1976 FJ40 refresh
- Thread starter Volcanic Iceberg
- Start date
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Oh, you realized it was longer because I told you before you started the swap that it was.
I won't spoil any surprises, but I've got the parts you need in my garage if you can't find them in your own stash. I'm excited to see that thing move under it's own power once again, I was getting sick of pushing it.
- Thread starter
- #43
Drove it for the first time!
Today I Took off the spare tire rack in preparation for the rear sill replacement. I also found the 4 speed E-brake flange that that I thought I had lost. I installed it along with the rear drive shaft and a new clutch slave cylinder. I then proceded to drive the cruiser for the first time!!!
Just around the block, but Ahhh how sweet it is! Neighbors were waving, (happy im sure to finally see another one of my darylect vehicles was moving again) and my 3 year old son was freaking out (took him for a little ride) he is as big of a cruiser fan as I am.
I now realize that I need to adjust the slave cylinder rod cause its too long and the clutch is slipping. I also need to bleed and adjust the brakes because there is some air in the line. After that I should have a runner.
Im hoping to take it to the club Run this Thursday to try it out in the dirt. If I can get it to that point I will be sure to get some pics.
Today I Took off the spare tire rack in preparation for the rear sill replacement. I also found the 4 speed E-brake flange that that I thought I had lost. I installed it along with the rear drive shaft and a new clutch slave cylinder. I then proceded to drive the cruiser for the first time!!!
Just around the block, but Ahhh how sweet it is! Neighbors were waving, (happy im sure to finally see another one of my darylect vehicles was moving again) and my 3 year old son was freaking out (took him for a little ride) he is as big of a cruiser fan as I am.I now realize that I need to adjust the slave cylinder rod cause its too long and the clutch is slipping. I also need to bleed and adjust the brakes because there is some air in the line. After that I should have a runner.
Im hoping to take it to the club Run this Thursday to try it out in the dirt. If I can get it to that point I will be sure to get some pics.
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- Thread starter
- #44
I installed a coolant overflow tank, But I havent had much progress beyond that. I have however, been having fun driving the kids around the neighborhood over the holidays. Still Running renegade so I haven't had it more than a couple blocks from home. Im dying to get it put back together and take it off road.
- Thread starter
- #45
I havent posted anything in the last few months. Ive been really distracted helping my brother and friends with thier cruiser projects. I got started on a front bumper. Weather is nice so I pulled the top off. The rear sil is welded in but I still have some patching to do on the rear quarters. I had to clean up the horn button again as it got water inside and rusted again. I also lost all lights, and after about 3 hours of troublesooting determined that the fuse contacts were dirty, so I have lights again. I hate electrical! the following pics are my nieces & nephews enjoying their first landcruiser ride. Thats my brother in law driving in the close ups. Finally got it out in the dirt making memories!
Very Cool
- Thread starter
- #48
A couple of them came over for the picture, But we litterally had 7 adults and 9 small children inside for a slow tame ride. (no seat belts) They were on laps and squeezed all in between. Thats what its all about IMO. 
Glad I have a bench seat up front and long jump seats in the rear.
Glad I have a bench seat up front and long jump seats in the rear.
- Thread starter
- #49
I have'nt done much to the 40 for quite a while. Not sure if there is even anyone still subscribed to this thread. It is because I have been too buzy working on that Expedition trailer. (see sig line) But the trailer has gotten to the point where I am starting to field test, Naturally using the 40 to pull it. Slowly testing the waters, I have gained confidence of its reliability, However my desire to test it in extreme terrain has not been possible due to the lack of a front driveline. So my attention has returned to the 40. Tonight I Made yet another attempt at getting the pinion nut off the front diff. THIS time, using an impact wrench, I succeded. 4 wheel drive has been restored and so has the smile on my face. Next on the list of annoyances soon to be remedied, replace broken steering wheel, broken turn signal leaver, weld in cross member, and install rear view mirror.
Good to hear
Good to hear you are back on the 40, I am still subscribed. I Also dig the trailer. But I know how we all get sidetracked.
Good to hear you are back on the 40, I am still subscribed. I Also dig the trailer. But I know how we all get sidetracked.
- Thread starter
- #51
After a couple failed attempt to repair the broken steering wheel with JB weld, (broken at the hub, clear through the steel), I found a replacement 33 spline wheel from a mud member that is in really great condition. Only a few hairline cracks. I will repair and refinish, then install. Looking forward to being able to turn a smooth steering wheel without honking the horn.
I Also got the front driveline installed, but discovered that the pinion seals were leaking. Had Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters send me a couple as well as a rear view mirror since i gave mine to a buddy. I made a special pinion isolator tool to help me set the pinion preload without it turning. Also from another mud member, Ive got a turn signal lever and the proper cigarette lighter coming. No more stubby lever and ugly chrome lighter knob.
