I want, I need: 80 armor plans, advice, and......group buy?

johngottfredson

Threat Level Midnight
Location
Alpine
Okay, I've decided to keep my cruiser and build it up rather than sell and roll the dice on finding one already done and in good shape. So time to get some stuff done.

First up: Armor. What is "standard" protection that I should plan on? Sliders for sure. I've got a rear hitch bumper lined up from a friend. What else? Diff protection? Cat protection?

My good friend (Marshall with RME sponsor Utah Powdercoatings) has a CNC plasma cutter, welders, and of course Powdercoating equipment. He also has a '95 cruiser, also in need of armor. We will be doing things at the same time for good times and efficiency sake.

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SO...does anybody A) have any digital files of bumpers, sliders, etc. that they built that we could use rather than re-inventing the wheel, and/or B) have an 80 that needs some of this stuff built, and wants to get in on this?
 
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Glad to hear your going to build it! :cool:

Side note, next time your chatting with Marshall, ask him if he knows the whereabouts of the RME's Constrictor sign. The sign was sent his way a few years ago now for blasting and re-coat, it would be a great project to get it back in the ground this winter/spring.
 
Glad to hear your going to build it! :cool:

Side note, next time your chatting with Marshall, ask him if he knows the whereabouts of the RME's Constrictor sign. The sign was sent his way a few years ago now for blasting and re-coat, it would be a great project to get it back in the ground this winter/spring.

Ill follow up with Marshall on that sign. I remember seeing it around the shop.
 
Okay, I've decided to keep my cruiser and build it up rather than sell and roll the dice on finding one already done and in good shape. So time to get some stuff done.

First up: Armor. What is "standard" protection that I should plan on? Sliders for sure. I've got a rear hitch bumper lined up from a friend. What else? Diff protection? Cat protection?

My good friend (Marshall with RME sponsor Utah Powdercoatings) has a CNC plasma cutter, welders, and of course Powdercoating equipment. He also has a '95 cruiser, also in need of armor. We will be doing things at the same time for good times and efficiency sake.

------------

SO...does anybody A) have any digital files of bumpers, sliders, etc. that they built that we could use rather than re-inventing the wheel, and/or B) have an 80 that needs some of this stuff built, and wants to get in on this?


:cool:

Sliders... there are a lot of options out there for the FZJ80, your best bet is to research and see what you like and what sliders have the options you need for your build/family. Most of the good sliders out there will have or offer cat protection. Some of the options are; ARB, Slee, White Knuckle, Metal Tech,Rocky Road Outfitters (although I just read a HORRIBLE review on RRO's sliders, they once were on my list to consider, no longer now). I'm probably going to build my own, I want a wide, flat step for my dog and passengers.

Front bumper w/ a winch is smart, again lots of options. If you want front-end protection, the ARB is the standard. I really like the Slee Short-Bus, seems like working on the engine compartment would be easier without tall tubework like the ARB.

Rear bumper, again there are several options. 4x4 Labs is a popular option, but like most it's $$$$$. Jonesy Offroad makes some decent DIY bumpers, but they're still $$$. http://www.jonesysoffroad.com/shop/...ser-fj80-fzj80/80-series-bumpers-and-sliders/ I was going to build my own, following this thread that shares dimensions. - http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/563915-time-build-rear-bumper.html

IMO diff protection isn't needed.
 
:cool:

Sliders... there are a lot of options out there for the FZJ80, your best bet is to research and see what you like and what sliders have the options you need for your build/family. Most of the good sliders out there will have or offer cat protection. Some of the options are; ARB, Slee, White Knuckle, Metal Tech,Rocky Road Outfitters (although I just read a HORRIBLE review on RRO's sliders, they once were on my list to consider, no longer now). I'm probably going to build my own, I want a wide, flat step for my dog and passengers.

Front bumper w/ a winch is smart, again lots of options. If you want front-end protection, the ARB is the standard. I really like the Slee Short-Bus, seems like working on the engine compartment would be easier without tall tubework like the ARB.

Rear bumper, again there are several options. 4x4 Labs is a popular option, but like most it's $$$$$. Jonesy Offroad makes some decent DIY bumpers, but they're still $$$. http://www.jonesysoffroad.com/shop/...ser-fj80-fzj80/80-series-bumpers-and-sliders/ I was going to build my own, following this thread that shares dimensions. - http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/563915-time-build-rear-bumper.html

IMO diff protection isn't needed.

Thanks for the input and link to dimensions. I made my own front and rear bumpers on a previous cruiser, and I'm planning on making my own armor this go around. I'm actually thinking of doing the belly plate, just because I'm probably not the best driver, so I can use all the protection I can get!
 
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