Her 74 40

[Pearly]

Top marks lady!

Tell 'em all to BACK OFF!! It is your truck and you want to do as much as you can on it. Be prepared though - some of the stuff is REAL heavy and some of the bolts will be DARN TIGHT! You may need to ask for help every now and then, but you need to state your position now. "Please, when I need your help I'll ask for it" kinda thing.

All the best on YOUR build!

Ian

 

[Pearly]

BTW - For the dog, do some Dog Whisperer tricks on it "TSSSST!"

 

[sarca]

33s make for a great all-round tyre. And you can't go wrong with BFGs.

I was wondering though...which sort of engine do you have in the 40? The 1960-1975 ones came with the stock F engine, and from 1975 to 1984 they had the 2F. Since FJ40s are prone to a lot of tinkering around by owners, I wonder which engine is in your 40?

The winch and compressor are a good idea. For it to be a fully self-contained rig, a couple of spare Jerry cans, a Hi-Lift jack, and a decent bolt-on tool-box might also come in handy. For those middle-of-the-night emergency wading manoeuvres a set of roof mounted lights might also be of use. As would an inertia tow strap. And whilst I really can't comment on how well your petrol 40 might wade through four feet of water (since petrol engines, their spark plugs and dizzys and carbs are notoriously like cats, and dislike water as a rule)...a well-fitted snorkel will always be your friend during fording. Plus, as a friend of mine (who is notoriously ANTI-snorkel) always says: "with a snorkel, you can spot your rig in the mall parking lot straight away".

In the floor pan, some holes will actually serve as drainage points (I'm actually drilling some in the Phantom). Useful, if you have a tub full of water from fording through four feet of the stuff. I suggest you keep these, and plug them up with some cheap rubber bushings so as to render the tub air/water tight, and still be able to use the bilge points when necessary.

Best of luck with the build.

Cheers.

The previous owner is a mud member - he'd upgraded to a 2F, replaced the radiator, gas tank - anything Im doing - is pretty much standard preventative replacement.

Lights..I hadnt thought about it (as I mentally scribble "lights" onto my wish list) Ill probably replace the original headlights first though..

Drain holes in the tub - Id read here somewhere of a mud member that was aggravated over the PO having fiberglassed over these holes and that has stuck with me.

I finally decided on a 'sound system' for the truck..and I remember you talking about the bells and whistles, Fouad. I am a hardcore techie (my job allows me a rather nice discount on electronic toys) I originally bought these babies - without actually having measured. When they arrived, I realized buying sight unseen and not measuring was bad..they are HUMONGOUS in a 40. Long story short I cannot resell or return them - so Im donating them to my ONSC Raffle.

I didnt want to spend a ton of money on sound - but Im a child of the 70s and 80s and music in a vehicle is almost as important as the engine turning over. Here's what I went with - TDK has been making some quality mobile audio systems with a retro look that I like. This cube will not stay in the 40 during the summer. Im going to fabricate a protective breathable 'box' and when I bring it out to the truck, it will basically drop in the casing and plug into the inverter - mounted directly behind and between the front seats. I dont listen to the radio, I use my phone for everything. A good auxiliary cable and POOF! Ive got music. Weird, maybe even 'outside' of the box thinking - but hey...Ill get back to you in a couple of days once I get it installed.

 

[sarca]

Top marks lady!

Tell 'em all to BACK OFF!! It is your truck and you want to do as much as you can on it. Be prepared though - some of the stuff is REAL heavy and some of the bolts will be DARN TIGHT! You may need to ask for help every now and then, but you need to state your position now. "Please, when I need your help I'll ask for it" kinda thing.

All the best on YOUR build!

Ian

I told the huz to 'confide' in the neighbor and just say"hey, she's stubborn, she likes doing this work and you have gotta to let her do it, trust me - I know"

I told my huz if he DIDNT have this friendly conversation, Id take a hammer to my overly helpful neighbors shiny suburban and show him how I could 'help' him fix his air conditioning REAL QUICK

I probably wouldnt take a hammer to his suburban..but Id think about it. REAL HARD. And smile.

Thanks for letting me vent!!

 

[2thdoc]

Ive got to pose this question and hopefully ya'll can bring me back down to earth..

So Im a woman. Its pride swallowing enough not to have the strength to break some of the seriously rusted bolts as we're doing the suspension..Tonight was the first time I couldnt get something loose - I was getting frustrated. The huz was doing the other side and he had the cotter pins worked out, the shock off and was working five times more quickly than I. Im stubborn. He asks if I want him to help me. I say no..I can do it. I keep methodically working on my side..meanwhile my next door neighbors pit bull is standing six feet away - barking and barking. we cant even hear each other talk..now Im starting to simmer.

