Builds 69 FJ40 - The Wrong Call (3 Viewers)

[TreadingLight]

I just expanded the kit and bought another F engine, ostensibly a 74. It was a deal. I haven't seen it yet and I don't know much about its condition, just that I have the engine sans bell housing and whatever stuff is attached to it. Since my engine is missing stuff I figured this might be useful.

If it is a 74 and has good compression, is the improved oiling of the later F worth swapping things onto this motor instead of the other way around?

Also, with a spare windshield frame, hinges, flywheel, and engine, I am well on my way to building a second fj4x.

 

[70fj40]

My 1st choice would be keep that bezel and roll another FJ40 under it.
You seem a bit more adventurous than that! So this looks like an opportune time for my 2nd choice….. to strip that down to the frame and start from scratch. Either way I admire your adventurous spirit! There is a nice FJ40 at the end of this long dark, winding, dusty and rutted road you have turned down.

 

[Grayscale]

So, the knuckle-ends of the axle were not rotated with the SOA conversion, just the spring-perches?

 

[TreadingLight]

From eyeballing it we don't think they turned the knuckles.

So this leaves me with a decision to make.

Option 1: Finish building the 40 axles. I think that would mean a new high steering arm, cut and turn the ends, front disc conversion and rear drum brake gm conversion.

Option 2: 60 axles sprungover

Option 3: 70 axles sprung over

(Right now I am thinking SOA on 35s.)

Option	Pros	Cons
40 axles	Its a 40 Cheapest	Effort Narrow
60 axles	Not too pricey Width	Likely Semi-float rear
70 axles	Full float rears Full awesomeness Share parts with my hzj75	Cost Narrow

 

[TreadingLight]

I visited the 40 today, dropped off some parts, and checked out my new engine.

The spare engine is a mid-73 per the engine number. It has the same remote oil filter setup that my 69 does so I take it this is not an F.5/F1.5.

I got everything but the bell housing and flywheel.

 

[mtn biker]

How do you keep track on where you are at progressing on each project out there. I have one and have a hard time remembering. But my ADHD has something to do with it. I would like to see them finished.

 

[TreadingLight]

Finish? Interesting concept.

 

[mtn biker]

Finish? Interesting concept.

Ok I will concede that they are never fully "finished" how about running and moving under their own power out in the wild and not out to pasture.

 

[TreadingLight]

Hah well fortunately of my 3 4 projects only one is stuck in a field.

 

[yotadude520]

How do you keep track on where you are at progressing on each project out there. I have one and have a hard time remembering. But my ADHD has something to do with it. I would like to see them finished.

I've got a whiteboard in the garage with all the tasks written down so I can cross em off as I work through them, helps a ton to keep me in check.

 

[archie73]

I've got a whiteboard in the garage with all the tasks written down so I can cross em off as I work through them, helps a ton to keep me in check.

I use chunks of cardboard. One for each project vehicle. It’s much easier to ignore when you have multiple lists. After enough time passes, I throw the cardboard under an oil drip. This solves most problems.

 

[charliemeyer007]

I drilled holes in the top center my 4"x6" Amoron note pads. I mounted a 1" magnet with a countersunk hole on the back of the pad using a 3/4" counter sunk long screw and nut. I then tied on a pen with a 18" string to the screw. About $3 a copy. Have them everywhere frig & house door, tool box, car dash.... - gave many to friends because they found them handy

 

[Ditcherman]

I use chunks of cardboard. One for each project vehicle. It’s much easier to ignore when you have multiple lists. After enough time passes, I throw the cardboard under an oil drip. This solves most problems.

 

[TreadingLight]

Well I can't believe we are talking about list making but OK fine.

Here's what I do:

1. I have a small whiteboard in the garage and I add tasks to it for current in-progress projects
2. I have a notebook where I design things (wiring harnesses, sketches of custom parts, etc)
3. I have a spreadsheet of parts I want to track down.
4. I photograph every project I start and keep folders on my PC so I can resume projects without forgetting what I did

It sounds like a lot when I jot all it down but these are just habits from my old life managing projects at work.

I am just glad that the steering committee (me) doesn't expect the project manager (me) to create powerpoint status updates. And the review board (me) isn't asking the system architect (me) to submit my designs as visio files. And for the love of gawd I will not raise a ticket to the technician (me) just to get a bolt tightened so don't even ask!

 

[Engineer8000]

Thankfully you don't have to go to the plant health committee to get your action item due dates extended.

 

[TreadingLight]

No but they did ask me to update my Plan of Actions and Milestones. I cited generally accepted practices, took a shot of whisky, and told the voices to sod off.

 

[TreadingLight]

My garage white board. Left is a shopping list for the 40, right is a task list for the 75.

 

[TreadingLight]

Question:

Does anyone know where I could find some Yazaki striped wire in common fj40 colors and sizes? Aside from harvesting parts from other harnesses, that is.

Even the spiral striped Sumitomo wire would be fine.

I'm trying to repair 3 69 fj40 harnesses for me and a friend. Two of them have some fire damage.

I have good quality TXL wire in solid colors I can use but I hate it when a harness changes color midway.

I've seen some US vendors that sell custom striped wire but its quite pricey, not usually available in the right color combinations, and often requires large minimum orders

I know that some vendors here on mud are using OEM-quality striped wire in their products. I may approach some folks about selling me some of their wire supply but I'd just as soon order myself.

Ideas?

 

[Green Bean]

Question:

Does anyone know where I could find some Yazaki striped wire in common fj40 colors and sizes? Aside from harvesting parts from other harnesses, that is.

Even the spiral striped Sumitomo wire would be fine.

I'm trying to repair 3 69 fj40 harnesses for me and a friend. Two of them have some fire damage.

I've seen some US vendors that sell custom striped wire but its quite pricey, not usually available in the right color combinations, and often requires large minimum orders

I know that some vendors here on mud are using OEM-quality striped wire in their products. I may approach some folks about selling me some of their wire supply but I'd just as soon order myself.

Ideas?

@Coolerman will hook you up!

 

[TreadingLight]

A community treasure right there. Now that you mention it I see a link to wire by the foot that I hadn't noticed on his site before. Spiral sumitomo style wire. Good enough.