LJ78 Build Thread

[chrasjir]

Jiri definitely wants mud tyres I think!

It wasnt an issue on our Easter High Country trip as the tracks were dry, but now were getting towards Winter the tracks are all very muddy!

If his tyres had been a bit bigger he would have probably been OK, it wasnt so much traction he lacked, as ground clearance.

He kept scraping his diff in deep ruts and getting hung up.

As Ed said, although it has to be the right ham, the right cheese and the right tomato sauce!

We take Parmie's very seriously in our family and will travel many miles for a good one!

Jiri definitely wants mud tyres I think!

It wasnt an issue on our Easter High Country trip as the tracks were dry, but now were getting towards Winter the tracks are all very muddy!

If his tyres had been a bit bigger he would have probably been OK, it wasnt so much traction he lacked, as ground clearance.

He kept scraping his diff in deep ruts and getting hung up.

As Ed said, although it has to be the right ham, the right cheese and the right tomato sauce!

We take Parmie's very seriously in our family and will travel many miles for a good one!

Jiri definitely wants mud tyres I think!

It wasnt an issue on our Easter High Country trip as the tracks were dry, but now were getting towards Winter the tracks are all very muddy!

If his tyres had been a bit bigger he would have probably been OK, it wasnt so much traction he lacked, as ground clearance.

He kept scraping his diff in deep ruts and getting hung up.

Ben is correct MT tyres wouldn't help I think. I need to get bigger tyres. Every times I was stucked I was sitting on diffs.

Anyway Ben great you have both lockers working.

 

[Ben]

I was keen to buy a chainsaw before another camping trip and was all set to buy a mid range Stihl.

I spoke to my boss as I know he has about 7 or 8 Stihl saws and he asked what I would be using it for and then how I would be transporting it.

He then told me that both Stihl and Husqvarna make great saws but the Husky's tend to leak less so are a better choice if being carried inside a vehicle.

He showed me his 80 series and 200 series both of which are equipped with Husky saws.

So on Friday I went and bought a Husqvarna saw which had been made in Sweden and a Fiskars axe which had been made in Finland.



They will both live in The 78 and will no doubt be extremely useful on my High Country trips from clearing fallen trees blocking tracks to cutting firewood at camp.

I also picked up some proper drinking water hose for filling my water tank in The 78, as using normal garden hose isnt recommended as it can taint the water.



I then packed the car.



And seen as I dont have a roof rack fitted currently (wont fit under the car port with it on) I also loaded the trailer.



Then 2.5 hours later and we were at Big River State Forest.



Very disappointing to see a sign welcoming people to camp in the forest vandalized with spray paint.



After driving around and looking at 7 camp sites we settled on one called Gang Gang Gully. and the tent was soon up.

Sadly there was some rubbish at the site, such as an old gazebo.





With light fading fast and the tent now up and trailer emptied, I needed to get some wood and get a fire going so we could cook dinner.



It was now also raining.



I drove a bit further up the track leading to the camp site and spotted a big tree at the side that looked perfect.





The new saw made easy work of lopping some bits off the end.



As did the axe splitting it all up.



I loaded the trailer up and drove back to camp feeling rather pleased with myself and the fire wood I had collected!



I stopped on the way to hang a blue cloth on the sign on the end of the camp site access track so that Jiri and Aneta who were due the next day would know where to find us.



I got back to camp and for the next hour I struggled to get a decent fire going like never before!

The wood turned out to be too wet to burn, even after having the MAP gas blow torch on it for 10 minutes and even 3 litres of petrol wouldnt get it to burn properly!

Eventually I drove back out and managed to find some smaller sections of wood at the side of the track that proved to be drier and we soon had a roaring fire.



A few hours later than planned I could finally cook us some burgers for dinner.







The next morning the fire was soon lit again with some of the new drier wood and the kettle was boiling.

I was also busy drying some of the damp wood around the fire.



Few pics of our setup.



A beautiful section of the river just behind our camp.







As we would be at camp by ourselves all day (Saturday) I set the solar panel up to keep the batteries topped up while the fridge would be busy keeping me topped up with cold drinks.



The damp fire wood was out of the trailer by this point and stacked up.



And Lexy was having a great time running around.



Although she also hung out with Sam a lot as they are best friends already.







The Oz Tent RV5 was just about big enough for a double stretcher bed, travel cot and Lexy's bed.







I cooked breakfast, as always.........sausage, egg and melted cheese on a toasted brioche bun!







Washed down with a litre of tea!



I managed to find more dryish wood and cut that up so we could keep the fire going all day while the damp wood dried out.



Drying the damp wood around/over the fire worked really well!







Meanwhile Sam had a play on the mat.



And Lexy had a swim.





Followed by a roll in the dirt!



The wood was drying beautifully!

 

[Ben]

Lexi was exhausted and took herself off to a bush for a sleep.











Sam went to bed at 6pm like he does every night and I cooked dinner.

A kilo of lamb meat!



And veggies.







It was yummy!

The only thing missing was gravy.



Jiri and Aneta arrived later that evening and we all sat round the fire and had a few drinks.

The next morning the fire was soon going.





And breakfast was soon served!



Then it was time for Jiri, Aneta and I to go drive some 4wd tracks!

















We climbed quite high until we were above the cloud in the valley below us.











The cloud and mist cleared to reveal a magnificent day!










We drove past a really steep hill climb that we decided to have a go at.

*pics dont do it justice.



I managed to get up OK but Aneta was struggling with the all terrain tyres struggling for traction on the steep, slippery hill.

So I turned around and headed down.



Jiri reversed it back down and we continued on our way.

Some amazing High Country views.



The darker sections are shadows from the clouds.



We drove a few more tracks and then headed back to camp.

In the late afternoon we packed up and headed for home.

It was a good trip despite the fire/wet wood issue on the Friday night, but I would have liked to have driven more tracks, so next time we will pick a weekend where Jiri doesnt have to work Saturday so we can get out for 2 days of driving.

 

[clivehorridge]

Fabulous Ben!

All the work that went into the build is now paying off, as you intended.

Husky’s are good and so are Fiskars products. I’ve had an axe identical to yours for 12 years and it gets abused, but its still sharp. The handle is very tough and wont come away from the head like a cheaper traditional axe might.

I like the box the saw fits into

I can’t wait till Sam is running about, seeing what trouble he gets himself into

 

[AndyCook]

Great trip and camp setup

One of my 3 huskys sometimes leaks chain oil, but I read a tip recently to opens and close the oil filler cap after using it, and this supposedly releases pressure and limits the leak, will try it out

 

[alexy]

I can see a well documented offroad trailer taking shape there.....

 

[Pat]

Great photos,Ben.doesLexie come and clean Sam’s face after meals.Our golden
Lab used to keep our kids spotless.interested in your chainsaw,we have always had Sthils but about 10 years ago I bought my darling wife a top handle
Oleo-Mac made in Italy and it is the first saw I pick up wheni’ve got trees to cut.we have a heap of recovery work to do after our last big storm but we’ll do it.did Becs enjoy herselfon the trip,YOU ARE LIVING THE GOOD LIFE.

 

[clivehorridge]

I think this little chap (can't call it a fella) would also make a good addition to the onboard kit you have Ben.

Just about all the range of Friskars stuff is good high quality at an affordable price, it's very resistant to damage and hard work...

 

[Bund]

Ben I’m even sharing your trips with my wife now, not sure if I’m subconsciously grooming her for a different lifestyle.

I need to learn to change brake pads first HA

 

[Paddler Ed]

What's this rain you speak of?

We keep an eye out on firewood from about 5km out of camp, but also know where a lot of the felled piles are in our local state forest that have been lying for about 2 years...

Looks good as a set up, we just take our Stihl with us.

With the firelighting, make sure you have some diesel as well as some petrol - use the petrol to start the diesel and you get a safer burn.

 

[Victor]

You should be ashamed of yourelf for even considering a Stihl... But congrats on seeing the light an getting a Husky! They are great machines!

 

[Firewout]

my Stihl 020T from far away in another century; but still going strong!

 

[Ben]

Thanks guys.

Forgot to say, thats was Sams first ever camping trip!

Hes 6 months old now so its about time he started!

Next trip is next weekend, doing another day drive at Toolangi and judging by the amount of rain we've been having this week I think the diff locks and winch will be getting a lot of use!

Fabulous Ben!

All the work that went into the build is now paying off, as you intended.

Husky’s are good and so are Fiskars products. I’ve had an axe identical to yours for 12 years and it gets abused, but its still sharp. The handle is very tough and wont come away from the head like a cheaper traditional axe might.

I like the box the saw fits into

I can’t wait till Sam is running about, seeing what trouble he gets himself into

Thanks mate.

I was a little apprehensive about the Fiskar axe due to how the head is mounted but they feel like a good quality bit of kit and the 25 year guarantee fills me with some confidence.

