Build F-Bomb Buildup

[newmexicokid]

We also removed the cab from that stray FJ60 that followed me home. I am looking at swapping over the drivetrain. I am going to look hard at the axles and power steering too. My plan is to use high backspacing wheels on to compensate for the added width of the FJ60 axles. I test fit them a little and there is for sure interference. The 16" wheels flat out don't clear the steering arm. The 17" do clear but are contacting the tie rod and will contact the leaf springs. lots of trial and error in my future!

 

[65swb45]

Unless you’re squeezing an H55 5 speed in there, I don’t think it’s worth the compromised drive lines to put a long H42 into a 40.

 

[rustED71]

I like your 71 Ford you guys built, I like the patina look you guys kept. I would like to do a similar build someday, I was doing some research on doing the truck body swap on to a crown Vic frame/chassis. I've read a few threads where guys have done that swap. Anyway, looks like you got a good FJ40 for this project, look forward to seeing more of this build!

 

[newmexicokid]

I was in PHX for business and was able to pick up some parts from a fellow Cruiser Head in Marana. Tim Hill is one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. A wealth of knowledge and tons of FJ parts. I got a sweet 4plus bumper, cool roll cage, rear hatch(mine was muffed up), headers, a radiator, front blinkers, and a license plate light. Great guy...great stuff. You should’ve seen this sweet BJ25 he found in an old hangar.

 

[newmexicokid]

Lots of time has passed since I last posted. Life has flown by. Another football and basketball season for my junior. Bought another business, started construction on the remodel of our other business that burned down. Generally speaking, life got in the way of the F-bomb.

 

[newmexicokid]

More pictures of life!

 

[newmexicokid]

Things have finally broke loose and there has been progress! I got about half the bodywork done and painted.

 

[newmexicokid]

We decided to go with Toyota Cement for the truck. I am very excited with how it has turned out. I've also decided to go with a RuffStuff outboard spring kit and use the FJ60 axles. We cleaned up the frame a little more in preparation for the welding and painting thats about to do down. Also getting ready to get the axles rebuilt. Progress feels great!

 

[newmexicokid]

Also made another trip to PHX so I decided to see Tim Hill in Marana again. I just couldn't walk away from these sweet aluminum doors and 4-plus steps. I really like the look of them. Saw this Land Cruiser in the REI parking lot in ABQ too. I don't know anything about the specs but it is sick!

 

[ICD FJ40]

Check out the troopy here....

 

[cruiserkreutz]

Lots of time has passed since I last posted. Life has flown by. Another football and basketball season for my junior. Bought another business, started construction on the remodel of our other business that burned down. Generally speaking, life got in the way of the F-bomb.

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Is that a portable restroom service truck?

 

[newmexicokid]

It is a portable restroom service truck. Great eye.

 

[cruiserkreutz]

It is a portable restroom service truck. Great eye.

Is that one of the businesses you own? I own a portable restroom business, that's why I'm asking.

 

[69LC]

FIFY

Is that a honey wagon?

 

[newmexicokid]

Yes my brother and I own a plumbing business. We also do portable toilets and septic tanks. It’s a living.

 

[Slapshot]

That cement color looks great!

 

[newmexicokid]

We have progress people! We outboarded the springs utilizing a ruffstuff kit. This allows the use of the FJ60 axles I’ve referenced. Also able to use the FJ Cruiser steelies or some other TRD Pro wheels I have. That decision has yet to be made.

Once the outboard kit was installed I ordered an OME kit from the good folks at Cruiser Corps. Here are some pics of the chassis loosely assembled to check all the clearances. I was anxious to see if the tires would rub at full turn. They do not rub. I really like the stance at this stage. We will still need to install the 4X4Labs Saginaw kit and clean up all the fab work. Then it’s off to paint. We had to use some quick and dirty leaf spring plates made from c channel for mock up. I couldn’t find my stock FJ60 plates.

 

[newmexicokid]

Well I couldn’t help it. We had to hoist the body up there to see how it looked. As it turns out it looks awesome. wer really happ with how everything is looking at this stage. The other body panels are at the body shop. The frame will be there soon too. My buddy is hooking me up with a low mile LS and 4L60. Coming along. Just for reference those are 265/70R17 tires on FJ Cruiser steelies. I bought them on CL from a guy in the Denver area. They were his winter tires. I think it will ultimately have a set of 255’s on it. They should be 1-1.5 inches taller and the same width.

 

[4Cruisers]

What paint shop?

 

[newmexicokid]

B&L Body Shop in Gallup NM. Great guys to work with. It’s Toyota Cement Gray.