FJ80 Expedition Vehicle

[Hltoppr]

At Senor Scott's request, I thought I'd add my rig!

Enjoy!

1992 FJ80, 3FE 200,000 miles, all OEM parts from American Toyota, Albuquerque, NM

Built for travel/expedition wheeling

OME 850 front/863 rear Heavy Suspension/OME N71e(front) N73(rear) Shocks
OME Steering Stabilizer
31x10.5R15 BFG Mud Terrain Tires on Stock Alloy Rims
2 Spare 31x10.5R15 BFG Mud Terrains on Stock Alloy Rims
ARB Bumper with Ramsey Rep 8K Winch
PIAA 120 XT Spotlights
Safari Snorkle with Centrifugal pre-cleaner
Factory Toyota Side Marker Lights
Optima Red Top Main Battery
Battery Isolator
Remote Located Optima Blue Top Marine Battery
Con-Fer Porthole Rack, 5'x8', modified to fit rooftop tent
Expedition Exchange twin NATO can holder (On roofrack)
Hannibal Rooftop Tent
Hannibal Awning with side enclosure
Engel 35 Refrigerator
Constant 12V outlet on center console
A-Pillar GPS mount for the trusty Magellan 4000XL
Rear Cargo Floor with tie down rails
Pioneer CD/MP3 player with XM Roady Receiver
Pioneer Speakers in Stock Locations, 10" Subwoofer in rear
George’s LEDs lighting
El Cheapo Radio Shack CB, Firestick antenna on ARB with quick release

Future mods...
1HD-T Turbo Diesel, A442 Trans and T-Case :Wow1:

...and the last picture is the lightweight way to do an expedition through Baja!

http://hltoppr.smugmug.com/photos/65272841_6AR4X-M.jpg

http://hltoppr.smugmug.com/photos/67307287_GhGeQ-M.jpg

http://hltoppr.smugmug.com/photos/67307233_bwr9y-M.jpg

http://hltoppr.smugmug.com/photos/65272976_VnPts-M.jpg

http://hltoppr.smugmug.com/photos/67307189_a4WzT-M.jpg





-H-

[BajaTaco]

Hello and welcome! Looks like you enjoy a bit of Baja every now and then :cool:

:eek: NICE Land Cruiser !!! :Wow1:

Looks like you have plenty of goodies there to keep you smiling all the way "there" and back, wherever "there" may be. I love it. Are you the original owner? Over what kind of time-frame did you add all of the fun stuff? How do you like the Hannibal tent? Have you used in rain/wind/snow? , Regarding a diesel conversion, how do the numbers pan out with the current price of diesel fuel?

Thanks for posting. Man, what a sweet rig. World-class :victory:

[Hltoppr]

I bought it a couple of years ago (3 in October) with 172K on it, but very well maintained by a Toyota fan, and it still runs great. First mods were the suspension and ARB/winch combo (I had the winch in the garage from an FJ60), and I've been adding little bits here and there. The most recent mod was the dual battery system and refrigerator, which I love.

The Hannibal tent and awning are great. We (my wife and I) just got back from a quick overnight on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and still love the comfort and convenience of the tent. I've been through rain, wind, sleet, cold and heat, and its held up well. The rain fly is a bit lightweight, but I've never had any leakage issues, even when not using the fly.

Prices on the conversion run about $12,000.00 US, which would basically have a HD-T vehicle ordered, shipped to Canada, and the swap (engine, transmission, t-case & other bits) completed north of the border. If I were to look at recouping that in gas $, it just wouldn't make sense, but comparing the investment to what a new(er) vehicle runs, and the resale value when converted being steady, it becomes a better option.

-H-

[Hltoppr]

Ok, I think I've got this picture thing down....

-H-

[Hltoppr]

and another pic...

-H-

[Hltoppr]

And the lightweight approach to Baja!

-H-

[Scott Brady]

OH MAN! We need to get together. BajaTaco is also in Prescott.

Your truck is a premium example of a well designed and functional expedition vehicle. The diesel conversion sounds incredible. Cant wait to hear more about it. :lurk:

The last time I was at Specter, they had a 4.2 on crates, with the tranny, tcase and everything. Ready to go!

[Hltoppr]

She's in "economy mode" since we got back from Toroweap this weekend....no roofrack....

It's tough to look at a 2004 Tacoma like yours and not see the potential, with some better economy to boot, but I keep thinking that the diesel conversion is less expensive than a new ride....and then I surmise that the $20K I'd spend on a new rig would fund the conversion plus a nice 2000-2004 BMW 1150GS Adventure motorcycle too!

Once this "expedition" bug bites it kinda works its way into everything you do!

-H-

[Scott Brady]

....and then I surmise that the $20K I'd spend on a new rig would fund the conversion plus a nice 2000-2004 BMW 1150GS Adventure motorcycle too!


