1979 LJ-80 “Hobitual”

A remodeled zuki.

My LJ80 came stock when I got it (motor, trans., transfer, etc.). I started with a 3" body lift, leaf-over 31x10.50-15s. I swapped in a 20R motor and 5-speed trans. and to give it better highway driving I used an 81 Datsun pickup transfer case, new drivelines, Trailmaster shocks, Weber carb and Supercoil.

It came with the old-style front axle and drum brakes; I swapped in front disc brakes and locking hubs. I also welded the front differential to lock-up the front end.

I have an MSD ingintion, but I'm not really happy with it, so I'm using the stock unit for now. I put in a radiator out of a Datsun B-210 to give it better cooling. Because of the larger motor there was no room under the hood for a mechanical fan so I used an electric fan on the outside. I have it switched in the cab for water crossings.

Also: relocated shockmounts, Jeep style steering, Hella headlights, custom receiver hitch, front Warn winch, rear Superwinch, reinforced stock cage, soft top & bikini top, Sony deck, 100 watt amp, 8" speakers. I've repacked the leaf springs and diamond plate rocker panel guards were added. I made mods to the spare tire carrier -- it now also mounts a Hi-Lift jack and a mini jerry can. I have polished aluminum diamond plate in the cab and I built a shifter throttle for slow trail-crawling.

My old, slow, stock Zuk is now a trail-ripping freeway-screaming monster. I've used every trick that I've seen in magazines, heard about from friends or could think of.

I have to mention Martin at National 4x4 in Tappen, B.C. Because I found him I was able to build a front axle that I needed for real trail crawling.

--hobitual@gte.net
Everett, WA, USA