[JamesR]

Josh and Jackson's FT-40 Update - I spoke with Josh's best friend who visited Josh in KS. Brandon knows that Josh wanted to replace the 6 with a V8, and replace the 3 speed tranny with the 5 speed tranny (I know nothing about the tranny.). I have access to a chevy 350. Is that a common swap or is the smaller V8 better? I wish I could provide addional info but as of yet I can't.

Here's the link to the blog: <https://www.joshandjacksonFJ40.blogspot.com>

Here's the link to the <https://paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr>

ThanksJamesR

[KOOTENAY KRUZER]

Originally Posted by JamesR

Josh and Jackson's FT-40 Update - I spoke with Josh's best friend who visited Josh in KS. Brandon knows that Josh wanted to replace the 6 with a V8, and replace the 3 speed tranny with the 5 speed tranny (I know nothing about the tranny.). I have access to a chevy 350. Is that a common swap or is the smaller V8 better? I wish I could provide addional info but as of yet I can't.

Here's the link to the blog: <https://www.joshandjacksonFJ40.blogspot.com>

Here's the link to the <https://paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr>

ThanksJamesR

From what I read on this site, the 350 Chevy is the most common V8 to swap in. Fifth gear in teh 5-speed tranny is an overdrive which is great for the highway portion of any drive, especially with an engine with enough torque to leave it in fifth. The other people on this forum can tell you more about all this. Sorry for your loss.

[89s rule]

Could be a NV4500 (Chevy) or a H55f (Toyota). I think those are the only 2 options for 5 speed swaps.

[huston53]

This is the type of engine swap that we did to my truck. It's not to hard to do. If your still coming to the car show on Sat I can show you how we did mine. However, the only thing with going from a 3 speed to a 5 speed is that you may have to modify the floor board a bit to make the shifter fit.
I was also talking to my husband about your son's truck, and he thinks he has worked on it before (for I showed him some of the pictures you have). Did he buy it from someone here in GA?

PM me and I'll give you my number so if you are able to come out on Sat I can let you know where I'll be for the car show.

Hilery

Originally Posted by JamesR

Josh and Jackson's FT-40 Update - I spoke with Josh's best friend who visited Josh in KS. Brandon knows that Josh wanted to replace the 6 with a V8, and replace the 3 speed tranny with the 5 speed tranny (I know nothing about the tranny.). I have access to a chevy 350. Is that a common swap or is the smaller V8 better? I wish I could provide addional info but as of yet I can't.

Here's the link to the blog: <https://www.joshandjacksonFJ40.blogspot.com>

Here's the link to the <https://paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr>

ThanksJamesR

[pigpen4x4]

James,

I am so very sorry for your loss! You and your family are, and will be, in my prayers. You are definately doing the right thing by keeping the FJ and restoring it. If I were to meet the same fate, I would want the same thing done with my FJ40 so it could be passed on to my son. I know your son is looking down at you and very proud of you for this decision. Have fun with the rebuild!!

Mike
U.S. Army

[Mendocino]

James,

I think you are doing a noble thing and your actions will generate many wonderful memories as a result.

Best regards,

Jeff

[texas dogman]

James,

I know the pain you must feel. Just last month, I attended a funeral of a long time friend who just lost their son to an IED in Iraq. He was a Marine, gaurding a check station when the incident occured.

Anyway, I am currently doing a frame off rebuild of a 73- fj40 with a 350, sm465 tranny install. I live in Texas, but grew up in Atlanta. I will be there over Thanksgiving, and plan to spend several days in Athens. I lived there for a number years while in college and graduate school. I know Watkinsville quite well. I would be glad to stop by and visit with you for a while during and discuss what you can do or some options as for your 350 upgrade. I am by no means no expert, but have spent hundred of hours reading other peoples ideas and posts on this forum. Send me a pm if you would like to get together for a few hours one after noon during that week of Thanksgiving.
Just let me know.....

[jcj_78FJ40]

James,
Thank you for sharing your story.
My deepest condolences for you and your family.
I look forward to see your progress on your son’s FJ.
Charlton

[colangut]

James,

When I was a boy, I lived on an air base that supported the Vietnam war. Every now and then, a black car would roll around and then a family would move away. Of one my friends Mike never met his dad. He died a few days before Mike was born, "making one more pass" in his Cobra trying to save some Rangers who were screaming for help. Mike's mom married another airman and was a good father to him, but he always wondered about his dad. Perhaps the FJ40 will be a way for your grandson to connect with his father.

