BamaBleach's FJ40 buildup

[BamaBleach]

Shifter linkage is almost done. I've been going over to the machine shop a couple of evenings for the past couple of weeks and everything is almost done. Dad needed to get a couple parts tig welded and then it will be ready to throw on there. It's fairly bling.

Once that gets squared away we can throw the tranny tunnel back on and get the cage back on. I'm headed to b-ham tomorrow to pick up some Al beadlocks that I'm getting used. Also waiting to hear back from a guy in the local club to go pick up my 39.5" TSL's.

 

[BamaBleach]

Got a good bit done over holiday weekend. Shifter linkage is in and working. Need to pull it out to paint and add a grease fitting or two. I left my camera in Dad's shop so I can't show it off yet.

The tranny tunnel is also in. It's been almost a year since I've seen that thing in the Cruiser!

The cage is in for the final time so no more having to drive around on a wooden stool! I drove it from Nick's shop back to Dad's yesterday evening. Now Nick can start on his sweet 4Runner build (2 door w/ custom soft-top, 3RZ, doubler w/ 4.7 in rear case, etc)!

 

[BamaBleach]

Finally got some pics uploaded...

Dad machined some shifter linkage parts:

The middle bushing is stainless steel:

Jumping forward alot (triple sticks ):

toybox high range + low range + 4wd:

toybox high range + high range + 2wd:

Covering up the old shifter hole:

 

[BamaBleach]

A lot of stock cruiser linkage parts were reused to make it work. Everything needs to be cleaned up and made pretty but for now it's in and works. Dad wanted to make a few more parts so it would look nicer but I was impatient and just wanted to get it done. So instead of machining tabs that could be removed with a set screw, I voted to just weld them on. Doesn't look as clean but it's done and works great.

Two FJ62 shifters modified:

Once we take it back out to add the grease fittings we'll clean everything up and paint it. You'll also notice some welding wire in place of a cotter pin. This was all for mock up. I'll get better pics of it off of the truck later.

 

[JBC0217]

Nice progress!

 

[BamaBleach]

Anyone wanna help groove some tires?

fyi, those tail lights are not in their permanent home

And a shot with the cage back in:

 

[lulo]

BIG Shoes

 

[BamaBleach]

Got the shifter linkage pulled out and painted this weekend. Still need to add some grease fittings.

shifter platforms:

closeup:

 

[BamaBleach]

Also got the rear shocks mounted up yesterday.

upper mount on the frame rail:

lower axle side mount (mount from TG):

And the shock mounted:

 

[BamaBleach]

And lastly we started working on the cross member that will mount to the Toybox. Still got a bit of work to do on it.

14" of 2x2" angle for the frame rail ties:

mounted into the back three stock skid holes:

Also got TG's lifetime warranty t-case mount:

And we used the rear tire carrier / cross member from my donor FJ62 as the base for the cross member:

 

[JBC0217]

Phil, this thing is going to be a completely different animal when you hit the trails again. I see a certain waterfall in your future.

 

[BamaBleach]

Phil, this thing is going to be a completely different animal when you hit the trails again. I see a certain waterfall in your future.

That's one of the first places I plan to go. Probably take it there for the shakedown run. It's been slow but I wanted it to be done right this time around.

 

[BamaBleach]

More work got done yesterday. The tail lights finally found their new home and the rear cross-member / skid is done (however it might get more work done to it to incorporate the shackle for my anti-wrap bar).

 

[chicago]

L O V E the shifters bro!
Those came out AWESOME!

 

[kling-on]

Lookin good

 

[BamaBleach]

Thanks guys! The material to build my driveshafts should come in today. Getting close to the end!

 

[JBC0217]

Update please. I need my fix.

 

[BamaBleach]

Update please. I need my fix.

I was at the beach last week so there isn't much to report on. The local club has a picnic later this month so the goal is to be done for it. I think it's doable.

 

[dwh84]

Now he's putting out goals! Watch out! Ready for the green monster to be done.

 

[Clutchee]

I was at the beach last week so there isn't much to report on. The local club has a picnic later this month so the goal is to be done for it. I think it's doable.

Keep me informed about the ride & dates.... just got a new job that I can actually afford to wheel again