The Wagon Way

Curiosity or friends got you here so just what are we about. The Wagon Way site is two guys sharing and giving back to the wheeling community. We have been there, done that and are willing to tell you about it. We both owned FJ40’s at one time but these days we just happen to enjoy wheeling in wagons, wagons that are also daily drivers. Our wagon of choice is the 60 series Land Cruiser. Reliable, durable, easy to modify and built like a tank.

The site is about rock solid advice on what you can do with and in a wagon. It's a source for information, answers or a link to what you need. Technical know how that can be trusted without question. Inspiration for your own adventures, as you won’t believe the places you can put a wagon.

This is not a forum. While forums are full of good advice, they are also a risk for bad advice. The anonymity allows someone to spew out garbage all day and no one knows who they are and just what they really know. Here it is only real people with real names and years of practical experience. Everything on the site has been done to one or both of our rigs. And even though we both drive 60's you will find they are very different.

No one pays their way to get on here. We make mention of companies and individuals that we have dealt with and received good to great service from. And if we have been shafted by someone we will tell you that too. But probably with kind words so they don’t sue us. We will even give them a shot at redeeming themselves.

What’s in a wagon? Family, friends and my dog (who happens to be both). Wagons have plenty of room for others, they are inclusive, rather than exclusive. And to be honest you don’t even have to drive a wagon to find something of interest here on the site. Be sure to check back often for updates, edits and additional articles.

The Wagon Way is a mindset, a way to wheel and act, a philosophy if you will. But not one that is in your face.

There is a right way, a wrong way and The Wagon Way.


Eric Burch and Tony Konovaloff


-New Articles-

Transfer Case Rebuild

By Tony K

After quite a few miles and a fair share of abuse it’s time to rebuild my transfer case.  The bearings are a bit tired, the idler shaft has started to wear and the main seal between the tranny and t-case has failed (a common problem with a lot of miles on the rig).  And you are going to need more than just this write up.  Think of it as a supplement to your service manual.  What we try to share is what is not in the manual.   So, first and foremost be sure to have a Factory Service Manual handy, preferably a paper copy.  The Internet is handy but a bit of a pain to use with greasy fingers…

Battery Cables

By Tony K

Simple but important components of our rigs.  They are the connection between the batteries and the starter and other larger high draw components such as winches.  You can use the most basic battery cables you can find or get a little more picky and install some better cables.

Dual Batteries

By Tony K

There are some good reasons to install dual batteries and if you drive a Toyota diesel it is somewhat mandatory.  Diesels tend to take a bit more effort to turn over that high compression.  But just about any rig will benefit from the extra juice supplied by a second battery.  There are numerous ways to connect a dual battery set up but like I have said before I like simple. 

Injection Pump Woes

By Tony K

Rig has been running great, but now there seems to be an issue with the injection pump.   Getting some pretty loud ticking that is rpm related and hearing what may best be described as gear meshing.

Taller Tires

By Tony K

When our rigs are not performing up to par rarely do we look at the tires as the root cause.  If you really want to see a drastic improvement in the performance of your rig throw a set of stock tires back on it and see what happens, you will be shocked. 

  • Write Ups:

    Contains all of Wagon Way's articles organized by categories. We have over 160 articles with more being written all the time and almost 700 photo's scattered throughout the site. Just click on the subject below to open up the index


  • As seen in Toyota Trails!


    Various articles written here have been published in TLCA's Toyota Trails magazine and on their website. After roaming around our site, click on the magazines to visit TLCA.


  • Shop Corner:

    What's going on in our Wagon Caves?

    • Ben’s FJ60 Build
    • Tony’s Cave

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    Articles that have recently had additional info or images added to existing "Write Ups".