I am all over that plan. The 1150GS is an awesome ride! For those not familiar, here is a little piece of heaven :cool:

http://www.nonstopmoto.it/bmw/1150gs.jpg

The challenge with the Tacoma will be the initial investment, PLUS the extra 10k+ to outfit it. Your 80 is ready to go (mod wise), with a 300,000 mile plus service life on the chassis. Swap the motor and you will have the coolest machine this side of a BJ75 crew cab :D

[BajaTaco]

Thanks for the replies. That tent sounds nice! I have definitely eyeballed them on the web for some time, but never had a chance to get an opinion from an owner who had put it through the paces. Ahhh yes, the fridge. That has to be one of my all-time favorite additions. Can't beat it :D




Prices on the conversion run about $12,000.00 US, which would basically have a HD-T vehicle ordered, shipped to Canada, and the swap (engine, transmission, t-case & other bits) completed north of the border. If I were to look at recouping that in gas $, it just wouldn't make sense, but comparing the investment to what a new(er) vehicle runs, and the resale value when converted being steady, it becomes a better option.

Hmmm... so you would be getting a used drivetrain then? rebuilt? I am not up to speed on this. But sounds like if you can basically "renew" the reliability of the vehicle for a reasonable price, then that would be a great way to preserve such a great means to get to all of your adventures.

Did you get any pics from your stint on the north rim? Post a couple!


OH MAN! We need to get together. BajaTaco is also in Prescott.

No way... did u guys meet in Presky?

[Hltoppr]

A 1150GS A just sold on advrider.com for $6K! 50K miles, but that's still a great deal!

It's funny that EW and I haven't met yet! Maybe Jerome for Breakfast some morning?

Anyway, I'll throw the tent on sometime so that you can get a close up look at it at a run. It's really comfortable and well put together.

As for Toroweap, here are a couple of pics!

-H-

[Hltoppr]

El otro...

[Hltoppr]

And going in...

[Hltoppr]

The "no services for 61 miles one way; Warning" sign on the way in. The road is good, just remote.

-H-

[BajaTaco]

Awesome pics!!! Thanks for putting them up ;)

Don't get me started on the bike thing...

I just met Andy Grider yesterday. Talk about getting psyched up to want to go ride across the middle of nowhere on a motorcycle... I was talking to him about his recent 3rd overall in the Tunisia Rally for KTM Gauloises. Nine days, 2,784 kilometers :Wow1: I can't imagine...

Yes, I would love to see the tent. I am set with my sleeping arrangements, so won't be getting one - but I just think are so neat and have always wanted to use one.

[Scott Brady]

We should plan a breakfast and day run in early Sept... Any ideas? The 2nd and 3rd weekend are good for me :ylsmoke:

Smiley Rock maybe? Or even just breakfast and oogle over the trucks for a few hours.

[Scott Brady]

Oh, and my ride of choice would be the BMW 650 thumper. I have been VERY close a few times ;)

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/images/machine/f650gs_dakar/bike/base_blue_metallic_white_aluminum_metallic.jpg

I am actually on the fence between the bike and a zodiac for spearfishing... :smilies27

[Hltoppr]

Looks like I'm gonna be in Vegas the end of this month, and a new BMW Motorad dealer just opened....gonna be hard to resist, but I may go see about a couple of test rides.

-H-

[Scott Brady]

I always find trips to dealerships to be very dangerous. :smileeek:

I need to replace my Trooper, but want to wait until after we are settled in Prescott. Decisions, decisions :)

[dmc]

Hltoppr,

I love the truck. I hope one day to be able to deem my 80 an exepedition Cruiser. I think you have a great truck and more importanly you've used it properly.
dmc

[blupaddler]

Hltopper

:Wow1:
Nice!!! I have admired your rig for a while over at ih8mud. Very simple but functional.
BTW...my 80 is in "economy"mode right now too! ;)

You do SAR too, right? I would love to get together and chat with you about Cliff rescue on a trip sometime.

[Hltoppr]

Between Cruisers, Trips and SAR, that's days of B.S.ing! :Wow1:

Cheers!

-H-

[Scott Brady]

I agree Robb, it is the well designed, functional nature of Hltoppr's machine that really appeals to me. In reality, the FZJ80 needs little or no modification to explore any stretch of road in the world. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the purpose built rig, with no bling or chrome.

My truck has finally be freed from all chrome (I am a chromophobic :smilies27 )

[blupaddler]

What do you mean "chromaphobic"?

I am currently having my full length rack chromed! Along with ALL of my suspension products...Show-n-go baby!!!

:p


:jump:

[blupaddler]

Oh, H, another question for you.

Why have you stayed with the 31" tire size? Your lift would obviously allow a bigger tire. Also how do you like the Mud tire? Scott, same to you. Would you buy the Mud tire again, or go with a different tire?

[Scott Brady]

I like the mud terrain, always have. My favorite all-terrain is the Yokohama AT+II.

If I were to do it again, I would fit a smaller tire to the truck. Probably a 235/85 R16. But, the truck needed some bling (for SEMA), so on went the 33's.

