Building A Four Door FJ40 (2 Viewers)

[boozewz]

Just found this video on Youtube. Are these stretched 40's Fouad? Or are they shortened 45 pickups?

Nevertheless, I love the spirit of adventure.

Bring us more pics from your stunning country with the Phantom traversing those mountainous regions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2oJlPY7z3s&feature=related

 

[FouadHafeez]

Actually, they're a bit of both.

The 40 Series (regardless of whether 40 or 45) are the basis for pretty much ALL transport in the Northern Areas of Pakistan (where the video you posted is shot). Load carriers (with the capacity for some people to sit, too) are usually stretched 40s. Whilst buses and people carriers are usually stretched Troopies. The 45 pickup with a separate tub, isn't all that popular...since it reduces the seating capacity to just the cabin.

These vehicles mostly run diesels (the 13B-T is a very popular engine) because of the simplicity of design, the ruggedness, and reliability...and are subjected to the most unimaginable stress. Not just from load bearing and cargo-carriage, but also by combating the environments and the frequently-ravaged-by-nature infrastructure (like the video aptly shows). Seeing a 40 Series vehicle chugging along at 15000+ feet isn't an uncommon sight!

Challenging this treacherous terrain in winters is extremely arduous (some might say "hazardous"), but when the Phantom is good and ready, I am SO going to visit these places (regardless of weather ). You can expect a ton of photos and onboard videos when I do so!

 

[lostmarbles]

Just found this video on Youtube. Are these stretched 40's Fouad? Or are they shortened 45 pickups?

Nevertheless, I love the spirit of adventure.

Bring us more pics from your stunning country with the Phantom traversing those mountainous regions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2oJlPY7z3s&feature=related

One of the best videos (if not the best) that we've ever been linked to here on ih8mud...

Thanks for finding it Boozewz...

 

[elephantsCBR]

Of course...this can't POSSIBLY rank too far behind, either!

Photo by Bilal Z, IJC

Ok. Why is the rear axle off the ground. I'm not understanding



Awesome shots. Lockers make all the difference. Love. The rig. Again

 

[FouadHafeez]

One of the best videos (if not the best) that we've ever been linked to here on ih8mud...

Thanks for finding it Boozewz...

Absolutely, Tom. In my eagerness to answer Booze's query...I completely forgot to appreciate the excellence of that video link. Thanks, Boozewz!

Ok. Why is the rear axle off the ground. I'm not understanding

Awesome shots. Lockers make all the difference. Love. The rig. Again

That shot was snapped at the exact moment that a 1HD-FTE powered Series 80 was inertia-strap tugging the Phantom out of its axle-deep soup. The angle of pull was oblique, which is why you see one end "airborne". While this retrieval was taking place, we had the Phantom's wheels spinning, in anticipation. On count of three, we both "floored it". The photo is a combined product of all these phenomena.

And yeah...I SO agree about lockers. This rig needs 'em. Thanks for the appreciation!

 

[hayzin]

@fouadhafeez

Sir, allow me to salute firstly of course, the Phantom. I just finished reading this entire thread and am truly proud of who you are as a human being and as an off-road enthusiast.
Your project has inspired many people, not just in Pakistan, but through ih8mud.com, you have managed to give our country a more positive image than what the media chooses to reveal and that Sir is something great.

Thank you also for giving credit to my humble photos of your awesome machine.

On the Pumpkin Orange, I say go for it! Orange, black and chrome is a kick ass combo.

Lastly, God bless you for the positive human being that you are. Hope to see the Phantom in many more IJC events to come.
Cheers.

 

[FouadHafeez]

It's good to see you on here, Hayzin!

Your words humble me, brother...since I'm NOT really such a good human being. Off-road enthusiast, though? Hell, YEAH.

To be honest, each day when I see that this thread has picked up a couple of hundred "hits" I half-expect it to have been moved from the Tech Section to some other section of the website, because (in all truth) the stuff that I post on here isn't really all that technical at all. It doesn't contain any microscopic insights into shackle angles, or cam profiles, or wiring looms and harnesses...and it certainly doesn't remain restricted to following the path of the Phantom's combustion process between TDC and BDC.

