LJ70 Build Thread!

[Paddler Ed]

Thanks Ed.

Going to have to borrow a set of standard size wheels/tyres when I come to register it, hopefully from Paul.

Once she's on the road the 35's and 37's can go back on!

Is it worth getting it Engineered when you get it Complianced, sort of pay once for it all to be done, given that you've got the engine mods as well?

 

[Ben]

What engine mods?

I will get it looked at and what they say needs engineering/inspecting will be done. I wont be going in there and listing everything I've changed on the truck, because theirs a chance there's bits that might not be noticed.

They lift the bonnet and the engine has a Toyota logo on it.

If they ask if its the original engine then I will tell them the truth. If they don't ask I wont tell!

Main thing for me is to get my container loaded and then fly out there and start earning money, then get a house before the container arrives.

Once the container/truck is here I wont be in any huge rush to get it on the road, if it takes a few months or longer then so be it.

Hopefully by the time I come to get it on the road I will have made some contacts.

 

[Paddler Ed]

They'll go off the chassis number (which starts LJ70.... IIRC) and then the engine number (can't remember how that goes) and put the 2 together; the problem is that the 3L is different to the 1KT engine that is in there now (which they may notice) and so are the mounts. It's still an engine that was offered in that vehicle, which does make it easier, but it's from a newer version (which doesn't make it easier... the guys I know tend to swap lazy 6's out and put turbo 4's into Volvo's, and that's easy... putting a turbo on the 6 isn't as easy...)

They may pick up on the body lift (if you don't undo it), but that (and the tyres) would be the only bits that may need engineering. What suspension lift are you running?

Ask around when you get out there; it's probably easier that way, as at least they're dealing face to face with someone. Let me know if you need any help, and I can see what I can find out for you.

Also they may defect you if they find un-engineered mods on it , and the (which required engineering) VICRoads/Police will do clampdowns, especially if there's been a fatality/media coverage of something involving 4x4's. OK a defect isn't too bad to clear, but it means the vehicle is out of use for a bit whilst it gets sorted, and extra pennies to get it sorted out.

Alternatively you may never get caught... but I prefer the Aus approach to engineering mods beyond a certain point to the free for all we have here with the modified car scene here.

 

[Ben]

So yesterday (sunday) was my last laning trip.

So we all met up at Mcdonalds in Telford for a spot of breakfast.

Breakfast done we were soon on our way.

I was leading the group followed by Marcus in the Landrover, Phil in the Shogun and Adam in the Jimny.

1st lane of the day.

2nd lane.

3rd lane.

4th lane.

5th Lane.

5th lane.

First landrover related issue of the day.

The 2 pence piece that Marcus had glued in the top of the rocker cover in place of a missing bolt had blown out and lost most of the engine oil in the process.

Coin back in place.

And a quick bush repair to keep it in place and we were on our way.

Few road miles next and round the next bend we found the ford/road closed.

Sign said it was closed for 3 weeks so the council could fit new paving slabs to the pavement that runs along the side of the ford. So we turned around and followed the diversion signs.

6th lane.

7th lane.

8th lane.

9th lane.

We stopped at the garage in Chruch Streton, Marcus bought some engine oil.

He thought he needed to tighten one of his wheel bearings up so out came the tools.

Landy repaired we were on our way again.

Lovely big river crossing next.

A few more miles and we cross the same river again a bit further up stream.

Next lane.

Big log/tree in the water.

I drove straight up and over it.

On the way back toward Chruch Stretton I thought we may aswell do one of the earlier river crossings again going the other way. When we got there I found a disco stuck.
The owner had been there an hour and was covered in mud from lying under the truck trying to jack it up with the standard jack to try and get stuff under the tyres.

After recovering him out of the river we were on our way again.

I suspect the reverse switch on the gearbox is sticking because apparently the reverse light was coming on and off intermittently.

Heading up and over the Long Mynd.

Wind swept group photo.

Through the farm yard with the tank amongst other interesting vehicles.

Last lane of the day.

