Rotw: 65cruiser

65CRUISER · 08-13-07, 05:47 AM

There have been alot of great Cruisers featured before me; I hope that mine can measure up in some small way. I am not sure how many PO’s there were before I was able to rescue the Cruiser from a local junk yard 11 years ago. The drive home that first day was one of the scariest rides of my life (probably not the smartest either). The engine would barely run, the column shift linkage was so worn out shifting was difficult at best, and the brakes were just downright dangerous.

All that said we arrived home safely and the work began. The original F engine was pulled and disassembled to begin a rebuild only to find that the block was cracked. I found a 1976 low mile 2F that we rebuilt and mated to a H41 4spd with the original 3spd transfer case that was also rebuilt. The transfer case was converted to a floor shift and the drive shafts were altered to work with the new setup.

Both axles were rebuilt and retain the original 4:11 gears (may change soon). The rear diff has a Lock Rite installed and the front is the open with the original ball and claw axles. I figured I’d run the front until it blew up, that hasn’t happened yet although I have a new front axle under construction now.

The rig is still SUA running 2 ½” lift springs, LC Advanced Handling shackle reversal (also known as rock finders); the front shock mounts have been replaced with F-250 mounts and rolls on 35’s. Also a ¾” body lift was added so the bracing on the bottom of the tub would clear the transfer case after the tranny swap.

Other modifications include Saginaw power steering, York on board air, Poser T-case saver, home brew front bumper with Warn 8274 winch and rear swing out tire carrier.

phocus · 08-13-07, 06:41 AM

Super nice ride!

green73 · 08-13-07, 07:30 AM

Very nice! Awesome save from the crusher.

'74 UA FJ · 08-13-07, 08:50 AM

Bling, bling. Nice cruiser.

78-FJ40 · 08-13-07, 09:28 AM

Nice rig. Is that a Man-A-Fre swing out tire/cooler carrier on the back?

65CRUISER · 08-13-07, 10:05 AM

It's a home made carrier on back. I'll post up some pictures when I get home tonight.

jb2073 · 08-13-07, 12:14 PM

Good stuff! If only I could get mine running again.

65CRUISER · 08-13-07, 06:41 PM

Here are some pics of the rear tire cooler carrier. The carrier will it a small cooler or 3 nato gas cans.

65CRUISER · 08-13-07, 06:47 PM

The hinge is made of a 4340 shaft with thrust bearings top and bottom with everything swinging on a greasable bronze sleeve.

Josie'sLandCruiser · 08-13-07, 09:07 PM

Hi All:

Thanks for sharing your rig with us!

This "ROTW" thread is neat because we get to see how different folks build their '40s.

You have done a great job on this '65 FJ40!

Regards,

Alan

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65CRUISER

There have been alot of great Cruisers featured before me; I hope that mine can measure up in some small way. I am not sure how many PO’s there were before I was able to rescue the Cruiser from a local junk yard 11 years ago. The drive home that first day was one of the scariest rides of my life (probably not the smartest either). The engine would barely run, the column shift linkage was so worn out shifting was difficult at best, and the brakes were just downright dangerous.

All that said we arrived home safely and the work began. The original F engine was pulled and disassembled to begin a rebuild only to find that the block was cracked. I found a 1976 low mile 2F that we rebuilt and mated to a H41 4spd with the original 3spd transfer case that was also rebuilt. The transfer case was converted to a floor shift and the drive shafts were altered to work with the new setup.

Both axles were rebuilt and retain the original 4:11 gears (may change soon). The rear diff has a Lock Rite installed and the front is the open with the original ball and claw axles. I figured I’d run the front until it blew up, that hasn’t happened yet although I have a new front axle under construction now.

The rig is still SUA running 2 ½” lift springs, LC Advanced Handling shackle reversal (also known as rock finders); the front shock mounts have been replaced with F-250 mounts and rolls on 35’s. Also a ¾” body lift was added so the bracing on the bottom of the tub would clear the transfer case after the tranny swap.

