MOTOV8R
SILVER Star
My rule of thumb, always have at least 1 running cruiser. I think you made the right choice.
Decision Time - Am I Ready For A Frame Off Restoration
- Thread starter TCSTARK
- Start date
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TCSTARK
Master Debater & Cunning Linguist
- Thread starter
- #63
Update,...
Ok, so over the holidays I started and completed the installation of my lift kit. I chose the 4" TPI Smokey Mountain Lift due to the price tag and convenience of being able to drive to TN and pick up the kit (not to mention it had everything I needed in one kit).
The installation went very smoothly. The front end u bolts and shackles/pins came off without any issue and the rear required the use of a cut off tool to get the u bolts off.
The hardest part was getting the center pins lined up with the pirch and then the pins through the inside portion of the frame bracket. I have to say the purchase of the pry bars was well worth the price tag.
The end result was pretty dramatic! (pics incleded) I, in rookie form, forgot to take before and after measurements so I only have a visual reference to the total lift in the front and rear. I will get better at the documentation moving forward.
So, I took her out for a test drive and experienced the death wobble so I will have to go through the front end components to see where I messed up. I have a separate thread for the death wobble and have been getting alot of suggestions what to inspect. Here's the link:
Death Wobble after 4" Lift Installed
The one question I do have is this: If I take my cruiser to an allignment shop should I do it before or after I install the power steering conversion kit?
Ok, so over the holidays I started and completed the installation of my lift kit. I chose the 4" TPI Smokey Mountain Lift due to the price tag and convenience of being able to drive to TN and pick up the kit (not to mention it had everything I needed in one kit).
The installation went very smoothly. The front end u bolts and shackles/pins came off without any issue and the rear required the use of a cut off tool to get the u bolts off.
The hardest part was getting the center pins lined up with the pirch and then the pins through the inside portion of the frame bracket. I have to say the purchase of the pry bars was well worth the price tag.
The end result was pretty dramatic! (pics incleded) I, in rookie form, forgot to take before and after measurements so I only have a visual reference to the total lift in the front and rear. I will get better at the documentation moving forward.
So, I took her out for a test drive and experienced the death wobble so I will have to go through the front end components to see where I messed up. I have a separate thread for the death wobble and have been getting alot of suggestions what to inspect. Here's the link:
Death Wobble after 4" Lift Installed
The one question I do have is this: If I take my cruiser to an allignment shop should I do it before or after I install the power steering conversion kit?
Last edited:
TCSTARK
Master Debater & Cunning Linguist
- Thread starter
- #64
Today was a productive day,...
I started the tear down of the fender, apron and bib in preparation of the GM saginaw installation. Several of the bolt holding the fenders sheared right off when i tried to removed them. Looks like i will have to go hunting for replacements soon enough.
I am using two threads as a reference point for my conversion. They were:
My Mini-truck Power Steering Install
Romer's thread was extremely useful with all of the detailed pictures and write-ups. I used this during the dismantle of the manual steering box. It was a ***** getting the rivets cut off and drilled out. I was glad I didn't have to remove the pitman arm!!!
My Saginaw Power Steering Swap
John Smith's write up will definately guide me with the saginaw box placement and set up. His list of parts, including part numbers, was very useful.
I started the tear down of the fender, apron and bib in preparation of the GM saginaw installation. Several of the bolt holding the fenders sheared right off when i tried to removed them. Looks like i will have to go hunting for replacements soon enough.
I am using two threads as a reference point for my conversion. They were:
My Mini-truck Power Steering Install
Romer's thread was extremely useful with all of the detailed pictures and write-ups. I used this during the dismantle of the manual steering box. It was a ***** getting the rivets cut off and drilled out. I was glad I didn't have to remove the pitman arm!!!
My Saginaw Power Steering Swap
John Smith's write up will definately guide me with the saginaw box placement and set up. His list of parts, including part numbers, was very useful.
Last edited:
TCSTARK
Master Debater & Cunning Linguist
- Thread starter
- #65
Sagina Mount
John Smith's thread was invaluable today. I used a 3 1/4 hole saw to drill through the frame's crossmember and then used various grinding bits to get the top portion notched out correctly.
I am not sure I like the bracket I purchased from tp14x4 as it has a top lip that may impeed mounting the fish hook and it does not have pre-fabbed holes to mount to the frame. I know I will need it welded but having both (welds and bolts) would make me feel much safer. I mounted the saginaw to the bracket and then 'C' clamped it to the frame so I could begin getting measurements for the steering components. (pics included)
I am about to tackle the steering shaft tomorrow so I need to review my parts on hand and what I need to pick up (summit racing is 62 miles away so I may be on the road a bit.
