FJ44BT Build

[BigWalker]

I have put off posting my build thread long enough, I had planned to begin to start this in December but after long weekends in a 20-30 degree shop I couldn't find the energy to start a build thread. So now I need some motivation as spring is finally here and my 4 legged friends are wanting attention.
Ok enough here is the plan.

I'm starting with a 1972 fj40 with 39k on the odometer, some areas look like 39k and other areas look like 139k. It doesen't really matter as this will be a total resto-mod.
The plan is as follows:

Cummins 4BT with a few small improvements
Aluminum radiator
700R4 built fo a diesel ( BowTie Overdrive built)
Disc brakes on all fours, 60 knuckles
Mohave FJ40 front suspension 4" lift
Mohave FJ60 rear suspension 4" lift
4+ shackle reversal
4+ u-bolt flip
Wheelbase stretched 6 inches (4"'s back, 2"s forward)
New drive shafts
3.73 gearing
15" widen steelies
33X10.5 BFG's
Metaltech cage kit
FJ60 PS steering
HydroBoost Brakes
ProCar seats
Rear aux fuel tank
Stock body look except rear wheel wells moved back 4"
Linned tub inside and out
New steering column
Custom AutoMeter gauges
I will add more as the build progresses
I will need to signup for pictures but here is the starting point
Pete

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

Nice starting point, sounds like a good project.

 

[jim land]

with 4+ shackle reversal your front leaf spring need to be flip to keep near stock wheelbase , so you lost the option to move your axle forward with the flip

keep shackle front or look for a different option if you dont wont to stretch the frame horn to get longer wheelbase

 

[BigWalker]

Nice starting point, sounds like a good project.

Thanks it actually looked like this when I traded into it. I was just going to fix a few things then drive it while I gathered parts for the engine swap so I rebuilt the doors & swapped the front brakes, then it really needed seats, I needed a place to hange the shoulder harness so then I built the roll cage. Now it is headed into a full build.

 

[BigWalker]

with 4+ shackle reversal your front leaf spring need to be flip to keep near stock wheelbase , so you lost the option to move your axle forward with the flip

keep shackle front or look for a different option if you dont wont to stretch the frame horn to get longer wheelbase

This will be an interesting discussion. I originally had no intention on moving the front axle but there is apparently two thoughts about spring direction. One is to hang the short side with half wrap aft, this places the axle in the realative stock location, the other is to place the short side forward (half warps / military wraps were develop for forward placement should a failure occur) this places the axle about 2 inch up the arch of the spring, with the vehicle loaded the differential is level. Shinning or a cut-n-turn will be needed.
The forward placement approach is counter intuitive until you think about spring arch & axle movement.
I look forward to hearing all the diverging opinions to help finalize this decision.
cheers

 

[BigWalker]

A few pictures of the cage build last fall. Because I hadn't finished my 1000sqft shop I ended up welding it in two halves then joining it together. It started with a MetalTech kit, I tacked it together with a 110 mig then dragged every thing onto the side yard dropped a 220 line from the kitchen and went to welding. Most of the painting was also done in halves befor final joining. This was a PITA . I have since finished the shop, 200amp service and concrete floor. So nice to work on gravel

 

[BigWalker]

A few mor picturs..I need to figure out how to post thumbnails

 

[warpdriv]

Will the tranny's torque to an auto lockup or is it manual? Tks.

 

[jim land]

with 4+ SR you lost the option of spring orientetion , you have to run your spring with short side forward , it is because of the angle of the SR hanger.

with old style SR it is possible to use the spring in both direction because it angle forward ,they are call rock catcher ,but the truth is that when use with flipped spring they give the same aproche angle (as the 4+) and place the axle forward and give you longer wheelbase.

hope you understand me , cause english for me is about only here on mud

P.S. do i just open a big can of worms

 

[BigWalker]

Will the tranny's torque to an auto lockup or is it manual? Tks.

The 700R4 in stock form will not survive behind a diesel.
I wanted an auto overdrive so I did not have a choice.
Plus this OD can lock up the converter in 3-4
I had the BowTie guys build a diesel version of this tran to handle the different pressure etc. It is rated to 600HP 450 ftlbs of torque so will will see. I will share the tranny build a little later

 

[BigWalker]

hope you understand me , cause english for me is about only here on mud

P.S. do i just open a big can of worms

Your English is very good and appreciated.
This is a can of worms. But a good can. I'm hoping to have more discussion as the build progresses.
Next up suspension m

 

[BigWalker]

Removed the rear suspension, I only kept the forward fixed hangers:
Off with the old pices & Installed a new rear hanger reversed to accomodate long FJ60 springs. I used the rivet shanks to hold/align the rear hanger. I first tacked to the rivet then used a square to check alignment to the frame.

 

[BigWalker]

A photo of the Mohavje FJ60 againt the stock rear 40 spring

 

[BigWalker]

Next I removed the overloads, as you can see the springs was still to much for the light weight of the for rear. After some discussion with Dave I ended up with 5 leafs left. After I build the reap bumper, hang the 33" spare tire & fill the 22 gallon fuel tank I will have an extra 280lbs then I can add the extra leafs back one at a time to balance the vehicle.

 

[jim land]

i thought you plan to flip the rear spring to gain wheelbase

 

[BigWalker]

Not planning on flipping the springs, I have a couple other changes in play...more post later

 

[Tapage]

Not planning on flipping the springs, I have a couple other changes in play...more post later

coils in the rear ( or all corners ..) never cross your mind .?

 

[BigWalker]

coils in the rear ( or all corners ..) never cross your mind .?

Yes it did, a linked suspension is awesome in fact I have a 4 link rear & 3 link front all drawn up with a parts list. It follows the ICON design. It came down to economics and knowledge at the time I got off the pot. I purchased the springs 6+ months ago.

If it doesn't turn out then I will be it into phase two.

 

[BigWalker]

Front SR conversion.

 

[BigWalker]

Additional SR photos