Builds 1964-1984 FJ40 - "I got it one piece at a time..." (3 Viewers)

[bmoonhajjar]

Visited the Landcruiser Museum today. Got several good ideas for my build.

 

[bmoonhajjar]

Ok…back in the (new) shop. Finally got power so time to mock up the shocks.

 

[65swb45]

Ok…back in the (new) shop. Finally got power so time to mock up the shocks.

View attachment 3170327

Are you sure the hood is going to close?

I can almost hear your answer! Hood? Hood? What is this thing you speak of?

 

[bmoonhajjar]

Are you sure the hood is going to close?

I can almost hear your answer! Hood? Hood? What is this thing you speak of?

Ha. Yes. These are the 14” shocks for my other build. I have the 10” ones coming tomorrow. It will fit. The rear will be more challenging.

 

[65swb45]

For the rears you can just make the lower mounts 4” below the axle like Ford did with the new Bronco, right?
I mean those engineers know what they’re doing, ammaright?

 

[bmoonhajjar]

For the rears you can just make the lower mounts 4” below the axle like Ford did with the new Bronco, right?
I mean those engineers know what they’re doing, ammaright?

Ha. I prefer to keep the clearance. I will figure it out.

 

[bmoonhajjar]

This project is moving S-L-O-W, but starting to make progress. Decided to do new floors in order to hug the H55F a bit tighter and maximize foot space with a smaller trans tunnel. Also going to build a custom fuel cell below the front seats that is more integral than the ones I have seen before.

 

[65swb45]

Good on you. It was until a service manager at TLC suggested it to me almost two decades ago that I realized in the bulk of cases that the transmission tunnel does not need to be as wide as it is. I think I figured out back then that with even a modicum of patience, the first 'rise' from the lip could be fairly easily inverted on any 40 series that wasnt using a column shifter to net 2". And that 2" is almost civilizing.

Look forward to seeing the progress.

On the tank, @DHONDAGOD made what I consider to be a very smart crosscab tank for his 40 series. The middle of the tank had a well/sump feature about 6" wide and a couple of inches deep. This helped insure that the engine wouldn't stall during extended off camber maneuvers. If I were ever to build myself a tank, I would definitely incorporate that feature.

 

[Drake2]

Here are a few images from the Solid Works file for the transmission cross member.
View attachment 3016641View attachment 3016642View attachment 3016643View attachment 3016644

I've been using Solidworks on a daily basis since 2003.......takes most of the guess work out and should give you better results in minimal time. That design looks great!

 

[bmoonhajjar]

I've been using Solidworks on a daily basis since 2003.......takes most of the guess work out and should give you better results in minimal time. That design looks great!

My fab guy is doing it all in SolidWorks. It is very helpful for me to visualize everything.

 

[bmoonhajjar]

Got the shock towers fabricated and installed.

 

[bmoonhajjar]

Ok, so I know it has been a while. My fab guy is having some medical issues unfortunately.

Here are some pics of the body lift being mocked up. We decided to make brackets similar to the original body mounts but 1.5" taller so that it would look somewhat stock to the untrained eye. Also continued maximizing the leg room with the reduced trans tunnel and front floors. That is not my hood or bib on it for the mock up, but it shows what the lift will look like.

 

[bmoonhajjar]

 

[bmoonhajjar]

 

[65swb45]

So I get that the body lift gets you some more clearance in the back for longer shocks. Any other reasons?

 

[bmoonhajjar]

So I get that the body lift gets you some more clearance in the back for longer shocks. Any other reasons?

Going with 35” tires but could have done that without lift. Really needed the clearance for the R2.8 oil pan to clear the pumpkin. Plus I like a bit of a lift. Not too much.

 

[bmoonhajjar]

Progress is slow, but second cross member is complete.

 

[bmoonhajjar]

Starting some body work. Cleaning up the tub to make sure there is no residual rust anywhere.

 

[65swb45]

That crossmember is a work of art Brian.

 

[bmoonhajjar]

That crossmember is a work of art Brian.

Thanks Mark. My fabricator is pretty amazing, but he is unfortunately going through some really tough medical issues with his back and hip which prevents him from making much progress on these rigs. This crossmember was literally done (designed, cut and fabricated) in 3 days since he has been on a new pain killer. When he is able to work, he is super fast and really good, but there was two straight months he didn't touch a tool.