New member with 72' FJ40

[dirtyjobs]

Hey all,
I wanted to say what’s up and introduce myself to the forum. I am now the current owner of my very first FJ40. I have been reviewing some information on this forum for a couple of days now and I think this is the best one of all to choose from (but if there are other good ones out there I just didn’t find, please PM me).
So, on the to do list is an alignment (needs it bad) I have hardly any left hand turn capability and it pulls right something awful. Also, the Transfer case fluid looks like straight mud so I will be changing out all the boxes as well as engine oil. The guy I got it from gave me a manila folder about 4" thick full of paper work from him and previous owners, talk about paying it forward. When I looked through everything I began to wonder what my contribution will get to be this great relic. I'll know soon enough I suppose.
So thanks for the information I have received already as well as in advance for all the help I’m sure to need.

 

[MicahMan]

Welcome

That is sweet there is nothing like a vehicle with history.
First thing is read read read. Get a manual read read read. Ask questions and you'll be amazed how great the mud community is. I've gotten help, advise, free parts, sold parts, used parts, and most of all an understanding of the addiction. Get out to club runs and find more cruiser heads!

Welcome!

 

[coinoperated40]

Also welcome.
It looks lonely in that shop. You need more toys.

 

[35snmud]

Welcome

Glad to have you aboard. Welcome to the addiction.

 

[Roboosfj40s]

Welcome to the Insanity! Nice rig!

 

[TCSTARK]

That jerry can holder could be causing your cruiser sever imbalance. You better send it to me for thorough testing. I will promptly send it back in the next 20 years. WELCOME to the addiction!

How do you know when the addiction has fully set in? When you spend more time trolling the classifieds... Good luck and post more pics.

 

[centerlineseal]

Welcome to MUD, the absolute best source of FJ40 info on the planet!

Make sure you have lots of $$ as you go forward, as these things love to be seriously modified.

That said, I have a '72 that I've owned since '76. You got any Qs , give me a shout!

 

[crapzuk]

Only the truest pimps rock 72's...

 

[bikersmurf]

Welcome!

I'm guessing it has got powersteering. Also that the drag link is too long... Thus limiting your left turns.

 

[dirtyjobs]

Bikersmurf, yea I really don't know for sure. Why would the drag link be too long? If so it just needs adjusted with an alignment or replace with a shorter one?
Great, I'm obsessed already, doing this from my phone at 0630am...let the insanity begin.

 

[grant5127]

The front axle is sitting too far forward, even the shock angle is off...
Most likely front springs need to be flipped around...

 

[dirtyjobs]

I know the previous owner said he put longer shafts on it to accommodate the 4" lift. So I may need a shorter front shaft?

 

[grant5127]

Yes, get an adverage travel measurement by using the slip-yoke... 1 measurement with weight off suspension and one loaded.....you can tell by that what direction you would need to go if the front axle was back where it should be...

 

[grant5127]

Can't tell for sure, but looking at the pinion angle the caster must be off... just as well source a pair of 4* shims while you are there......

 

[subzali]

Don't get your driveshafts confused with your drag link and tie rod. The PO probably lengthened the driveshafts due to the lift.

With that drag link at that angle you are probably going to get some bump-steer. If it were me I'd be looking into a drop pitman arm for you steering box (assuming it's a Saginaw) and possibly high-steer arms for your steering knuckles. Also, I'm trying to figure out if your drag link end, where it plugs into your tie rod, is hitting your springs as it moves back and forth. I don't think that tie rod end is supposed to have an offset hole. Maybe it depends on exactly what model those tie rod ends were pulled from.

 

[dirtyjobs]

I have alomost no idea what you guys are talking about except that an alignment is not going to fix this problem, ha, ha!
The steering dampner(which I have) is not installed at present either and it does not have PS.
Saginaw; how would I know that?
I have a small box with a couple of old tie rod ends (I think thats what they are).
If you guys can help me get close to the right answer here I'd sure appreciate it, granted I need to know how all this stuff works anyway. If not I'll just read up and figure it all out eventually, just takes longer is all. Need more/better pics of something??

 

[AlexJet]

I like the size of your garage and a presence of a hoist. I wish I could have such space...

 

[subzali]

I have alomost no idea what you guys are talking about except that an alignment is not going to fix this problem, ha, ha!
The steering dampner(which I have) is not installed at present either and it does not have PS.
Saginaw; how would I know that?
I have a small box with a couple of old tie rod ends (I think thats what they are).
If you guys can help me get close to the right answer here I'd sure appreciate it, granted I need to know how all this stuff works anyway. If not I'll just read up and figure it all out eventually, just takes longer is all. Need more/better pics of something??

Your tie rod is the rod that connects your two wheels together at the steering arms. Your steering arms are bolted to the steering knuckles.

The drag link is the rod that connects to the tie rod close to your passenger side tire, then connects on the other end to the steering box on the driver's side frame rail. I assumed you had power steering, but you might have factory manual steering. A picture of the steering box on the driver's side frame rail would be helpful. Also a picture of the steering rod clearance on your passenger side spring while the truck is sitting on the ground would be useful.

 

[mattcamp]

Only the truest pimps rock 72's...

this must be true

 

[dirtyjobs]

I like the size of your garage and a presence of a hoist. I wish I could have such space...

Its not my garage guys. I rent one on occassion to make life easier. Usually I only do routine stuff, nothing major. I wish I had a hoist at my house though!!