Box Rocket 1995 FZJ80 Build

Yes! One thing that is really hard for me to swallow is our society's need to portray, through social media and appearance, that we're something we're not (can't we just eat dinner without sharing a picture). We strap rotopax and treadboards (they obviously have their place when needed) to our roof racks and drive around with our RTT's always installed because it gives us value through how others see us and makes us look like we're in a special group. I'm by no means and Overlander. I just like offroading and camping and the two can happen together when I'm lucky. I've worked and paid cash for everything on my truck and I've literally bumped into others in SLC that have outfitted truck and after I strike up conversation they either act as though I'm not in their cool "club" or I've gotten crap for the brand of x, y, or z that I have on my truck (or they're only interested in talking about their truck or themselves). I've had conversations with people out on the trail that have mentioned they don't wave to others on the trail because they're annoyed someone else is out there. I just don't get that.

Don't get me wrong, there are some good dudes locally. I've talked to Box Rocket at the Toyota show, legit guy. I've talked with Zach Scott several times, legit guy. Alex, Wasatch on TW, legit guy. Many more. Whatever though. No reason let that spoil having a good time or getting out there. There will always be people that spoil anything. I'll still get out there...and wave too.

BTW Box Rocket, want to go offroading?

 

Sure. Let me know when.

 

So true though, some family friends have one they brought back with them when they finished exploring areas of Africa. Thing is just amazing. They still sell it in other countries and it basically has been unchanged since the early 80s.

Also in regards to the conversation about overlanding above, why do we have to judge anything one way or the other. *hypothetical* If someone is saying anything to my face about my choices we'll discuss it, if it's insulting, I can be too.*end* But online who gives a shit either way, poser or wheeler, boulders or fireroad, diesel or gasoline. Like really if someone really wants to be a poser who are we to judge, they still patronize the small companies that make our bumpers, skids, and recovery gear. If you actually use your shit that's got extra cool factor to it but to label people as one or the other really just divides us and makes it harder to get along. I've wheeled with people who were wheeling long before myself and folks that have all the gear and a built truck but have never wheeled, fun can still be had either way. Just don't be a douche and have fun, this doesn't have to be so hard.

 

I love the 70 series too. They are super cool but also have their weaknesses.

On the other topic I agree with you and I’m not trying to pass judgment on anyone. I couldn’t care less what kind of gear someone has or what they drive. If they’re posers be posers, just own it. Its like people who build show trucks/cars. Not my thing but they enjoy it and I can appreciate that. I guess there’s just something about a car show guy that has built a “race” setup for shows and never hits the track. Its fine that he never hits the track, I just don’t understand when he posts photos and tells stories like he’s always racing in an effort to make people think he does. I just hope to see more authentic people out there.

But in principle I totally agree, people can enjoy whatever in the way they choose to enjoy it.

 

You’re probably a busy family man but do you ever go out for an afternoon to places in the area?

 

Ah, I saw a very similarly built landcruiser with the same trailer and tent set up as you out there one day. Nice build though!

 

I love camping and getting out and originally bought my truck for that. I will be the first to admit though that I now love modifying, fabricating, and creating new stuff for the truck almost as much as I like getting out. Before I always had the mentality of I need to get this mod done so I can go use it. Now I just enjoy the mod when I am modding, and go and use the truck when I feel like it, regardless of its current state.

 

I can agree with you on the people around SLC. Some really great guys and some really "interesting" guys that do things a bit differently. To each his own but I have been trapped in a few conversations about the biggest tire size and who makes the best light bar. I just smile and nod my head. I don't think I've met Adam in person but I appreciate the rigs he has built up and hope to have conversation about proper rock light placement in the future.

 

I will occasionally get out for an afternoon to something close. But I usually try to venture out a bit farther.

 

Got a few updates I've neglected to share here.

First off, as part of completing the Slinky Long Travel suspension I swapped out my rear control arms for the Blackhawk arms that are part of the Slinky kits. These are heavy wall DOM and use factory rubber bushings. The lowers are 11mm longer than stock to re-center the axle in the wheel well and the uppers are fully adjustable to correct pinion angle. These are replacing my year old Trail Tailor arms, which I think are also awesome arms. The Trail Tailor arms are also fully adjustable and HD material but have a poly bushing at one end and a Johnny Joint at the other. Poly bushings disintegrate fairly quickly in the control arms because they just don't flex much and they're also pretty stiff. The Johnny Joint takes care of letting the arms twist when flexing so the poly bushing in the other end will last. The Blackhawk arms with the rubber bushings are nice because the rubber holds up to the flex really well and gives just as much movement. The Rubber bushings are a bit quieter since the rubber isolates vibes a bit more.
If anyone on here that has an 80 is looking for rear control arms, I'm selling my Trail Tailor ones. They're in "like new" condition with a fresh repaint.

new Blackhawk arms.
IMG_2018 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

IMG_2021 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

Installed
IMG_2118 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

IMG_2117 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

IMG_2116 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

Trail Tailor arms (FOR SALE)
IMG_2119 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

IMG_2121 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

 

I also repainted my SCS wheels a couple weeks ago. The rockrash was pretty bad again so they needed a refresh which meant an opportunity to change the color. This time tried VHT Graphite. I really like this color and the VHT wheel paint has been my favorite I've used. Good quality paint.
IMG_0097 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

IMG_0083 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

IMG_0078 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

 

Yeah I've tried several different paints to paint wheels. I've tried Duplicolor wheel paint and didn't like the finish and it seems to chip easier than others. I have used tried and true Rustoleum Satin Black with decent results. But the VHT has been my favorite. Cans have the best nozzles of all the ones I've tried and helps get a nice finish. It has been the most durable. I usually follow it with several coats of clearcoat too.

 

Bumper is awesome looking, well done.

How to take care of the rock rash on the wheels? Just sand them?

 

Yep. Takes some time but I sanded them down to bare aluminum. Sprayed with self etching primer, 3-4 coats of paint followed by 3-4 coats of clear.

 

You sand the whole wheel to bare aluminum? I’m tempted to do mine but never have luck with spray paint not fading and drying over time.

 

yeah I use a random orbital sander and I'm able to get most of the wheel. In the corners I'll use a wire wheel to get the finish off and then hand sand. Using quality paint will help them not to fade. I like the VHT best. But a lot of people don't bother with clearcoat. It makes a big difference in keeping the finish looking good for a long time as well as helps the durability.

 

I may try. I want a satin black but they don’t make a satin clear coat so it would all be paint only.

 

It will still work well. Until this last repaint I had black wheels and used VHT Satin Black and VHT clearcoat. The clear is not super glossy so they still looked like a satin finish. Rustoleum has a satin finish clear. I've used that a number of times too and it works well.

 

Are the rings the same paint as the center? Rings look glossier...or is that just me?

 

Welp, that was a good read! I like your build philosophy, and now I want one of those cruisers . Something about three lockers . I got to drive my brothers G550 over Christmas and it has three lockers as well. He's taken it offload a few times but nothing crazy yet.

Some of those videos/pics were impressive and something I aspire to do myself, but then reading about how much experience you have I realize I gotta pump my brakes and work my way up, do a lot of learning, and get a lot of seat time. Also reading this confirmed my desire to learn how to weld.