Build 1977 FJ40 - USA Spec Restoration - Father & Son Project - AKA "Blue"

[DirtDauberGarage]

Got a little done today. I pulled the axles and stated cleaning up the rear end. I pulled off the drum backing plates to clean them up as well. I didn't really need to pull them off, but figured I might as well while I was in there. I wasn't really happy with the durability of the Rustoleum. When I reassembled the leaf spring that I painted, the scratched up pretty easy. I going to try either POR-15 or KBS on the rear end and see how that works.

I also cleaned up another set of leaf springs.

I'm going to order a rear end axle rebuild kit and put this thing back together next weekend. I will probably get new drums and not even try to clean and turn the old ones.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Two questions....

1. POR-15 vs. KBS... What would you guys recomend??

2. Where do you buy your LC parts?

 

[JDNs78FJ40]

Two questions....

1. POR-15 vs. KBS... What would you guys recomend??

2. Where do you buy your LC parts?

Cruiser outfitters is based in Utah and they are awesome.

 

[pb4ugo]

The plate you found is a Toyota part that was installed to correct "cruiser lean". You can go to FAQ's at the top of this section to read more about it. Some fj40 rears leaned to one side. As for paint for your springs, some folks use a paint with graphite in it to reduce friction between the leaves, to help ride.

 

[tucker74]

Have used POR but it’s a PITA and you have to topcoat it (not UV stable). I have had good luck with Krylon Rust Tough Enamel for spray bomb, seems to hold up well long term. Second Cruiser Outfitters and also use Cruiser Brothers -

Tucker

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Great progress. Great to see you and your son doing this together. Doing similar. Best thing I ever did. So many life lessons.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Great progress. Great to see you and your son doing this together. Doing similar. Best thing I ever did. So many life lessons.

I totally agree. How many 12 year old kids know how to mig weld??? Mine does and he is better than I am !

Thanks!!

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

OK... I ordered the KBS chassis coating kit. I will let yo know what I think.

 

[thecrazygreek]

Too late I guess... But I always use SEM rust shield...

SEM 28061 2.8 VOC Rust Shield - 1 Gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N7W3HTO/?tag=ihco-20

Stuff is amazing, add the hardener and gloss enhancer, and it will last and look new for years...

 

[cruiseroutfit]

@cruiseroutfit

We would love to help with an axle kit. You can learn more about our front axle kits here on Mud: Product Spotlight: Cruiser Outfitters Knuckle Rebuild Kits

Let us know if we can help!

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

We would love to help with an axle kit. You can learn more about our front axle kits here on Mud: Product Spotlight: Cruiser Outfitters Knuckle Rebuild Kits

Let us know if we can help!

Thank you!

I am doing the rear end right now. I will move on to the front end next!

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Thank you!

I am doing the rear end right now. I will move on to the front end next!

Let us know when you're ready. We stock very comprehensive kits for the rear too!

 

[thecrazygreek]

Let us know when you're ready. We stock very comprehensive kits for the rear too!

Yes, @cruiseroutfit is probably the best place to go for most anything 40 related drivetrain wise.
I have purchased a full ome 2.5 inch kit, as well as their full front knuckle kit for my 76 front axle I have mounted on my 64 project. Plus other doo dads that made my life easier such as their pinion flange that let me use mismatched drive shafts and axles.

Great company with a real give a damn attitude!

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Let us know when you're ready. We stock very comprehensive kits for the rear too!

Hey Kurt! I just called you guys and ordered the rear end and front knuckle rebuild kit. I'm gonna tackle the rear next weekend and then start on the front.

Thanks for your help!!!

Matthew

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Hey Kurt! I just called you guys and ordered the rear end and front knuckle rebuild kit. I'm gonna tackle the rear next weekend and then start on the front.

Thanks for your help!!!

Matthew

Fantastic, I hope Bryce took great care of you.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Fantastic, I hope Bryce took great care of you.

Kurt, I got the parts yesterday and everything looks GREAT. Thank you!!!

I hope to work on the rear end this weekend!!

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Kurt, I got the parts yesterday and everything looks GREAT. Thank you!!!

I hope to work on the rear end this weekend!!

Thank you!!!

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

I spent a few hours today cleaning, sanding, wire-brushing the rear end.

I need to rent a wheel bearing puller from Autozone, replace the bearing, seals and axles, then I will be ready for the KBS chassis coat kit.

I will do a review on it when I am done with my thoughts.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

I spent another 3-4 hours today getting the rear end ready to be painted. It turns out it wasn't a leaking break cylinder but a leaking axle seal. This stuff is nasty. The only good news is that the backing plate and drum that was coated in it was not rusty at all. The bearings looked good but I figured I should go ahead and replace them while I was in there.

- Pulled out the old seals and bearing and put in new ones
- Scrubbed the backing plate that was caked in diff fluid
- Put the backing plate back on and installed the axles
- Cleaned out the diff and buttoned everything up.

Tomorrow I will use the KBS system and take some more pics.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

more pics...