Builds 1977 FJ40 - USA Spec Restoration - Father & Son Project - AKA "Belle" (16 Viewers)

[DirtDauberGarage]

If you want to avoid a trip to the Urgent Care to get seven stitches and to remove what is left of your finger nail... avoid where these two pieces (bump stop) come together when moving your front axle around...

... ask me how I know

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

I would post a pic without the bandage, but I would probably get kicked off the forum

You don't want to see it... trust me !

 

[Varty Yo]

We love carnage pics!!!!

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

We love carnage pics!!!!

I was thinking about my finger this morning and trying to find the "silver lining" and it hit me...

Now I can literally say, "I have invested BLOOD, sweat, and TEARS" in this FJ40

I'll have to admit that all I have been able to think about is "what part could I have bought for my LC with the $50 co-pay this cost me?" Haha!

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

We love carnage pics!!!!

I'll see if I can PM it to you

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

I’ve been on vacation.. back to work on the 40 soon

 

[yotadude520]

I’ve been on vacation.. back to work on the 40 soon

How's the hand doing Matt?

 

[SergP]

I following you from beginning. I'm really exciting to see your progress. Hope you have a good vacation and recover from injury ...

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Thanks guys!! The finger is still very sore but healing. I hope to avoid surgery, so “fingers crossed” Haha...

Thanks again guys!!!

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Finally got back in the shop with my son and got some work done.
- Cleaned up the front axle
- scotch-bright scrubbed it, wire wheeled it, sanded it...
- KBS sealed it
- Also, scrubbed the front wheels

I went ahead and painted the axle housing before I rebuilt it because I plan to clean and paint the steering knuckles, knuckle arms, backing plates, etc. when I have them off during the rebuild.

Believe it or not, these pics were taken after the axle had already been pressure washed twice. They were really greasy!! Soaked them in GUNK and scrubbed them for about two hours. Scotch-bright pad, small wire brush, lots of de-greaser, and lots of scrubbing...

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

More pics...

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Here it is clean

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Wheels...

I will sand them and paint them tomorrow

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

I bought these sawhorses from Eastwood and this is the first time I am using them. I am happy with them for the most part. My only "knock" on them is the legs do not open very wide, so they are a little unstable if you use them up high. They are rated to hold 1500 lbs, but I wouldn't put something that heavy on them unless they were down low on one of the lowest settings. When they were up high like this, they did fine, but would be a little shaky with something heavy on them.

They go on sale several times a year for $35 each and are worth it!! I would recommend them.

Rockwood 1500 Lb Metal Saw Horse

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Got a little bit done today. Started tearing down the knuckles. I got them cleaned and will paint the housing , arms, etc..

I am looking forward to getting this chassis turned into a "roller"

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Question...

The top bearing has these indention in to, but the bottom one does not. Do I need to replace this bearing or is this supposed to look like this?

I need to check and see if the kit I bought included this one

 

[pb4ugo]

You'll need to replace the bearings and races. I'd probably do a complete knuckle rebuild including re-centering the knuckle.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

OK... I need to recenter my knuckles.

Steering knuckle centering tool instructions (FAQ)

Does anyone have a suggestion as to where I can rent or barrow the re-centering tool?

09634-60014 Steering Knuckle Centering Gauge

Steering Knuckle Centering Gauge | OTC - SPX | 09634-60014

Help!!

 

[SergP]

OK... I need to recenter my knuckles.

Steering knuckle centering tool instructions (FAQ)

Does anyone have a suggestion as to where I can rent or barrow the re-centering tool?

09634-60014 Steering Knuckle Centering Gauge

Steering Knuckle Centering Gauge | OTC - SPX | 09634-60014

Help!!

Did you see this?

Looking for a better method of centering the steering knuckles?

I've been doing research on steering knuckle centering tools including the Toyota SST which is expensive and hard to come by. I found another centering tool solution that appears to be easy enough to make and should be relatively inexpensive. Courtesy of Pirate4x4.Com Here's the tool Specs...

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