Not fun (or cheap)

[addicted56]

Well,

I drove my FJ40 for the first time on the Highway today to work. Somewhere between an adventure and miserable. 25 miles one way.

I still need to adjust my brakes (prayed nobody stopped in front of me and ran a few red lights)

Hot as hell (exhaust runs right under and a million holes in the firewall). I was sweating bullets and my feet were on fire.

Did OK on power but timing is still off (won't start where it wants to run well and won't run well where it wants to start)

Had an MP follow me and my turn signals still don't work. Lucky I escaped with my life as I don't have a seat belt in yet (I know I'm stupid) nor my other door.

The aftermarket mirror is so shaky I could not see out of it (rear view worked find though but the top comes down so far you can't see all that far back).

Cruised about 55 but I had a cruise control becuase the throttle cable is so sticky I had to use my hand to bring it back a few times (that is with a huge spring to bring it back).

I mean it has come a long ways but GEEZE. I'm getting a little disapointed lately. I should have just bought and 80' series and maybe the wife would come along. (Don't count that out).

It has character and looks bad ass it just isn't quite there.

Ohh yeah and all over the road (Never adjusted Caster angle). The front right brake works great..not so sure about the other.

Did flex the rear springs though today. I put about 300+lbs of bricks I got from work back there.

Ohh yeah and probably sucked down around 5 gallons of fuel. Maybe I won't be comming to the next uwharee at least in this thing.

[Michael Hanson]

Our 82, fj 40 has been a labor of love.Dont get down, it will take time. One thing go get a aluminum window sun screen at wal-mart and use it on the floor it really cuts down on heat to your feet.

[addicted56]

Thank you for the reccomendation. I'm going to have to do something. At least until the winter.

[Michael Hanson]

after market mirrors dont work.Get the older toyota ones that mount to the winshield bracket and are metal. make sure the heater door is completly closed on bottom they stick and flood you with unwanted heat.

[southerncruiser62]

Turn signals, because of the type circuit system the FJ40 use you will need to make sure all bulbs are in working order all four corners and including the dash indicators to truely have working turn signals, also make sure you have the correct bulbs in the the front and rear turn signals.


Don't get disappointed, like Mike has said, part of the joy of owning one of these trucks is the joy of working on them, at least for some. Do we need to make another club HAMOM down over to Fayetteville? I am sure there are a few willing to make the trip again. Don't hesitate to ask for assistant or information, theres a wealth of it here.

[Michael Hanson]

When we bought our 40 in south carolina we drove home to plano,texas and put 3 bags of concrete in the back just to even out the ride. My 52 year old wife loves our 40! esp. with the top off.

[addicted56]

I'm sure there will be another HAMON some day. I need to pay my dues and help out some others first though.

I agree that I enjoy working on them more than I probably do driving them. Probably why I have so many darn projects. I've never cared in the past that none of them run, been going 2 years on my 56 and not a care in the world, but when I see all the other kids out playing I want to come too. I think it would do fine at Uhware with just a tad bit of tweaking...might need to get my buddies trailer again though to get it there this time around.

[BZEP]

I know how you feel its a love hate relationship. Sometimes when I strip a bolt or something doesn't go the way it should when working on the cruiser I am ready to torch the thing. But then you get that perfect weather day and the cruiser runs great and you know its all worth it.

[Michael Hanson]

The more you work on it the better it looks ,the more compliments you get,the better you feel about it.

[little_joe]

I just drive my 80. On our last trip to URE, it was nice riding the trails with the AC on.

[Flinny]

It gets a little bit frustrating from time to time. Once you get one problem figured out you will get motivated to fix the next.....I can not even remember all the times I though about selling the 40s and be done with it.....but cant do it......we are working on 2 right now .....

A 80 series is off course more pleasant to drive...we don't use the 80 for heavy off road...just for expedition type trails...like the once we just went with Scott to VA, long beach trips, etc. In those situations i rather have the 80 because we normally travel with pets and make things a lot easier. If it was my husband and I only, I would probably drive the 40 more....I just love the looks of the 40.....

Keep it up...I don't think you will ever finish with the suffering of keeping the 40 in good running condition. After all its all worthy.

[krzyabncanuck]

I am available most sundays here. Gives the better half an excuse to see her horses anyway.

[addicted56]

Originally Posted by krzyabncanuck

I am available most sundays here. Gives the better half an excuse to see her horses anyway.

I might just have to take you up on that.

Maria...with all those extra vehicles around there you wouldn't happen to have an extra throttle cable would ya???

[Flinny]

Originally Posted by addicted56

Maria...with all those extra vehicles around there you wouldn't happen to have an extra throttle cable would ya???

I should have one off a 72 I am parting out. I will check the condition tomorrow.