After the diet!

So, it's been awhile since I have posted any updates on the BJ70, Unfortunately, I have been engulfed at the restaurant and It's been difficult to get away. I believe the last time I saw some of you was a NWOLR . Good Times by the way!

After I returned home from the Rally, I made a decision to get rid of the Tepui RTT and awning. The tent weighted in @ approx 175 lbs plus, roof rack, awning and racks made for a very uncomfortable tippy ride. It was just too much weight up top, especially coming back home thru the canyon. The awning was okay however it extended past my roof approx 2ft, which caught low lying branches on the trail, it wasn't a big name brand and it was super bulky and heavy for my little rig. I'm going to try and simplify my set up a little bit. I have decided to go with the ole ground tent and maybe one or two ARB awnings that are slimmer and shorter in length, so I don't catch every branch on the trail.

I also notice when I got home that I had developed a front axle leak. Ordered a nice kit online and had TorFab do a complete axle rebuild. Very happy with the results, and also had a full inspection done at the time, which found a few minor thing that need my attention.

Looking great, Greg! Very nice touches you have added.

Approved. :-)

Dan

Got the new alarm all dialed in, unfortunately living in the city it's a must, the 24v door actuators are my wife's idea. LOL

Few updates,

Tore out the rear bench seat and built a plywood sub floor. I covered it with rubber gym flooring and it's been working out great. I also covered the corners with aluminum angle to protect it from loading and unloading gear.

Next, I installed a 3rd bucket seat and seat belt for my son. It's easily removable if he decides not to go with us on trips.

Next I replaced my awning brackets to something a little more sturdy, these are the Warrior brand awning mounts the go with my Warrior rack. It brings the awning nice and tight the the edge of the roof.

Today, I installed a Front Runner fold down table, the quality of this is table is great, looks like the cutting board needs some oil though.

Me too Dan, hopefully this fall she will be ready to go!

Greg

Greg,

This is really awesome, man! Hoping you can get this beast out with us soon!!

Dan

Picked up and installed my Gen2 Tepui White Lightening RTT. It's super easy to open up and pack away, I'm loving the fact that it's only 9" tall and can still fit in my garage. Can't wait to get out there and try it out.

Thanks John,

It's a lot of fun seeing it come together..

Looks great!

Installed and set up..

Thought I would try out this 6.5ft. foxwing/batwing awning from a new company called "Overland Pros". I have heard great things about these guys and the price was great compared to others on the market. I searched the other companies making these, but they don't make a smaller one that will fit my little BJ70.

Front Runner Ladder installed today.

This happened today, It will be available for pick up next week. We're super excited!!

Had to flip the tire carrier upside down to get the 33" tire to fit properly.

Wheels Tires and Lift installed this morning! I can't be happier with how she drives and looks. Need to flip the rear tire carrier so it can accept the 33's.

Picked up a used low profile Warrior brand roof rack yesterday, actually it a bed rack for a Tacoma. Still need to "wang jangle" some mounts for it.

New wheels, tires, and lift kit go on tomorrow.

New tires arrived!

Some Ideas I've been looking at:

As a chef I gotta have a good kitchen area and cutting board.

Maybe some Gull Wing doors

Parts are starting to roll in, can't wait to start putting things together.

Got the 2-3" Lift from Old Man Emu. I went with the Ultimate kit so almost everything will be replaced.

Also, comes with grease-able shackles. I decided to have 4WheelsParts do the lift install since it was only $550 and will be done in a day.

Here is the Snorkel Kit, I wanted a one piece but couldn't seem to find one that will fit this vehicle. These two pieces come together at the top of the hood and I plan on sealing them really good. Didn't really plan on doing any water crossings deeper than the hood anyway. LOL

Not too sure about the cap, seems like it would restrict the airflow a bit, might get a replacement scoop style. I'd love to build a custom aluminum snorkel, but don have the skills for that.

The stock wheels are pretty rusted out, I searched around and found some replacements from Cruiser Corps. Still haven't decided on Tire size or brand. Leaning towards the new KM3's. 31x10.5R15 or 33's

I can't afford to re-gear just yet and when I do I'd like to do ARB lockers at the same time and that's big $$$$.

If you guys have any opinions on tires or size let me know.

Installed a new driver side (right side) seat belt that I got from a guy in Toronto. Now the seat belt actually retracts, also installed some music since the PO took out the radio. Found a 24v Pyle deck on ebay for 60 buck, install looks clean and I'm happy with it.

Picked up a few 24-12v waterproof step downs for the usb charging station and CB radio.

Today, I tore out the back seat and tossed in the trash pile. It has the worst back seat ever according to my son, Plan will be to install a 3rd bucket seat for him and build the rest around him

Just ordered a snorkel and 3" Old Man Emu Ultimate lift kit, looking for some help with the installation.