I'm fully linked on 80 axles so I don't even know how much lift I have lol. Bottom of my frame rail is at 23".
I completely agree. I hate driving like that too. I don't daily my 40, I have a commuter for that.
FJ40 : Question about a 5 speed conversion
- Thread starter knuckle47
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I'm fully linked on 80 axles so I don't even know how much lift I have lol. Bottom of my frame rail is at 23".
I completely agree. I hate driving like that too. I don't daily my 40, I have a commuter for that.
Work in progress
. It’s been a good journey. They are 19 and 16.
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POPO AGIE
SILVER Star
I have already bought the H55F and a split transfer case with 3:1 low range and the original 4:11 gears in mine. I built a FF FJ60 rear axle and will be using IFS wheel hubs on the front I will have the track of a FJ60 to help with the stability of a lift and tires the front conversion also includes 13.3" rotors and Toyota V8 calipers. I will replace the doner 155F with a R2.8 so that should help for my higher altitude driving, and according to the RPM calculator I will be able to run at any of the speed limits on Wyoming highways. But until I get to drive it again, I won't know how it will do, but on paper it looks good.
I will be moving the seats as far back as I can so I should be able to work with the new location of the shifts from the H55F and transfer case. I have a FJ60 hump cover for the H55F that will be adapted to my 78 FJ40 transmission hump cover and is at a shop waiting for me to pull the trigger.
I may have to move the torque tube back to clear the parking brake on the TC output shaft.
I will be moving the seats as far back as I can so I should be able to work with the new location of the shifts from the H55F and transfer case. I have a FJ60 hump cover for the H55F that will be adapted to my 78 FJ40 transmission hump cover and is at a shop waiting for me to pull the trigger.
I may have to move the torque tube back to clear the parking brake on the TC output shaft.
- Thread starter
- #25
Well, this H55f conversion is happening on the FJ45. Thanks for all of the input. Likely I will see limited off-road anymore. When I lived in Vermont, this was a weekly event. I was also a robust 22 year old. That was 48 years ago and I just enjoy the FJ40/45 like nothing I have ever driven. My wife and I would travel the garden State parkway to the NY Thruway to the Northway to The old Rouses Point Bridge to Jay, VT…a 9 hour ride from my parents to hers…all at 60mph with a noise level that made conversation a little difficult.
The area we live in now almost dictates a higher tech vehicle…crazy highway speeds between 65-90 every morning on my 128 mile roundtrip to work….abs brakes jammed on as people creep into your extra following distance. The Duramax Silverado is ideal for this. My house is rural on a dirt road, with some off-road trails in the Pine Barrens only 20-25 minutes away. But then, I am an old guy so doing this alone is never a good plan and the younger crowd is a bit to Hot Dog for me Nowadays.
this should be very nice to drive come Spring
The area we live in now almost dictates a higher tech vehicle…crazy highway speeds between 65-90 every morning on my 128 mile roundtrip to work….abs brakes jammed on as people creep into your extra following distance. The Duramax Silverado is ideal for this. My house is rural on a dirt road, with some off-road trails in the Pine Barrens only 20-25 minutes away. But then, I am an old guy so doing this alone is never a good plan and the younger crowd is a bit to Hot Dog for me Nowadays.
this should be very nice to drive come Spring
86-95 IFS Hubs? Disk brakes on all 4 corners or just the big Yoda rotors/calipers up front? Sounds like a really interesting build..!!!
looking forward to your results. I’m currently scratching out a future endeavor on paper.
POPO AGIE
SILVER Star
I don't know the years for the hubs, everything was in a kit from Red Line. They said the rotors and calipers were Toyota V-8.
Just changed out my calipers on the Tundra. They look “very familiar”. Those oughta put you through the front glass if your not careful. Serious stopping power!!!
I have 70 series disks up front and 70 series drums on the rear. In my truck you approach the brake pedal with a good deal of respect, lest it bounce your face off of the steering wheel. 
POPO AGIE
SILVER Star
That could be, I don't know anything about Tundra's.
Redline did say to make sure to wear your seat belt.
