Builds 1st FJ40, '76 - SMOKEY - Puttin’ her Back Together (2 Viewers)

[orangefj45]

The two previous posts are well put and make some good points.
To add to the first post:
The factory ps setup, just like the mini setup is only use able up to 33x10.50 tires.
And a comment about Sarges' post, I did a bunch of work on a customer's 77 FJ40. It had the smog pump, alternator, sag ps pump and an AC pump and worked out great. It's a daily driver and has been for a couple of years.
Georg @ Valley Hybrids

 

[Vae Victus]

Y'all are not helping me make a proper decision.

I do think I have the deciding factor though: this vehicle will be a road queen. 33's x 10.5 will be the biggest she gets unless they stop making them, then I'll go 32's or metric equivalent. I've no need to go larger.

I'm putting enough money into it that I'll never see anyone "mud" it up in my lifetime (i.e. make it a crawler).

This tells me: go towards mini truck or factory box w mini truck guts, and a Sag pump.

Anyone? Bueller?

 

[orangefj45]

Agreed

 

[Vae Victus]

FYI - officially christening the truck as SMOKEY.

She has a name.

 

[Rainman]

Please tell me it's not named after the Mountains. It's common to add the "e".

It's Smoky Mountains.

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

Please tell me it's not named after the Mountains. It's common to add the "e".

It's Smoky Mountains.

Nope, he's right - I am almost positive its because he tried to drive the truck up his driveway day 1 and got a harness fire

As possibly the one person who has harassed him about this fact since he bought it more than any other, I approve of this name.

 

[Vae Victus]

Please tell me it's not named after the Mountains. It's common to add the "e".

It's Smoky Mountains.

Nope, he's right - I am almost positive its because he tried to drive the truck up his driveway day 1 and got a harness fire

As possibly the one person who has harassed him about this fact since he bought it more than any other, I approve of this name.

So, the guy I talk to almost daily gives me s**t about the name, and the guy whom I've met in person once comes to my rescue. Nice!

It especially hurts Rainey since I told you about the name already. It really hurts, man. Really. Sniff And, since I'm an Auburn alum, not a TN Vol fan, I have no affinity for Rocky Top.

Rick is right. Somehow all my vehicles seem to be named related to fire.

This one is a swipe at the fact that she caught fire within 1 mile of driving it. If you guys could have seen me with the hood up, trying to blow out the flames....

And, right now, she reminds me of the old woman you meet in a bar with yellow-blonde stringy hair, and a raspy voice, deep set wrinkles, who turns out is younger than you are.

 

[Rainman]

AhaAHHahahaAHaahahahaaa...

A. You told me why but... I've slept since then.
B. Most people don't know the "e" fact including Tennesseans.
C. You don't have to be a Vol fan to like the Smokies. UT isn't in the Smokies. Get over it already!
D. i named your other truck and you love it, admit it.

 

[Vae Victus]

AhaAHHahahaAHaahahahaaa...

A. You told me why but... I've slept since then.
B. Most people don't know the "e" fact including Tennesseans.
C. You don't have to be a Vol fan to like the Smokies. UT isn't in the Smokies. Get over it already!
D. i named your other truck and you love it, admit it.

 

[TheHardWay]

Jeez, this thread seems to have lost its focus...

 

[Vae Victus]

Ok Purist!

Smokey has new shoes. Just picked them up.

 

[TheHardWay]

Ah-h-h, back on track.

 

[Vae Victus]

And more good news.

I got my new purse! (see it in the background?)

No, really, so now can see if my MIG is screwed up, or if it was just the gun. And if I can MIG, I can get the rotisserie going.

 

[Vae Victus]

THey are on classifieds here or ebay for about $150-$250. You might be able to source one locally as well.

While it probably isn't the cheapest up front, the ability to go back to 100% stock is why I am installing this on my truck.

What exactly am I looking for? IIRC it's a steering gear box from a early 80's Toyota SR5 pickup?

Is this it?

Or this one for less $$$?

 

[Jdc1]

What exactly am I looking for? IIRC it's a steering gear box from a early 80's Toyota SR5 pickup?

Is this it?

Or this one for less $$$?

It's the first one from the early 80s. See how it resembles the stock 40 box.

 

[Vae Victus]

If you get an oem FJ40 power steering box it will bolt onto your existing pedestal, you can take the guts from a mini truck box installed into the new 40 box. You will have to shorten the steering shaft a little to make room for the added length of the new box(Less work than fabbing a new column). There are no alterations to the frame or the rest of the stock steering setup.

Using your part number, I have a price from Beno for the OEM gear box case. Are there any mods required to put the mini truck guts into the OEM case?

Not cheap, but sounds like best solution.

 

[Jdc1]

I'm not sure, I haven't gotten that far yet. I am trying to compartmentalize my build so that I don't get discouraged. I believe that the mini box and 40 box use the same seal kit too.

Remember, that you won't have to buy the aftermarket pedestal, so you save $75? there. I have earlier style steering so I have to cut and anchor my steering shaft and fab the end where it attaches to the box with either a slip joint or rag joint. It's not cheap but I won't be "modding" anything on the frame and can return to stock if needed.

I am sure the true experts will lend their experience soon.

 

[Weber Sarge]

Ok , I'll get off the steering bandwagon ...but I'm not putting a sagassed pump in my rig , lol .

What is the issue with the mig ? Stutter / skipping or won't feed right ?

Sarge

 

[Vae Victus]

I'm not sure, I haven't gotten that far yet. I am trying to compartmentalize my build so that I don't get discouraged. I believe that the mini box and 40 box use the same seal kit too.

Remember, that you won't have to buy the aftermarket pedestal, so you save $75? there. I have earlier style steering so I have to cut and anchor my steering shaft and fab the end where it attaches to the box with either a slip joint or rag joint. It's not cheap but I won't be "modding" anything on the frame and can return to stock if needed.

I am sure the true experts will lend their experience soon.

You mean this is the blind leading the blind?

Anyone else have experience transferring the internals from the mini box into the FJ40 box? Just wondering if this is just an easy swap or if there are any gotchas.

Jdc1 - are you aware of any reference material out in the intrawebs on this?

Thanks!

 

[Jdc1]

I am following advice from Jim C and Onur so I am just looking through cataracts. I believe Kurt from cruiser outfitters would be able to give you a definite answer as to any additional mods or gotchas needed to the steering boxes. I do not believe any are needed.

Steering is on the list after my chassis is sitting on 4 wheels. I will try to do a write up on my build thread.