74' FJ55 Build... (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Cruiser Innovations
- Start date
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- Joined
- Sep 16, 2008
- Threads
- 96
- Messages
- 2,930
- Location
- Freensville
- Website
- www.poolpartydeathmachine.com
Those shackle lifts are some of the most horrific I've ever seen, but you did a great job cleaning them up, your welds are center-fold worthy!
Looks like you've got a fine oinker in the making!
Looks like you've got a fine oinker in the making!
- Thread starter
- #43
Thank you CC! The pictures don't do the old lift justice.... It looked much worse in person... The scary part about it was that I drove this pig home which was more than an hour from my house....
After I torched one side of these lift blocks off it only took one swift blow with a hammer and the blocks came right off....
- Thread starter
- #44
Yesterday I was able to set the pigs front steering caster angles back to the factory 1 degree positive caster angle. I also set up the front shock mounts on the axle.
At noon I am picking up the replacement front springs (Driver side is sagging about 3").
My plans are to complete:
Front axle: Rebuild hubs, steering knuckles, paint and install
Install 4X4 Labs High steer
At noon I am picking up the replacement front springs (Driver side is sagging about 3").
My plans are to complete:
Front axle: Rebuild hubs, steering knuckles, paint and install
Install 4X4 Labs High steer
Luke's frombe setup didn't work on my 55...not enough room between the tie-rod and the 2F oilpan...
- Thread starter
- #46
Don't tell me that now! I haven't test fit it yet but I sure hope I don't run into the same problem... I'll let you know what happens after today...
4x4 labs told me that system wouldn't work on mine either, but I told him exactly what I had and he set me up with a non-frombe? (no tie rod behind the axle) system that worked great. They can work with you to get the right system for your pig.
Luke's frombe will work on a V8 Pig...just not on one with an F engine. Luke did take the frombe back and exchange it for the front tie-rod, no problem. Frankly, I'm glad the frombe didn't work...I've seen too many busted PS knuckles with the frombe.
- Thread starter
- #49
Well, you guys are right... The Frombe did not work. I called Luke up today and will have the right system sent out by next week. I plan to hold on to the Frombe for now and will probably use it on my 77' BJ40 build.
I used this same Frombe on the last cruiser I built which was a mild SOA BJ40. I did not pay as much attention to the oil pan to tie rod bar clearance as I should have because I also noticed today a small dent on the bottom of the oil pan as a result of the tie rod bar hitting it under suspension articulation.
Just a suggestion to anyone who plans to use these steering systems from Luke at 4X4 labs, only use if you have plenty of clearance between tie rod bar and oil pan or exhaust.... Luke's steering systems are otherwise very nicely designed!
I used this same Frombe on the last cruiser I built which was a mild SOA BJ40. I did not pay as much attention to the oil pan to tie rod bar clearance as I should have because I also noticed today a small dent on the bottom of the oil pan as a result of the tie rod bar hitting it under suspension articulation.
Just a suggestion to anyone who plans to use these steering systems from Luke at 4X4 labs, only use if you have plenty of clearance between tie rod bar and oil pan or exhaust.... Luke's steering systems are otherwise very nicely designed!
If you are not opposed to spending a few extra dollars. Take careful measurements of the springs you have. Get with Alcan or Deaver and have them make you a set. They do some things that help with axle wrap too, that work in conjunction with a wrap bar. Last year I pulled the old OE springs out of my FJ40 and replaced them with Alcan. The ride quality was greatly improved and I kept the height just as it was before. This rig is SOA as well.
Hey, that cruiser looks familiar! Nice to see you making headway on it. Is the rear end still on the forklift? How's that camo fj55 doing?
- Thread starter
- #52
Rear end is in! No progress on the camo cruiser yet (To many other projects but she'll see some attention soon!)
I'll be following along your build and am very exited to see you breathe new life into the old girl...
Thanks for checking out my build...
- Thread starter
- #53
I figured I'd send all of you guys / gals a link to my build on my website were you can review a lot more photos:
Pavement Piggy
Pavement Piggy
- Thread starter
- #54
Set up Saginaw steering box from an old scout. The front axle is now ready to be painted after completing the shock mount installations and finishing the steering knuckle adjustments.
I've completed a great deal on the wagon but have to head out so stay tuned!
I've completed a great deal on the wagon but have to head out so stay tuned!
- Thread starter
- #56
No... I am however sleeving the mounting holes with DOM tubing, and using a plate on the two leading bolts (As it was fitted on Scout and is probably over kill after I sleeved the chassis)...
I'm eating dinner right now but will post a few progress photos in a few minutes..
- Thread starter
- #57
Where to start? Well, today was cold but it didn't dampen our momentum on the wagon!
Bryan and Doug kicked butt and left the cold in the dust...
Doug worked on the front clip while Bryan sanded down the cowl in preparation for a little flat black paint...
Bryan and Doug kicked butt and left the cold in the dust...
Doug worked on the front clip while Bryan sanded down the cowl in preparation for a little flat black paint...
- Thread starter
- #58
For the steering setup I used a Scout Saginaw steering box.
The first thing I did was cut down the old shock tower removing the stock steering box mount and trimming up what was necessary for the new box to fit properly (Factory look).
For the time being I will be using the stock steering column but will eventually install a tilt column. The transition or steering link I fabricated from the stock fj55 steering column to the scout steering box utilized the original universal joint from the Scout Saginaw box and the upper portion of the FJ55 Steering link (Universal and slip yoke). For the additional length that was needed I used DOM tubing. I am very pleased with the final product so far.
The first thing I did was cut down the old shock tower removing the stock steering box mount and trimming up what was necessary for the new box to fit properly (Factory look).
For the time being I will be using the stock steering column but will eventually install a tilt column. The transition or steering link I fabricated from the stock fj55 steering column to the scout steering box utilized the original universal joint from the Scout Saginaw box and the upper portion of the FJ55 Steering link (Universal and slip yoke). For the additional length that was needed I used DOM tubing. I am very pleased with the final product so far.
- Thread starter
- #59
These are photos of the two steering link halves after they were fabricated together. It took me almost an hour just to separate the slip yoke halves apart after years of rust bonding! My final solution to the problem was a bigger hammer!
- Thread starter
- #60
Photos of the inner fender well trimmed out with the plasma cutter. I have since metal finished the fender well and it looks like it came from the factory with the scout steering box.