Was a great day out.

Big thanks to the lads that could make it.

I was quite touched when one of the guys gave me a crate of beer as a Christmas/going away present.

So the 3 Jap motors were 100% reliable and the only vehicles to have mechanical problems or get stuck were landrovers!

Hopefully my next trip off road will be in the Victorian High Country!

 

[wobbly]

Some nice lanes.

Was the Disco out laning, or a local?

Pete

 

[Ben]

Thanks Pete.

He was a local, lived about 15-20miles away.

Cant work out why he thought it was a good idea to cross a river with a near standard vehicle, road tyres and no recovery equipment.

Some people ask for trouble and I bet his wife gave him loads when they finally got home.

Quite lucky really, another hour and it would have been dark.

 

[AndyCook]

good report - lots of fords!

i bet you will be hitting the trails sooner than you say when you get to Oz - the "itch" to get out on the trails will be strong!

 

[TonyP]

Again a nice report Ben. Look forward to your reports from Oz

 

[Graham]

Happy to see you had a great day, well done.
You always worry me now,,,,,,,,.

So now I guess, you need to give your 70, a good wash, get all the muck off.
Well, that's not a job I would look forward to.

Do you have any more things to do to your 70, before you put it into the box for shipping?
Nothing fall off on the days outing?

Gra

 

[warrenpfo]

As always a very nice trip.

I was keen to ask since you are the most active lanner on the site i would say if you could do it all over again and money was no object to a point would you go with the same cruiser or perhaps another short wheel base.

I ask this is it would seem most of the UK lanes are only good for smaller 4x4's as the 100 or even the 80 would not get through due to most lanes being overgrown or very narrow.

It would seem to get the best bang for buck you would be better off getting a short wheeled base 4x4 that you dont mind scratching and getting the odd ding to have the most fun.

 

[Gav Peter]

or even the 80 would not get through due to most lanes being overgrown or very narrow.

Muxley has been down most of those lanes with Ben leading the way

The end of a era Ben

But soon the start of a new one!!!

Nice one fella

 

[Maverick]

Looks like, as suspected, I missed a good day out, but a "Mother in hospital" was much more important!!

Good look "Down Under" (so to speak) Ben ..

 

[Ben]

Thanks guys.

Do you have any more things to do to your 70, before you put it into the box for shipping?
Nothing fall off on the days outing?

Gra

Yeah loads to do Gra.

First job is to clean every spec of dirt and Lincomb sand off her.

Then I want to rust kill and dinitrol everywhere underneath.

Need to make sure everything is working spot on, and make sure it will pass an MOT style test.

Handbrake definitely needs some work, that Lincomb puddle I was stuck in seemed to kill it. Hence why in some of the pics above where I've stopped to open a gate I've parked side on to the lane and locked the steering round to stop the truck from rolling forward.

I've also got a couple of projects I'm ready to start that I've not seen done before.

As always a very nice trip.

I was keen to ask since you are the most active laner on the site i would say if you could do it all over again and money was no object to a point would you go with the same cruiser or perhaps another short wheel base.

I ask this is it would seem most of the UK lanes are only good for smaller 4x4's as the 100 or even the 80 would not get through due to most lanes being overgrown or very narrow.

It would seem to get the best bang for buck you would be better off getting a short wheeled base 4x4 that you dont mind scratching and getting the odd ding to have the most fun.

Thanks Warren.

Very good question. I havnt built my truck for laning, but obviously I do a lot of it.

I think SWB trucks are more suited to extreme off road use than LWB vehicles. But LWB vehicles are obviously much more suitable for overlanding and expeditions.

80's and 100's will fit down most UK green lanes but you only have to look at how cosmetically adjusted these vehicles become to realise their too big really. John's old 80, Ian's, Paul's, Gav's and Chris's 80's all have dents from where trees have jumped out in front of them.

So back to your question...........................

It would have to be a SWB. Because their easier to manoeuvre in tight technical sections.

