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May 2009
I am now buying a LEGALLY titled/registered Japanese Spec’d model Landcruiser (1987 BJ74) with the 13-BT diesel motor, lockers, full floaters, everything! ONLY 60,000 original miles, with a turbo; it is a stock TOYOTA WORKHORSE! Going to do some mods to add 35” tires, and build it up as I did to the FJ62, to travel around the world in. The diesel motor is STRONG, and the truck is like new, except in a few spots has corrosion from Canada and mag chloride. Was rescued by a friend, and was a truck I have always wanted to own. Gets double the mileage with the 4cyl. turbo diesel, and has more torque, lockers, full floaters, PTO, everything I need, in a smaller package, and better for the earth!
My plans are to do a shackle reversal, move axle forward 1.5”, add snorkel, kill any rust, removed rear seat, speedi-liner the bottom exterior as chip guard, add Exhuast temp guage, and a boost guage, swing away rear tire holder, ARB bull bar, side protection bars, bigger exhuast, 35x12.5x15 tires, and new rims. Remove stock bumpers. There will be more done, and if you need parts for a 70/74 model Landcruiser; contact me!
We have returned from Mexico, and are now traveling the US-Southwest exploring many native american, and ancient civilizations around the 4 Corners-our stomping grounds! Using the FJ-62 as home, we are biking in Fruita, and Grand Mesa areas as well as hiking near Dominguez Canyon, and Escalante Canyon.
Recently awakend to the vast historical world around me, and the history of our indiginous peoples (outside of the last 200 years in N. American anglo history), I cannot get enough information, or see enough pictographs, pinturas, and petroglyphs,
I am planning building up my 9th Toyota Landcruiser with the BJ74, for expedition style travels, and living around the globe.
Flexibility is key
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I am looking to be a “contributor” to a select few magazines, and so you may see a story, or photo pop up from me, now and then, lets hope!
I am always looking for “Sponsors” to have me test/beat up/abuse, and write about their equipment. Also, anyone wanting to make a donation to the trips; Whether that be in parts, a paint job, advice, food, a place to stay/surf, whatever...
ANYTHING and EVERYTHING is greatly appreciated!
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I have specialized training in survival, navigation, enviornmental issues, self-preparedness, vehicle maintenance, I have travelled to spots in the world in both caravan/expedition style travel, plus many single vehicle missions throughout South-West-Asia/Persian-Gulf. Military-11.5 year veteran.
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Thanks to everyone for reading/following where I am or what I am doing!
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You will read here and realize; I use the vehicles I have for everything; I am living the FJ62 since returning from Mexico, and am still on travels into the Southwest; areas of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico. Trying now to accomplish several things here; see petroglyphs, and the history of the people/land. Stay warm, dry, and have fun.
Some people cringe at the idea of the never-ending camping/road trip; However others would sell the farm, pack up and go-NOW-out the door! That’s what I did/am doing...
I realized long ago, that I need to live today, not talk about it; I could either Get busy living OR get busy dyeing...
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This last winter’s trip took us/me to the hidden rupestrian cave paintings in Baja, the (newly discovered by infrared satellite) Mayan sites near the Guatamaula/Mexico; the Chiapas highlands, the southern biosphere area south of Comitan; on to a place called Lagertero with it’s 44 lagoons, and temples! The many waterfalls-El Chiflon, and Mayan sites along the way towards Palenque in Chiapas, through Peyote country near Monterrey/Torreon, and Oaxaca surfing for 5/6 months!, San Salvador, Panama....Where next...
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Basically, now this has turned into something I did not see coming; I am enjoying the writing, photo hunting, sharing, adventure.
I need to give credit to Toyota for building such great trucks back in the 70’s, and 80’s in their Landcruisers. I fully trust my trucks, and rely on them running day in, day out, And they do!
I am so excited; I plan to vote (Obama) and leave for Texas, then Southern Mexico! Everything worked out great!
Stay tuned for more updates.
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