Build 1978 FJ40 - Lovely “Linda”

[PidgeonGuggolo]

Nice looking forward to the tamer experience review! Keep the pics coming.

G

 

[knuckle47]

@nabbasi Ain’t that some steering stabilizer? I estimate about 25% beefier that most I have ever had.

 

[nabbasi]

@nabbasi Ain’t that some steering stabilizer? I estimate about 25% beefier that most I have ever had.

You aren’t kidding. The whole lot seems beefy! The shocks make the bilsteins in my ‘67 seem…inadequate.

I got the steering buttoned up and dropped it to the ground. I only made it about 25’ before I hit too much resistance. I pulled it back into the garage, put it back in the air and pulled the wheels back off. My front right caliper was clamped tight on the rotor. Removed them and pushed everything back out, double checked my alignment, and ran some errands. I’ve got some tweaking left to do on the drag link and want to center the steering wheel a bit, but I’m going to consider this pretty much complete.

As crazy as this sounds, I am 0/3 on liking a newly rebuilt steering box. I think I get used to the leverage the extra few inches of play provides. I’m sure everything is just stiff from being new and I’ll get used to it.

It’s time to start wire wheeling and prepping for the terrain tamer install. I want to just throw it all on, but I’m going to pace myself and clean up underneath as I go.

Next up:

Alternator - paused (swapped the pulley)
Knuckle rebuild
Sniper Tuning - ongoing
Tie rod/ relay rod/ drag link replacement
Center Arm Rebuild
Replace steering box
Terrain Tamer Install

 

[knuckle47]

@nabbasi i think that is the best way to do it…. I took 3 weeks to install mine..not necessarily for cleanup but for 1.) I try to be meticulous about things like this and 2.) I get tired quickly these days especially when my arms or back is stressed from working overhead. Cutting off the old u-bolts was exciting. I knew they were going to POP…. ALL EIGHT of them yet, as I got close to expecting the pop, it still made me jump when they did.

Those fresh yellow chromate colors contrast so nicely against the fresh black paint too…

 

[nabbasi]

This isn’t really an update since he been a bit too busy to do anything other than put some miles on Linda for commuting.

The steering box is breaking in and isn’t as stiff, which is really nice. I still feel like the rear brake bias is off, despite the stock setup. Sniper’s been really solid. Only 2 issues:

1. I have a weird dip in power at about 2000rpm.
2. I calculated 11mpg. That’s 3mpg less than my carbureted ‘67 with a 2F! I think I drive a bit harder since the acceleration is so much better with the sniper.

My wife prefers the ‘67. She likes the soft top/ no doors/ higher seating position. I’m thinking a rooftop tent will change her mind.

Hopefully when I’m back in town next week I can get the terrain tamer on!

 

[knuckle47]

One of the same issues I had ….but has been eliminated was the 11mpg…you nailed the main reason however. It runs so well you begin to drive it differently. The acceleration is really really nice so stomping on the pedal just seems invigorating. My transmission shifts so smoothly as well so it’s easy to get carried away.

”don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy”….ha-ha-ha…too late!