Years later I found my friend through a web page dedicated to his dad's actions in Vietnam. He was shocked that 20 years later, I had remembered what happened to his father and was able to find him. Seeing how my friend reacted to this, I think your grandson would love his father's FJ40.

-Stumbaugh

[JamesR]

Josh and Jackson's FJ-40 Update - I spoke with Leslie last night. Josh and Jackson's FJ-40 should be here in 3 to 4 weeks (Army Time) - so hopefully, it'll arrive before Christmas. This may be premature, which translates to "I haven't spoken to Jean, my wife, yet." Does anyone have or know of a FJ-40 for sale for a very resonable price?

Here's the link to the blog: <https://www.joshandjacksonFJ40.blogspot.com>

Here's the link to the <https://paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr>

Thanks
JamesR(eeves)
KF4AQO

[eventhough]

James - am still following your thread. Call or email whenever I may be of any help.

[JamesR]

Originally Posted by JamesR

Josh and Jackson's FT-40 Update - I spoke with Josh's best friend who visited Josh in KS. Brandon knows that Josh wanted to replace the 6 with a V8, and replace the 3 speed tranny with the 5 speed tranny (I know nothing about the tranny.). I have access to a chevy 350. Is that a common swap or is the smaller V8 better? I wish I could provide addional info but as of yet I can't.

Here's the link to the blog: <https://www.joshandjacksonFJ40.blogspot.com>

Here's the link to the <https://paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr>

ThanksJamesR

I found out that this Sunday from 11:00AM to 2:00PM at the Oconee County Civil Center is a BBQ fundraiser for Leslie and Jackson.
If any of you guys/ladies live nearby - come on down. I'd like to meet you.

Here's more info:
Subject: Sunday Lunch-Nov 11 from 11a to 2p, Civic Center, Benefit Reeves Family and Oconee Veterans Memorial


Greetings................You are invited and bring a friend or the whole family. And would you help us by passing the word around? Print and distribute the fliers (attached) or send to addresses on your e-mail list.

The Oconee Veterans Memorial Foundation is coordinating a fundraising B-B-Q for the memorial to be built and erected at the entrance of the Oconee Community Complex and for the Reeves Family. Two (2) fliers are attached with the specifics. Since veterans are both Democrats, Republicans and Independents, it is fitting for all to pay tribute to our Oconee Veterans.

The B-B-Q (being prepared by Tom Little and his staff) is donation only (no tickets) and all proceeds will go to the Reeves Family and the Memorial Foundation for building the memorial.

Please help Mr Little by getting the word out this weekend or early next week. The date is Memorial Day, Nov 11 on Sunday from 11 am to 2 PM - a nice lunch after Church. It will be at the Civic Center. Carry-out or Eat-in.

Thanks Much,
Kate

Kate McDaniel
1380 Brittain Estates Drive
Watkinsville, GA 30677
706-769-6840 (home)
katemail@bellsouth.net (home)
www.apvoc.com

[JamesR]

I should receive my son's FJ-40 before the end of the month. I spoke with a friend of Josh's who was starting the truck every frew weeks. He told me it has a flat tire and the engine may be "locked up". I called and spoke with him. He said that it would turn over even with a new battery. He was able to start it by pushing it off but it wouldn't run under it's own power. I'll let everyone know when it arrives.
I know for sure it's a 72. Leslie called it the "rolling tool box".
(Leslie is coming down next week and will stay a little over a week. I'm excited to see her and Jackson.)
This is going to be fun.

[JamesR]

[quote=JamesR;2729930]I should receive my son's FJ-40 before the end of the month.]

Josh & Jackon's FJ-40 will arrive tomorrow, Friday 11/16, according to the shipping company that called yesterday. Leslie and Jackson will arrive this afternoon. It's going to be a great weekend.

I'll post some photos later this week (probably this weekend.)

[eventhough]

James - I look forward to seeing pics and helping with the 40. Please keep us updated.

