Builds Hard Ways - Rigger's 1969 FJ40

[Rigger]

Ran a few more hard lines today.

Finished mocking up the rear end with caliper and rotor. Tried the rim. It rubs on the GM caliper. So, I fully conclude that my decision to try and run 15" Smoothies on my 40 was a bad decision. These rims don't work up front or out back without spacers. And the spacers will dictate longer wheel studs. So it's a mess.

I'm back to square one on rims. It's either run the white spokers the truck came with or buy a set of stock steelies.

 

[Rigger]

 

[Rigger]

 

[Rigger]

These old spokers fit fine and clear everything both front and rear. Might oughtta clean em up and run em.

 

[oldschool4wheeling]

Those disc breaks look NICE! Good work!

 

[Rigger]

Those disc breaks look NICE! Good work!

Thanks. It's been slow progress but it's starting to come together.

 

[65swb45]

Is there a reason your brake line is angled down at the leaf spring instead of up?

 

[65swb45]

I have come to appreciate the info you and Steve share here on the boards. And I have also felt free to ask for it when I need it. Thanks for all of your help. When I was scratching my head over this rear axle yesterday, I thought it'd be nice to have some tech advice. I thought of you & Steve right away.

As to the sale part, I assume from your post that you sell bearings. Am I right? Over the last nearly ten years, I've bought parts from you, parts from Steve, and parts from Kurt. But I was not aware that you supplied bearings. Why didn't I know that? Not sure why. In fact, I'm not aware of the full extent of what you offer.

The prices may not be current, but the catalog is still online. I used it yesterday.

 

[Rigger]

Is there a reason your brake line is angled down at the leaf spring instead of up?

Hmmm. I think that banjo end is on there the wrong way. Good eye!

 

[65swb45]

Hmmm. I think that banjo end is on there the wrong way. Good eye!

That's what the like button is for.

 

[Rigger]

OK - review of wheel choices:

1) Buy new stockers - probably $130 each with shipping. Buy 5 = $650, then gotta paint 'em gray.

2) Buy 5 new stockers from CCOT, already powder coated. $900 including shipping.

3) Buy 16" Smoothies from Summit, about $150 each, with shipping. Total $750, then gotta paint 'em.

4) Take the four spokers I already have and get 'em cleaned and powder coated. $200 total.

Option 4 is budget friendliest, therefore go with that one.

 

[Rigger]

 

[Rigger]

My spare tire carrier was misaligned with the latch and not properly anchored. I removed it for now.

 

[120mm]

You can't argue with budget, but fwiw, I have a "thing" for stock steelies.

 

[Rigger]

You can't argue with budget, but fwiw, I have a "thing" for stock steelies.

I do, too. Really. Love me some stockers.

But, (sigh) I've gotta rein this project in a bit.

 

[Rigger]

Finished the rear axle. Just need to fill it with gear oil, bolt on some rims, and roll it underneath.

 

[Rigger]

My rims are at the powder coat place. I ordered 4 new tires yesterday. I should have rims and tires all mounted and balanced by late next week. Then, I can get this thing back on its feet.

 

[Rigger]

Ok; quick update.

My rims are ready for pick up but can't get up there to get them til Wednesday. My tires arrived yesterday. So next week I'll have tires and rims together mounted and balanced.

Meanwhile, I spent a little time yesterday trying to reinstall the rear axle. It turned into a frustrating battle, with me fighting not only the spring bushings and hangers and pins and shackles but also fighting my own impatience. I made some headway but I quit after a while, totally disgusted with my own behavior.

I was putting oil on the bushings and the pins to get things to slide together nicely but the fixed end pins are still not going in. What am I doing wrong I wonder. Any tips that you guys can offer would be appreciated.

 

[Rigger]

 

[Rigger]

Above pics show the pins. Not sure what I need to do to push those the rest of the way in.