Tempe!
In preparation for the night run of Hell's Revenge at Cruiser Moab next week, I acquired and installed some LED Rock Lights. Came out nice I think.
Nice! Where did you get these?
I was out on Pirate4x4 looking at various rock light options and found these guys: SIDETRACKED OFFROAD
Off Road Lighting Solutions, Recovery Gear, Trail-Gear, Ruff Stuff, Method Race Wheels, Aussie Locker, ARB, G2 Off Road LED Lights, LED Light Bars
They were having a sale on these lights that were MUCH brighter then some of the other options so I pulled the trigger. They shipped fast and for a reasonable price - $153 to my door - included 6 lights and a generic harness with relay, fuse, and switch. Plus the guy (Morgan) called me shortly after I sent in my order to make sure I had the right harness configuration I wanted. It was a really nice experience overall. I may do a write up on FJ Cruiser forums but I'd like to get a few on the trail pictures first.
Off Road Lighting Solutions, Recovery Gear, Trail-Gear, Ruff Stuff, Method Race Wheels, Aussie Locker, ARB, G2 Off Road LED Lights, LED Light Bars
They were having a sale on these lights that were MUCH brighter then some of the other options so I pulled the trigger. They shipped fast and for a reasonable price - $153 to my door - included 6 lights and a generic harness with relay, fuse, and switch. Plus the guy (Morgan) called me shortly after I sent in my order to make sure I had the right harness configuration I wanted. It was a really nice experience overall. I may do a write up on FJ Cruiser forums but I'd like to get a few on the trail pictures first.
Installed the Pfran LED kit last night, WOW those are bright (pictures to come)! I still have to install the reverse lights but the interior and license plate lights are WAY brighter then stock. The motors for my door lock solenoids came today so that's another project I can start this weekend if I have time.
Installed a rebuilt T-Case and back on the road just in time to sell it or put it away for the summer.
Sell???? That thing is beautiful!!