Get an 80 Series w/ factory lockers and wheel it like you stole it!
Too nice to wheel? Get over it, get a dent or two, get some deep pin stripes. Wheel with the windows open on some dusty trails, and get stuck in some stinky mud, stand on the seats, soak the carpets, whatever it takes so you don't feel like it's too nice to use. Believe me, the cruiser will take this abuse.
Oooo, but it's too expensive! Nonsense, I've got as much money in my FJ60 - SOA, ARBs, etc - and no more than most trail rigs I see. Don't kid yourself it's a bargin, (although I always kid myself when it comes to cost of mods). And don't compare lock rights to factory electric lockers, at least comapre to ARBs.
Yeah, but it's still too fat for the trail. A year ago I might have agreed but after following more than one 80 Series through the Rubicon last year - niether getting any serious damage and niether having any significant trouble - now I say no problem. Sure they bypassed the Little Sluice but so do most people. Heck, Spaulding went UP Old Sluice at night. Which reminds me, in the last TT who joined Mudrak's 45 in the "challenging" optional side trail? Yep, it was the 80 Series. I still say driving my 80 "feels" smaller than my 60 series. I think the stance, turning radius, and auto tranny provide added control that makes it feel more nimble.
Bottomline, I've come to realize it's a mindset more than anything else. You'll be seeing more and more 80 Series on ALL trails. For example, did the Moab pre-run pictures Adam posted a few days ago showing a slightly modified 80 Series in the Escolator at Hells Revenge have an effect on anyone else besides me? I eyeballed that trail last year but no one in our group even considered doing it. Heck, several people with capable rigs in our group skipped Hells Gate. Bottomline, I've seen plenty of 80 Series going places many other capable rigs won't attempt, really. You won't be bored or limited driving one of these cruisers.
Finally, the best part to me is the fact that it's 100 percent Toyota and 100 percent Land Cruiser. Big, beefy capable, reliable AND simple. No adapters, non-toyota parts, major aftermarket add-ons, etc. This is one of the main reasons so many people like cruisers in the first place. I read the threads on modifying other vehicles, things like: EFI - got it, 4wheel disk brakes - got it, full floater - got it, bigger birfs- got em, coils and links - got it, beefy steering - got it, 80 amp alternator - got it, etc. etc.
I'll admit it's not going to be a light weight rock crawler but that doesn't mean it can't be a cost effective choice for some serious wheeling. And you don't need a tow rig and trailer. So what if you tear off the the fender flares or get a big dent in the door, you're a wheeler right? Flop it, roll it or bust some glass? I'll bet it still runs and gets you off the trail, when you get home chop it and get some lexan.
Come Awn :flipoff2:
