I Think I鈥檓 Going To Buy A New 4x4
I鈥檝e been in the same dilemma and I stumbled upon a solution wich seems to work perfectly for me. I also drive a 105 series Cruiser and share the same sentiments (and frustrations). The 1HZ does get on my nerves sometimes. End last year I decided to get an FJ. The plan was to sell the GX as soon as I get the FJ. I received the FJ in Oktober last year and what a pleasure and fun 4 x 4 it is to own. All but for one thing: It seriously lacks packing space鈥?especialy if one is used to the big land cruiser. I never got to selling my GX. I ended up keeping both wich actually ended up making perfect sense. The FJ is a fantastic daily drive. It puts a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. Further more it鈥檚 a very potent offroader and a perfect weekend worior. I also find myself looking forward driving the GX after a long ride in the FJ and visa verca. I actually enjoy driving my GX much much more鈥?. I think that in the long run there is also a cost saving because kitting out an overlander can easily cost in access of 100K. Keeping down the mileage on the overlander helps keeping it new for longer. In the end It boils down to horses for courses: Why cant one have both? Overlanding and family trips: SFA, large strong build. Load carring ability: 105 GX, Nissan Patrol , 76 Cruiser, G-wagon, Land Rover. Daily runner: Comfort and decent 4 x 4 ability. I think that is about as close one could get to perfection. Good luck鈥? Me thinks you are probably going to end up buying the big 鈥淕鈥濃€?.
Jaguar changed direction, during the 1950s, with its first Mk VII complete line, their new emphasis on large sedans (saloon cars). The new cars, despite having the XK engines under the hood, were not very successful; but the Mk II, a smaller and differently styled sedan became the second bestselling car of the time for Jaguar. In the meantime, the XK was making a distinguished mark on racetracks around the world, becoming known as record breaking. The years 1951 and 1953, held famous racing victories for Jaguar and in 1955, 1956 and 1957 the D-type - often referred to as the aircraft on wheels - claimed its racetrack victories as well. Jaguar had built a strong reputation when the 1960s rolled around. In 1972, Sir William Lyons retired and the company fell short in rising to the standards set by its founder, eventually rescue for the company heading for bankruptcy came from the Leyland Company. Jaguar bought its way out of debt to Leyland, but after losing its former appeal and battle for an impressive comeback, in 1989, Jaguar sold to Ford Motor Company along with the British Land Rover.
So I packed up and made a mad dash back to Ridgecrest and Walmart where I had espied fuel bottles to fit my Snow Peak giga stove. I also picked up more beer! I managed to get back to the pinnacles by 0940 and Brett met me at the entrance. As suspected no one else showed, but I had fullfiled my promise to be there if some one did. Brett and I headed off to the Trona Airport where a Land Rover is rumoured to be sitting. The owners were't there and the housesitter knew nothing. So it was off to the Slate Range trail. This time Brett and I aired down and now knowing the route soon we cam to the first uphill challenge for 2x4 Ignotus. Brett went first so I could winch off him if I didn't make it. I didn't make it. I got a little over halfway up and spun out.
Then added the remaining bolts and tightened them all. I had to cut away part of the plastic trim right behind the front fender (on each side). That's the only permanent damage I did to the car. Otherwise, everything I did is reversable. I cut away a spacer piece that holds the trim away from the rocker panel. With the slider in place, that spacer is no longer needed and it will cause the trim to stick out. I just cut it off with a small hack saw (any sharp knife would work also). The red body color makes the Terafirma logo look really nice. My sliders arrived from Lucky8 with those nicks. You can't miss them since they're right below the driver's door. It's unfortunate, but oh well. I painted those nicks with some Krylon black satin paint (dabbed on with a Q-tip - it's not a super clean job). I'll seal them with Gtechniq C1 and EXOv2 products. It took me a long time over many days to install these. I decided to not describe all the tests and mistakes I made. I was extra careful because I didn't want to damage my brand new car. Now that I know how things come apart and go back together, I could install them in under 3 hours (in my small dark garage). In a large well-lit bay, I could install them in under 2 hours.
