OlympiaFJ60

I have been wanting a lift ever since we built the shop.  Now that I am getting a little more busy and doing a wide variety of repairs (and feeling old as my body creeks getting back up off the floor) I figured it was time to make the investment.  I did a lot of searching and some research into the different brands and models of lifts.  The 2 basic types common today are the 2 post and 4 post.  There are slight variations within these categories like the Over Head Post and Base Plate 2 post lifts.

 The 4 post lift is the easiest to install and doesn’t need to be anchored (but I would) to the concrete.  This lift is often used by car collectors to get a little more space out of a small garage.  They are stable and easy to operate.  The done side for service work is the tires stay on the lift so a “jacking bridge” is needed to lift the car/wheels off the lift.  Then you still have the lift in the way.

 The 2 post base plate lift has the hydraulic lines and equalization cables running under a “base plate” that runs between the posts.  The advantage to this lift is clearance above the lifting area.  You don’t have to worry about a large vehicle hitting the top support. (more…)

In Preparation for my AirLocker installation in the coming weeks, I decided to get the compressor mounted. It took a little thinking to find the proper location for my application. I have dual batteries and a battery isolator. I did remove the AIR pump and associated valves and switches so this makes up some room. I also removed the carb cooling fan. This is were I decided to mount the compressor. The compressor is suppose to be mounted as high as possible and away from direct heat. Luckily I still had the duct for the fan so I used it as a template. I cut out a plate from 16ga and drilled holes for both the mounting points.

I then mounted the compressor to the plate using the supplied hardware (including the backing plate)? (more…)

Similar posts that may be of interest:

Front bumper extension winch mount

New VSS for the 2F TBI

Plumbing the Shop for Air

Grey Rock Trail - Ahtanum State Forest

2007 Chehalis Flood

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When I originally installed the TBI setup on my ‘87 FJ60 I used a vehicle speed sensor (VSS) from Jags that Run. While this was a good sensor and lasted many years, it never tightened snugly to the transfer case driven gear housing. This would cause a shaky speedometer needle when cold. Even after trying to shim it with a washer it wouldn’t tighten down. On a short trip to Capital Forest I had a stick get caught on the speedometer cable and brake the sensor off (forgot I didn’t have the skid plate on).

After searching around for an alternative I found Aurthur Allen, a manufacturer in Chicago. They make a very nice sensor with a cast hosing and solid brass fittings.

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I recently had a friend ask my about buying a FJ60. He and his wife recently had their second child. This topic comes up often on the IH8MUD.com forum . So I thought I would write down my 2 cents.
Having a child is exactly the excuse (or reason) I used to get started in Land Cruisers and get my 60.

A few things about 60s, as I have observed them.

Diesels were not available in the US, but Canada got them until 1987 (BJ60) with the 4 cylinder 3B engine and (HJ60) 6 cylinder 2H engine. They are at the age that they can now be imported into the United States, but I have no experience there. Non-North American engines are also available from few sources, G&S Cruiser Parts in British Columbia being one I am familiar with. (more…)

Last winter I finished up a little project I have been thinking about/working on for a little while. I had tried to install a factory PTO winch a while ago but decided not to when the drive shaft would no clear my MAF headers. I liked the look of the factory PTO winch bumper (but a little smaller). I decided I would try and fit the 8000# winch I had sitting around and didn’t want to spend the money on an ARB or the like.

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