- Thread starter
- #81
Drivers side all put together, just waiting for a second person to bleed the system. Tick-tock, tick-tock... Yes, I'm impatient.
77 FJ40 - Slow & Steady Rebuild
- Thread starter KingAir Driver
- Start date
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- Thread starter
- #82
New rims and tires installed, brakes bled, and ready for a test drive!
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- #84
I'll see what I can do later after work. Maybe attach the GoPro somewhere.
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- #85
Test drove the 40 around the neighborhood and everything seems to be running alright! The brakes and engine were working nicely. My wife said it was pretty stinky exhaust as she followed in a different car, but no color associated. Need to track down an A/F gauge to check if it's running too rich.
Other than that, the speedometer seemed to be jumpy at 20mph, bouncing like 1/4 inch, not sure if that's normal. The shocks are toast and steering is too with a good cruiser lean going on. Plus, still need to fix the dripping water pump bolt.
Now, she sits awaiting my return in a few months!
Other than that, the speedometer seemed to be jumpy at 20mph, bouncing like 1/4 inch, not sure if that's normal. The shocks are toast and steering is too with a good cruiser lean going on. Plus, still need to fix the dripping water pump bolt.
Now, she sits awaiting my return in a few months!
Excellent work!
As far as the speedo spiking I'd say from past experience its probably the cable, easy fix. Another option is try lubing the cable as it may clear the bind.
As far as the speedo spiking I'd say from past experience its probably the cable, easy fix. Another option is try lubing the cable as it may clear the bind.
- Thread starter
- #87
As I sit here in Afghanistan, looking at MUD for countless hours, I find myself planning my next phase of the rebuild. The steering is very sloppy so that's what I'll tackle next. I already have an OME stabilizer and center arm rebuild kit waiting, but I need to order a set of TRE's and probably a rag joint and drag link rebuild kit. The manual box is leaking, so my last resort is sending that off for rebuild since it's out of my spectrum.
Here's a shot before I left after the successful test drive, I'm thinking of pulling the top off when I get home in a month, the tops of the doors irritate me.
And here are the manual gear box and shot Tie Rods. It looks like the box has been leaking for awhile, and that rag joint looks like it'll be a challenge to get un-done with the rust. Any thoughts on the leak?
Here's a shot before I left after the successful test drive, I'm thinking of pulling the top off when I get home in a month, the tops of the doors irritate me.
And here are the manual gear box and shot Tie Rods. It looks like the box has been leaking for awhile, and that rag joint looks like it'll be a challenge to get un-done with the rust. Any thoughts on the leak?
@KingAir Driver
Hang in there like a hair in a biscuit man, you'll get it figured out.
- Thread starter
- #89
Got some new goodies from CruiserOutfitters! New TRE 555 set, new drag link, steering rag joint, and OEM interior mirror! Just hit all the areas with kroil, time for some soaking and measuring current set-up. Also got the center arm rebuild kit and OME stabilizer on deck. Wish me luck.
- Thread starter
- #90
Update: So I painted the new set of 555's up nice and purdy to prevent future rusting. Then I went about pulling the old stuff out, not fun on day one. Many a cuss word and swinging a BFG and pickle fork to no avail 
. Frustrated I decided to look around my favorite website. Day 2, I picked up a different tie end rod removal tool and set about with renewed vigor! A ratchet wasn't working, so out comes air impact to break those suckers loose! Bam, bam, bam, bam. All except the one. Now I need a different tool to remove the centering arm and get that rebuild going too.
Questions: Is the large tie rod tube supposed to have multiple bends in it?
. Frustrated I decided to look around my favorite website. Day 2, I picked up a different tie end rod removal tool and set about with renewed vigor! A ratchet wasn't working, so out comes air impact to break those suckers loose! Bam, bam, bam, bam. All except the one. Now I need a different tool to remove the centering arm and get that rebuild going too.Questions: Is the large tie rod tube supposed to have multiple bends in it?
