First FJ40 build in a long time

[Rainman]

A few of you may remember me from the old STLCA days. Builder of Zebranator I and II and brief owner of a '66 FJ45. I've been asked to "restore" a '77 Land Cruiser for a friend who actually didn't even know I had owned one before. Still in the beginner stages of figuring out exactly what he wants but so far it's 33x 10.50s on (?) wheels. That means I'm shopping around for a 2.5 inch lift.

First of many questions to come I'm sure... What's a good 2.5" kit? HFS from CCOT? Pro Comp? SuperLift? What's the best setup these days. This won't be a rock crawler. Just a "bold stance" street 40. The build up truck already has CCOT barbell shackles on it but don't know what size they are yet. (Like I said, it's been a LONG time.)

I'll post pictures of the two trucks when the 2nd truck gets here in a few days. I'm planning on ending up with a lower dollar trail truck for sale and a very clean rebuild. The two trucks are a June and a July pair of '77s.

 

[Fast Eddy]

Welcome back.

33x10.5 BFG MTs will fit on stock rims. The OEM white spoke wheels from '80+ are a 1/2" wider. It's pretty hard to come by 15" rims with 3.5" backspacing these days.

 

[JohnnyC]

Yes I remember the rig in TT many years ago

X2 Welcome Back

 

[cruiserjunkie]

I also remember that rig. Can't wait to watch this build

 

[Rainman]

Teasers at this point...

[/ATTACH]

 

[JohnnyC]

BTW the Zebranator was one of those trucks when I saw it ... It was inspiring... It was one of those "why can't that be me truck" moments LOL

Look forward to your future inspiring rigs

 

[Rainman]

The OD Green 40 is the "customers" rig. The primer 40 is an abandoned project I found on Craig's List. I'll be taking the top and doors from the "Trail truck" (as I will call it from now on) and putting new fenders and a new soft top. I'll go through the truck to make sure everything works and runs well and then sell it for cash to put in the other truck that I've nick named for the time being, "2NDCHNC." I've got a huge "shopping cart" list started at CCOT for a bunch of new stuff. But I'll probably be asking you guys for some up to date tips on some areas of the truck like the first question above.

Thanks for the help that's coming and I hope to keep this thread going and up to date with the two rigs.

 

[fj maverick]

Is the ceiling hook what you use for hardtops?

 

[Chamba]

Rainy Kirk? Welcome back!

I'm a fan of Old Man Emu myself. I avoid ccot at all costs.

 

[JohnnyC]

just had to look for it... wasnt too hard to find even had the page tab'd over

from 92'

 

[Chamba]

just had to look for it... wasnt too hard to find even had the page tab'd over

from 92'

Yessir, I remember that issue too. Mine may even be dog-eared as well

 

[Fast Eddy]

I've got a huge "shopping cart" list started at CCOT for a bunch of new stuff. But I'll probably be asking you guys for some up to date tips on some areas of the truck like the first question above.

There are lots of other vendors with, IMO, a somewhat better reputation for some things than CCOT. Check out CruiserCorps.com and CruiserOutfitters.com. The classifieds always has good deals on good, used OEM stuff.

 

[Rainman]

I hate to change the subject back to the original post but... Anyone have modern day advice on suspension kits? I'm looking to put on a 2.5" lift.

By the way, thanks for all the welcome's and the reminiscing about my old Cruiser. I have every TT copy for over 14 years and looked up the Nov/Dec '92 and found the article. 21 years ago is a long time.

 

[ARCTICMUTT]

Rainy Kirk? Welcome back!

I'm a fan of Old Man Emu myself. I avoid ccot at all costs.

X2 a lot of good reviews on here about the OME lifts...haven't ran one personally on a cruiser but I've been in a couple of j**ps with them and liked the way they rode as well as flexed out off road.

 

[Chamba]

Rainy Kirk? Welcome back!

I'm a fan of Old Man Emu myself. I avoid ccot at all costs.

Just to repeat back to the original post- I've had OME on two shorties and one long wheel base and have always been impressed. I bought Iron Man once and won't make that mistake again; I could have welded the axles to the frame and gotten a better ride.

 

[Rainman]

Sorry, I missed the first OME post. And yes, it's Rainey Kirk.

Why do you avoid CCOT "at all costs?" Tell me...

 

[gwalt584]

lift

I can tell you that the HFS springs ride very good, after they are exposed to weather, grit, and the elements they do tend to pop and make noises that make me uncomfortable. When I called CCOT to discuss it, it was like a monkey doing a math problem. they did not have a clue. I know that I am not the first to experience that issue with the HFS springs.
That's just my 2 cents.
Gary

 

[Chamba]

Sorry, I missed the first OME post. And yes, it's Rainey Kirk.

Whay do you avoid CCOT "at all costs?" Tell me...

I've had issues with the poor quality of their stuff and being treated like I slept with his wife when I contacted John mcclung and tried to deal with some of his products which were not a bit like he said they were upon arrival.

As Eddy said, there are many vendors here who are honest and a pleasure to deal with, I just don't count ccot to be amongst them. However, this is only my experience so take it with a grain of salt.

 

[Major Nelson]

I'd just go with OME 2.5"...love it with the 33's on there.

 

[Rainman]

...what's that smell?
.... Oh. That's me beating a dead horse... Sorry.

Okay guys, I feel the old rhythm beginning to come back but it's squeaky. The 2NDCHNC rig came with HFS barbell shackles. They're 5.25" at the centers. If I use 2" OME springs and these shackles that should make for about a 3.75" lift, right? I only want about 2.5" so maybe I need the smaller shackles. Anyone wanna trade?