I DO think of it as a watering hole for like-minded to gather and exchange ideas and views, and offer healthy critique on what has proven to be the build of a lifetime for me, personally. In the process, I've forged friendships and have made some close acquaintances, and have come to value THAT more than the technical knowledge I've gleaned (or imparted, for that matter). In the process, if this thread manages to establish a clearer picture of Pakistan, its people, and the core values of the way we ARE rather than the way we're PERCEIVED to be...well...that just sweetens the deal, immeasurably.

And yeah...Pumpkin Orange. Perfect "Halloween" season colours!

Cheers, mate!

 

[FouadHafeez]

It's been a few days since my last post (anyone else ever notice how it seems like ages, to us addicts? ), and this absence has provided me a bit of time to do some thinking on the little things, too...in addition to fueling my withdrawal pangs for having been absent for SOOOO long.

I was absolutely distraught when we got stuck in the mud on the Phantom's last outing, for the simple fact that it rendered the monster helpless, other than the fortunate mercy of mates who were accompanying. This required immediate rectification, to my mind.

First on the agenda was the winch. This is a second hand winch that'd been culled from a Series 80 TLC, and I was quite happy to have found it going cheap. However, when we got around to actually fitting it, I discovered that the electric connector of the winch was a "lock jack" type, whilst the remote for the winch had an 8 pin connector. Bad news!

After some asking around, though, it transpired that a NEW remote would have to be fabricated, rather than tampering with the connector of the winch itself. Again, this is a testament to our craftsmen, that the winch is now ready and installed, and it uses a remote that has been culled from a CRANE! This remote, along with 6 meters of heavy duty electric cable, and the correct "jack" connector, cost the princely sum of $45. And boy, does it work well! Fortunately, the "original" remote with the winch is a perfect match to the connector on the winch of my FZJ79...which was NOT functional either. So...getting the wrong remote with the winch has actually proven to be a blessing in disguise.TWO vehicles with functional OEM winches...at negligible extra cost. I like when things that seem to initially be bad, turn out for the better, like that. It revives the eternal optimist in me!

Next up...the Hi-Lift jack.

Bogged down in a three feet of mud, made me very quickly appreciate the possible uses of such a device. Now I know; much has been written about and talked about regarding the "it's just extra weight, and serves no purpose" qualities of the jack, on this very forum. Politely, I disagree. When used correctly, the jack serves not only the obvious purpose of lifting the vehicle, but can be used for a number of other useful purposes, too. Which is why - on the Phantom - it occupies a position of prominence on the front bumper. Three nuts are all it takes to attach the jack to the bumper. I'll probably add a couple of Velcro-fastening straps to keep it rooted even more firmly in position.

Photos, to tell the story...

Yeah...the jack clipped the number plate and cracked a piece of it off. Bugger.

A clean, well-oiled, well-arranged winch is SURELY a sign of a sick mind!

The layout of the front bumper with the winch.

Another shot of the winch mounting.

Call me biased...but I rather LIKE the look of the entire arrangement.

 

[lostmarbles]

Very nice to learn the Phantom has got number plates, mudguards, a bonnet, and windscreen instead of licence plates, fenders, a hood and a windshield. (We speaky the same lingo Fouad.)

Are your number plates made of plastic (instead of the pressed aluminium alloy we have here)?

Unfortunately I'm one of those critics of high lift jacks. I've got one and I sometimes find it useful around home. But I never carry it on my cruiser because I find the OEM jack is less likely to cause damage or result in "precarious lifts" and of course it's so much lighter and easier to stow as well.

Nice installation job though ... with both the winch and jack

 

[FouadHafeez]

LOL

Well...this is the way EVERYONE who lives east of the Atlantic speaks...right?

We also use the pressed aluminium plates here, but plastic ones are an option which is left to the individual owner's preference.

