1966 FJ45LV restoration/buildup project

[ColoCruiserJeff]

I'm glad to see that you're doing well on the LV! Sure is good that the center of the body is in good shape! You and I are in the same spot! I've considered purchasing finished corner panels from Eshan, but hard to cough up the $$ if I can do it locally. Not to mention the delay time in getting the parts here. He does amazing work as we all know, but we'll see later this week.

Hope all is well with ya! Keep up the great work!
-Jeff

 

[merbesfield]

I'm glad to see that you're doing well on the LV! Sure is good that the center of the body is in good shape! You and I are in the same spot! I've considered purchasing finished corner panels from Eshan, but hard to cough up the $$ if I can do it locally. Not to mention the delay time in getting the parts here. He does amazing work as we all know, but we'll see later this week.

Hope all is well with ya! Keep up the great work!
-Jeff

No real updates bc not too much to show. We have made a little progress on the LV, but I dropped my camera in the lake so nothing to shoot with. Mostly been working on the 71 Olds 442 Convertible. Since the sun has been shinning here that has kind of ruled the day. I have been trying to get it running well so I can throw the kids in the back and go for a ride. Plus, my back is still screwed so I am pretty limited as to what I can do. I will update a few pics soon. Hope all is well.

 

[cruiser_guy]

The OME suspension parts are in as well as most all the parts needed to get the frame rolling. The only parts I am having trouble finding are the front and rear shackles so if anyone knows where some are let me know.

I got greaseable shackles for front and rear from SOR and they fit the stock springs just fine.

What are the OME springs from? I can't imagine that they have a listing for the LV. Is the spring width different that makes using the stock shackles impossible?

 

[merbesfield]

I got greaseable shackles for front and rear from SOR and they fit the stock springs just fine.

What are the OME springs from? I can't imagine that they have a listing for the LV. Is the spring width different that makes using the stock shackles impossible?

It has been so long and my mind is so clouded, but I think the OME are the same width as 55 series springs so 45s will not work. And no one seems to have those? They were supposed to be getting some in at some point, but I thought I needed them sooner. But now that my back has put me so behind I could have waited for whatever it was they were going to get in. I need to call MAF and spend some time on the phone, but they do not seem to know a whole lot bc they are the ones that sent me the wrong greaseable shackles in the first place. The ones they sent me are for the 55, but they are way too tall.

 

[merbesfield]

I am thinking about going with a 5 spd transmission. Can anyone give me any tips and ideas where they can be bought other than the usual suspects? SOR and MAF. What is required to switch from the stock 4 spd. to the H55?

 

[cruiser_guy]

I am thinking about going with a 5 spd transmission. Can anyone give me any tips and ideas where they can be bought other than the usual suspects? SOR and MAF. What is required to switch from the stock 4 spd. to the H55?

If you are going to an H55 you need to either swap the transfer case too as the H55 has a 19 spline output and needs the split transfer case as opposed to the 16 spline output on a pre-'80 4 speed that uses the single piece case. I've heard of pre-'80 5 speeds (which I assume have a 16 spline output shaft) but I've never seen one, either for sale or "in the flesh". You will also have e-brake issues as the H55 uses the rear axle e-brake that pre-'80 trucks don't have. The other option there (besides a rear axle swap) is the drive line e-brake setup from SOR for the split transfer case at about $500. In order for the H55 shifter to be in the right place you'll need the top plate from a '40 series that was equipped with the H55 as the '60 series H55 would put the shifter too close to the seat (you may also need the transfer linkage as well).

Lots of work rounding up rare or hard to find parts!

 

[merbesfield]

If you are going to an H55 you need to either swap the transfer case too as the H55 has a 19 spline output and needs the split transfer case as opposed to the 16 spline output on a pre-'80 4 speed that uses the single piece case. I've heard of pre-'80 5 speeds (which I assume have a 16 spline output shaft) but I've never seen one, either for sale or "in the flesh". You will also have e-brake issues as the H55 uses the rear axle e-brake that pre-'80 trucks don't have. The other option there (besides a rear axle swap) is the drive line e-brake setup from SOR for the split transfer case at about $500. In order for the H55 shifter to be in the right place you'll need the top plate from a '40 series that was equipped with the H55 as the '60 series H55 would put the shifter too close to the seat (you may also need the transfer linkage as well).

Lots of work rounding up rare or hard to find parts!

wow, that is a lot more work than i had hoped. from what i had read, i thought it was basically a swap. the transmission is the easy part of the equation.

 

[66LV]

I put a H55 in my LV. Though the shifter does sit further back than the 40's series surprisingly it works well even with the bench seat all the way foward. I would put the e-brake on the tranfer case other than swap the rear end just because it's simpler. I'm using a "SERVICED" transmission and transfer case from specter.It works perfectly. The fit is a little tight with the body contacting the transer case shifter. I had to clearance that area a little.The standard 40 series 4 speed bellhousing also needs clearanced a little so the H55 to fit.