Other modifications include Saginaw power steering, York on board air, Poser T-case saver, home brew front bumper with Warn 8274 winch and rear swing out tire carrier.

FJFOOL · 08-13-07, 10:30 PM

Nice Cruiser and write-up !! That is a real nice carrier on the rear, the wheels are turning , as that is in my near future !!

Alex

REZARF · 08-14-07, 10:29 AM

Wow, great rig man! I love that tire carrier, it looks great. Do you have any pics before you started? I can see all the work you have done from junk yard to now, but it would be sweet to see how you started.

Thanks!

Drew

65CRUISER · 08-14-07, 12:52 PM

I'll dig around for some pics, may have to scan a few.
Thanks for all the kind words

splitshot · 08-14-07, 01:01 PM

Good looking older cruiser

Just curious, where was the crack in the f block? I've got a 2f and a fourspeed sitting in the shop because mine has a hairline crack above and below the rear side freeze plug.

fzj80kidpen · 08-14-07, 02:31 PM

Nice ride

65CRUISER · 08-14-07, 05:15 PM

The crack was between cylinders 3 & 4 where the web between the bores is the thinest. Very strange

AKcruiserfreak · 08-16-07, 03:27 PM

Looks great! Wish I had that rear bumper.

Tk

scouthead · 08-17-07, 10:52 PM

Looks good.

I kind of want a 40 now...

mncruiser74 · 08-18-07, 04:54 PM

Very nice rig. I can't wait to get mine in that shape. Really like the tire carrier. Did you just attach the bottom bar to the bumper? Also where do u pick up a chromolly hinge set up like that?

67azcruizr · 08-19-07, 12:22 PM

another early one saved, very nice ride

Chris123 · 08-21-07, 06:44 PM

Sweeeeet!!!!!!

sonnydaze · 08-25-07, 05:55 PM

cool ride

Freeman · 09-06-07, 06:28 AM

Nice Rig.

Coyner · 09-07-07, 05:10 PM

Great looking ride.

HawkDriver · 09-08-07, 10:42 AM

Bitchin, and nice work on the carrier!

bakelite · 09-08-07, 07:09 PM

Wow, nice rig you did a nice job on that.

Sputnik40 · 09-12-07, 07:52 PM

Very nice - I especially like those older style windshield frames.

camcruiser13 · 09-13-07, 06:27 PM

slick, nice rig

08-13-07, 05:47 AM	#1
65CRUISER IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: PHX. AZ. TLCA# 6391 Posts: 94	Rotw: 65cruiser There have been alot of great Cruisers featured before me; I hope that mine can measure up in some small way. I am not sure how many PO’s there were before I was able to rescue the Cruiser from a local junk yard 11 years ago. The drive home that first day was one of the scariest rides of my life (probably not the smartest either). The engine would barely run, the column shift linkage was so worn out shifting was difficult at best, and the brakes were just downright dangerous. All that said we arrived home safely and the work began. The original F engine was pulled and disassembled to begin a rebuild only to find that the block was cracked. I found a 1976 low mile 2F that we rebuilt and mated to a H41 4spd with the original 3spd transfer case that was also rebuilt. The transfer case was converted to a floor shift and the drive shafts were altered to work with the new setup. Both axles were rebuilt and retain the original 4:11 gears (may change soon). The rear diff has a Lock Rite installed and the front is the open with the original ball and claw axles. I figured I’d run the front until it blew up, that hasn’t happened yet although I have a new front axle under construction now. The rig is still SUA running 2 ½” lift springs, LC Advanced Handling shackle reversal (also known as rock finders); the front shock mounts have been replaced with F-250 mounts and rolls on 35’s. Also a ¾” body lift was added so the bracing on the bottom of the tub would clear the transfer case after the tranny swap. Other modifications include Saginaw power steering, York on board air, Poser T-case saver, home brew front bumper with Warn 8274 winch and rear swing out tire carrier. Attached Images __________________ '65 FJ40, 2F, H41 & 3spd TC, locker, york, tlca#6391

08-13-07, 07:30 AM	#3
green73 What's broken now? Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Nomadic Phase TLCA# 12222 Posts: 675	Very nice! Awesome save from the crusher. __________________ 1973 FJ40: SOA, Locked, Caged, etc........... NEVER DONE! 1991 FJ80: Stock.... for a while.