Steve

[JamesR]

I got home today and sitting next to my 75 Bronco is Josh & Jackson's 72 FJ-40. There's a lot of work to be done. There's a new winch and what looks like a transfer case in the rear where the jump seats will go - Josh really wanted to install jump seats - that'll come later. The engine looks a mess - the snorkle isn't connected to the air intake - one tire is really flat - there's a couple of pair of muddy sun glasses in there that Josh wore and a few other personal items that makes me sad. But, Jackson and Leslie are here now and I can't help but smile knowing that Josh is looking over him and Leslie.

I'll take some photos and post them.
It sure would have been fun to wheel with Josh.

[JamesR]

Does anyone know a good source for the handle that opens the rear tailgate door. I've looked but I can't find one. I don't want to try to open the "hospital" type doors without lifting the tailgate. The hande got broken, somehow, during shipping.
Thanks

[jibber]

Hi james, looking forward to the pics! Sent ya a PM with a couple of local resources for parts.

[FF LC FREAK]

For a rear handle, there are several options. These break quite easily. You can still get them from the dealer from what I understand. Or, you can fix it yourself - http://www.globalsoftware-inc.com/coolerman/fj40/19.htm.

Other places to look are:

http://coolfj40.stores.yahoo.net/hanreardoorl.html

http://www.sor.com/sor/cat134.tam?xa...x=cat134%2Etam

Whichever route you go with, make sure to lube up the linkage really well.

Good luck!

[trekker]

Need some pics! I have a few bits and peices laying around that you might be able to use but I'll need to see the truck.

[JamesR]

For those who may want to see Jackson and Leslie as well as Josh & Jackson's FJ on TV, tonight on Ch 5 in Atlanta at 5 and 6 PM there'll be a news story about Josh. Ms. Pan also took footage of Josh and Jackson's FJ-40.
I'll post photos later tonight.

[Scottsire]

Sir,
As a member of the United States Air Force, I can not tell you how hearing your story has touched my life. I am in the business of bringing good men and women home and though I hear all sorts of things, I am never prepared when I hear news like yours. I am a patriot, a father, and a son, and we all owe your son our truest respect. My hat is off to you both. Your grandson is very much a lucky boy. Your son would be so very happy...


SrA Ryan Magee
S.E.R.E. Specialist
USAF
Return With Honor

[JamesR]

Hello All,
Here's my second attempt to post photos.

[JamesR]

[JamesR]

[JamesR]

Let me share this, Josh would have never left his FJ-40 as dirty as this. Evidently, someone drove it, a lot, while he was deployed. My first job - since I've already repaired the flat tire, is to hose it out and fix the rear door while I am waiting for the Chilton repair manual to arrive. The starter is in the drivers floor board and the carb isn't attached. Also, what apprears to be the air cleaner assembly is in the rear.

Leslie and Jackson are here and I'll get some photos of them in or near the FJ-40.

I really appreciate the words of encouragement and support. Last night ch 5 news did a segment about Josh, Leslie, and Jackson. It was nice.

I hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving. We all have a lot to be thankful/greatful for. This is a great country and I have a great family.

[TRAILTOYZ]

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

[JamesR]

Josh and Leslie's stuff arrived from KS last night. It was delivered to TN. Leslie says there are 3 or 4 boxes of truck parts. She doesn't know what they are. I'm heading up there this weekend or next to bring the stuff back home. I'll keep everyone posted. I'm excited to begin the project. I know I'll need to be patient. I would at least to get it started. I'm waiting on the Chilton manual to see how the carb goes back on...

[PScottBx]

James, I know we are 3 pages into this but somehow I must have missed the first time it was posted.

Please accept my deepest sympathy for you and your family. To say, "Thank you" for your son's service and ultimate sacrifice just doesn't seem to do it justice.

Good luck to you. If there is anything that I or the Bayou State Land Cruiser Association can do for you please let us know.




Scott

[89s rule]

I am not sure if anyone has told you bu tthe Chilton manual is incomplete on a lot of things. I have one for my fj62 but it is lacking. A Factory Service Manual has everything you will ever need in specific detail.

The 40 looks like its in OK shape, a few things here and there and it should be up and running. Please continue to keep us posted as we will remember you and your during this holiday season.