 

[merbesfield]

I put a H55 in my LV. Though the shifter does sit further back than the 40's series surprisingly it works well even with the bench seat all the way foward. I would put the e-brake on the tranfer case other than swap the rear end just because it's simpler. I'm using a "SERVICED" transmission and transfer case from specter.It works perfectly. The fit is a little tight with the body contacting the transer case shifter. I had to clearance that area a little.The standard 40 series 4 speed bellhousing also needs clearanced a little so the H55 to fit.

66LV, could you give me a little more detailed info on the trans swap. remember you are dealing with a newbie cruiser guy here so more info is better than less. So you got your transmission and transfer from SOR. is the transfer different than that of a late model, 78, 2F? I have a 78 2F engine and transmission out of a FJ55 that i am using. it also has the factory power steering setup. I will be adding A/C using Vintage Air. I just resealed the 4 speed transmission that I have, but I think now would be the time to do the H55 while the body is off etc b/c I would prob. kick myself later for not doing the 5 speed. I hear it makes the truck much more driver friendly and highway friendly. thanks, mark

 

[66LV]

You cannot use your 78 transfer case. The H55 works only with the split case. Make sure you buy an H55 for a H or F series engine ,not the B series. You'll need to grind a bit on your bell bousing to bolt up the H55. You'll see where it's pretty obvious when you get the tranny. The drive shaft flanges need to be from the earlier split case in order to fit your 78 drive shafts. with the body off it should be a pretty straight forward installtion. If you buy your H55 and splitcase from specter have them install the e- brake there.

 

[merbesfield]

You cannot use your 78 transfer case. The H55 works only with the split case. Make sure you buy an H55 for a H or F series engine ,not the B series. You'll need to grind a bit on your bell bousing to bolt up the H55. You'll see where it's pretty obvious when you get the tranny. The drive shaft flanges need to be from the earlier split case in order to fit your 78 drive shafts. with the body off it should be a pretty straight forward installtion. If you buy your H55 and splitcase from specter have them install the e- brake there.

so it sounds like i just need to buy a transmission with transfer case from SOR and have them install the ebrake? what does that setup cost from them do you know? is my old transmission and transfer worth much money? just wondering what the net net will cost me? thanks for the help.

 

[merbesfield]

066-500A

5 Speed Transmission & Transfercase-SERVICED-Fits 8/80-1/90 FJ60 & HJ60 (can be used for FJ40)-For FJ40, FJ55 & FJ60 will need drive shaft modifications (4/85 & later FJ60s can use same drive shafts)-For 1958-7/80 may need parking brake modifications-Has been serviced-They have been completely dismantled, inspected, cleaned and reassembled-They have a 6 month/6000 mile warranty-No core deposit required-Must be shipped by truck (approximate weight = 400 lbs.)

$2900.00

looks like this is what are talking about?

 

[66LV]

That looks like the one. you might save 10% if you join the SOR club.

 

[merbesfield]

Can you guys give me advice on the best way to cleanup and polish the aluminum valve cover for my 2F motor? Glass beads? hand sand, too much work, what is best and easy? or does that exist?

 

[Lucy_FJ55]

Can you guys give me advice on the best way to cleanup and polish the aluminum valve cover for my 2F motor? Glass beads? hand sand, too much work, what is best and easy? or does that exist?

Howdy, I had my VC glass-bead blasted and then I spray bombed it with high temp clear coat. I think it turned out great and cost about $40.

 

[merbesfield]

Howdy, I had my VC glass-bead blasted and then I spray bombed it with high temp clear coat. I think it turned out great and cost about $40.

that does look great. have you installed it yet? how is the clear coat holding up?

 

[merbesfield]

Help with shackles

Ok finally, here are some pics of the two shackles I have for the front and rear of my LV to go along with my OME springs. I was told by MAF that these are correct for a 2.5" lift using OME springs. I think they look too tall to me. Here is the short story if possible. I was told by MAF that my shackles needed to be +1" to result in the total 2.5" lift quoted by OME. These shackles look tall to me, but what do I know. Here are the pics to show the dimensions of the actual shackles they sent me so someone who has done this before (Bull) may be able to tell me what to do. The question is the bolt spacing. I believe the fronts are 4.75" and rears are 5.5" which is two inches over stock. I think MAF sold me +2" over stock. The question is does OME need + sized shackles to get the full 2.5" of advertised lift and if so what size? Does any of this make sense? The one on the top is the rear and bottom of pic is front.

 

[merbesfield]

I talked to MAF today and got some clarification. The OME kit is designed to give 2+/- " of lift. Adding the above shackles will take it to a 3+/- lift. So the question is what amount of lift do you guys think is good. I am not going to off road this rig admittedly so is 3" of lift too much for the street? I don't want it so tall that the wife and kids can't get in it etc. Thanks for the advice.

 

[45Kevin]

I got my VC dipped with the engine block and a year later it still looks good. Not exactly polished but still shiny and cleans good with a pressure washer.

 

[ColoCruiserJeff]

How's it going down in GA? Good looking progress on the LV! Sure would've been nice to see it in person LOL Hope you're doing well. Give me a shout sometime to talk shop!