My 40 is in pieces right now, and was almost point and shoot for me when I got it.
New to me Configuration:
Rancho 2.5 lift
Worn 31" Hancooks
Nice set of Super seats
Tool box bolted in place of one of the jump seats
Modifications I did to it:
33x12.5x15 BFG AllTerrains
2-lo mod
Body mods by me:
2 lamp posts in the pass side in a blizzard... better than hitting the new Suburban on the other side of me.
Body mods by my friend Marc:
In part here:
http://gallery.prairiedogparts.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=turtle
All pics so far, here:
http://prairiedogparts.com/turtle/
Brief description:
My original firwall and dash cut out of my mangled FJ40, welded into a right hand drive BJ41 Tub.
The '41 tub turned out not as clean as we thought, so we set about removing the patched original sheet metal, and implementing some Practical body mods. The Rockerpanels were replaced with 2x6 3/16" wall square tubing. The rear sill was replaced with 2x3 3/16" wall square tubing.
the forms for the wheelwell openings and all the rear quarter panels and rear corners made from 3/8" x 1" flat bar, then skinned with sheet metal. All other rust issues cut out and patched with new sheet metal.
Since getting the tub back from Marc, I've had a wee bit of a lull in activity. Actually I haven't really done any substantial work on Turtle in the year and a half I've had it back.
Work I've done since getting the tub back:
Clean and spraybombed the rear 2/3s of the frame.
removed the rear axle and suspension
removed the original rear crossmember and shackle hangers
Started building a new rear bumper/crossmember
Set tub on the frame
bolted rear axle and most of the rear susp. back in.
Temp installed steering in order to flat tow to my new 1400 sqft garage.
Parked it in the garage haven't touched it since. Tha was probably October.
Plans after I'm done my Kitchen remodel:
Finish rear crossmember/bumper
Properly mount body
Fab or modify and remount rear shackle hangers, to accomodate FJ55 lift springs. Wheelwell openings were formed to accomodate wheelbase stretch.
'55 lift springs infront as well.
60 series power steering, have the box just need the pump, and brackets.
Rear disc brakes.
4.11 or 4.56 gears, haven't decided.
Also haven't decided if I should get a locker, I could almost follow the locker boys before. It'll probably just get me into more trouble... Yeah I should get one, at least, want to save up for an ARB, or factory elec or cable lockers.
Full Metal Tech treatment: Full cage, Fenders, nose guard, stinger. But I want to figure out how to tie the fender, and nose guard together and to the frame to make the whole front end nice and solid.
And all the other whiz-bang goodies.
York onboard air
Onboard welder
8274
Adjustable shocks, Rancho, ProComp???
Really can't decide on tires... 37" would be nice. I really like the looks of the Parnelli Jones Dirt Gripz, but they seem to be the most expensive tires out there, and I haven't seen any realworld reviews, on them.
Dream list:
Orion
Toybox
H55
13BT or
1HDT
That's it for now.
Chris