ahhh damnit let's get real

[Tacoma]

So I've been thinking and thinking it over, and I've come to the conclusion:

It is pretty ridiculous to build that M715 right now. I love the idea, and would love the truck but let's consider the following line item build budget, and compare against reality:

1. drivetrain will be mostly free from the garage, but I'll still need a Doubler adapter and a bunch of new maintenance items etc::: $1200
2. axles will be left alone mostly, but I'd still want them shaved: $400
3. tires and rims-- any way I'd go is big money-- Stazworks double beadlocks and Michelins-- $2500 Recentered H1's and big used somethings-- $1500
4. tubework from stem to stern-- $1000-2500
5. interior-- $500 (again, mostly in the garage already )
6.Steering: front and rear hydro-- $2000 min
6. trailer to haul this 8500lb monster-- $2500-6000 depending
7. Tires and Cummins conversion for the dually to haul it: $2000

Grand total: $10500-16600


There's about a million things that would better to spend that money on. I can't really justify spending that much money on a toy, when I've got a good start on a decent, cheap trail rig anyway. Plus, an 8' wide 8500# truck makes for breakage and not fitting.

I thought it was interesting to break it down to make a decision up or down.

Now who needs Rockwells?

 

[Tacoma]

I've got the crazy idea to cut the sh*t out of that thing and make a buggy out of it now though. 60/14bolt with 5:somethings, full hydro, keep the drivetrain etc. Plenty of metal in the frame to cut/narrow.

Just no more enormous retard truck. This isn't Tennessee.

 

[Greg]

Yeah, you're right. :guilty:

 

[Tacoma]

Getting rid of the one big project somehow equals "Ok to have two smaller ones" to my wife, if they say Toyota on them.

Doesn't really feel like a loss to me, somehow.

and Kurt Williams is an evil bastard who should be stopped.

 

[Greg]

Did you make arrangements for a FJ60 or FJ80? FJ80's ride much better...

 

[Tacoma]

I'm not sure yet. I'm leaning towards the 60 at the moment. This will basically replace the Burb. ..... I'm really not sure just yet. That 80 is clean for the bucks, and already has the lift I'd put on it... but I really, REALLY like 60's-- they're like rolling.. viewing platforms or something. And they seem roomier inside, and less... puffy or something.

I think the 80 would be the better wheeler, but this is going to mostly be for Tara, and taking longish trips in.

I am unsure. I only stopped by to see the 2f he's got for the other Toyota that will join the fleet.

 

[Bart]

I see your point. The M715 would be a cool build, but not real practical. The Yota's are drivable today.

 

[Rot Box]

If that's what it takes to hit the trail then go for it

60's and 80's are really nice, but the've got nothing on the 55's :greg:

 

[Kiel]

This is absolute BS the m715 must live!! They are just so badass looking. If not, sell it to me on the cheap afterall they are not that cool

 

[bryson]

Why don't you just slap the M715 on the dually frame, and let the damn thing be your tow barge for your other projects?

 

[SAMI]

Why don't you just slap the M715 on the dually frame, and let the damn thing be your tow barge for your other projects?

I agree

 

[Tacoma]

Now don't get all worried. I'm only selling the axles. They are mostly what makes that thing a huge impractical beast. I'm keeping the truck, and cutting it down. Looking for 60 stuff as I type this.

Bryson: At one point I thought about getting a complete truck and making a crew-cab out of it, but
1. they're not that big inside
2. they're not real comfortable

so I voted no.

 

[Brett]

Dump the truck, buy the 80 and call it done. I even conditioned the leather (as best I could) when I cleaned the inside out

 

[Tacoma]

must... resist... the leather....

EDIT: it did look pretty good in there.

 

[Greg]

I'm not sure yet. I'm leaning towards the 60 at the moment. This will basically replace the Burb. ..... I'm really not sure just yet. That 80 is clean for the bucks, and already has the lift I'd put on it... but I really, REALLY like 60's-- they're like rolling.. viewing platforms or something. And they seem roomier inside, and less... puffy or something.

I think the 80 would be the better wheeler, but this is going to mostly be for Tara, and taking longish trips in.

IMO the 80 is very wife-driving friendly. Catherine has been driving ours and she loves it. I'd think the smoother riding coils would appeal to you wifey vs leaf springs. I really like how well the stock 80 suspension works, even with swaybars hooked up. They're very capable, keep tires on the ground well and ride smooth at speed offroad.

I went thru the same debate, FJ60/62 vs FJ80. I've been pleased with the decision to go for the 80.

 

[Jed]

Hey Tacoma, so if you aren't building the monster M715, do you still need the Cummins to pull it around?

 

[dieslcruisrhead]

Tacoma if it helps I put a lot of time and energy and money into that 80 series... I did some tradeout from the guy Kurt bought it from in exhange for a rolled 80 he had with a good frame/parts and lockers in it. It has high mileage but all OEM parts from the headgasket on, new valves and complete head job, etc etc... It is burning or leaking a little coolant somewhere but I doubt its in the head. That said, FJ80 series autos are just dogs, painful slow. The 60 will be faster unfortunately. Both are clean, but know that the 80 will wear you down a little, I think... (ps sorry Kurt, I hope I didn't blow your sale)

 

[Tacoma]

Hey Tacoma, so if you aren't building the monster M715, do you still need the Cummins to pull it around?

Yes. The Blazer isn't all that light doncha know.

 

[Tacoma]

Tacoma if it helps I put a lot of time and energy and money into that 80 series... I did some tradeout from the guy Kurt bought it from in exhange for a rolled 80 he had with a good frame/parts and lockers in it. It has high mileage but all OEM parts from the headgasket on, new valves and complete head job, etc etc... It is burning or leaking a little coolant somewhere but I doubt its in the head. That said, FJ80 series autos are just dogs, painful slow. The 60 will be faster unfortunately. Both are clean, but know that the 80 will wear you down a little, I think... (ps sorry Kurt, I hope I didn't blow your sale)

hahah sweet. I didn't ask where it came from... it looks really good to me... just not sure either of us are as into the plush 80 as much as the airy 60. For some reason thinking about an 80 interior makes me kind of claustrophobic, where the 60 seems like a rolling greenhouse, and it gives me visions of the savanna. I can imagine ripping across the West Desert loaded with water and supplies, hanging out for the week with my kids out there.

My wife, surprisingly, isn't all that into the extra comfort of the 80. I may have finally succeeded in brainwashing the Long Island right out of her.

Whoever ends up with that is getting a damn good deal.

Kurt-- I've almost got Jack convinced to get it so he'll have a matching pair. I told him to steal the lockers out of the 40th Anniversary edition they've already got, because that thing will never see a trail and it's killing me.

 

[Meat_]

Straight pipe the cummins in the M715 with the rocks and give it to Tara to drive to Walmart.