Recent content by TheITGuy

Keep an eye on Craigslist too! A lot of good ole boys still list vehicles on there. That's where I found mine last year. He was in OH and I'm in TN. Talked to the guy for nearly 2 months while he wrapped up a few loose ends he wanted to fix for the new owner, finally met up for the exchange...

These are fun rigs to own! I picked up my first FJ40 last year and have really enjoyed driving it AND working on it. I have limited experience as a mechanic, and have to come to realize that the community here on Mud is helping keep a lot these old trucks on the road (including mine!). This...

Fingers crossed this new gasket works well and I don't have to look at ditching my aluminum cover any time soon! The other factor I noted was that there's a big steel hook at the back of the engine attached via two cylinder head bolts. I presume it's for pulling the engine out. However, that...

My valve cover has leaked since I bought my rig a year ago. Finally got around to fixing it this past weekend. I've got a 2F in my '74 with an aluminum cover. Went with the OEM rubber gasket (from SOR). There's zero way it would stay in the channel along the valve cover. Permatex #2 was...

That's got to be one of the coolest looking 45's that I've ever seen!

As noted by another above, many of these rigs are pieced together, so I wouldn't worry a ton about that unless you were strictly shopping for an all original example in the first place. If the restore was done well and you are happy with the 40 otherwise, I'd be tempted to see what kind of...

I finally bought my first 40 this past fall after looking at them online for many years. These old rigs have a ton of personality and they are fun to work on, you'll love it!

I've noticed my rig typically gurgles a bit after a drive on a hot day, but I don't have any overheating problems (far as I know) or any coolant leaks. Reading through these posts, it sounds like the only time you've gotten the IR gun out was on a morning run when outside temps were in the 70s...

My '74 got a new clutch assembly kit from SOR this past November. I would check there as well.

What a cool story! Glad that the 40 stayed in the family and will continue to do so. I'm also glad to see a younger guy working on one of these old rigs! Most guys your age can't even drive a manual at this point, let alone have the interest or capacity to turn a wrench. Great stuff!

Lots of opinions out there for sure, but I figure the folks that still professionally build and support these engines likely know best. My '74 is running a 2F that was rebuilt by Portland Engine Rebuilders in 2021. They state that using oil with no zinc content voids their warranty. Here's...

I found that same Youtube video this past fall and went that route. Worked out really well. Now I don't worry about getting whacked in the head by the rear hatch and I never have to use the twists to lock it open. The gas springs are a great hidden upgrade that let's you keep the OEM look.

The rubber o-ring and smaller felt washer both look like they might belong with the speedometer gear assembly. Looked familiar to me since I replaced mine just recently. https://shop.cruiserparts.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_3412_5719_3454&products_id=809

I've found that pulling out the instrument cluster enough to do anything useful is pretty much impossible if I don't disconnect the speedo cable first. Then I can lay it forward as far as I need to or pull it out entirely. That said, the only easy way I've found to disconnect (or reconnect)...

Actually, some '74's have a 4-speed tranny as well. It was introduced later in that model year.