FJ40 Reliabilty?

[BELMONT148]

I am at a loss as to which mod to do next on truck. I am within 5 weeks to getting on the road, and my goal of having a very capable trail truck yet reliable and road worthy rig is very close. However, I am having some trouble deciding which mod to do next. I feel both are very important, but can only do one now. Which would seem most likely to save my ass in the next year before I can get the other done?

First a little background on the mechanics of the rig so far:

Saginaw PS
4 Wheel Discs
New Clutch
New HO Alt.
New JimC Carb.
New Headers/exhaust
one Yellow Optima
FJ60 JimC recurved dizzy
rebuilt transfer case
Tranny insp. with new seals
new drivelines
new radiator/hoses/fluid

My first option:
Add my second optima battery. I already have the tray, I just need new wiring, selector, and charging relay. I would also replace and upgrade the fuse panel at this time.

West Marine: ATO/ATC Fuse Block Systems Product Display

West Marine: "Add-A-Battery" Dual Circuit System Product Display

My second option: A new 10# Powertank, with an ARB deflator, and ARB tire repair kit.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/**-ih8mud-.../207891-air-down-air-up-fix-flat-special.html

Both upgrades will run me about $300-$400.

TIA

Jeremy

 

[informationjunky]

I've thought about the blue sea also....fyi eBay Motors: BLUE SEA 7650 SOLENOID/BATTERY DUAL CIRCUIT SYSTE. New! (item 310030661683 end time Aug-06-08 22:35:41 PDT)

 

[BELMONT148]

Thanks, I figured someone sold that kit cheaper. West Marine is always pretty high.

I am kind of talking myself into the tank. More uses other than just flat repair, and I will definately carry a set of jumper cables at all times. Also, highway patrol is usually not ever too far away.

Jeremy

 

[Trollhole]

I voted Co2. Gonna suck inflating 38's when you pop a bead.


Of course I'd vote for the option below.

Roll the dice and bring your half working cruiser to the trail. Make everybody wait on you as you constantly fix it by borrowing parts and then when it refuses to run anymore drink everybody's beer while they tow your piece of crap out of the trail.













































































































































Oh and you will need a mafia sticker.

 

[BELMONT148]

Maybe back in my HS days. But now that just seems like a total waste of time. If it stays broke all the time, then it just needs to stay at home. Hence the reason for so much time, money, and research put into my build. Obviously I have limits on 2 of the 3, so there is always room to improve.

Thanks for the help.

Jeremy

 

[BELMONT148]

I decided to just go ahead and get a spare tire. I found a brand new 38" Gumbo on CL for cheap, and I already had a spare rim. I ordered this bumper, MAF 4+Plus MAF-1047 Bumper so I should be covered on the busted tire front. As far as airing up the 38's, I will still get a tank. They are only about $200. That will be next on my list before the big Tellico trip, not OMT but I am going on Thanksgiving. The battery will have to wait. Now if I can just get those damn seats mounted. I am a major procrastinator.

Jeremy

 

[Trollhole]

I am a major procrastinator.

Jeremy

Sounds like someone needs a mafia sticker.

 

[Gundy]

On board air/co2 is always handy.
Locker? They offer a lot of bang for the buck.

 

[CandyPants]

I have a powertank and it's wonderful. Much faster than an aircompressor and a small tank (which I have as well). I also have that ATO/ATC fuse block on the FJ. I installed it as a way to pull power from the battery and isolate the extra drain on the system so if something went kaboom, I hadn't fooled with the stock system and it "should" be covered under warranty. Anyway, I really like that fuse block.

 

[mooker82]

I voted Co2. Gonna suck inflating 38's when you pop a bead.


Of course I'd vote for the option below.

Roll the dice and bring your half working cruiser to the trail. Make everybody wait on you as you constantly fix it by borrowing parts and then when it refuses to run anymore drink everybody's beer while they tow your piece of crap out of the trail.













































































































































Oh and you will need a mafia sticker.

The way its been looking with the 40 lately I may be able to take up this duty in the LowCountry cruisers.

 

[informationjunky]

I have a powertank and it's wonderful. Much faster than an aircompressor and a small tank (which I have as well). I also have that ATO/ATC fuse block on the FJ. I installed it as a way to pull power from the battery and isolate the extra drain on the system so if something went kaboom, I hadn't fooled with the stock system and it "should" be covered under warranty. Anyway, I really like that fuse block.

Especially when you win it in a raffle!

 

[BELMONT148]

Well, the spare tire and bumper is not looking so good now. I just went to pick up the spare tire I found and the guy said it was new, but it was really dry rotted. It had cracks all over the tread area and the sidewalls. I could fit a credit card in some of them. Didn't want to take a chance that out on the trail I needed it to keep wheeling and it blow out on me. So I am either going to look for another used 38" tire, or forget about the spare for now.

Jeremy

 

[BELMONT148]

For now, I think I have a game plan figured out. I am going to go with as many safety/expedition products I can afford right now. The list is this:

National Luna "smart" dual battery solenoid
new battery cables
EQUIPT Expedition "NATO" dual gas can carrier
2 WEDCO gas cans
THE SOURCE CO2 tank system w/ plug kit and ARB deflator

I am still going to source a used tire for a spare, but I will not be mounting it until Xmas. I am either going to get the previous mentioned bumper, fab my own. Or, and I know some may laugh, but might get a tire carrier that was removed from a Bummer H2. They are pretty stout and look easy to fit on a 40. Plus they can be picked up around here for $300 with no shipping. I'll figure the bumper out by the end of the year. For now, I will just leave the tire back at camp, or strap it to the inside.

If you haven't checked out the Luna module, you should. It is really nice, and a very simple setup. It allows the second battery to piggyback off the main without having to rewire the ignition or fuse block. Everything stays stock, you just add the battery and call it good. No switch or anything.

EQUIPT Expedition Outfitters - National Luna Intelligent Solenoid

Jeremy

 

[mooker82]

For now, I think I have a game plan figured out. I am going to go with as many safety/expedition products I can afford right now. The list is this:

National Luna "smart" dual battery solenoid
new battery cables
EQUIPT Expedition "NATO" dual gas can carrier
2 WEDCO gas cans
THE SOURCE CO2 tank system w/ plug kit and ARB deflator

I am still going to source a used tire for a spare, but I will not be mounting it until Xmas. I am either going to get the previous mentioned bumper, fab my own. Or, and I know some may laugh, but might get a tire carrier that was removed from a Bummer H2. They are pretty stout and look easy to fit on a 40. Plus they can be picked up around here for $300 with no shipping. I'll figure the bumper out by the end of the year. For now, I will just leave the tire back at camp, or strap it to the inside.

If you haven't checked out the Luna module, you should. It is really nice, and a very simple setup. It allows the second battery to piggyback off the main without having to rewire the ignition or fuse block. Everything stays stock, you just add the battery and call it good. No switch or anything.

EQUIPT Expedition Outfitters - National Luna Intelligent Solenoid

Jeremy

Ill keep an eye out for a H2 carrier for you. Did you have a chance to look at how they mount up yet? Looks simple enough. It is a good sized spindle and heavy, nicely made carrier. I would plate the rear of the crossmember or atleast use some big washers to help distribute the weight.