'77 FJ40 buildup in Charlotte (finally)

[Cirbo]

Just got through your build, very nicely done. I will echo the wrap bar though. I have the same lift with a similar motor and even with all the leaves in the pack managed to wrap enough to break the pinion. When you get it on the road please report back on the ride, it's been almost 10 years and the rear springs are a still bit rough.

Definately a nice build.

Interesting data Bret,

Who's springs are you running?

I asked a 4x4 resource here locally to comment.

His response:

The flip doesn't create the need for a traction bar. The Ramjet might.

I would put the tranny in 1, foot on the brakes, and start giving it gas while you watch the rear end. Obviously, you will have to have someone driving it while you look at it.

It is starts to wrap up then a traction bar is gonna be necessary. If not, you are probably fine. SOA makes it more likely to wrap as well.

 

[Sputnik40]

Concur with Bret - actually was watching when he broke his pinion. Have broken several myself. While a good new set of stout lift springs may offset the flip - it's generally accepted that the longer side of the spring is weaker and less able to offset wrap. Again - not that a stout set of springs might not hinder such wrap; however, combine that with the Ramjet and it may be questionable. For the money being spent on such a nice ride - would be nothing to drop $300 on a nice wrap bar - or fab one up cheaper.

Love that Ramjet, and it really is a beautiful build!

As an aside - seeing the Defender exocage on the trailer, the D-90 in the background, and other Land Rover references - have to ask: am using Dupont metal etching primer for the resto on my 74 Series I - is that what you used on the 40 (tan metal etching primer?)? I am not overly happy with the sealing performance (must be topcoated sooner) as compared to the PPG marine epoxy primer (also metal etching) I used on my FJ40 frame years ago - it seems bulletproof?

 

[Cirbo]

It's starting to sound like I need to learn about anti-wrap bars. Are there pre-fab units built for 40's?

jC

 

[Cirbo]

It's starting to sound like I need to learn about anti-wrap bars. Are there pre-fab units built for 40's?

jC

Never mind. I did a search and found way too much information. Gonna have to digest all this stuff.

 

[Bret]

I have the same lift you do. I got the MAF kit w/ shackle reversal. I have not flipped the springs yet so the short side is toward the front. So with a 4" lift spring that still rides rough and a mild 383 managed to break the pinion. I wasn't "tearing it up" but it bounced twice and popped. I was not running a crawl box etc. just a H55 w/split case 1st gear low range. The engine is running a very mild cam and it wasn't more than 1.5-2K rpm, it should be similar to your Ramjet just no FI

I have also noticed that with the 383 on tap I can accelerate pretty hard on the asphalt, and that also looks like it is deforming the springs slightly. My pinion is pointing up a degree or two more than it was when I dropped the engine/tranny combo. With a nice motor it is very hard not to get on it every now and then. You might also consider building a fine spline for the rear if it doesn't already have one.

 

[Cirbo]

I've got the fine splined diff's installed. What have you done for a trac bar?

 

[mikealeus]

Nice, nice, nice work!!

 

[Bret]

"I've got the fine splined diff's installed. What have you done for a trac bar?"

I haven't built one yet. I have been watching the threads and contemplating. I am waiting till I swap the rear springs (more wheelbase) and redo my driveline.

 

[boombapslappy]

Very nice, Jim! I'd love to stop by sometime and check it out. And, you know, it's a requirement that if another cruiser guy lives in the same town, you have to take him for a ride in this thing when it's all done.

Great job!

 

[Cirbo]

Yo Josh,

I passed you the other day in that sharp 60 series, but was on the bike. There will be rides when "dial in" time arrives. Marshal only wanted to see the video!?

 

[apeterson]

very nice build!!!!!!!

 

[Poser]

Very nice build; It is nice to see another well-documented build up.



One suggestion:


Move this fuel filter to inside the frame. Leaving it on the outside of the frame like that is only asking for trouble.

 

[Cirbo]

Very nice build; It is nice to see another well-documented build up.



One suggestion:


Move this fuel filter to inside the frame. Leaving it on the outside of the frame like that is only asking for trouble.

Poser!

It was you who shamed me into documenting this build....

Believe it or not, there is almost no room on the inside frame rail with the 700R4 pan and dual shifter linkage. It's hard to see in this picture, but if you look close, you will see a piece of DOM bolted to a bracket under the foot of the A-hoop attachment point at the floor. My plan is to build a set of rock sliders that will incorporate a frame tie-in for that point. When it's all said and done, the filter should be pretty well protected. (why I used the 45 degree -AN fittings on the filter too)

 

[Cirbo]

The wiring is almost done. I've tried to keep related wires in their own bundles, for easier troubleshooting in the future. I also tried to pull a few extra wires and pre-wire weatherpack plugs in anticipation of a trailer harness and future development. I will be using the original speedo and fuel gauge, but the oil pressure, water temperature, and transmission temp will be autometer gauges filling the radio slot. The radio will be installed in a lockable Tuffy console between the seats.

The american autowire harness comes with a nice headlight switch, but I elected to reuse the wiper and heater switches.

 

[Cirbo]

Test fitted the console, only to find that it doesn't fit with the Corbeau seat brackets. The inboard seatbelt attachment point contacts the console. (as usual, nothing fits....)

Cut the brackets off, shortened and rewelded them to the top of the bracket. The outboard mounts are in the original position.

 

[Cirbo]

Went on a search the other day for a pair of speakers. Years ago, you could buy speakers with their own enclosures (speakers mounted in their own black plastic boxes). Apparently, that practice ended in the past 20 years or so. I wanted a pair of (fairly) waterproof speakers, in their own enclosures.... ideally... able to bolt the the roll bar.

Enter Fleabay. I found a pair of waterproof speakers that are used on ski boat applications. These babies are designed to clamp to the wakeboard towers....

Ugly, or OK???

 

[fueg0]

I dig the speakers...

While reading this I was thinking to myself "why not speakers for a wakeboard boat?"

have you had a chance to test 'em out?
--jeff

 

[DomSmith]

Jim-

Are those Wet Sounds Pro 80's? If so those speakers are great on towers.

 

[Cirbo]

MTX TM6502WB-B 2-way Wakeboard Tower Speakers.

I need to wire the head unit in to test them so I can leave feedback.

 

[Mendocino]

I had/have the same issue with my console and Corbeau seats. At the moment my DS seat is offset to the left about an 1/8 of an inch from my Flaming River column and it drives me crazy. 1/8" might not seem like a lot but I notice. Eventually I will rework the seat and Tuffy box moorings but have more pressing issues at the moment.

Test fitted the console, only to find that it doesn't fit with the Corbeau seat brackets. The inboard seatbelt attachment point contacts the console. (as usual, nothing fits....)

Cut the brackets off, shortened and rewelded them to the top of the bracket. The outboard mounts are in the original position.