Will Van
GOLD Star
Yesterday I purchased a 1977 Freeborn Red FJ40 from a great seller in Longview, TX. I found the truck on Craigslist, and was highly interested because it was in almost entirely original condition, including the original exterior paint.
I'm using this thread to document all of the changes to the truck once I took ownership. The previous owner rebuilt the motor, and resealed the transmission and transfer case. Plus, new Trollhole carb, brakes, battery and seat covers.
This is what it looked like after the long drive from Longview to Austin. It took me about 5 hours. Plus, I managed to lose the gas cap at one of my many fuel stops. My first mod is going to be a boring one - replace the gas cap.
The first maintenance item to fix is the suspension. You can tell from the picture below that the rear is really sagging. I'm going to use it as an opportunity to install a full OME 2.5" lift kit and convert to Aisin hubs (@cruiseroutfit - I've already emailed you!). Plus upgrade the tires.
How do I know if the truck needs a knuckle rebuild? I saw a lot of grease on the steering knuckles, and I don't think the axles have been touched, other than replace the diff fluid.
The immediate maintenance items the truck needs are:
Some future mods I have planned are:
I'm using this thread to document all of the changes to the truck once I took ownership. The previous owner rebuilt the motor, and resealed the transmission and transfer case. Plus, new Trollhole carb, brakes, battery and seat covers.
This is what it looked like after the long drive from Longview to Austin. It took me about 5 hours. Plus, I managed to lose the gas cap at one of my many fuel stops. My first mod is going to be a boring one - replace the gas cap.
The first maintenance item to fix is the suspension. You can tell from the picture below that the rear is really sagging. I'm going to use it as an opportunity to install a full OME 2.5" lift kit and convert to Aisin hubs (@cruiseroutfit - I've already emailed you!). Plus upgrade the tires.
How do I know if the truck needs a knuckle rebuild? I saw a lot of grease on the steering knuckles, and I don't think the axles have been touched, other than replace the diff fluid.
The immediate maintenance items the truck needs are:
- Rust Repair
- Paint
Replace the Gas Cap- Switch to Toyota filters and change all the fluids
Install OME suspensionNew BFG 33" Tires- New Steering Wheel
AlignmentKnuckle Rebuild- Replace Exhaust
- Headliner
Tie Rod Ends
Some future mods I have planned are:
- Vintage Air A/C (the drive from Longview nearly killed me!)
- Fuel Injection Conversion
- H55F 5-Speed Conversion
- Twin Stick 62 Series Manual Split Case with 4:1 Low; 0.93:1 High (@orangefj45 - You can probably expect a call from me!)
- Full-Float Rear Axle w/ Parking Brake
- ARB Air Lockers
- Dakota Digital Gauge Cluster
- Power Steering
- Stereo
- Eventual Cummins R2.8 Swap???
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