Blitz build 79 FJ 40. Rust, engine work,seats

[FJforty]

Found this picture of a 2002 Monte with the door open. Good picture of the seats in question. That's them. It looks like they used the same seats in 2000,2001,2002.

 

[FJforty]

Wanted to throw up a picture of the blocks used for head bolts and pushrods before I stash them. 2x6 and 2x10 drilled 1/2 dia. not thru. The head bolts thread into the wood. Not much tech here but it sure makes quick work of tearing the head off and keeping stuff in order.

 

[FJforty]

Here is a shot of the ring compressor, and ring expander.
The ring expander was outstanding, I would highly recommend this. Getting compression ring #2 on there is really, really hard without this tool. It also took what can be very nerve-wrecking trying to step the rings down the piston for an hour and turn it into an easy 15 minute job.
The ring compressor is easy to use, line up all the rings according to the spec (search this well) and slide the piston into the compressor. As the compressor tightens it turns the rings some so start with the compressor clamped down to just a little bigger than the piston. It might take a couple practice runs.

 

[FJforty]

Got my center arm rebuild kit from Cruisercorps via ebay. Good price and good service.
Some installation observations:
First off it fits really well but there certainly is a chance for error. This is how mine went. If I just drop the pivot bushing into the taper and then install the pivot axle there is some play, I had to tap the bushing down the taper some to get a good fit. I think it's very important that each installation be test fitted and then rock the axle to see what is moving. The bushing could be rocking back and forth in the taper instead of the tight fit that is required. Also the new cap that came with the kit has a recess on top so I installed an oring on the bolt to help seal this, it seemed like water could get in there. Nice kit, rag joint is next.

 

[FJforty]

In the beginning of this project I planned to do everything at once but I found that just checking or doing one thing per day is more like it.
If you are looking for something quick to check go out and , line up the tires on one side of the vehicle i.e. site down the front tire inline with the axle, front and rear tire bulge and align it with the rear tire bulge. Now go to the other side and site the front tire, it should be turned inward slightly. Quick toe-in check. My tire pointed outwards.

Did some hose rerouting and a themostat. Here is a link.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/437420-heater-hose-routing-f-2f.html