Builds Fj40 Daily and Wheeler build (2 Viewers)

[White Stripe]

So yesterday took me quite a while to get most of the bedliner off so I could redo it. Moral of the story: don't forget the primer. Then I resprayed. First coat was very light.

Then I went real thick on the next coats. I tried for a smooth as possible finish to try and make it easier to clean.

And all done i pulled it inside to dry. Huge pain to move myself. This all was a ton of work to redo. Can't believe I had too.

In the end it turned out fine and you can't really tell I screwed it up.

 

[White Stripe]

In between coats of the bedliner I started working on boxing the frame. Removed the shackle plates and the rear crossmember. I also painted inside the rails b4 I enclosed them. I have a wand to reach in to do touch up after.

Drilled a few more access holes in the ruffstuff plates.

I notched the frame since I'm using bolts instead of rivets for the shackle hangers. Needed a bit more clearance for bolts.

Once I drive around with it figure out the best shackle angle I will weld them in in addition to the bolts. Next I welded new nuts on the exhaust hanger and tail lamp guard holes. Most of the stock ones had busted off long ago and I won't be able to access back there once the frame is welded up.

 

[White Stripe]

Before you box the frame you have to put the rear crossmember and 45s in. Also the rough stuff crossmember doesn't fit in the holes. So you have to wallow the whole you're going to use out a bit. Here I'm mocking up the main pieces. Took some trimming and grinding to make them fit.

I left the fourth piece out. While it would add some more strength, I'm worried mud and crap would get in there and be really tough to get out. I imagine the 4plus tire carrier we'll make up for it. Still need to install shock tabs for some reason I can't find them so I guess this is all for now. Pretty happy with all I got done.

 

[waiting for time]

Nice job, it shows you had a practice run with the bedliner.

 

[White Stripe]

Painted up the rear crossmember and installed my body lift spacer and tail lights.

 

[White Stripe]

Put the tub back on and took some pics. Debating if I should move the axle forward an inch. The fender flares can be installed set back more so the tires would be centered in the flare as is or I can move the axle forward 1 inch and set the flares more forward and it would be centered on the flares.

 

[thebigredrocker]

Very impressive how much progress you are able to make in such short periods of time.

 

[White Stripe]

Very impressive how much progress you are able to make in such short periods of time.

Thanks man. I feel like I make more progress it seems if I plan my work ahead of time and all my tools and supplies ready to go.

 

[Tojo64]

Can you post a picture of the wand you are using to paint the box section interior?

 

[White Stripe]

Can you post a picture of the wand you are using to paint the box section interior?

It's just a weed sprayer I'm going to put about a pint POR15 in and thin it with paint thinner so it will spray through the weed sprayer nozzle. Probably won't leave a great finish but I don't need too on the inside of the rails.

 

[MOTOV8R]

Can you post a picture of the wand you are using to paint the box section interior?

I plan to try this one out. Have not bought it yet though.

Eastwood - 12512 - Aerosol Nozzle w/ 24" Extension Hose

 

[White Stripe]

Made some more progress. I have one bottle of raptor left so I decided to spray the roll cage and rear tailgate with raptor. I'm just doing part of the front tubes on the roll cage with raptor as people's feet often kick that area. First I cleaned up the cage a bit in that area. And no I did not forget to spray it with primer haha.

 

[White Stripe]

Mounted the cage on the lift to save my back. I sprayed the roll cage with fillable primer to help it get a smooth finish. I'm going to Paint It Black with a clear coat

 

[White Stripe]

In between coats of paint and raptor I worked on the frame more. I installed another crossmember to reduce frame Flex more. I also stitch welded the frame in between factory rivets. I got this idea from FCfab, they do this on their custom cruisers to tighten up the stock frames. I also tried my weed sprayer. I had to reduce the por15 with thinner, but it actually worked pretty well lol.

I also added shock mounts. I made them closer together to get a little bit softer ride. I would have mounted the tub permanently but I can't find a caulking gun at the shop. I'll have to go to the hardware store today and pick one up. I'm also going to move the axle forward an inch, everything just seems to work better if I move it to the next spring perch hole forward. I don't think 96" vs 97" wheelbase will make much of a difference Offroad

 

[White Stripe]

Today I didn't have to weld anything! Getting tired of welding. Cage all painted. I used a brush and put raptor on the a pillars. Tapping the end of the brush makes it look like it was sprayed.

Sealed the tub on to the rest of the body. The tape helps to keep a clean look of the sealer. I also moved the axle forward an inch. Driveshaft length at rest needs to be 26". That's if for now. I think after work sometime this week I'll try in get the old tub shipped to it's new home.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

That looks really good. Nice details about the aluminum tub.

But your rear shackles are upside down. You probably know that.

 

[White Stripe]

That looks really good. Nice details about the aluminum tub.

But your rear shackles are upside down. You probably know that.

Thanks. I think I flipped them upside down because the inversion pin was hitting too soon and upside down they allow more droop. I'm still not sure if I'll run with these shackles or the long ones with the bracket flipped.

 

[fjdiesel]

Thanks for posting all the details about the aluminum tub. I am about to order one and its nice to see the problem areas to check for fitment issues.

 

[White Stripe]

Got my driveshaft lengthened. It's now 26" long at rest. This should give a bit nicer driveshaft angle.

 

[White Stripe]

Made a little progress after work today. Bolted the cage in.

Got this grommet kit from eBay. They work ok. Really need grommets made for thicker metal.