Here is my first project thread on my recent purchase of a 1997 FZJ80, locked. For the last several months I have been on the hunt for a vehicle that has been tried and proven and an all around adventure rig. My goal was to buy a rig that I could mainly use as a daily driver but with the ability to take vehicle off road at any moment with limited planning. Something cheap enough that I could build up and after looking around this 80 series LC caught my attention, considering miles and vehicle age these vehicles hold their value!
Here is the thought process for this rig...
My job takes me to many places throughout California and the idea is to be able to take a rig and be able to use it for work, as a daily drive, and go off road at any moment. There are many times through out the year when having to travel to multiple work locations is very common for me and they involve overnight stays. There are times that I could, instead of staying at hotels, enjoy the outdoors and camp out for the night at remote locations through out my travels. This vehicle would need to be built with the idea that would require minimal planning for quick trips and over night stays. My list of upgrade are going to be the basic overlanding capabilities for this type of use. Storage, bumpers, winch, lift, tires, etc..
Goal was to buy a LC, I have read a few threads about people deciding what type of LC to buy... and choices range from LC60, LC 80, LC 100, and LC200. I guess when budget is no problem then you go all the way and buy the most expensive rig money can afford. Well for this build I wanted a classic rig with comfort and capabilities, the FZJ80 and locked diffs kinda seemed to me like the right vehicle for what I wanted to do. Miles where high right around 200k, barely broken in guess. I am well aware of the power issues but I wont be hauling much. After I outfit it with overlanding gear then I am sure that it will be heavy and suck on mpg and power, at this moment it already sucks on mpg and power and will get worse. Another thing that I thought and considered was that at some point this rig would get a GM conversion, probably a 5.3. After having gone through a FJ60 GM conversion I am aware of what it would take to tackle a project of this kind.
Some would argue that the 100 series would have served much of my concerns and would have been a better starting point, comfort and more power, but I still wanted solid axles, coil overs, and locked diffs is that too much to ask for! I am happy with the purchase and I will posting much of the work through out the build process.
Here is a list of goodies:
Engine Performance:
I was considering a GM conversion but instead I am getting pricing for a supercharger set up and headers.
Suspension:
3" OME kit with heavy duty springs, adjustable pan hards etc...
Stage 3 Icon Shocks
Tires:
33" BF Goodrich All Terrains KO2.
Exterior Accessories, roof rack, bumpers, body armor, etc..:
Front Runner Roof Rack.
Costa Fabrication front bumper
Costa Fabrication Rear Expedition Bumper
Slee Slider Steps
Warn 10.5 winch, synthetic line
LED Lights: Head lights, tail lights, etc..
Interior mods, electrical power, and or upgrades:
CDL Switch and 7 pin mod
Power Inverter Magnum 1000 watts pure sine. Laptops, small stuff.
National Luna Dual battery and recessed battery monitor. With Slee second battery bracket.
SPod with HD switch panel.
Goose gear storage compartment in rear cargo area.
Ham radio
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