Flatlander’s 1974 FJ40

[Flatlanderfj40]

Worked on my hatch for about an hour this afternoon removing the original weatherstripping.

 

[gator25]

Man @Flatlanderfj40 , that stuff works good!

 

[ginmtb]

I wish mine didn't have that nasty yellow adhesive. Brutal to remove even with the good remover.

 

[Flatlanderfj40]

The handle cushion was crusty so I decided to dive in. A little more work than I had hoped but I took pics to remember assembly order and 45 min later I was done.

 

[Flatlanderfj40]

Struts showed up $18 later. Disassembled and cleaned everything with brake cleaner and reassembled...pretty straightforward. Used a drill bit to bore out about an 1/8" and cut the original spacer. Then screwed on to both sides. Just need to glue weatherstripping on and my hatch is completed. ODO 136,522

 

[ginmtb]

So you went with double strut - what weight? I read somewhere about two being too much. If they're lower rated should be fine. Will be curious to see your result. I have one to install. Wish my chrome looked as good as yours!

 

[Flatlanderfj40]

50lbs. I see, so the recommendation is to strut only one side? Well, it's an easy fix if I need to remove one.

 

[Flatlanderfj40]

@ginmtb from what I'm reading one guy used a pair of 60lb struts with no issues and most doing the mod refer to "struts" which I'm assuming means 2. My tops off for now but this winter I guess I'll find out for sure.

 

[gator25]

It'll be fine man, just keep your tongue in your mouth and jaws tight when you go to open it. lol

 

[Flatlanderfj40]

Been driving a lot and correcting folks that my 40 isn't a Jeep . The girls first softball games were last weekend and they loved being escorted in the back of the Toyota. Need tires soon

Still don't have a name for her. ODO-136,771

 

[Flatlanderfj40]

Our rig while we're in Sint Maarten.

 

[Flatlanderfj40]

Took the 40 out Saturday on couples night. Beautiful weather and my buddies wife was practically soaking her shorts she had so much fun. Needless to say my has a better appreciation of the 40 and fondness many people have for these.

Need to finish up the weatherstripping on the rear hatch, tackle the hardtop resto and tires are in need soon. Will be installing 33x10.50-15 BFG soon followed by a 2.5 OME lift in the next year or so. ODO-137,008

 

[Flatlanderfj40]

High winds last evening. Tested the winch out and straightened up our tree. At least I know it works

 

[Flatlanderfj40]

Joined the 33" club. 33x10.50R15 BFG KM2. By far the best upgrade I've done so far. Much quieter and the ride is incredible. Looks much better too

 

[Varty Yo]

what lift?

 

[Flatlanderfj40]

what lift?

I believe the PO did 2" shackles with shims.

 

[Flatlanderfj40]

Was a little worried about rubbing but zero issues. On the highway my speedo was reading 65 and Wayz was reading 72...Very comfortable. ODO-137,033

 

[Flatlanderfj40]

For the few that read this looking for feedback on my temp gauge. It normally fluctuates between the picture and first notch. Coolant is clean and no major leaks detected...Normal?

 

[ginmtb]

For the few that read this looking for feedback on my temp gauge. It normally fluctuates between the picture and first notch. Coolant is clean and no major leaks detected...Normal?

View attachment 1486136

Yup that is where mine stays when it is working. My sending unit went bad so I need to replace. Didn't go OEM it was one of my first purchases. Correlates to about 185 degrees.

 

[Flatlanderfj40]

Taco Tuesday