Hi All:
Well, soon after installing the OME suspension my cash flow dropped drastically!
The rest of my "build" of this FJ40 has been under a strict, tight budget.
Switching from the stock front drum brakes to front disc brakes was one of the first mods on this 40; I used a '78 frontend "donated" by a CDN. spec BJ40. A friend helped me re-build and re-assemble this front axle with an older 4.11 ratio third member.
After 'wheeling the rig for awhile with open differentials I decided to install a locking differential in the rear axle. As much as I'd would have liked to install an ARB Air Locker, Toyota cable 'locker, or a Detroit, lets' just say those choices would not fit into the budget!
I settled on a Lockrite "lunchbox" 'locker after reading some recommendations from 'Cruiser mechanics that I respect; it is still in my rig after five plus years and is working well.
One of the "budget" mods I did some years ago was an idea I "borrowed"
from my friend Kevin. He found a weird piece of five inch by three inch by 1/4 inch steel angle iron, and used it to fab-up some heavy-duty side steps. I used a piece of four inch by four inch by 1/4 inch steel angle iron to make some side steps; see this photo for a better idea.
-Alan