Just wanted to update- Right after I had it fresh from paint some white smoke started pouring out the tailpipe on the way to work. I towed it to a specialty shop in Austin and the head gasket failed from the coolant eroding it over time. It took a 2 months to finish machining but it is good to have it back. They told me that once inside the engine looked brand new.


Next projects include the power steering pump, e brake, and steering box. On the interior I'm waiting on a new steering wheel from Landcruiser heaven and I'm planning a new speaker system. There is a stock new dashboard in a warehouse in Tokyo that I am trying to figure out how to get here. The only accessories I have on order are a gobi roof rack and slee sliders. Initially I was going to order Harrup E lockers with an OEM switch but that's put on hold after the budget hit from the head gasket repair.

The suspension is stiffer than I expected, but the big tires help with compliance and overall it drives very well. I just got the windows and windshield tinted with ceramic tint and I'm finally enjoying it as my daily driver.

I'll take more pictures when I'm driving it on the beach this weekend!