Builds Fj40 re-rebuild!

[Mike Shull]

Let me know I’ll join ya. What part of colorado are you in?

I’m In the Denver area.

 

[74fj40]

I had way too much fun.

 

[74fj40]

Not a ton of updates. Going back together with my 5.3. It ended up being a lot high miles than I was initially told so I tore it down and I’m doing a refresh.

Currently have the heads apart but looks like they will need work and trying to decide if I should have the valves ground. Someone went crazy with a Roloc disc at some point in its life.

 

[74fj40]

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[Mike Shull]

Nice valve spring tool!

 

[White Stripe]

Can you find a used set of heads on marketplace for cheap? Colorado custom cylinder heads will shave those flat for pretty cheap otherwise. But a valve job will bump up the cost. Are you going through the short block as well? How about some more wheeling pics?

 

[74fj40]

Can you find a used set of heads on marketplace for cheap? Colorado custom cylinder heads will shave those flat for pretty cheap otherwise. But a valve job will bump up the cost. Are you going through the short block as well? How about some more wheeling pics?

Going to keep my eyes open for a used set. May have them machined not sure yet. I’ll post some more.

Also, cleaning up some VERY rough OE soft to bows that I used to run as is but the top never fit right.

I welded some tabs on and used 1/4-20 nut Serts. That oughta piss some people off

Need to do some work on the windshield frame from my accident it doesn’t really fit there…

 

[Mike Shull]

Going to keep my eyes open for a used set. May have them machined not sure yet. I’ll post some more.

Also, cleaning up some VERY rough OE soft to bows that I used to run as is but the top never fit right.

I welded some tabs on and used 1/4-20 nut Serts. That oughta piss some people off

Need to do some work on the windshield frame from my accident it doesn’t really fit there…

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Are you making your own soft top?

 

[74fj40]

Are you making your own soft top?

Nah I bought a new paki top back in 2008 or 9 and used these crappy bows but wanted them to be a bit nicer. They never had a middle bow, and had some rust, so trying to fix them up.

Here’s an old pic at wheeler lake with the top on

 

[74fj40]

Still have some adjustments to make, but winter mode is coming alright nicely!

 

[Mike Shull]

Still have some adjustments to make, but winter mode is coming alright nicely!

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Hey, look at that! I want to see more. I’m really jealous, too.

 

[74fj40]

After months of procrastination, decided to switch it all up right before wheeling season.

Lowered the front SOA 3” by moving the shackle hanger from below the frame to through the frame. Also had some clearance issues so notched the frame. Working on a filler piece some frame plates to stiffen it back up.

Have some stock XJ springs for the rear to lower it at least 2”

Should be nicer for driving around town and to the trails.

Also found some bling shocks in the scrap bin. Really ballin now.

 

[Sputnik40]

Did you have to redo cut and turn on knuckles - or was the difference negligible?

Anything to get lower - my biggest obstacle has been that my custom pitman arm on the sag box barely clears under between frame and spring.

 

[Firemedic831]

Did you have to redo cut and turn on knuckles - or was the difference negligible?

Anything to get lower - my biggest obstacle has been that my custom pitman arm on the sag box barely clears under between frame and spring.

Bill can you post a pic of your 40 . and when can we get you out on the West coast ? next summer come out and run Rubicon and Fordyce with Mike and Me

 

[Mike Shull]

Bill can you post a pic of your 40 . and when can we get you out on the West coast ? next summer come out and run Rubicon and Fordyce with Mike and Me

I’m sure that you are talking about a different Mike but I sure would like to go if I can swing it.

 

[Firemedic831]

I’m sure that you are talking about a different Mike but I sure would like to go if I can swing it.

Mike , Bill and Mike M and i used to go to Tellico way back when . But of coarse you are welcome to come next year .

 

[74fj40]

Did you have to redo cut and turn on knuckles - or was the difference negligible?

Anything to get lower - my biggest obstacle has been that my custom pitman arm on the sag box barely clears under between frame and spring.

I ended up putting 4 degree caster shims in and it brought my pinion angle back as well as gave me some caster back. I’m around 5 on both sides now.

 

[74fj40]

Rears done. Need to cut the wheel wells up some and maybe add one leaf to the pack.

 

[peesalot]

Mine is set up very close to your s in front , I have the same rub marks on the drag link on pass side where it rubs bottom of frame at stuff. I flattened that rivet a bit and otyher than the rub marks it hasnt been an issue.

 

[74fj40]

Mine is set up very close to your s in front , I have the same rub marks on the drag link on pass side where it rubs bottom of frame at stuff. I flattened that rivet a bit and otyher than the rub marks it hasnt been an issue.

Luckily my drag link doesn’t rub, I have a decent drop pitman arm on it so that helps. Tie rod on the other hand, that’s something I’ll have to figure out. Either 4x4 labs arms that out the tie rod behind the axle, or maybe front range 4x4 arms.