Great trip and camp setup

One of my 3 huskys sometimes leaks chain oil, but I read a tip recently to opens and close the oil filler cap after using it, and this supposedly releases pressure and limits the leak, will try it out

Thanks mate.

Thats a good tip, I will have to try that!

I can see a well documented offroad trailer taking shape there.....

Yeah maybe one day if/when the family grows to 3 kids.

Just for the ease and quickness of setting up more than anything!

I would probably buy one though, just because we are so spoilt for choice down here for camper trailers!

Great photos,Ben.doesLexie come and clean Sam’s face after meals.Our golden
Lab used to keep our kids spotless.interested in your chainsaw,we have always had Sthils but about 10 years ago I bought my darling wife a top handle
Oleo-Mac made in Italy and it is the first saw I pick up wheni’ve got trees to cut.we have a heap of recovery work to do after our last big storm but we’ll do it.did Becs enjoy herselfon the trip,YOU ARE LIVING THE GOOD LIFE.

Thanks Pat.

Shes not a very licky dog and very rarely licks any of us.

But she has developed quite a taste for baby milk! Both formula and breast!

So when ever Sam decides to throw up after a feed, shes always there to clean up the carpet/couch!

Ben I’m even sharing your trips with my wife now, not sure if I’m subconsciously grooming her for a different lifestyle.

I need to learn to change brake pads first HA

I think you need to choose Australia to emigrate to Brett, not the US!

What's this rain you speak of?

We keep an eye out on firewood from about 5km out of camp, but also know where a lot of the felled piles are in our local state forest that have been lying for about 2 years...

Looks good as a set up, we just take our Stihl with us.

With the firelighting, make sure you have some diesel as well as some petrol - use the petrol to start the diesel and you get a safer burn.

Yeah having good wood for the fire when camping is a must! Especially when its wet and cold!

I've never needed more than my trusty blow torch and some paper/card board and sticks to get a fire going. But that trip I really struggled!

I only used petrol as I had it for the chainsaw.

You should be ashamed of yourelf for even considering a Stihl... But congrats on seeing the light an getting a Husky! They are great machines!

They both make great saws!

But I do love my Husky!

my Stihl 020T from far away in another century; but still going strong!

View attachment 144205

Nice!

 

[stumog]

Both make a of saw are great. Currently I use both a small husky which does run on any fuel you chuck at it. I have a bigger stihl that is fusy on the age of fuel used. Both have a time and place.

Love to see the pics Ben

How is father hood going for you?

 

[chapel gate]

Lexi was exhausted and took herself off to a bush for a sleep.

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Sam went to bed at 6pm like he does every night and I cooked dinner.

A kilo of lamb meat!

View attachment 144152

And veggies.

View attachment 144153

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It was yummy!

The only thing missing was gravy.

View attachment 144156

Jiri and Aneta arrived later that evening and we all sat round the fire and had a few drinks.

The next morning the fire was soon going.

View attachment 144157

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And breakfast was soon served!

View attachment 144159

Then it was time for Jiri, Aneta and I to go drive some 4wd tracks!

View attachment 144160

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We climbed quite high until we were above the cloud in the valley below us.

View attachment 144168

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The cloud and mist cleared to reveal a magnificent day!

View attachment 144173

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We drove past a really steep hill climb that we decided to have a go at.

*pics dont do it justice.

View attachment 144179

I managed to get up OK but Aneta was struggling with the all terrain tyres struggling for traction on the steep, slippery hill.

So I turned around and headed down.

View attachment 144180

Jiri reversed it back down and we continued on our way.

Some amazing High Country views.

View attachment 144181

The darker sections are shadows from the clouds.

View attachment 144182

We drove a few more tracks and then headed back to camp.

In the late afternoon we packed up and headed for home.

It was a good trip despite the fire/wet wood issue on the Friday night, but I would have liked to have driven more tracks, so next time we will pick a weekend where Jiri doesnt have to work Saturday so we can get out for 2 days of driving.

Chainsaws, burgers, camp fires,"camping welcome" signs, trails, cruisers.. your living the dream mate..

 

[AndyCook]

Oops, I said 3 huskys earlier, I forgot the smallest saw I have is a Stihl my dad got me for Christmas. A great wee chainsaw for using up trees or one with one hand

Just had my 75cc 365 husky with 22" bar in for warranty repair, new carb, it became a pig to start when hot, was flooding engine with fuel, all good now under warranty

 

[Ben]

Love to see the pics Ben

How is father hood going for you?

Thanks mate.

Its going well thanks, but it has sadly affected the amount of time I can spend working on my 70's!

