06yoda to 96 FZJ80 Build

I bought my first Landcruiser in April 2016 after years of deliberation and conflict about selling my beloved 2006 Toyota Tacoma. I absolutely loved that truck but something always kept bugging me internally about getting rid of it and was never fully satisfied. I finally convinced myself to keep it and gave up entirely looking for a Landcruiser of some sort when my wife decided to jump on Craigslist and said, “I think I found the one”. So I called up the gentleman who owned it and he sold it to me within 2hrs. I am now the proud "Third" owner of this excellent vehicle. I absolutely love this machine and have no regrets.

Special Thanks to:

My Wife- For tirelessly putting up with me and my hobby and also finding the “Cruiser”

Greg Miller Toyota(Lemon Grove)- For them hooking me up for parts and their awesome customer service.

Landcrshr(Ron IH8MUD)- For taking the time, effort, and patience to walk me through multiple wiring projects and seeing it through to the end. Thanks again Ron.

Switchpros- For their unmatched customer service and support. Truly a great company and product.

Just Differentials(Murph)- For their awesome customer service and recommendations for my build.

Zuk(Ken)- For doing a sweet job on my F/R Gear and ARB Locker install. Thanks again Ken

SUMMIT CRUISERS Jr (Garrett IH8MUD)- For providing a great well designed rear bumper.

SleeOffroad- For providing awesome products and great communication.

My Tacoma



Some Pics when I first bought it.



Most Current



MODS

1996 FZJ80
114K miles (at time of purchase) 123k Current
7-pin CDL Switch Installed
ARB Front and Rear Lockers (Utilizing Stock Switch)
4.88 Nitro Front & Rear Gears
Stage 4 Intermediate "Slinky Long Travel" Kit
3" Autocraft Intermediate Slinky coils (Waiting For the right ones)
Autocraft spec - Icon 2.5 shocks 14" travel W/CDC Compression Adj.
1.5" Aluminum swaybar drops
1.5" bumpstop extensions
Slee Caster Plates
Wits End DC Front Shaft
Slee Front Bumper
Slee Sliders
Slee Adjustable Panhards Front and Rear
Slee Rear Lower Control Arms
Slee Rear Upper Adj. Control Arms
Slee SS Braided Brake Lines
DBA T3 Slotted Rotors W/Akebono Ceramic 100 Series Fronts and 80 Rear Pads
OME Steering Damper
Custom Rear Bumper Swingout (Summit Cruisers Jr.)
315/75R16 Kelly Safari TSR Bead Balanced W/Tyre Beads 8oz. ea.
Stock 16x8 Wheels
Black Oak LED 10" Dual Row Front Light Bar
Black Oak LED 2x 2x2 Pods
Black Oak LED Diffused Rear Bumper Lights
Switch Pros 8100 8 Switch Pod
ARB Twin Compressor
Group 35 X2 Power AGM Battery

Not Yet Installed/Future
Winch
Front View Camera

 

Congrats, I bought my 97 fzj80 stock and love it. Mines got a lot of miles but I'm in love and can't wait to get started on it. How did it drive with stock gears and 35s?

 

Thanks! Yea I probably could have left it stock and enjoyed it for a long time but I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I honestly couldn't ell you because I did the gears and tires at the same time. I would imagine that it would be pretty slow that's for sure especially if you're loaded down at all.

 

Here is some pics of the rear bumper and clean hidden swingout when @jeffz0rz was installing it. Thanks again bro!

 

Always liked the fj80s. Enjoy!

 

They are solid rigs. Will do!

 

Took a nice trip with my family today to Oriflamme Canyon Trail because the weather was so nice.]

 

Great looking 80. I'd consider trading my second gen for a 80 someday. Do you have more pictures of your Tacoma? How did you like the CBI bumper?

 

Great looking 80! That's a real low-mile gem and you dropped some serious coin on mods. It's set up very similarly to mine. I'm waiting for my Stage 4 shocks to arrive to replace my Stage 1s in my slinky setup. It's been such an awesome suspension!

Keep sharing.

 

Thanks bro! Yea I honestly have no regrets, I miss the power that my Taco had over the 80 but other than that I'm happy. Sure are you looking for anything in particular. I loved the CBI bumper, It is very well built, always had compliments on it and it holds up well especially in fender benders. I literally was hit twice and wiped the paint off with a rag and powder coat was still there.

 

Thanks Bro! Yours is very nice too! The Stage 4's are really nice, you'll like them. I had remote resi's on my truck and already knew what I wanted out of this build. I'm still having issues with my driveline vibes/ pinion angles but other than that its a great ride.

 

Took advantage of a day with no rain in SD and went to Corral Canyon even though it was still a little wet out there.

 

Take a look at the rear control arms from Trail Tailor. I just installed a set. Really beefy, fully adjustable to correct pinion angle with flexy Johnny Joints. It help with a minor driveline vibe I had.

 

I already have the Slee Adjustable ones. For some reason it's just being really picky about what angle it wants to be in to not have some vibes/humming. Suspension is continuously trying to settle as well. I'm hoping I've finally got it all dialed in as of today set at 15 1/2" eye to eye.

 

I need to update this more often. Had a really fun camping trip with my family up in Sequoia/Kings Canyon & Yosemite back in March. Still tons of snow so didn't get to see everything but still really cool nonetheless.