Now that the trip to Alaska appears to be a reality, it is better that I have the larger tires installed. Even the tame trails are intense :elkgrin:

[Hltoppr]

The 3FE inline six in the truck, with a whopping 155 hp for a 6K pound truck is a tad anemic in the power department, so I didn't want to turn bigger, heavier rubber. Additionally, I really haven't found that for my type of wheeling (travel) that I've needed larger tires.

The 31s are easy to work with, roll around the garage, or lift up to the roof rack, and they're available at every llanatera (tire shop) in the middle of BFE.

As for mud terrains, I will always go with the BFG MTs (unless I can find a good supplier in the states for Michelin XZLs....). I have run through 6 sets of these on 3 rigs, and they've always performed flawlessly. The BFG MTs are made by Michelin, have a lower pressure rating (emergency) than the XZLs, and the sidewalls are fantastic! They're a tad overkill for the street, but the extra traction is there when I need it, so the trade off is worth it.

In several thousand miles of Baja, I've never had a flat or slow leak!

What's the old "hot rodder" saying..."If it doesn't have to work, chrome it!"

I hate chrome...

-H-

[Scott Brady]

Additionally, I really haven't found that for my type of wheeling (travel) that I've needed larger tires.

Agreed


As for mud terrains, I will always go with the BFG MTs (unless I can find a good supplier in the states for Michelin XZLs....). I have run through 6 sets of these on 3 rigs, and they've always performed flawlessly. The BFG MTs are made by Michelin, have a lower pressure rating (emergency) than the XZLs, and the sidewalls are fantastic! They're a tad overkill for the street, but the extra traction is there when I need it, so the trade off is worth it.

You might want to contact Expedition Exchange (https://www.expeditionexchange.com/michelin/), to see if they can still get the Michelins


In several thousand miles of Baja, I've never had a flat or slow leak!

What's the old "hot rodder" saying..."If it doesn't have to work, chrome it!"

I hate chrome...

I knew you were a cool doood :cool:

[Hltoppr]

I checked out EE, but last I saw they only had the 37" equiv. in the XZL. I've still got about 25K miles to go on this set of MTs, so we'll see!

-H-

[dmc]

My truck has finally be freed from all chrome (I am a chromophobic :smilies27 )

not to hi-jack the thread but my old taco was dechromed as well. I even removed the grill and painted it black. The new 80 will be there as well as soon as I can justify new rims and afford a rear bumper.
dmc

[The BN Guy]

Only chrome I have is on the grill hidden behind lights and solenoid. Who knows, maybe I'll pull it off one day and paint it to match the sliders - blackout!

[Scott Brady]

We could have the first annual Expedition Portal "Paint all our chrome black" party. I will supply the hammerite... :p

For me, the dechroming has several benefits, mostly to a spotter and photographer. Nothing like sun rays kicking off a chrome grill to kill a great shot or blind a spotter.

[Hltoppr]

I just know that my stuff is gonna get scratched, and black spray paint is so much easier to apply than fixing chrome....

-H-

[The BN Guy]

I teach at a local high school and I hear 'nuff 'bout bling from them.

[bluerunner]

:lurk: lemme know when the dechroming party is!

[Desertdude]

Don't hate me cause I am "chromelicious" I do sport an all aluminum box in the back of my tacoma but it has dulled down from the last few years of sun so it is just right now and keeps the inside cool ;)

Seriously, Flat black has been my favorite color since I new how to shake the can. I have grown since then and like the white thing - almost transparent, relaxing in an official-keep-away kinda thing

I remember the first time I saw HT's 80 - we met in the VOC then later up top of Schnebly road - I was in my FJ40 at the time - I was impressed with that 80 and the roof top tent - He had the best view on the rim :jump:

[BajaTaco]

... my favorite color since I new how to shake the can.

:shakin: :shakin: :shakin:

[MaddBaggins]

Awesome rig Hltoppr. I do a lot of wheeling in mine but my mods have been done with expedition in mind. Nice bikes BTW, I have been eyeballing one of these
Kawasaki KLR650 $5k new

[upcruiser]

H, nice shots. I've always admired your rig and its functionality. H gave me a tour in the San Juans a few years ago, prior to the Hannibal tent and a few of his more recent mods.

Here's a shot from 13,000 feet on Imogene Pass...
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid75/p4d9a9838ae6de515c30162a383aef9d5/fb4baf68.jpg

I'd love to meet up again sometime to do another excursion. :wavey:

[Ursidae69]

Awesome rig Hltoppr. I do a lot of wheeling in mine but my mods have been done with expedition in mind. Nice bikes BTW, I have been eyeballing one of these
Kawasaki KLR650 $5k new

Hey Alvin, I bought an 02 KLR new and loved it. Sadly, I sold it in Nov 04, but I want another one.

[Hltoppr]

Bump, since there have been some questions on simple 80 builds....and I updated some pics.

-H-