Builds 1966 FJ40 Frame-Off Build (3rd Generation Owner)

[Rock40]

Front drums are on along with both wheel hubs. OEM wheel studs installed, tie rod installed and toe-in set....waiting on the correct 50mm spindle nut to set the pre-load on the front axle bearings

 

[Jason Reed]

I'm starting to think, I'm going to be too scared to put this thing on the pavement

 

[Rock40]

Put the two front tires on for mock-up at this point, I think it looks just about perfect!

Also, I did some paint touch-up on the rear axle outers and the rear axle is just about ready to go back together. I'll probably be able to get the wheel cylinders and shoes on today.

On going project this morning is the restoration of the old Warn hubs. The aluminum bodies are getting clear coated.

 

[Rock40]

Rear axle is coming together, I'm waiting on axle seals currently

 

[skidplate]

I'm starting to think, I'm going to be too scared to put this thing on the pavement

Na! You're gonna love to drive it! I want to see a good "before and after" pic when she's all done.

 

[Rock40]

Fun with Warn hubs...

Installed....

Rear bumpstop mounts and bumpstops are also installed along with rear axle shaft bearings.

 

[Jason Reed]

Looks awesome Ross......

 

[Jason Reed]

Subscribed! This is gorgeous and I'm very jealous!

Thanks for the compliment. It's coming together nicely.

 

[apeterson]

Just wow! Subscribed.

Makes my truck look trashy. Awesome job

 

[Jason Reed]

So @Rock40 and I need some tech assistance here on a sealing washer question. #92 on SOR diagram (below) is a lower bolt on the timing cover area that goes directly into the block. When I re-ordered a couple of them from SOR they came with the bolt and lock washer. However when Ross pulled them out of the F-145 motor upon disassembly these rubber sealing washers were behind the bolt. Any help is appreciated. Are these in fact OEM washers that reside behind this bolt?

 

[Jason Reed]

But, this is what came from SOR when I ordered #92. No rubber sealing washer.

 

[Jason Reed]

Stopped by the H&S Bodyworks shop today in Bakersfield and progress seems to be going well. Almost all done with the body. First 180 sand completed. A few more small patches and this thing will go to primer and 1st block. Very happy with progress and trying to time this when I go see @Rock40 in August to pick up the completed rolling chassis, engine, transmission & transfer case.

Front of the cowl/tub:

Right Hand Side:

Dash:

 

[Jason Reed]

Then a few more final shots from @Rock40's work from last weekend.

And this one is my favorite shot so far. Just a clean look from the front leveled...

 

[Rock40]

It's a roller....

 

[Rock40]

Worked on the intake and exhaust manifold about 4 hours this morning. Was actually able to free up the heat riser with a combination of torch, PB Blaster and patience. The intake is going to be sent in for hot tanking, things are coming along nicely. I dig the Japanese characters on the manifold

 

[Rock40]

Today was the day for finishing off the transfer case and the oddball 4WD vacuum shift actuator.

All the bolts and gaskets are in and properly torqued minus the input/output nuts. Bolts are "new" re-plated OEM stuff

Parking brake assembly, drum and new cable installed

 

[Rock40]

Started the assembly of this complex little unit....

Some parts (like one of the shift boots) are no longer available so I improvised. In the case of the missing shift boot, a boot from a clutch slave cylinder fit perfectly. I also re-used the original diaphragm after treating it with some conditioner.

Unlike the later vacuum shift units which used internal shift linkage, the linkage on this 66' is all exposed

It's done, now for testing...

 

[Rock40]

Here are the videos

 

[Rock40]

Yesterday, I got the front/rear pinion nuts properly torqued, drain/fill plugs in the axles, several breathers installed and the rear axle cover back in place

 

[40LandCruising]

Just found this thread, really good details, I'm enjoying the read. It's evident you take pride in the quality of your work. Sorry for the hijack, But I think my steering was slightly worse. Check out the relay rod and the comparison of a correct Drivers side steering arm(top), to the one that was on there.