Also posted in general 4x4...

Alright, I've heard a few different theories so whats the scoop? What's the best set up for driving in the snow? Anyone know the science to it? Any ideas on tires size (best height, width and tread)? Also, we're trying to plan an unstoppable FJ80 snow machine! Any ideas or contributions would be awesome! My girlfriend is insisting on heated seats and mirrors... next she'll want a coffee machine in back on my storage lockers...
Thanks guys!

http://www.mattracks.com/ is what I would go with for a rig like that. but you need deep pockets!

Really building an 80 for a snow rig isn't the best strarting point in my opinion. You aren't dealing with a motor that produces super high rpms. It also is very heavy. Neither is what I would say is great for a rig you want to play in the white stuff with.

http://www.arctictrucks.com/

As for seats, retrofitting other seats in is one way or you can buy the ceramic kits to convert the factory seats.

Would be another good source for information.

44 inch Dick Cepek Fun Countrys.

44 inch Dick Cepek Fun Countrys.

Right on, I remember seeing something on Tv about an artic expedition, maybe Iceland. They had FJ80's with 44 Cepek Fun Countrys. Worked pretty well for them.

I saw some pics of an 80 that some guy put Volvo portal axles under. instant lift and low gears...Cleared 39 inch tires with some old man emu 2.5 inch springs and replacement flares. It looked totaly sick, and had a $#%@ load of ground clearance. He claimed the gearing worked out to be just a little lower than stock after the big tires went on.
If I ever come across a set of those axles that I can afford, I will go shopping for an 80 series just to set on top of them.

Anyone have any information on those volvo / unimog axles? Pics? Conversion info? Snow trail riding pics?
I'd really enjoy slapping one on my 80.

The Volvo axles work as a perfict swap: almost same width ( a little wider) and offsets on the correct sides. Parts are a little hard to come by but you can get the axles for $3000 - 6000. I have a set I am getting ready to put under my 80 with 37" Krawlers and bead locks, should be in Rubicon over the 4th.

44 inch Dick Cepek Fun Countrys.

Yup, best snow tire avail in the US. Snow is all about light weight and low ground pressure. Once the snow gets deeper than you can dig through, which is quick, you want to float on top. Digging is the worst thing that can happen. So, sand tires work better than mud and siped helps on the ice. Chains are worthless once you get to real deep snow, they will only get you bogged down. Low gearing is also important for certain situations.

Best wheel tire combo IMO would be 44" cepec FC's on 15x12 wheels with staun beedlocks. You can air em down to 1-1.5psi and float.

The Volvo axles work as a perfict swap: almost same width ( a little wider) and offsets on the correct sides. Parts are a little hard to come by but you can get the axles for $3000 - 6000. I have a set I am getting ready to put under my 80 with 37" Krawlers and bead locks, should be in Rubicon over the 4th.

I want to see pictures this one! ...or any FJ80 with those axles!

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=133843

If you want to see the 80 on portals. As an 80 owner, I still think trying to use an 80 to build a snow rig is a poor choice. They are just too heavy.

Here is a link to Tired Iron's 80 on Volvo's.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=398873&highlight=Volvo+Portal+Build

Tired Iron's 80 is the one I was talking about. I want one.

44 inch Dick Cepek Fun Countrys.

49 IROK's :flipoff2: