Builds 1975 FJ45-Running Rebuild (2 Viewers)

[Taha32]

About 800km done so far on my road trip. From Napier up to lake Waikaromoana, out to east cape then up to Ohope in the Bay of Plently.

Camping spot for the first night.

First major issue was with my mates bj73 after he drove up from Christchurch, leaking rear axel seal with turned into loose wheel bearings. Luckey we hadent leafe mine and I had a few spares. All new hub seals for the rear diff and repacked and tightened the bearings. Problem solved, I also fixed is boost leak but his tie rod ends need attention along with the front right wheel bearing which is tonight's job.

Hydro power station

Trucks a bit dusty with some unsealed roads.

Out at east cape

Bit of rain this morning but cleared up as we headed along the coast.

My 45s problems have included the drives door seal starting to come off. Lost two bolts from the left guard which have rattled out and the PS pump seems to be using fluid but no leaks I can see......

It's nice to cruise between 80-90kph, gets a bit loud past that with the windows down due to the summer heat.

 

[tucker74]

Beautiful man - enjoy the journey

 

[Michael B]

Looks like an awesome trip Tom! How's the 12HT running? Shouldn't those horses be on the other side of that fence?

 

[Taha32]

Looks like an awesome trip Tom! How's the 12HT running? Shouldn't those horses be on the other side of that fence?

12Ht is running well, great power for the hills and is using 10-11l/100km which is good.

On another note I have learned to use nylock nuts on my body mounts as both bolts dropped out of the front mounts and the left mount disappeared. Luckily the right was still there but the side step supports had gone too. I do remember something hitting one of the rear guards this morning so must of been a bolt or mount. Glad a found the issue after realizing the left side panels were not aligned right.

After a trip to a hardware store I was able to get some new bolts along with big galv washers and two rubber spaces to make up a temporary replacement mount. Should last out the week and will sort it when I get home.

Guess this is a shakedown trip to find out what's not quite right after the rebuild.

 

[Taha32]

Haven't posted any pictures for ages, truck has been running well but decided to add a tip deck.

New sub-frame at the back and decent hinges

Scissor ram with 2t tipping, works well off the 24v hydraulic pump

Added a wireless winch remote which does save plugging the wired remote in

Would have liked a bit more angle on the deck but metal tips off well. Need to add some latches on the front to hold the deck down when not using the tipper.

Engine finally got a proper air box, only took 3 years for me to do it.

 

[Taha32]

Been a busy start the the year in Hawkes bay. Cyclone Gabrielle hit us in feb which caused major damage with 12 bridges lost in the region and 2m of flooding at work. My house and cruiser were safe but the road was flooded for a few days. Got $10m+ of roading repairs to do at work so enough to keep me busy.

Late last year the 45 got new shoes, some mastercraft 33's which have a lot more grip than the old ones and are actually balance able.

Had issues with the ass end dropping when the deck is full and a trailer on the back so I decided to but some air bags in the back.

These were boss triple bags, the kit for the FJ40 was a close enough fit for a FJ45. Lifts the deck up 50mm with 70psi and no weight on the back. Hardly dropped at all the next load of firewood I ended up doing. Very happy with this addition. Have also been tidying up the under dash wiring, adding another e locker to the back after doing the front with the original resto. Got a head that needs new ring and pinion gears so thats my next challenge.

Unfortunately my dad passed away just after Christmas from Asbestosis, left a big hole in my life. Been getting into motorbikes, was able to rebuild dads Honda CB500 four with him late last year which was good. Keeping myself busy with projects but need more room with the motorbikes taking up what space I had.

 

[Vossie]

Condolences for the loss of your father. I don't know what I would do if I lost mine. Some nice bikes there!

 

[Michael B]

Sorry to hear about your father’s passing
Those Hondas sure look good !

 

[Taha32]

Sorry to hear about your father’s passing
Those Hondas sure look good !

Thanks for the condolences, yea if its not a Toyota its a Honda in my garage

 

[Taha32]

The cruiser and I have been busy with firewood, put in a wood burner at home for heating so be scavenging up all the good wood I can find from work. Being a bit picky at there is lots of plantation pine but going after the Douglass fir, Kanuka (tea-tree) and other native/better firewood that has come down with the cyclone. Air bags have been good in the back, no issue when loading it up, planning to build a cage for the back next which slot into the deck to get more wood on.

Jess is wondering why she has no room left on the back.

In other news I am planning on taking 6 months off in the new year and traveling Aus > US > Europe. No firm plans yet but if anyone is keen to put me up for a couple of days and show me the sights or point me in the right direction I can reciprocate if you every come to NZ. Can even put me to work fixing your Land Cruiser