When I bought it the national speed limit was 55 and when the brakes were properly adjusted and bleed they worked very well. Once I thought I would going to stand it on the front bumper.
Now the highest speed in Wyoming is 80 and I will now have 35" tires will need better stopping power with the new booster and FJ80 master cylinder.
- Thread starter
- #32
80? While that is the unposted speed on the NJ Turnpike, 65 is what the sign says. I had my FJ40 out today and 60 seemed a bit squirrely for me.
The Saginaw power steering is too too easy and feels like it has no resistance. I am looking for a way to dim it down a littl. I’d like to have it a bit firmer
The Saginaw power steering is too too easy and feels like it has no resistance. I am looking for a way to dim it down a littl. I’d like to have it a bit firmer
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I know Saginaw power steering boxes came in different ratios. The number of turns from one side to the other vary. You ideally want one that requires more turns so it not as squirrelly to drive at high speeds
I think mine is 8 turns lock to lock.
Less squirrelly, but also a very numb feeling wheel.
- Thread starter
- #35
So now, the question is : Which one?
8 turns? I need to see a video.
@knuckle47, I'd be curious what your caster angle is and what the supension setup is 1st b4 any major changes. I run a scout box which is similar to sag box. It's light but not squirrelly. It does have something like 4 1/2 turns.
Are you running atf or power steering fluid?
- Thread starter
- #37
It is power steering fluid…a touch more viscous…I have a Chevy pickup.the power steering on it is firm but an easy spin left or right. The FJ40 you can probably use a plastic soda straw to spin the wheel
Might've been the ratio too. Either way, now I'm curious too.
I know there's a 16:1 ratio saginaw box. One full turn of the wheel would equal 11.25º of pitman arm movement if I'm understanding that correctly?
- Thread starter
- #39
For me…. I am going to get the alignment adjusted and it it is still squirreling around the roadway, I will happily change the gearbox. I just need to find the accepted model
SO: While reading thru some stuff that popped up….I found these comments. I have no idea of their validity so maybe someone with more knowledge and understanding can comment to see if these notations are correct?
—————————————————-
COMMENT; Worst mod I ever did…. That plus 38” tires I was all over the road. Yes awesome off road at low speeds but on the highway it’s butt puckering
COMMENT: You probably had another issue, like incorrect caster angle. Almost no one understands caster, but it makes a world of difference in these trucks.
COMMENT: They NEED positive caster angle (1-1.5 degrees minimum)
COMMENT: well 38” tires isn’t going to help any short wheel base truck. Having a 3.5 turn box vs the correct 4.25 box will make steering sketchy. Also too long
of a pitman arm makes a big difference.
COMMENT: 4 degrees of castor at a minimum with 38’s. I run 5 degrees with just 35”s.
QUESTION: how do you adjust?
COMMENT: Shims for a tiny bit, or cut and turn the knuckles
COMMENT: If you’re looking for a kit call Man-A-Fre in Henderson NV. They have them with all the parts need to do the installation.
SO: While reading thru some stuff that popped up….I found these comments. I have no idea of their validity so maybe someone with more knowledge and understanding can comment to see if these notations are correct?
—————————————————-
COMMENT; Worst mod I ever did…. That plus 38” tires I was all over the road. Yes awesome off road at low speeds but on the highway it’s butt puckering
COMMENT: You probably had another issue, like incorrect caster angle. Almost no one understands caster, but it makes a world of difference in these trucks.
COMMENT: They NEED positive caster angle (1-1.5 degrees minimum)
COMMENT: well 38” tires isn’t going to help any short wheel base truck. Having a 3.5 turn box vs the correct 4.25 box will make steering sketchy. Also too long
of a pitman arm makes a big difference.
COMMENT: 4 degrees of castor at a minimum with 38’s. I run 5 degrees with just 35”s.
QUESTION: how do you adjust?
COMMENT: Shims for a tiny bit, or cut and turn the knuckles
COMMENT: If you’re looking for a kit call Man-A-Fre in Henderson NV. They have them with all the parts need to do the installation.
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