Kickin’Chicken

Found a diesel Liberty. https://www.copart.com/lot/23659468

Thanks again, Sam! Just like the advice you have on the '98-'99 xj engine harness and ecm, looks like you're dead on the money (again!)

Thanks. Sam said all the diesels had them so that what I'm gonna look for.

Where are we on this? Still very interested! TIA

Thanks, Pete! Do any of them come with factory limited slip?

Great video, Sam! On the Liberty rearends, what is it (dana 44) and what ratios were offered? Also, I may have missed it but who makes those spring perches? They look well made and I really like how the Ubolts are out of harm’s way (center pin looks vulnerable though.)

Where are we on production? I’ve got my seats and carpet cleaned up and ready to be installed but waiting for this since I committed to buying one.

Not to stray from the OP's topic, I love this pic!

That should give you enough time to install one of these so you can check the fluid level...

Agreed. No dipstick = no dice What's horn supposed to do, empty it into a five gallon bucket and measure it with a table spoon as he fills it back up?

That's simply not true. AX15 is as strong or stronger then the 3550.

Compared to the ax15, it's junk.

Actually came from a tow yard and while I’d rather not say my cost, I’ll tell you I have more in the rims and tires than I had in the purchase of the 80.

While looking at a Comanche recently I ran up on this one with the B(ad)A(pple)10. Here's the pic.

Solid. The fzj80 and all prior to it have solid front axles. They stopped making the 80s in 1997. The ‘98 and newer Land Cruisers are all IFS.

Hahahaha! So I'm waiting on some parts but "fixed" the 80 enough to drive it to town to get gas....

There is a Yota patronage second to none out there. One of my friends has a 40, 55, 80 and a 100. He’s got so much money tied up in his 40 he decided to get a jeep tj to be his trail rider. He literally felt guilty about buying a jeep! LOL!!! It’s almost like a cult!

If by "a bit more sturdy" you mean stronger, you can upgrade your axle shafts. If cost is not an issue, I would get RCVs. Here's a link: http://www.rcvperformance.com/index.aspx For better torque you'd need lower gears. For instance, if your gear ratio in your axles is currently 3.54:1 you might consider 4.10:1 or 4.56:1 gears. Better traction can be achieved with a variety of lockers and limited slip differentials. Again, if cost is not an issue, I would get ARB Air Lockers - which are selectable in that they are either in "open diff" mode or completely locked. Here re is a link to the ARB site: http://store.arbusa.com/Air-Lockers-C7.aspx

Got the fluid levels to normal and changed the oil then took her up in the woods behind my house to see how the stock suspension would handle the 36" tires. Not bad. It's articulating really well considering both front and rear sway bars are still on. Those are next on the scrap list. Then gonna get the tallest shocks I can fit on her. Waiting on a hood and a center core support. Might order a fancy front bumper, might not.

Here's how it looks without running boards.

Got it running but needed a new transmission cooler. Then I noticed the passenger side running board was damaged and was rubbing the rear tire. So I took them off.

Trailered it to the locksmith and got a key made but couldn't get it to start. Had to figure out what was wrong with the ignition wiring and found this:

Had to find some wheels to get it on the trailer. Luckily I had a set of 16" Buckshot Radials in the barn.

WOW! What a difference some tires and a good lookin top makes!