I found an air conditioning unit that is a low profile install for $25 on Ebay. Its made specifically to work with the factory heater (later model). It takes up mo more space than the original square duct, & blows out the top fresh air vent. So I kept the heater from the 76' at the start of this thread. After sitting exposed to the weather for 20 years It was thoroughly rusty. A trick I learned from Rick on the history channel show "American Restoration" is to soak rusty parts in vinegar to remove rust, so after a good soak and some elbow grease it was back to bare metal. Kind of amazing. Now Ive got it all painted back to original. Just waiting on the rebuild kit ordered from Shane at Metric TLc to show up so I can reassemble. I followed a thread that suggested shop vac hose for defrost tubes. So I went down to Home depot and got some. Looks like they will work out great.
I found some rubber stoppers in my pile of spare parts and installed them on the door limiters. Now the doors dont swing out and hit the fenders.
Also found a mini truck power steering gear box locally for $30! I had to snatch it up. The 2F came with a saginaw pump and bracket so all I need is the pedistal mount and some hoses. Ive got Georg (orangefj45) primed to send the missing parts as soon as some of my stuff sells and I can pay him Power steering will be so nice. Especially if I decide to get larger tires or a locker.
Also have a period correct fuel filler cut out on its way so I can install the aux. fuel tank thats sitting in my parts shed and have it look factory. Ill need it for some longer excursions pulling the expo trailer this spring. Standby for more updates and photos.
I Also got the front driveline installed, but discovered that the pinion seals were leaking. Had Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters send me a couple as well as a rear view mirror since i gave mine to a buddy. I made a special pinion isolator tool to help me set the pinion preload without it turning. Also from another mud member, Ive got a turn signal lever and the proper cigarette lighter coming. No more stubby lever and ugly chrome lighter knob.
I found an air conditioning unit that is a low profile install for $25 on Ebay. Its made specifically to work with the factory heater (later model). It takes up mo more space than the original square duct, & blows out the top fresh air vent. So I kept the heater from the 76' at the start of this thread. After sitting exposed to the weather for 20 years It was thoroughly rusty. A trick I learned from Rick on the history channel show "American Restoration" is to soak rusty parts in vinegar to remove rust, so after a good soak and some elbow grease it was back to bare metal. Kind of amazing. Now Ive got it all painted back to original. Just waiting on the rebuild kit ordered from Shane at Metric TLc to show up so I can reassemble. I followed a thread that suggested shop vac hose for defrost tubes. So I went down to Home depot and got some. Looks like they will work out great.
I found some rubber stoppers in my pile of spare parts and installed them on the door limiters. Now the doors dont swing out and hit the fenders.
Also found a mini truck power steering gear box locally for $30! I had to snatch it up. The 2F came with a saginaw pump and bracket so all I need is the pedistal mount and some hoses. Ive got Georg (orangefj45) primed to send the missing parts as soon as some of my stuff sells and I can pay him
Power steering will be so nice. Especially if I decide to get larger tires or a locker.Also have a period correct fuel filler cut out on its way so I can install the aux. fuel tank thats sitting in my parts shed and have it look factory. Ill need it for some longer excursions pulling the expo trailer this spring. Standby for more updates and photos.
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- Thread starter
- #52
Here are a couple pictures pulling the expo trailer
- Thread starter
- #53
Got some work done over the holiday. I refinished the steering wheel I recently aquired. Filled all the little cracks with epoxy putty, sanded and painted. Looks like new again! Had to bring it inside because its too cold outside to for the paint to cure. Then I repaired a crack in my washer bottle and rebuilt the motor. no leaks and it really screams now. I also converted a choke pull over to a hand throttle. I had the throttle knob from a cruiser I parted out. It actually broke off, so I cut the metal stem at the base of the knob. Then I drilled it out until it would fit over the stem of the choke pull with the knob removed. Epoxy'd it on and walla! Looking forward to installing all this stuff!
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That wheel looks awesome! What kind of paint did you use?
- Thread starter
- #55
Used Rust-oleum from primer to clear coat. The color coat was rust-oleum professional. Comes in the tall silver can. It turned out pretty nice. Not perfect, but I dont need perfect cause this truck is going to be used! And its a huge upgrade to the broken wheel that was on there.
I've restored a couple of old garden tractor wheels recently and used VHT black vinyl die for color then topped it off with a couple coats of Eastwood's Diamond Clear . The wheels literally look new and have held up amazingly well for something that sits outside a lot and also gets abrasion from branches, ect . The stuff flows onto that plastic like liquid poly and dries fairly quick . Anyone doing a wheel really needs to try it , I would have never thought the results would be so good .
BTW-one is over 2yrs old now, still looks new .
Sarge
BTW-one is over 2yrs old now, still looks new .
Sarge
- Thread starter
- #57
Great tip! Here is what it looks like installed. Still need to do the horn button.
Man, that wheel looks killer. I need to do that on the 45! 
That trailer is Awesome!
Got any more pics /details?
Got any more pics /details?
- Thread starter
- #60
Thanks! Here is the build thread: https://forum.ih8mud.com/trailer-tech/247851-expedition-trailer-made-fj40-tub.html