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

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Purchased and painted the fully loaded calipers for the front end (from Rock Auto). Learned you could buy the calipers fully loaded. Good to know. Got the ceramic pads I think (now I don't remember).

Mounted the drivers side. Pass side is still drying.

Hate that my rotors rusted. They've only been sitting on the axle in the garage for about a year now.

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Big milestone for me. Exactly 3 years and 7 months of slow, meticulous work later, I now have a rolling frame. Cities have been built in less time, but I'm very proud of my 1st time effort.

Photo proof.
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I never realized that the front right wheel is so far outboard compared to the rear. Driver's side is not like that.

Is that normal? And no, it's not the angle of the photo.
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Invite me over. We'll roll the dad gum thing outside and take REAL shots of it in the grass. You''l thank for for it when the truck is done.
 
Hey, you're still moving faster than I am! 4 years later and I just got air tools and a garage ;)
 
When I checked mine, I used a string line to check for parallelism
Used 4 jackstands, one at each corner, set at the bumpers and about 6" outboard of the tires
Attach a string to each jackstand running along the centerline of the axle from the rear bumper to the front bumper
Use a tape measure to make sure the string is parallel to the vehicle centerline on both sides and that the two strings are parallel to each other
Then I took measurements to the wheels (fwd and rear). This helped me check the toe on the front, as well as axle placement relative to the frame.
I found some not-so comforting issues that resulted in a new front axle :)
Hope this helps, great build.
 
71FJnick said:
When I checked mine, I used a string line to check for parallelism
Used 4 jackstands, one at each corner, set at the bumpers and about 6" outboard of the tires
Attach a string to each jackstand running along the centerline of the axle from the rear bumper to the front bumper
Use a tape measure to make sure the string is parallel to the vehicle centerline on both sides and that the two strings are parallel to each other
Then I took measurements to the wheels (fwd and rear). This helped me check the toe on the front, as well as axle placement relative to the frame.
I found some not-so comforting issues that resulted in a new front axle :)
Hope this helps, great build.
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Sounds like a solid idea. It was very disconcerting but I didn't have time to dwell on it. I convinced myself it WAS misaligned vs the drivers side though (visually).

Seems like I could put the string on the tire outer edges and measure the distance at the ends.

It should measure like this |...| but it looks to me like this /...|
 
Engine is next. It's rebuilt already and just waiting for me to get it from storage. Must do final assembly. Hope I remember how!

Gotta paint the oil pan first. It's got some exterior surface rust, and a little interior after I cleaned it up.

Pics once I get them in hand.
 
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Rainman said:
Invite me over. We'll roll the dad gum thing outside and take REAL shots of it in the grass. You''l thank for for it when the truck is done.
Click to expand...
Ok - you are invited. Might be a good weekend to try it when you are off. Later Sat maybe.
 
it does look kind of weird. As long as the wheel-offset is the same on all wheels - cross measure to the centers of the tires.... it should be the same. If not, then you'll have some searching to do.
 
I think it's just an illusion. VV isn't staying in the same spot on both sides taking the picture. I'm headed over there this afternoon. I'll put my two cents worth into it...
 
While here, Rainey helped me roll the frame out and take a few photos of the chassis. Photo credit Rainey.

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We also spent a bit making some of the world famous Rainman brake lines - which are truly unobtainium any more since he's not making them. Too bad too because he makes works of art.

We just got started but here is what we made today.

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Supporting the local talent. Just placed a $gulp$ order with @Racer65 for 20+ items I need. Some NLA "unobtanium", some OEM. Started picking up the weatherstripping since Racer has begun to make quality replacements.

I know - OEM is still available, but I'm supporting a small businessman.

I didn't (yet) order the new fangled electric steering booster but I've got my eye on it (Racer - stock still good on these?). I just am not ready to do a full PS conversion. I don't like the options, and want to test this. Pretty steep price, but love the self contained nature if I don't like it.

Sent email to @Coolerman to ask him if he can build new wire harnesses. I was going to do it, but since Coolerman is doing it again, I'm all over it.

Can you feel the momentum?
 
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