John Smith's thread was invaluable today. I used a 3 1/4 hole saw to drill through the frame's crossmember and then used various grinding bits to get the top portion notched out correctly.
I am not sure I like the bracket I purchased from tp14x4 as it has a top lip that may impeed mounting the fish hook and it does not have pre-fabbed holes to mount to the frame. I know I will need it welded but having both (welds and bolts) would make me feel much safer. I mounted the saginaw to the bracket and then 'C' clamped it to the frame so I could begin getting measurements for the steering components. (pics included)
I am about to tackle the steering shaft tomorrow so I need to review my parts on hand and what I need to pick up (summit racing is 62 miles away so I may be on the road a bit.
TCSTARK
Master Debater & Cunning Linguist
- Thread starter
- #66
U Joints
I drove down to Summit Racing (McDonough GA) to pick up the Ujoint at the steering column - Part # FLA-FR2517DD. I forgot to pick up the PS cooler and filter so it looks like I will be headed that way again.
I spent some time cleaning up the gearbox removing a layer of black paint that had gummed up the spline preventing me from slipping on the Ujoint. Once it was cleaned off I put on the Ujoint for a test fit. I may have gotten a bit over zealous with my mallet because the Ujoint no longer has free rotation in all directions. I will have to pop it back off and try again.
Next up will be removal of the steering column and then grinding it down to fit the Ujoint.
I drove down to Summit Racing (McDonough GA) to pick up the Ujoint at the steering column - Part # FLA-FR2517DD. I forgot to pick up the PS cooler and filter so it looks like I will be headed that way again.
I spent some time cleaning up the gearbox removing a layer of black paint that had gummed up the spline preventing me from slipping on the Ujoint. Once it was cleaned off I put on the Ujoint for a test fit. I may have gotten a bit over zealous with my mallet because the Ujoint no longer has free rotation in all directions. I will have to pop it back off and try again.
Next up will be removal of the steering column and then grinding it down to fit the Ujoint.
TCSTARK
Master Debater & Cunning Linguist
- Thread starter
- #67
Update
Well, I left the office at 5pm hoping to get home with spare time to work on the cruiser while the
was at gymnastics. I stopped off at WalMart to grab some grinding tools and proceeded to get into an accident at a whopping 2 MPH. I was trying to merge into traffic and some ******* redneck wanna-be refused to stop his F250 and proceeded to ram my Lexus. GA Law states that a car merging into traffic from a private road needs to yield into oncoming traffic so I was cited. There was zero damage and the cop was suprized that the other driver wanted to file a report.
While the cop was looking at my insurance card he noticed the cruiser listed on it and we talked shop for 10 minutes. He spoke the universal language of Toyota and can't wait to see her on the road.
I got a late start on the 40 but I was able to grind the end of steering shaft into a DD. It was looking pretty ugly at first but then took shape quickly and fit like a glove. I quickly threw things together to see if it all fit and it did! I hope to tackle installation of the stearing wheel bearing, pitman arm and relay rod tonight and then get the plumbing installed over the weekend.
Here are a few shots of my progress...
Well, I left the office at 5pm hoping to get home with spare time to work on the cruiser while the
was at gymnastics. I stopped off at WalMart to grab some grinding tools and proceeded to get into an accident at a whopping 2 MPH. I was trying to merge into traffic and some ******* redneck wanna-be refused to stop his F250 and proceeded to ram my Lexus. GA Law states that a car merging into traffic from a private road needs to yield into oncoming traffic so I was cited. There was zero damage and the cop was suprized that the other driver wanted to file a report.While the cop was looking at my insurance card he noticed the cruiser listed on it and we talked shop for 10 minutes. He spoke the universal language of Toyota and can't wait to see her on the road.
I got a late start on the 40 but I was able to grind the end of steering shaft into a DD. It was looking pretty ugly at first but then took shape quickly and fit like a glove. I quickly threw things together to see if it all fit and it did! I hope to tackle installation of the stearing wheel bearing, pitman arm and relay rod tonight and then get the plumbing installed over the weekend.
Here are a few shots of my progress...
TCSTARK
Master Debater & Cunning Linguist
- Thread starter
- #68
Update
Ok, so I have been slowly tinkering with the power steering conversion since my last update. I started working on installing the wdorry brackets (provided by Mud member Orange45). I installed the pump bracket on the motor mount and the stablizer bracket installed on the water pump (5 o'clock bolt position).