We're really lucky that Sam is actually a really easy baby!

Bec is doing a fantastic job and is amazing with him, her being a NICU nurse who has spent the last 15 years working with babies has helped.

We've also got a few friends who have had kids over the last 5-6 years so we've learnt from a lot of their mistakes!

Bec's best friend who is also a baby nurse made the biggest rod for her own back ever! By never putting her babies down! We'd go round for dinner and shed still have the baby in her arms asleep at 9-10 at night!

So now they have major problems getting the kids who are 2 and 5 to go to bed and she is the only one they will go to sleep for, so when shes working night shifts the husband cant get them to settle and go to bed and every time she finally gets out for a night out with her friends she has to leave early every time to go home and try and settle the kids for her struggling husband!

So when Sam was 2 months old we took the dummy off him permanently, cold turkey! And sleep trained him!

So now every night at 5:30pm he has a bottle, followed by a bath and at 6-6:30 he goes to bed and puts himself to sleep.

Babies wake every 2 hours and need to be able to settle themselves and put themselves back to sleep. Bec has another friend who gets no sleep because the 5 month old baby wakes every 2 hours and needs to be cuddled back to sleep!

Bec usually has him overnight and has to feed and change him when he wakes at 11pm and then again at 6am. Well last night I said I would take him as its Mothers Day here today and I thought it would be nice for her to get a good nights sleep.

So I got up at 11:30pm when I heard him crying on the monitor, fed him, changed him and put him back down to sleep. I then lay in bed till 2:30am when I finally gave up trying to sleep and got up.

Its not all bad though as I was out in the garage at 3am working on LJ!

Heres a few pics of Sammy and how hes changed!

Chainsaws, burgers, camp fires,"camping welcome" signs, trails, cruisers.. your living the dream mate..

I know!

Isnt it awesome!

Its why I moved here, for me its the best country in the world, its heaven!

Oops, I said 3 huskys earlier, I forgot the smallest saw I have is a Stihl my dad got me for Christmas. A great wee chainsaw for using up trees or one with one hand

Just had my 75cc 365 husky with 22" bar in for warranty repair, new carb, it became a pig to start when hot, was flooding engine with fuel, all good now under warranty

Nice!

When I bought mine the sales girl said it comes with a 2 year warranty or if you buy our Husky branded chain oil and 2 stroke oil for $50 you get a 5 year warranty!

I needed the oils anyway and thought $50 was OK!

 

[Ben]

I had another delivery from Amayama.com this week!

My smallest ever order from them, just a double diff lock switch, O ring and 2x exhaust gaskets for my LJ70.





I pulled my instrument cluster out so I could drill a hole for an LED for my front diff lock, only disaster struck whilst I was trying to remove the needle from the rev counter and the spindle that the needle fits on to snapped!



So I had to strip down some other instrument clusters and solder a new mechanism onto my PCB.











Next I needed to drill a hole and fit a red LED and a 1k OHM resistor.





I managed to use some of the spare holes in the PCB and soldered the LED legs through some spare holes as Toyota obviously use this same PCB on the heavy duty 70 series models that came with double diff locks.



Sadly I couldnt put both legs of the resistor through the PCB, although I possibly could have if I had trusted what I believe was a common earth on the PCB, but I wasnt sure and didnt want to cause any damage, so figured it would be safer just to run my own earth.



Tested it on the battery.





Refitted the gauge in the housing and left plenty of wire length to hook it up to my switch.



Pulled the old single diff lock switch out.



The only difference between the 2 on the back is one extra terminal, which I hoped would become live when the switch was turned to switch the front locker on.



Crimped a terminal on a scrap piece of wire.



Connected the switch to my loom and added the piece of wire and to my delight it did indeed become live when switched!



So now I knew my plan was going to work I could fit the new switch.



And wire up the new switch to operate my front Eaton E locker and at the same time light up my LED.

No lockers.



Factory rear locker.



And front E locker too.



Another little job I needed to do was replace the O ring on the rear diff lock actuator as it was leaking.



Pulled the actuator off.





The new O ring from Amayama.



Checked it was the same size as the old one.



Fitted it and bolted the actuator back on.

Tomorrow I'm off for a day drive to Toolangi with Jiri and Aneta and the first track of the day will be the infamous Rocky Track where I plan to test the lockers out!

Trip report to follow.

 

[rob rule]

extreme patience......respect

 

[yota_lj]

One of best modification I've never seen....I've always thinked about it, because some time I forget rear locker active after some difficult pass...

Really nice work ben!!!