08-13-07, 08:50 AM	#4
'74 UA FJ Roll Tide! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Gainesville Posts: 1,344	Bling, bling. Nice cruiser. __________________ 1974 FJ40 FI vortec 350, H42/Orion 4:1, 4" lift, 35x15.50 SXs on MRW beadlocks, lock-rited f/r, Saginaw ps, etc, etc. 1994 FZJ80 with lockers and 285 revos.

08-13-07, 09:28 AM	#5
78-FJ40 ILVRKS Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Northern, CA TLCA# 16204 Posts: 296	Nice rig. Is that a Man-A-Fre swing out tire/cooler carrier on the back? __________________ 78 FJ40 - 2f/SM420/4.0 Orion/4.88's/ARB's/30-longs/Poly Performance/OME/37 IROKS/Stauns/FC Fab'd/Metal Tech'd/OBA/Welder/... 08 Silverado 2500 HD LTZ 08 Shelby GT-500 08 Sequoia Platinum Land of the Free Because of the Brave NObama '08

08-13-07, 10:05 AM	#6
65CRUISER IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: PHX. AZ. TLCA# 6391 Posts: 94	It's a home made carrier on back. I'll post up some pictures when I get home tonight. __________________ '65 FJ40, 2F, H41 & 3spd TC, locker, york, tlca#6391

08-13-07, 06:41 AM	#2
phocus IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Dallas, GA TLCA# 17968 Posts: 158	Super nice ride!

08-13-07, 12:14 PM	#7
jb2073 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NorCal TLCA# 16627 Posts: 130	Good stuff! If only I could get mine running again. __________________ 1970 FJ40, 4 wheel disc, Orion #375, 4 speed trans, OME 2.5" lift, sbc 350 w/ Edelbrock Pro-Flo EFI TLCA # 16627

08-13-07, 06:41 PM	#8
65CRUISER IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: PHX. AZ. TLCA# 6391 Posts: 94	Here are some pics of the rear tire cooler carrier. The carrier will it a small cooler or 3 nato gas cans. Attached Images __________________ '65 FJ40, 2F, H41 & 3spd TC, locker, york, tlca#6391

08-13-07, 06:47 PM	#9
65CRUISER IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: PHX. AZ. TLCA# 6391 Posts: 94	The hinge is made of a 4340 shaft with thrust bearings top and bottom with everything swinging on a greasable bronze sleeve. Attached Images __________________ '65 FJ40, 2F, H41 & 3spd TC, locker, york, tlca#6391

08-13-07, 10:30 PM	#11
FJFOOL IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: The dreaded South Hill Posts: 342	Nice Cruiser and write-up !! That is a real nice carrier on the rear, the wheels are turning , as that is in my near future !! Alex

08-14-07, 10:29 AM	#12
REZARF IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Louisville, CO TLCA# 13041 Posts: 2,812	Wow, great rig man! I love that tire carrier, it looks great. Do you have any pics before you started? I can see all the work you have done from junk yard to now, but it would be sweet to see how you started. Thanks! Drew __________________ Drew F. Rising Sun 4x4 Club 76 FJ40, 85 fj60 Engine and Ignition, 35" MTR's, Warn 8074, 4" of lift TPI, snorkeled, racked, Mini-truck P/S... and sometimes running. Friends don't let friends drive Thornbirds... My camping trailer build up thread.

