Another "new to me" FJ40 thread

[cbdog]

I just purchased my very first FJ40. It is a 1977. After a very long search, looking at some trucks that needed frame off restorations to some great trail rigs, I finally decided to get something as close to original as I could find/afford.

While this FJ has some minor rust spots, it is nothing major and I can drive this while working on it, which is a huge bonus to me. I have restored a bunch of Land Rovers, and am really excited to have a chance to learn about these great trucks now.

So, here is a pic to share. And, thanks for all of the info I have gotten from all of you already, lurking on this site.

Chuck

 

[Glacierskier]

No picture came through, and thanks for joining. Enjoy!

 

[cbdog]

Hopefully the pic uploads now

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Congrats! Bezel?

 

[DSRTRDR]

enjoy

 

[cbdog]

So, on to the Tech part:

I dont think the steering wheel has too much free play for a non power unit, but I am not positive as I do not have anything to gauge my opinion against. I would like to try to tighten it up a bit, to see if it can be a bit better before deciding on adding power steering to the truck. My goal is to keep the truck as original as possible, but I want it to drive really well too.

Also, can anyone give me a "top speed" for this truck. It motors pretty comfortably on the highway at 50-55. But, it doesn't seem to want to be pushed much harder than that. I am ordering an electronic ignition for it in the next few days.

Thanks in advance,

Chuck

 

[JohnnyC]

hello fellow ny'er

welcome to mud

top speed is on the driver...i have taken mine to 70-75...but...mine has 33" tires

comfortably I drive at 60-65...the truck would rather go 55 LOL

as for free play...you will need to have one person move the wheel back and forth....and you need to check where the play is...there are several point to adjust

 

[subzali]

what kind of electronic ignition are you going with? A Pertronix kit will drop right into your distributor and eliminate the points. An ignition from a later model FJ40 or FJ60 could be put in without too much effort and give you fully electronic ignition - in many ways preferably to an HEI-style ignition, especially if you are trying to stay stock-ish.

Steering - check out Gusb's thread - he's been recently trying to reduce the slop in his steering, and has gotten some good advice on how to proceed.

Comfortable cruising speed for me and my FJ40 with 31s and 2F is anywhere between 55 and 70. Good luck with your project! Post more and better pictures when you get a chance!