Beginnings of a Build - 1970 FJ40 (1 Viewer)

[S4Cruiser]

So...a little history.

Since purchasing my 80 almost 5 years ago and building it for mild wheeling I always wanted a 40.



Well I bought one and like the 80 built it too nice to wheel anything other than what I would try in the 80.



So I bought another 40 to build as a trail rig.



I'm in the process of selling the nice 40 and will be using some of the sale funds to complete the build.

My plans for the truck will be a semi dedicated trail rig, but with some limited on road driving (around town, to the trail head if needed, etc). I have a tow rig and trailer so I'm good there.

My build plan is the following;

2F engine (already installed and runs strong)
SM465/Orion 4:1 case
Proffitts Rear 4-link with coils
SOA front shackle reversal with Alcan springs
Scout PS
4x4 Labs High-steer
'78 FJ40 axles with 30 spline longs up front (mini truck knuckles) and poly performance rears (discs on all 4 corners)
ARB locker up front and Aussie in the rear
36-38" tires (most likely Iroks or TSLs)
MT Family Cage and tub fenders
M8000 winch with synthetic rope

I already have some of the parts but still need to purchase about 2/3 of what I've listed.

I've done a ton of reading but am still a newb when it comes to a more hardcore build so I'm looking for advice / comments on my planned setup.


-Jon

 

[Tapage]

sounds like a good plan ..

 

[slacker24-7]

looks like a pretty darn decent platform to build.. I was like you had a cruiser to nice to wheel and sold it, now cant find a decent one at a fair price, looks like ya have a good plan only thing I might add or think about would be staying on rear leaves for a bit, leaves are very stable, predictable, and can be made to work very well.. and thats a lot of cash could be put into your other parts.. links can come later.. just my 2 cents,

 

['74 UA FJ]

My build plan is the following;

2F engine (already installed and runs strong)
SM465/Orion 4:1 case
Proffitts Rear 4-link with coils
SOA front shackle reversal with Alcan springs
Scout PS
4x4 Labs High-steer
'78 FJ40 axles with 30 spline longs up front (mini truck knuckles) and poly performance rears (discs on all 4 corners)
ARB locker up front and Aussie in the rear
36-38" tires (most likely Iroks or TSLs)
MT Family Cage and tub fenders
M8000 winch with synthetic rope


-Jon

I would say there is no need for Alcan springs on the front. SO with factory springs flipped around will be good. No need for a shackle reversal, imo. Especially not one of the rock hanger setups. I'd switch the aussie locker to the front, and ARB for the rear. I've got lock rites front and rear and the only downside for me is you have to change your driving style on the road when turning at lower speeds. If you are going to link it, link it front and rear. Otherwise, long rear leafs do pretty well. Figure out your target wheelbase and design around that. You will want wider axles with 38s. I have 40 axles with 2 inch backspaced bead locks and am about to run some 1.5" spacers. If funds were unlimited, I would probably run 80 series axles for the width, at least in the rear. I don't how the smaller gearset in 80 series fronts holds up to big tires and power.

Do the build in increments and wheel in between so that you don't get frustrated with a looonnnggg build.

 

[Senor Aguas]

nice cruiser and good plan. If I was going to do anything last on your list, it would be the Orion. Its on my list too. You may be pleased with the SM465 granny low depending on what kind of wheelin you do.

Unless your transfer case is crap and needs a rebuild anyway, you can always swap it out for the Orion later and not be out any more money for waiting.

subscribed.

 

[Senor Aguas]

Oh, one more thing... Where you park this thing may have some to do with how high you go and tire size. I had to bring my SOA down as low as I could and go to a 35" tire to fit in the garage!