08-14-07, 12:52 PM	#13
65CRUISER IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: PHX. AZ. TLCA# 6391 Posts: 94	I'll dig around for some pics, may have to scan a few. Thanks for all the kind words __________________ '65 FJ40, 2F, H41 & 3spd TC, locker, york, tlca#6391

08-14-07, 01:01 PM	#14
splitshot What's next? Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Podunk, Arizona Posts: 1,552	Good looking older cruiser Just curious, where was the crack in the f block? I've got a 2f and a fourspeed sitting in the shop because mine has a hairline crack above and below the rear side freeze plug. __________________ '69 fj40 CSC#103 A dry heat still cooks a turkey

08-14-07, 02:31 PM	#15
fzj80kidpen IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 969	Nice ride __________________ ___________________________________ FZJ80KIDPEN 96' FZJ80 186K miles 285/75/R16,OME 850/860's,locked,LED's Homebrew Rear Bumper and sliders, Flareless and Line-X

08-14-07, 05:15 PM	#16
65CRUISER IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: PHX. AZ. TLCA# 6391 Posts: 94	The crack was between cylinders 3 & 4 where the web between the bores is the thinest. Very strange __________________ '65 FJ40, 2F, H41 & 3spd TC, locker, york, tlca#6391

08-16-07, 03:27 PM	#17
AKcruiserfreak IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: North Pole, Ak Posts: 603	Looks great! Wish I had that rear bumper. Tk __________________ 1971 FJ-40 2" shackle lift, 33" BFG,PTO winch, lots o' miles, con fer roof rack, safety yellow, weber 38dgas, Downey header. 1973 FJ-40 parts rig with a 350. 1993 FZJ-80 112k, cdl switch, 7-pin mod, new ecu, ARB/Warn12k, Wild Country TXR 285's,Astrostart autostart, 1" Slee spacers, Blue hub.

08-21-07, 06:44 PM	#21
Chris123 IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 16	Sweeeeet!!!!!! __________________ 1976 FJ40 V8 Conversion 2005 Tundra 4WD Extra Cab TRD, Towing Package

09-06-07, 06:28 AM	#23
Freeman IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North East Alabamy Posts: 5	Nice Rig.

09-07-07, 05:10 PM	#24
Coyner IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Upper Michigan Posts: 54	Great looking ride. __________________ '66 FJ40, nearly stock. Last edited by Coyner; 09-07-07 at 05:12 PM. Reason: Re-read three times and found the answer to my Q

08-17-07, 10:52 PM	#18
scouthead IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: H.B. CA Posts: 372	Looks good. I kind of want a 40 now... __________________ I've chosen to ignore the pile of receipts...but I know it's growing...

08-18-07, 04:54 PM	#19
mncruiser74 IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Rochester, MN/Santa Monica, CA Posts: 25	Very nice rig. I can't wait to get mine in that shape. Really like the tire carrier. Did you just attach the bottom bar to the bumper? Also where do u pick up a chromolly hinge set up like that?

08-19-07, 12:22 PM	#20
67azcruizr IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Tucson AZ TLCA# 18163 Posts: 701	another early one saved, very nice ride __________________ 59FST FJ25 62FST FJ40 64HT FJ40 Sean

08-25-07, 05:55 PM	#22
sonnydaze IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 183	cool ride __________________ the sex your getting you aint wantin the sex you wantin you aint gettin

09-08-07, 10:42 AM	#25
HawkDriver Tougher'n a $2 steak Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: look up TLCA# 15861 Posts: 2,969	Bitchin, and nice work on the carrier! __________________ 1975 FJ40, it's like having a second job. 2000 UZJ100, what's that thing for?

09-08-07, 07:09 PM	#26
bakelite IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lonesome Dove, BC Posts: 40	Wow, nice rig you did a nice job on that.

09-12-07, 07:52 PM	#27
Sputnik40 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2005 TLCA# 6187 Posts: 1,386	Very nice - I especially like those older style windshield frames. __________________ "The devil made me do it the first time. The second time I done it on my own."

09-13-07, 06:27 PM	#28
camcruiser13 Me and my Big Wheel Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: in the garage after dark in UT Posts: 5,042	slick, nice rig __________________ cc ------------- 76' fj40 camcrusier13 build threads the following are links, just click, go on try it Traction Bar Sliders Ram Assist Bumper Poison Spider Style Shackle Reversal Half Doors if your doing it im sure ive done it, need help just ask.......

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