This is where it gets interesting,... My brother came over to hang out and suddenly there was a fury of bolts being removed, radiator being yanked out and repositioning of the air pump... The end result was a shreaded bolt that holds the air pump to its bracket. Arghhhh. He's a ford mustang guy (2000 Mustang GT)and he doesn't quite understand the complexities of installing a 'conversion kit' to a 36 year old vehicle. He called my kit a box of parts???
I didn't realize how methodical I had been until my OCD kicked in hard core. My tools weren't being put back in their proper place, nuts/bolts weren't being bagged and labled and we were just moving way too fast. I equate my mechanic skills to that of a toddler learning to walk... I will know when my skills are improving when I stop saying 'Lefty loosey, Righty Tighty' every time I turn a wrench.
So today I need to remove the remnents of the air pump bolt, purchase a new belt, several bolts, and then get it all securely mounted. I will take some detailed photos this afternoon.
Ok, so I have been slowly tinkering with the power steering conversion since my last update. I started working on installing the wdorry brackets (provided by Mud member Orange45). I installed the pump bracket on the motor mount and the stablizer bracket installed on the water pump (5 o'clock bolt position).
This is where it gets interesting,... My brother came over to hang out and suddenly there was a fury of bolts being removed, radiator being yanked out and repositioning of the air pump... The end result was a shreaded bolt that holds the air pump to its bracket. Arghhhh. He's a ford mustang guy (2000 Mustang GT)and he doesn't quite understand the complexities of installing a 'conversion kit' to a 36 year old vehicle. He called my kit a box of parts???
I didn't realize how methodical I had been until my OCD kicked in hard core. My tools weren't being put back in their proper place, nuts/bolts weren't being bagged and labled and we were just moving way too fast. I equate my mechanic skills to that of a toddler learning to walk... I will know when my skills are improving when I stop saying 'Lefty loosey, Righty Tighty' every time I turn a wrench.
So today I need to remove the remnents of the air pump bolt, purchase a new belt, several bolts, and then get it all securely mounted. I will take some detailed photos this afternoon.
With your suspension lift, do you find that the drive shaft viberate between 30 and 60 km?
I'm having that issue... can you help me?
I'm having that issue... can you help me?
TCSTARK
Master Debater & Cunning Linguist
- Thread starter
- #70
Death Wobble after 4" Lift Installed
I experienced the 'death wobble' after installing my 4" lift and opened a new thread. I went and checked my shims for proper installation and torqued all bolts to toyota specs and my issue was resolved. Check out the recommendations that the more experienced guys gave me.
bj40green
Tssss, tssss
2 years ago I was in the same situation as you when I bought my BJ40. I did what everybody mentioned above. Make him safe and reliable. Brakes, parking brake, clutch, cooling, oil, grease all the mechanical stuff. Next the electric. Light bulbs, cluster meters etc. After that I went for the rust. I asked the paint shop to mix the primer as close as possible to the paint color. That way it looked already nice. When people say "looking good, no rust" you can always say "it's just primer".
Good luck and keep us posted with a lot of pics.
Rudi
Good luck and keep us posted with a lot of pics.
Rudi
dude all these guys have no idea what they are talking about.. tear it all down have a great time doing it and build it the way you want it.... small print everything i have said is buullsheet keep your ride wheel it til the wheels fall off then fix it..
Ok, so I have been slowly tinkering with the power steering conversion since my last update. I started working on installing the wdorry brackets (provided by Mud member Orange45). I installed the pump bracket on the motor mount and the stablizer bracket installed on the water pump (5 o'clock bolt position).
This is where it gets interesting,... My brother came over to hang out and suddenly there was a fury of bolts being removed, radiator being yanked out and repositioning of the air pump... The end result was a shreaded bolt that holds the air pump to its bracket. Arghhhh. He's a ford mustang guy (2000 Mustang GT)and he doesn't quite understand the complexities of installing a 'conversion kit' to a 36 year old vehicle. He called my kit a box of parts???
I didn't realize how methodical I had been until my OCD kicked in hard core. My tools weren't being put back in their proper place, nuts/bolts weren't being bagged and labled and we were just moving way too fast. I equate my mechanic skills to that of a toddler learning to walk... I will know when my skills are improving when I stop saying 'Lefty loosey, Righty Tighty' every time I turn a wrench.
So today I need to remove the remnents of the air pump bolt, purchase a new belt, several bolts, and then get it all securely mounted. I will take some detailed photos this afternoon.
Well, that makes two of us (apart from the righty tighty-lefty loosey
) which is why I guess I'm almost always working alone...
TCSTARK
Master Debater & Cunning Linguist
- Thread starter
- #75
Snow day in the ATL
Five inches of snow in Atlanta is like three feet of snow elsewhere. We have a total of eight salt trucks for the entire state. Needless to say Atlanta was shut down today and I was at a stand still without being able to purchase a view critical parts. I need a 1/2" spacer for the pump bracket that attaches to the water pump and a v belt. I picked up a belt at autozone but it was too tight of a fit. I will refer to Romer's thread and order the correct belt.
