FJ40 12HT Swap & 60 Series Axles

[KeepCruzin]

WE'RE BACK!

Im hoping to have the last of the build video's posted soon. Its been a long time coming.

 

[KeepCruzin]

Final two videos will be up this weekend most likely. Then I'll do one last one when the truck is truly done and cleaned up and daily-drivable.

 

[KeepCruzin]

 

[KeepCruzin]

 

[KeepCruzin]

I have at least one more video to publish. One will cover the electrical system, and the other will cover the fuel system and some issues I've had with the build.

I will say this. I finished the truck about 14 months ago, and I literally havent touched a wrench since. I was completely burned out after this build. I went from a frame, body and engine to a running and driving vehicle in about 18 days, working nights and weekends. It was brutal. I do not recommend.

I hope people have enjoyed the series. If you have questions or want a video covering a certain topic that is more focused, let me know.

 

[KeepCruzin]

Sorry to leave people hanging. Hoping to have some progress made in the next three weeks!
I've finally overcome the burnout I experienced after doing about 300 hours of work in 30 days straight.

Im ready to wrench again!

Here are a few more pics from her maiden voyage to Oregon.... (chasing down a power steering leak)

 

[KeepCruzin]

Wow. Its been a minute.

I finally overcame my burnout and I've been wrenching again.
Things the truck needs to be "done" in my mind:

- Front fuel tank filler neck replacement and un-clog pickup tube: Complete
- Adjust steering wheel angle so I can actually sit in the seat: Complete
- Swap from FJ60 seats back to the OG 40 seats: Complete
- Discover and remedy the air leak in the fuel system: Persistently frustrating and impossible to fix so far.
- Instal Dakota Digital dash, update sensors, get working gauges that look factory
- Fabricate and install a better air filter system/cold air intake (in progress)
- Clean up power steering lines: crimp threaded ends so I can run better fittings and not use hose clamps
- Seal up firewall holes
- Re-possition and adjust parking break (currently the car has no parking break that works well): In progress
- Install rear fuel tank breather
- Build rear tire swingout
- Lower the idle and figure out why the truck dies when idle is low (possible association with air leak in fuel system?)
- Get the dual fuel tank system working properly
- Install rear jump seats
- Seal up gaping holes: New weather stripping, door seals, windshield gasket.
- Install a muffler and exhaust (straight pipe sounds great but is obnoxiously loud)
- Install AC/Heater from Vintage Air
- CLR scrub, deep clean, fluid film, restore paint: COMPLETE
- POP THE TOP, DRIVE IT!

Here are some before/after shots of the CLR scrub, wash, and fluid film to keep the paint protected. It turned out VERY nicely.

 

[KeepCruzin]

Took the 40 on the annual Mudrak Christmas Trip. It gave me some motivation to get the last of the kinks worked out.

Parking brake works now. I installed a new (functional) thermostat, and coolant temps hold steady at 190 without the T-stat even opening. Second fuel tank has been re-installed and functions (its nice having red diesel on tap when off-road), I also raised the steering angle so I can comfortable sit at the wheel. I also built a roof rack and threw my RTT on so I dont have to sleep "Coffin Style" in the cab.

For some reason it still is getting air in the fuel system. Im going to have to back-track the entire fuel line system and figure out how air is getting in. With two tanks it makes that twice as challenging, but after hours of driving, it suddenly died and required a re-prime on the fuel system. I made it another 5 miles before it died again. Definitely a major gremlin.

 

[Rockymtnreaper]

Badass dude!! Glad to see it rolling around!