Build 1st FJ40, '76 - SMOKEY - Puttin’ her Back Together

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Finally received the c-clips for holding the axles in the Birfs.

Onur (Beno) does have them, but I got these thru Marlin.

ImageUploadedByIH8MUD Forum1412252158.423485.webp
 
1. Kevin, my engine guy called and said its ready. I need lifters for it, or someone with the proper jig to reshape these. Anyone know of a source (@FJ40Jim I'll bet you do).

2. Trying to figure out how to reassy the front diff. FSM doesn't do it for me. I didn't take it apart, so not quite sure how the shaft fits in to hold the gears in place. I put a general question in a new thread on this.

Any help appreciated.
 
Vae,
I did a 2f several years ago and I'm almost certain that speed pro offers lifter for them.
Most machine shops or engine builders should be able to help you source them.
If you need more help I'll do some digging for you.
PS if it helps you I have some used lifters,I've been using some of them around the garage for pressing bearings.I probably have several that are in good shape.Your's for the asking.
 
Was looking around and found NAPA has them available .
They are sealed power brand, not speed pro as I had previously thought. part # is AT6001.
They are $23.14 each.... Yikes !!!!!
 
djcfj40 said:
Was looking around and found NAPA has them available .
They are sealed power brand, not speed pro as I had previously thought. part # is AT6001.
They are $23.14 each.... Yikes !!!!!
Click to expand...
$23 a lifter? Well, good to know SOMETHING is available. Lifters for $500 Alex!
 
This is part of the reason I decided to stick with a Small Block, even though I have to move everything anyway. Parts availability is simply better, and cheaper. Heck, I can drop in a fresh 350 for cheaper than a rebuild on a 2F, and there's 11 billion hot rod shops who know how to do it. I'd love to go back to a 2F (or a 3FE) because, frankly, I think it's part of the "soul" of a FJ40, but when I see stuff like that, I'm glad I'm sticking with a V8. As a point of comparison, replacement lifters on my 283 are $8 :cool:
 
RWBeringer4x4 said:
This is part of the reason I decided to stick with a Small Block, even though I have to move everything anyway. Parts availability is simply better, and cheaper. Heck, I can drop in a fresh 350 for cheaper than a rebuild on a 2F, and there's 11 billion hot rod shops who know how to do it. I'd love to go back to a 2F (or a 3FE) because, frankly, I think it's part of the "soul" of a FJ40, but when I see stuff like that, I'm glad I'm sticking with a V8. As a point of comparison, replacement lifters on my 283 are $8 :cool:
Click to expand...

(Note: anyone - any other sources for 2F lifters that you are aware of?) I knew what I was getting into with the 2F when I started this. I might do a Cheby someday, but not on this first one, especially given that the 2F was in good shape. I do feel good knowing that thing will likely not need more lifters until I'm 85 if we go another 37 years (probably longer if we only drive it 2-3000 miles a year).
 
I'm thrilled you are rebuilding the stock motor, don't get me wrong! I'd really prefer it, the V8 is more a financial decision for me than a preference.
 
RWBeringer4x4 said:
I'm thrilled you are rebuilding the stock motor, don't get me wrong! I'd really prefer it, the V8 is more a financial decision for me than a preference.
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No offense taken Rick. I need to email JimC and see if he can resurface the lifters.
 
Progress again. Putting the pinion and side gears back in the diff was simple, once I understood what I was doing.

Just remember - front diff, no block needed. Rear diff, needs the block. This was the front, so I took the block back out.

I reamed all the nuts and bolts on the diff, filed off the diff edges, cleaned them, put a little silicone on the new rubber gasket so I'd never have to chisel that off again, and dropped the diff onto the axle (literally, to save my fingers).

Ta da! Now I can finish with the front knuckles. But, ran out of weekend.

ImageUploadedByIH8MUD Forum1413164868.933937.webp


Also have located some lifters for the 2F, just need to complete that purchase. I'll update my engine thread with this info too.
 
Vae Victus said:
I reamed all the nuts and bolts on the diff, filed off the diff edges, cleaned them, put a little silicone on the new rubber gasket so I'd never have to chisel that off again, and dropped the diff onto the axle (literally, to save my fingers).

Ta da! Now I can finish with the front knuckles. But, ran out of weekend.
Click to expand...

Never in my life did I think a sheet of thin cardboard could bake itself to a smooth metal surface like those gaskets did. I banked on that being a 15 minute job, turned out to take about 2 hours. I found the best process was using a flat razor blade to remove the majority, then a drill/air powered brillo pad for the really baked on stuff. I too added silicone in hopes of easier removal next time.

Running out of weekend = the story of my life right now. One hour (or less) of daylight after work is really hindering progress, and it's only getting worse!

Vae Victus said:
Hmm. What's missing here? View attachment 953091

Yep - the motor. Seized up after about 3 hours of use. Rep came and hauled it off. Hope they have a rapid warranty process.
Click to expand...

Warranty replacement, I hope...that's ridiculous...
 
RWBeringer4x4 said:
Never in my life did I think a sheet of thin cardboard could bake itself to a smooth metal surface like those gaskets did. I banked on that being a 15 minute job, turned out to take about 2 hours. I found the best process was using a flat razor blade to remove the majority, then a drill/air powered brillo pad for the really baked on stuff. I too added silicone in hopes of easier removal next time.
.
Click to expand...

Yep - even took a flat file again last night before the gasket was applied. That after doing the same as you above.
 
Vae Victus said:
1. Kevin, my engine guy called and said its ready. I need lifters for it, or someone with the proper jig to reshape these. Anyone know of a source (@FJ40Jim I'll bet you do).

2. Trying to figure out how to reassy the front diff. FSM doesn't do it for me. I didn't take it apart, so not quite sure how the shaft fits in to hold the gears in place. I put a general question in a new thread on this.

Any help appreciated.
Click to expand...
I got my lifters with a cam for $250. I'm sure Martin Davidson has some more and you could possibly get a price check from him. He worked for Man-A-Fre
818-705-2441
 
YangFJ40 said:
I got my lifters with a cam for $250. I'm sure Martin Davidson has some more and you could possibly get a price check from him. He worked for Man-A-Fre
818-705-2441
Click to expand...

Shoot - that's much cheaper. Oh well I got some OEM lifters. Thanks for the info. I'll keep him in mind if I do another build.
 
So, a very nice Mudder, mcjb, mocked this up for me. I plan to paint Spring Green and I was looking for options on my wheel colors. He took a sulfur yellow truck, changed it to Spring Green, and did white, grey, and tan wheels with the hub caps on.
ImageUploadedByIH8MUD Forum1413513978.152766.webp


Thought I'd post it to see thoughts from the peanut gallery.

The above photo is a 60's truck. Mine is a '76, and will actually look more like this truck with larger tires.
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Colors
ImageUploadedByIH8MUD Forum1413514145.944388.webp


Thoughts?
 
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