Product Review – DEPO Smoke LED Tail Lights for FZJ80
DEPO Smoke LED Tail Light Installation for the FZJ80
Having been in the process of making some lighting upgrades, and having a cracked driver tail light since I got the truck from one of the previous owners, I figured it was time to fix it. I had originally looked at a full set of Depo light including headlights from a guy on IH8MUD, but in the end he couldn’t get smoke, just clear. Opinions vary, and it is personal preference, but having a white truck, I wanted smoked. So, Ebay to the rescue. For less than a single OEM assembly, the new set was on its way.
Product Review – PFrans LED Kit for the FZJ80
Outstanding. That’s how I would describe this kit, its value, and performance. In a nutshell, PFran is a guy on IH8MUD that has sourced parts and sells complete vehicle-specific LED kits as well as individual components. And his prices are VERY reasonable.He has gone to great lengths to make sure the parts match in color (because most of us are OCD to some degree), and are high-quality. His products may be found here www.pfranleds.com. Be sure to visit his fitment guide for your particular vehicle, it will save you time. He is also expanding into other specialty products like CV clamps, so keep an eye on the website for new products to show up.
Kids Night Camping Part 1
So, camping with kids. It seems so simple, how different could it be? If ever you find yourself asking that question, then you are in for one heck of a ride…
Old rigs need love too…
Sometimes you just need to suck it up and commit. Wanting the 1993 FZJ80 to be a reliable family vehicle, there was some money that needed to be spent. After the brake caliper failure and subsequent trashing of a rotor, it just made sense to replace the entire system. I knew the front axles seals needed replacement so while everything was pulled, may as well do those and a full knuckle rebuild to include bearings. Then a bunch or reliability work to address old hoses and leaks. Finally, make the CEL turn off! Lol. Yeah, that one had been bugging me for awhile. So after getting up with the good folks at RnR Auto, it was time to start!
Here’s a more or less complete what the the old girl got on this round of servicing:
Casual Overland Trip to GWNF – July 2015
While perusing my common sources of overlandesque info, I noticed the crew over at Dirt Road Trip mention they would be at a particular set of gps coordinates July 18 and 19 if anyone else was in the area. My interest piqued, and the research began. It didn’t take long to locate the site at GWNF, a leisurely 3 hour drive from home. Wanting to give the Land Cruiser a longer distance test run than I had previously, and having just completed some electrical upgrades on the trailer, this seem like a great chance to see how they would both work in the field. Plans were made, discussions had, and the trip was a go.
Trail Therapy
Well, not exactly dirt road, but at least fun trail therapy! After spending Saturday installing the Engo 12000s winch, and receiving the majority of my new recovery gear, Sunday was a day to play. Arriving at the meeting point at 10a, myself and our buddies at 4 Wheels and a Motor headed off to the Windfield Offroad Club for a easy going day of trails and conversation. The 4WAAM Jeep had a variety of upgrades since the last trip, as well as a new passenger, a dog. Time to test it all out!
A Day of Action!
So for months, maybe even years, I have had little projects sitting out there, evading completion. That, I realized, makes me a bit crazy. So, time to get some completion. One task already done is to finish my trailer electrical box and mount on the trailer. Mission accomplished! Here’s what else is happening:
Gear Review – Toyo Open Country M/T Tires
Tires. There are few topics that will initiate a more varied and often heated discussion. Everyone has their preferences, and most are more than willing to share them with you, regardless of whether you asked. Lol. To avoid any long drawn out discussions on the selection process, I went with Toyo Open Country M/T in 315x75r16 for the FZJ80.
Gear Review – Mr. Heater Portable Radiant Heater
Surprisingly enough, camping in Upstate NY in November can get pretty cold. There can even be snow. And in a tent, even a heavy canvas one, staying warm can be a challenge. That’s where Mr. Heater comes into the picture.