It would have to have live axles, for their strength and reliability! I've owned IFS trucks before and the front drive shafts have always been a weak point.

Would have to be a diesel! I love the low down torque and the fact the engine isnt being screamed to produce its torque. But most of all their ability to run underwater reliably!

It would have to be older! I wouldnt want something with an ECU and loads of electrics to go wrong. If my truck ever has problems when Im out in it the first thing I do is reach for the spanners! Having complicated electrics is not for me.

As its a laning truck were discussing here, it would have to be something relatively small. As much as id love a unimog I cant really include that here as its far too big for most lanes.

So money no object.............................................HZJ73! modified of course.

This would make a great base vehicle:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181015245705?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Id love a 40 but I dont think I'd feel comfortable abusing it on the sort of green lanes I enjoy driving!

Their classics and far too rare to do that sort of thing with in the UK.

I quite like G wagons so maybe that should be on the list.

You say money is no object and that kind of changes things I guess becuase fancy electrics wouldnt be as much of an issue. If it breaks sod it phone some one and get them to come and deal with it.

In which case how about the AMG tuned G wagon that Hammond drove on topgear!

Would have to be the V12 pushing out 612BHP!

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/283264/mercedesbenz_g63_amg_review.html

I have always thought it would be funny to buy a Porsche Cayenne, lift the suspension, fit some 35's, snorkel, winch bumpers etc. Then abuse it off road.

The look on the dealers face when it goes for its first service would be priceless!

I do love my 70 and it is perfect for laning in the UK.

I've always like the SWB patrol's but their a bit too wide really.

I want one of the new double cab 70 series pick up trucks, and also a nice SWB 40!

If I buy both of those cruisers I'd like to keep my 70 for the really extreme stuff.

 

[Paul_Humphreys]

Nice to see the tank is still there!!

 

[clivehorridge]

Brilliant set of photos Ben, you obviously had a cracking last fling before she goes into the box.

Good luck on all your new ventures... which I'm sure we'll all share 'cos you'll still post won't you...??

 

[clivehorridge]

BTW saw one of those V12 G Wagons in Qatar on a recent trip. Looked like any other G Wagon apart from the badge and the funny exhaust stubs poking out in front of the back wheel.

It was spotless of course and will never see any mud... sad really...

 

[Ben]

Brilliant set of photos Ben, you obviously had a cracking last fling before she goes into the box.

Good luck on all your new ventures... which I'm sure we'll all share 'cos you'll still post won't you...??

Thanks Clive.

Yes will still post, just might not be everyday.

Not sure if/when I will have internet so may be relying on McDonalds free wifi for a while.

I'm really really excited about getting over there now!

I think the first year or 2 is going to be very difficult, but I know its going to be worth it. I've never lived on my own before, so to be moving to the other side of the world to do it, where I've got no family and only a handful of friends is quite daunting.

But its my dream and has been for the past 10+ years, so it feels awesome to finally be doing it!

 

[Graham]

Good luck Ben,
I am sure every one here wishes you all the very best.

Gra.

 

[Chas]

I'm really really excited about getting over there now!

I think the first year or 2 is going to be very difficult, but I know its going to be worth it. I've never lived on my own before, so to be moving to the other side of the world to do it, where I've got no family and only a handful of friends is quite daunting.

But its my dream and has been for the past 10+ years, so it feels awesome to finally be doing it!

As Mark Twain once said;

Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour and catch the trade winds in your sails, explore, dream and discover.

So Best of luck over there mate, we all know you will make a go of it.

 

[clivehorridge]

As Mark Twain once said;

Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour and catch the trade winds in your sails, explore, dream and discover.

So Best of luck over there mate, we all know you will make a go of it.

I second Chas' quote100%. Fear not just deal with the situation rationally when you get there.

Although later in life than you (which really was a disadvantage) I set up home in a foreign country with a foreign language, with no family and not even any friends, totally alone. It's all about attitude and approach to the difficulties (which are inevitable) that you'll encounter.

Unless you do something really stupid, you'll be just fine, trust me!