Build 1970 FatherSonJ40 project

[Kmehr]

All wheels are mounted with extended lug nuts and they handle noticeably better. I’m thrilled with the look. In fact they’re so much smoother running now I can really feel a driveline vibration above 2k rpm’s in all gears!

Also had my dad help me get the cage in, I think it looks so awesome and my boys are thrilled to have the 40 back on the road!

 

[Kmehr]

Really digging the new wheels and cage, but damn now I can really feel a harmonic vibration above 2k rpms. It doesn’t change if I’m sitting still, clutch in or clutch out. New motor mounts are on the way, as mine are in bad shape all around. Really hope that’s it. Part of me really feels like it’s clutch/flywheels related, but who knows. One thing at a time.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Got any steep long grades in your area - roll down it with engine off in neutral tranny, then again with transfer in neutral.

Flywheel bolts can come loose, usually from not using locking tabs or loctite. Clutch bolts getting loose or not mounted correctly as in flat due to crud.

 

[Kmehr]

Got any steep long grades in your area - roll down it with engine off in neutral tranny, then again with transfer in neutral.

Flywheel bolts can come loose, usually from not using locking tabs or loctite. Clutch bolts getting loose or not mounted correctly as in flat due to crud.

I do and can do that. What does each step tell me though?

 

[charliemeyer007]

The engine is off so the fly wheel isn't moving. With the T/T in neutral you are isolating the units that could influence vibrations up to the clutch/pressure plate. Engine mounts are most likely the issue but it doesn't hurt to test the other components, especially when it free and only takes a few minutes.

 

[Kmehr]

The engine is off so the fly wheel isn't moving. With the T/T in neutral you are isolating the units that could influence vibrations up to the clutch/pressure plate. Engine mounts are most likely the issue but it doesn't hurt to test the other components, especially when it free and only takes a few minutes.

Gotcha, yes that makes sense! I’ll give that a go and report back.

 

[Kmehr]

Spent most of the day today replacing the engine and transmission mounts, which were all in terrible shape. Much worse than I initially thought. I’m happy to report that after doing so, the harmonic vibration is…..completely unchanged. Whaaa whaa.

I did some coasting down hill with the engine off and no vibration. It does not change if I’m moving or sitting still. Is at the same RPM in all three gears. Clutch in or out does not matter. So it’s got to be clutch forward. The engine runs really strong for a 1F and particularly once warm does not have any misfires or stumbling, so I really really think it’s flywheels or clutch. Uhg. I really don’t want to do another project on this drivetrain when I’m just eventually going to yank for the diesel and h55… but that also seems very far off given I neeed to get my Alfa running and in tip shape so I have something fun to drive in the meantime… no sympathy for the man with the toys…

 

[Kmehr]

Got the soft top frame finished up this afternoon and draped the canvas over top. I love the color combo. Really excited to get this wrapped up. I think it looks perfect!

 

[Kmehr]

Still need to get all of the grommets installed, but loving the fit etc...

 

[Kmehr]

After speaking with Justin at Redline Landcruisers about availability to do a. clutch replacement, he gave me a brain wave about my harmonic vibration- the balancer. I pulled the belts off, as neither of them look particularly straight, and I'll be damned it the beltless motor doesn't run smooth as glass.... It appears that my alternator pulley is off from the balancer pulley, which sucks as the way it's mounted I don't really see much of a way to adjust it. I ordered a laser alignment tool from "hog slat" for $20, so we'll see. If anyone has any other tricks that dont involve a super expensive laser, I'm all ears.

 

[Kmehr]

further analysis has revealed that it is my power steering pump that is out of alignment. the bracket I have just has too much play in too many directions. what a frustration the whole power steering endeavor has been and continues to be! Mine has play at the mounting point on the head, and on the bolt that acts as the swivel point, so it appears, using a long straight edge, that it is out of alignment on two different axes. uhg.

 

[charliemeyer007]

You need to make custom spacers to remove the slop - for fitting bracket at the engine and perhaps stepped bushings for the mounting bolts. I would do brass over aluminium

 

[Kmehr]

If anyone is wondering how the Toyota fj40 bj40 floor mats that are on eBay fit, the answer is not great ha. They’re nice quality though!

 

[Kmehr]

My Craigslist score today- tested and never used. Was kind of holding out for an 8274 just because, but dang they just dont don’t ever pop up for cheap, and this one looks period correct and has one of the best reputations out there:

 

[Kmehr]

Hallelujah my engine vibration is fixed! The combo of the slightly different design (in my opinion much better). Of the Cruiser Solutions bracket, and a slightly longer belt have it lined up and smooth as butter. What a relief. Winch plate should be here this week, and I’ve also got the tow bar setup and ready to try out tomorrow. Then I think this phase (turn into a driver and wheeler) is….done?

 

[Kmehr]

Don’t have working lights yet, so just went for a spin around the neighborhood, tows very well! Figuring out a go pro setup or waiting on my neighbor to ride in the 40 to visually observe the brake working, but very excited!

 

[Kmehr]

Another finishing touch here- installed the dash box from Manafre. Wish it mounted up a little more solidly as is, but I think I can add some stability. Have our first real camping/wheeling trip in a couple of weeks and I cannot wait. Been so excited I can hardly focus on anything else!

 

[Kmehr]

Making good progress on my Alfa, so of course parts-a-palooza is back on to gear up for my planned winter 12HT swap. I’ve been on the hunt for a spare motor for parts basically ever since I bought mine three years ago, have unbelievably scored a 12volt, complete with fresh hoses, all accessories, 58km 12HT that should hopefully show up in a couple of weeks.

I just ordered a manual shift conversion for my vacuum actuated splitcase and am ordering a drum parking brake kit. The h55f I have has a purported 280ish KM on it. My question is this- since I obviously can’t drive it since it’s sitting my my shop floor, what do I look for to see if it needs a rebuild?

At that mileage it could be totally fine, or abused and in bad shape.

 

[Kmehr]

Great parts day- 12HT showed up and looks in great shape, it also spins over freely (the seller sent me a video of it running and it’s the same motor). So in now have a connection in Dubai with a yard in Japan as well, so if anyone is needing imported parts, let me know!

My h55f and split case are on a pallet and on the way to California to @orangefj45 for a transfer case rebuild, full manual shift conversion, and drum OEM parking brake install.

 

[Kmehr]

Some more engine porn for everyone. Thrilled with how good of shape this one is in, it seriously appears to have no leaks. I’ve ordered a rear main seal and pilot bearing since those are easy to get to now. Any other must replace parts? I’m thinking about a water pump just in case., but the idea is not to get very deep into this one and just stab it in because I’ve seen it run and it ran great.