Build '73 FJ40 rebuild - family wheeler

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Alright, I got my "To Do" list written out into 3 stages. The items under the stages are in no particular order:

Stage One:
[STRIKE]Modify and tune carb[/STRIKE]
[STRIKE]Adjust valves / compression test[/STRIKE]
[STRIKE]Check timing[/STRIKE]
[STRIKE]Re-route fuel line and add PSI regulator[/STRIKE]
[STRIKE]Rebuilt front end[/STRIKE]
Change fluid in trans
Change fluid in t/cases
[STRIKE]Check wiring / switches and re-loom wiring[/STRIKE]
[STRIKE]Change fluid in rear axle and check / adjust brakes[/STRIKE]
Bleed / adjust clutch
[STRIKE]Lube & inspect driveshaft[/STRIKE]
Inspect e-brake (new cable)
Raise drivetrain breathers
Modify cage to a "family cage"
Replace fuel cell (current one is too tall)
Install soft top
Change out leaf springs (needs to be lower)
Add rear seat
Add tailgate / barn doors
Build storage & mounts (CO2, Hi-Lift, etc)
[STRIKE]Install CB[/STRIKE]
Install 2m HAM radio
Install emergency lighting (Amber strobes)
Add aftermarket gauges
Replace / add rock lights
[STRIKE]Mount GoPro[/STRIKE]
 
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Yeah it does... I'm exhausted just writing the list! LOL.

Right now I'm running a mini-truck front axle with 5.29's and a PowerTrax and the stock rear axle with 5.29's and a LocRite. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the 62 axles once I get them but that is quite a ways off. I know that they will stay 4.11, so I will probably do Aussies front and rear. I personally don't like ARB's and wouldn't want to pay to set up gears without changing the ratio.
 
Cool pic my wife took, just for funsies...
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Well I got a little bit of work done on her this weekend. The fuel line from the cell to the hard line was badly cracked and I was afraid that it was sucking air, so that got replaced. I checked the lines all the way to the carb and the rest looked great. I will need to drive it more but I'm impressed at how well the little F ran. It seems to only run lean when it's cold. I really wish I knew more about carbs!

After that I realized the resistor on the harness to make my 3 wire GM alt and 1 wire alt was hot when the key was off. :eek: After looking at a bunch of different wiring diagrams and talking with a Chevy buddy of mine, I wired it to 12v switched power. I also cut out the alt gauge in the process of trying to figure out what is going on. Now I have no draw on the battery when the 40 is off AND it's charging! :cool:

I had a few more minutes before I had to go in, so I threw on 1.5" spacers in the rear and inspected the brakes. I will need to throw new shoes on there soon but the drums looked good. Now the rear width is only about 1" narrower than the front.

I also got to give :princess: her first ride in it on Saturday. She seemed to like it but I think I will need to redo the passenger seat mount sooner than later. She kept hitting her leg on it getting out!

I also ordered all of the parts to go through the front end, so I thing that will be the next step.
 
Thanks to Mr Jitz and a couple buddies, I got about 10 hours of work in on her this weekend! Being that I had some help, we started off with trying to tame the unruly mass of wires and non-working gauges. Before the day started, I had an aftermarket water temp gauge that moves that that's it. I at leasted wanted oil psi as well. After chasing wires for a bit, I realized that there was no sending unit... We robbed one off of my spare F motor and hooked it up. I now have two working gauges!

Other wiring fixes included looming, adding a larger ga charge wire and an additional ground strap. We also played around with switches trying to get them to work. So far I have lights with fiddling, 1 front heater speed, hazards and 1 windshield wiper speed... Good enough for now.
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I then measured out everything for the new fuel cell. I think I know what all I to buy and that will be ordered soon. Right now it has a 22 gal coming through the floor. This will obviously not work with a rear seat! I'm planning on going to a 16 gal and most of the floor will be replaced. This is what I currently have:
20130407-163101-zpsd3defe14.jpg


After that, I decided to start going through the front axle. I was working slowly for sure but I was trying to inspect everything while I was going along. I am in the middle of putting the driver side back together right now. Hopefully I'll be able to sneek out into the shop to finish it up this week.
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Just so y'all are in the loop. I'm thinking of buying a Jaz Pro-Street 16 gal fuel cell (Model # 205-016-01): Jaz 205-016-01 Fuel Cells Any thoughts?

I'm also planning on running VDO Vision gauges for everything... It's a throwback to my old VW days. LOL.

The dash will end up looking pretty custom. I think I will run something like this: http://www.jtoutfitters.com/billet-dash-panels-land-cruiser-fj40-fj45-body-p-2102.html to look something like this:
bellydoc_dash.jpg

or try to fab up something like this:
609245d1311031075-1966-fj40-build-up-pirate336.jpg

I just don't know how good that would look with the newer dash. Either way, I want it to be black not satin or polished since the 40 will be painted bright red with gloss black tubework. What do you guys think?
 
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