FZJ80 “Big Green” Build
October 20, 2008Vehicle: 1995 Toyota FZJ80 Landcruiser, factory front and rear lockers, 4.5 liter straight 6, auto transmission.
Build includes:
- OME Lift Kit
- Cooper 35″ Mud Terrain tires
- Front axle rebuild
- remove side steps
- install ARB Bull Bar
- replace stock pads with ‘98 UZJ100 pads
- LED interior lights
1. OME (Old Man EMU) 4″ lift kit and caster correction.
I removed all 4 coils, and installed the longer OME coils, along with OME Nitrocharger shocks (very easy job). There were no tricks involved, with the exception of the caster correction.
You need a 20 tonn press to remove the old bushings from the lower arms on the front axle. I milled a template out of an old jack end, which worked out good. Installing the new bushings was a snap, and was necessary to get a clean highway drive.
2. I removed the old stock tires, and installed Cooper Mud Terrains. On the trails, these are excellent and have a reasonable road manner as well. They held up well on various trails, and have been good tires.
3. The front axle needed a rebuild, so I purchased all the bearings and seals from Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters. During the axle rebuild I also chose to replace the brake rotors with Brembo OEM quality rotors, and new brake pads from a ‘98 UZJ100 . As part of the rebuild, I repacked the birfields, and redid the front alignment.
Overall this is the most comfortable rig I ever owned. It’s an extremely capable vehicle, with rock proof drivetrain. My family and I drove it to California and wheeled in Deer Valley, then drove home with no problems. I averaged 12 miles per gallon which is why I decided to sell it.
