1980 Toyota FJ40 - Front Drivers Side View Descending Rocks - Photo 8514258

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A Warn 9.5ti Thermometric winch is mounted to a Bulletproof bumper, which is sealed to hold air, just as the rear. A set of Warn lights also resides up front. Note the cool custom tube fenders that are integrated into the stock fenders for extra rock protection. The Fox Shox coilovers are also visible.

Tri County Gear in Pomona, California, built the front Dana 60 using 4.88 Dana/Spicer gears, Superior chrome-moly axleshafts, and an ARB Air Locker. Tri County Gear also completed the steering system using a custom relocated track bar, heavy-duty tie rod and drag link, and AGR Super Box and Pump. A custom antisway bar assembly was also built by Tri County.

Donald addressed the rear of his rig with a multifunction attitude. A Premier Power Welder is installed on the tub floor, just aft of a Con-Ferr rear storage seat complete with Simpson restraints. A Man-A-Fre aluminum compartment tailgate also resides in the rear and adds to the functionality of the rig.

A GM tilt steering column and Grant steering wheel were employed to tackle tiller duties. The dash was further enhanced by an array of Auto Meter gauges, aluminum knobs, and switches. Corbeau seats and a Tuffy console were installed, with the seats receiving Simpson racing harnesses for occupant safety. Line lock brakes were installed by Don's 4x4, along with an Art Carr shifter to operate the 700R4 transmission. Also note the cool fiberglass half-doors.

Donald Cassel of Venice, California, built his '80 Toyota FJ-40 Land Cruiser to crawl. With Dana 60s, an Atlas case, and a Warn Black Diamond Suspension, it achieves this and even more.

The rollcage and nerf bars were constructed by Don's 4x4 in Covina, California, along with much of the body-trimming work. The Bulletproof bumper residing in the rear is sealed to hold air and plumbed to a York engine-driven compressor under the hood. The Warn Black Diamond suspension system clears way for a set of 39.5x12.50R17 Interco Irok meats wrapped around 17x9.5-inch Allied bead locks.

A Warn 9.5ti Thermometric winch is mounted to a Bulletproof bumper, which is sealed to hold air, just as the rear. A set of Warn lights also resides up front. Note the cool custom tube fenders that are integrated into the stock fenders for extra rock protection. The Fox Shox coilovers are also visible.

The Warn Black Diamond Suspension was modified to function properly on the FJ-40 and does a great job of handling the trails. An AGR Rock Ram was installed to assist in navigating the hefty meats. The rig also uses disc brakes at each wheel.

The Warn Black Diamond suspension system allows Donald's FJ to crawl freely, unrestrained by suspension limitations. The skidplate was cut out so rock lights can guide the way during night runs.

The rear Dana 60 was built by Don's 4x4 using 4.88 gears and an ARB Air Locker. The Warn suspension took quite a bit of massaging to fit it to the FJ, but Donald says it works flawlessly. Fuel is provided via a 15-gallon aluminum fuel cell mounted below the tub floor.

A '98 5.7L Vortec V-8 is situated between the fenders and presented the biggest issues in the buildup of the rig. The mighty mill finally passed the stringent California smog laws after months of tweaking and testing by Jason Bunch of Tri County Gear. The engine is equipped with a K&N air filter and York engine-driven compressor.