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- Thread starter
- #91
So I feel everyone's pain with the center arm removal. 3 different pullers, 2 pickle forks, soaking and a BFH later, still attached. So I removed the whole unit and take it somewhere to be pressed off.
Started soaking the relay rod and drag link in some apple cider vinegar to hopefully loosen up 40 years of rust. As far as the tie rod, I'll be getting a new unit (too many bends for my liking in the old one). Any body get one from cruiser outfitters @ Kurt?
Started soaking the relay rod and drag link in some apple cider vinegar to hopefully loosen up 40 years of rust. As far as the tie rod, I'll be getting a new unit (too many bends for my liking in the old one). Any body get one from cruiser outfitters @ Kurt?
- Thread starter
- #92
And the 50 ton press for the win! When the guts of the centering arm blew out the bottom it was like a gunshot went off, definitely pickle forks and pullers were a lost cause! The relay rod ends and drag link ends all came out easier than expected with a vise and pipe wrench. Blasted all the parts, now time to degrease and paint.
Will be purchasing a new tie rod and all 6 new clamps.
Also, the guy at the auto hobby shop recommended this stuff. Said it was PB Blaster on crack.
Will be purchasing a new tie rod and all 6 new clamps.
Also, the guy at the auto hobby shop recommended this stuff. Said it was PB Blaster on crack.
- Thread starter
- #93
Finished the center arm rebuild and installed the unit, then installed an OME stabilizer. Awaiting parts to finish the rest.
- Thread starter
- #94
Thanks Bryce and Kurt @cruiseroutfit for the quick shipping of the new tie rod and all the clamps! You guys rock! So I got my set of 555's all dialed in to stock specs and everything re-attached. Now just need to final torque and cotter key it all.
Need to pull the steering wheel to adjust and while I'm at it replace my turn signal switch with a spare I have, then test drive / alignment.
My steering box looks to have been leaking for awhile, and upon pulling the fill plug on top, I can see the worm gear, hmmm. I've heard of guys using grease instead of oil, but if this is the major source of steering play the box needs attention. Thoughts?
Need to pull the steering wheel to adjust and while I'm at it replace my turn signal switch with a spare I have, then test drive / alignment.
My steering box looks to have been leaking for awhile, and upon pulling the fill plug on top, I can see the worm gear, hmmm. I've heard of guys using grease instead of oil, but if this is the major source of steering play the box needs attention. Thoughts?
- Thread starter
- #95
Took it out for a quick test drive after finishing up the steering. Everything is much tighter with better feedback. Ended up adjusting the steering box and adding grease to take up some slop.
- Thread starter
- #96
Getting into the issues with my turn signals, I decided to pull the rears and found 40 years of dirt packed between the shields and the housing, causing the housings to disintegrate. Cha-Ching, at least the passenger side is available still, I'll have to go aftermarket for the drivers side and swap plugs.
Decided to get a MAP torch to heat broken bolts, and it worked awesome! Definitely going to heat every bolt in the frame before I try and stick a socket on it.
Decided to get a MAP torch to heat broken bolts, and it worked awesome! Definitely going to heat every bolt in the frame before I try and stick a socket on it.
- Thread starter
- #97
Well, new tail lights came in. OEM right rear and left rear from CruiserOutfitters. Thanks again @cruiseroutfit ! I was presently surprised the non-OEM one had the correct plug and I didn't have to swap. The lens is a little off in color though.
Also received my new Bilstein 5125 rear shocks after flexing the suspension and finding a good range. Just awaiting new washers from the dealer to show up.
Also received my new Bilstein 5125 rear shocks after flexing the suspension and finding a good range. Just awaiting new washers from the dealer to show up.
- Thread starter
- #99
That's bud! It's a race against the clock every time I come home to get some stuff done before I leave again.
I hear you brother it's tough finding time these days, however, your time management is excellent based on what you've managed to accomplish so far!
Are you in the service?
Mike