If the airport is operational tomorrow I will be heading to Dublin, OH for a business trip so that means no wrenching for me until I get back. When I get back I want to button up this project. I need to do the following:
1. Add relay rod
2. Install new pitman arm
3. Add 1/2" spacer to bracket
4. Install belt
5. Torque all bolts to spec.
Cheers
Five inches of snow in Atlanta is like three feet of snow elsewhere. We have a total of eight salt trucks for the entire state. Needless to say Atlanta was shut down today and I was at a stand still without being able to purchase a view critical parts. I need a 1/2" spacer for the pump bracket that attaches to the water pump and a v belt. I picked up a belt at autozone but it was too tight of a fit. I will refer to Romer's thread and order the correct belt.
If the airport is operational tomorrow I will be heading to Dublin, OH for a business trip so that means no wrenching for me until I get back. When I get back I want to button up this project. I need to do the following:
1. Add relay rod
2. Install new pitman arm
3. Add 1/2" spacer to bracket
4. Install belt
5. Torque all bolts to spec.
Cheers
TCSTARK
Master Debater & Cunning Linguist
- Thread starter
- #76
No progress this past week.
I hadn't worked on the cruiser over the last week for a couple of reasons; snowbound days at home, lack of nuts and bolts (HA!) and a new addition to the family. We rescued a Gordon Setter puppy from the pound. His name is Murphy as in Murphy's Law and he will be my shop buddy. He's quite the buster so my days and nights are focused on house breaking him.
I hadn't worked on the cruiser over the last week for a couple of reasons; snowbound days at home, lack of nuts and bolts (HA!) and a new addition to the family. We rescued a Gordon Setter puppy from the pound. His name is Murphy as in Murphy's Law and he will be my shop buddy. He's quite the buster so my days and nights are focused on house breaking him.
TCSTARK
Master Debater & Cunning Linguist
- Thread starter
- #77
Back on track!
Ok, so I have the new smog pump ready to go and a replacement three bolt pulley on its way (thanks to Mud Member 'tyama'). With the missing part I am hoping to get the pump installed, belts fitted and installed and then move on to the mock up of the entire PS. Once I get everythig in place it will be time to hire a welder to secure it all up. I plan on learning to weld so I can handle it on my own in the future. Baby steps Stark, baby steps,...
I have to mention something I find absolutely amazing about this forum. I am simply blown away how tight knit this community really is! Missing a part? No problem, someone will offer it up and ship it out for free... Need advice? No problem, someone will take the time to post a reply (with pictures) so you can figure it out. It's a cool thing to be a part of this community and has inspired me to give back when and where I can.
Cheers to all the Mud Members!
Ok, so I have the new smog pump ready to go and a replacement three bolt pulley on its way (thanks to Mud Member 'tyama'). With the missing part I am hoping to get the pump installed, belts fitted and installed and then move on to the mock up of the entire PS. Once I get everythig in place it will be time to hire a welder to secure it all up. I plan on learning to weld so I can handle it on my own in the future. Baby steps Stark, baby steps,...
I have to mention something I find absolutely amazing about this forum. I am simply blown away how tight knit this community really is! Missing a part? No problem, someone will offer it up and ship it out for free... Need advice? No problem, someone will take the time to post a reply (with pictures) so you can figure it out. It's a cool thing to be a part of this community and has inspired me to give back when and where I can.
Cheers to all the Mud Members!
Scott68FJ40
SILVER Star
I just came across your thread, let me echo what others have said, great looking 40.
I bought my 1968 almost 10 years ago. I had a lot more work to do on mine initially than you do, but I enjoyed it for almost all 10 of those years. This year I started a full rebuild which has it down to the frame.
The important thing is to have fun with it. I look forward to following your progress.
I bought my 1968 almost 10 years ago. I had a lot more work to do on mine initially than you do, but I enjoyed it for almost all 10 of those years. This year I started a full rebuild which has it down to the frame.
The important thing is to have fun with it. I look forward to following your progress.
i just read this thread as well.. you couldn't have made a better choice - your working on a nice running truck.. still have the 'hobby' part of it by doing upgrades to improve drivability and safety which will make you enjoy it even more.
good work!
good work!
Nice work.
What size tires are you running on this rig at the moment? I am trying to visualize a lift on my vehicle using your pictures.
What size tires are you running on this rig at the moment? I am trying to visualize a lift on my vehicle using your pictures.