With regards to the jack, for me it's a necessity (since the rig is so bloody tall)...although I DO admit to it being by choice, as well. In the past, I've had a couple of occasions where the Hi-Lift Jack has proven to be a situation-saver for me. So I'm comfortable with it.

I'm not at all knowledgeable with the qualities of an OEM winch Vs an aftermarket one. The one I've installed is OEM which adorns most 70 and 80 Series TLCs. So...whilst selecting it, I was prone to the "if it's good enough for Toyota, it should be good enough for me" line of reasoning. Although, given the amount of modifications done to the Phantom, I really should NOT be quoting that aloud! How it would match up against a Warn winch for example, is anyone's guess. The thing which I was adamant about though, was the fitting. It fits nice and snug between the frame, rather than mounted atop the bumper (and thus interfering with airflow to the radiator). I'm glad the fit meets with your approval.

Cheers, mate.

 

[FouadHafeez]

...and I just noticed that I'm a part of the elite 250+ Club, now!

Do I get any free doughnuts?

 

[bikersmurf]

Hi-Lifts certainly do have their uses... Although, changing tires isn't high on the list. I've used mine in a few places where a regular jack would be useless. 30 deg sideslope, 80% grade, broken bead on the low side... gotta love onboard air.

Reseated the bead, and drove it down to a clearing to fix the rim.



(mine's actually a 60s or 70s Jack-All)

 

[bj40green]

...and I just noticed that I'm a part of the elite 250+ Club, now!

Do I get any free doughnuts?

Nope, but now you have bragging rights.

 

[FouadHafeez]

Nope, but now you have bragging rights.

LOL

Let me practice my "I'm not a newbie any longer" strut/swagger/shuffle!

 

[FouadHafeez]

gotta love onboard air...

Yes!

That's another thing that figures out, prominently. I'm told ARB air lockers come with an option for the accompanying compressors to be capable of onboard air, as well. I like the sound of that.

Thanks for reinforcing my bad ideas, with regards to money-losing schemes, BikerSmurf!

 

[waiting for time]

Yes!

That's another thing that figures out, prominently. I'm told ARB air lockers come with an option for the accompanying compressors to be capable of onboard air, as well. I like the sound of that.

Thanks for reinforcing my bad ideas, with regards to money-losing schemes, BikerSmurf!

I plan on using the York AC compressor for oba. If you have the right one you can even run powertools, so I'm told.
Allready got the compressor just need the tank,valves and other bits.

 

[fJ4ever84]

Like this

 

[FJsnoozer]

What kind of winch is that? I am trying to figure out what i can use with my custom bumper. I dont think I will be able to fit my high lift into my highlift mounts that came on this bumper.

 

[FouadHafeez]

Like this

View attachment 676975

I have a 2003 FZJ79 Pickup, which I'm VERY seriously thinking of converting to a four door, as well. But shhhh...don't tell my wife I have plans for another monstrous conversion / rebuild on the cards.

 

[FouadHafeez]

What kind of winch is that? I am trying to figure out what i can use with my custom bumper. I dont think I will be able to fit my high lift into my highlift mounts that came on this bumper.

It's an OEM Toyota winch, which I'm told (by my parts provider) was culled off a Series 80 TLC, second-hand. I'll post some pictures of the mounting arrangement when I get around to taking some photos, if you're interested. However, the winch DID sit with very little difficulty at the "sweet spot" between both arms of the chassis...which was pleasantly surprising, since I'd wanted to keep the front profile as unobtrusive and "un-busy" as possible.

And having seen your bumper, I agree: it doesn't appear that your jack is going to fit there easily.

Edit: In fact, after having looked at your bumper arrangment closely, I think you're going to have to mount the winch externally, and somewhat raised...since there isn't a "channel" (for the winch hook) cut into the bumper for it to be mounted between the arms of the frame. And then, from the look of things, it'll be either the mount OR the jack. Might I suggest another position for the jack? At the space just aft of the front mudguard, mounted upon the footboard, and bolted to the windscreen hinge for added support. I'd originally planned to mount my jack there...but decided to mount it on the bumper, since I didn't have any other plans for the front.