disc brakes for '72 fj40

[mybluetoy]

Looking for help!

Has anyone done the conversion with an 1985 FJ60 axle? If so do you have any advice or help. I am pretty new to wrenching but I enjoy it. I would like to do it right the first time, I also would like to get it done while I am off work. Thanks.

 

[Poser]

There is a frequently asked questions list out here. In that area, you will find a very detailed write-up concerning this conversion and detailing other little issues you may run into.

I would suggest getting a factory chassis and body manual for a 1979 40 series, as the torque specs for that front axle will be the same as the components that you are looking to install on the front axle of your truck.


After reading 1973 guppies thread a couple times, and the tie rod end bushing links threads, if you still have specific questions about this conversion, please come back and ask them.


Start with this <---- this is a link

 

[nspctr1]

The axle is wider so it requires some modification to align to the springs to use that axle, however you can pull all the parts from the knuckle out and use them in the same process as the mini truck, except you get vented rotors and a larger wheel cylinder. Larry

What he said..... While in there, I would at a minimum buy new bearings. Depending on the condition of the pads and calipers I would replace those also. I replaced mine to avoid doing it later because I don't know how long it sat in the bone yard.

 

[papagyo]

MyBlueToy,

I just finished my swap on the weekend, I used fj60 parts from an 84' from another member here on the board. I think I paid something like $355 for the knuckles and related parts shipped, approx $100 for a knuckle rebuild kit, $160 for new rotors and calipers, $75 for new tie rod ends and tie rod bushings to fit the fj40 tie rods to fj60 steering arms, and probably about another $100+ for misc stuff like new brake lines, grease etc. I would say it was easily $750+ when all was said and done. Turned out to be a lot more than I expected..worth it I don't know, I will wait until I get it on the road for a test. Hope this helps.

Brian

 

[Downey]

And here's some Downey input on the subject;
First, I don't like to use the word "kit" because that makes your supplier responsible for the well being of your family for the next zillion years!!! We sell only "separate components", all individual pieces.
Next, we can't compete with dot.coms selling unmachined or partially machined pieces at starvation prices. Lots of stuff mentioned above is exactly that!!!

 

[rchandler]

Anything wrong with using a 76 40 disc brake axel ? Thats what I found for 2 hundred bucks ...

 

[mybluetoy]

Finished the conversion and man it is so nice to feel safe. It stops on a dime. Now I just need to find some seats, right now I am sporting some jeep seats that were put there before I bought the FJ. I drove it for a bit and man it is sweet with the top and doors off.

 

[rdublt1]

Anything wrong with using a 76 40 disc brake axel ? Thats what I found for 2 hundred bucks ...

The 76 axle will have the smaller diameter studs & bolt pattern for the steer arms. It will be just fine for an SUA rig (I've run mine that way for many years & many trips on 4+ trails in Moab). However, if you want to go SOA you will want to find the later axle (79 & up) or get the parts to swap knuckles to large pattern. It opens up the options for high steer arms considerably & you are less likely to sheer the steer arm studs (which means no steering at all & good by wheel). I have a friend that did this two years in a row on he Rubicon in his FJ45. The second time they strapped a railroad tie to the axle in place of the wheel & drug him through the remainder of the trail. Does'nt sound like it was too fun.

 

[rdublt1]

Finished the conversion and man it is so nice to feel safe. It stops on a dime. Now I just need to find some seats, right now I am sporting some jeep seats that were put there before I bought the FJ. I drove it for a bit and man it is sweet with the top and doors off.

Carefull- you might break out in a terrible rash running Heep seats in your cruiser!

It is amazing the difference going from drums to discs in the front.