Neighbor comes over, wants to know what we're doing, starts poking his head under, crawling under the front bumper looking at what we're doing, runs off comes back with a blowtorch, and a ridiculous amount of hammers and assorted stuff. He's spraying the bolts, while Im working..Now I know what youre going to say...Hes just trying to be helpful..funny thing is when he ran off to get stuff I specifically said, "we've got it - but thanks anyway - Im working on a learning curve here" He starts horning in on what Im trying to do ON MY TRUCK. Now Im starting to steam.
My daughter has a friend down the street, her parents show up - now Ive got to be nice and talk about mani's and pedi's (you DONT want to know - I promise!) Meanwhile, now Ive got 3 guys under MY TRUCK and I hear one of the neighbors say "Just break that hinge off, Ive seen guys just run a bolt through that spring hinge (or whatever it is) Itll be fine" His wife is talking about girly stuff, the pitbull is still barking and their discussing breaking stuff on MY TRUCK like I am not even there...GRRRRR
So I say - we're going to spray the stuff on the rusty bolts and let it sit - its not an emergency to get it done. The three guys completely ignore me. The dog is still barking and now theres a blowtorch going near my fuel line by a guy who Im pretty sure has never even seen a 40 up close until 10 minutes ago.
Im boiling, the guys wife is still talking - next thing I know, my front differential pops off - the dog owner guys head is nearly squished and I am now unable to speak because I couldnt possibly be more territorial about my 40 than that stupid dog who wont.ever.stop.barking.
Am I wrong? Because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt if my clubs guys were working on it - I wouldnt even bat an eye..Maybe its because theres something about Landcruiser owners..Maybe its because the female part of my ego is po'ed at having guys just take over..No one offered to help, I never asked for help. I WANT to do the wrenching even if it takes me 40 forevers to do it...what do yall think? Tell me true.

Elegant description of what we all experience from time to time! This is NOT a matter of being male or female. Never forget this scenario because it is very much part of the learning curve you mentioned. This is Your truck! Be as controlling or possessive as you see fit.

I have a very similar story: I'm still deep in my learning curve as well. My brother in law was in town for a few nights. He has restored several Corvettes throughout the years. He was walking around my (new to me) '76 40. I suppose he's trying to be helpful and giving me some "tips" on pretty much everything. Before I know it we are attempting to remove tie rod ends that are not cooperating. We get to a point where more tools will be needed (which I don't mind because I love to buy tools). We stop work for the evening. He leaves the next day. I'm committed to the job now because the tie rod ends were shot and suffered during removal. Rod itself is bent and I notice the relay rod is bent and ends need to be replaced too. This job was not the one I had planned at this point. I place an order for all rods and ends at a time not so opportune. My wife did not appreciate the undiscussed allocation of funds (fair enough) and I have to hear about it. The lesson: (SAME AS YOURS!) Its my truck. The work and sequence will happen as suits me including what tools are used and who works on my truck.

 

[sarca]

Elegant description of what we all experience from time to time! This is NOT a matter of being male or female. Never forget this scenario because it is very much part of the learning curve you mentioned. This is Your truck! Be as controlling or possessive as you see fit.
.. The lesson: (SAME AS YOURS!) Its my truck. The work and sequence will happen as suits me including what tools are used and who works on my truck.

Good to hear from someone else! Im sure having the added relation of a family member in your case means you have to be even more delicate in handling it too!

 

[2thdoc]

Yep! It's a pain in the rump!

 

[Blue77FJ40]

Sarca, I would have grabbed that fool's ankles and pulled him out from under. He apparently has no intention of listening to you. No one's going near my springs with a torch anyway. Especially uninvited. Better he spends his time shutting up his dog.

To cut the old rusted bolts from the springs, the best way is a 4 1/2" grinder with a thin cut off wheel. Three seconds per bolt and you're done.

 

[FouadHafeez]

The previous owner is a mud member - he'd upgraded to a 2F, replaced the radiator, gas tank - anything Im doing - is pretty much standard preventative replacement.

Good thing on the 2F, Charity. It's a great engine with lots of low rev torque and decent power. Careful with deep-wading because of the electricals, though!

I finally decided on a 'sound system' for the truck..and I remember you talking about the bells and whistles, Fouad. I am a hardcore techie (my job allows me a rather nice discount on electronic toys) I originally bought these babies - without actually having measured. When they arrived, I realized buying sight unseen and not measuring was bad..they are HUMONGOUS in a 40. Long story short I cannot resell or return them - so Im donating them to my ONSC Raffle.

I didnt want to spend a ton of money on sound - but Im a child of the 70s and 80s and music in a vehicle is almost as important as the engine turning over. Here's what I went with - TDK has been making some quality mobile audio systems with a retro look that I like. This cube will not stay in the 40 during the summer. Im going to fabricate a protective breathable 'box' and when I bring it out to the truck, it will basically drop in the casing and plug into the inverter - mounted directly behind and between the front seats. I dont listen to the radio, I use my phone for everything. A good auxiliary cable and POOF! Ive got music. Weird, maybe even 'outside' of the box thinking - but hey...Ill get back to you in a couple of days once I get it installed.

Nice systems, both of them. The oversized one, and the Sound Cube. Best of luck with installing the chosen one...we'll be looking forward to pictures.

Cheers.

 

[sarca]

I got my TDK Sound Cube - and it does sound fabulous...going to test it out in the 40 after I finish some errands today. Pics to follow..

 

[myquestoyota]

Well Charity, you had every right to get hot and you probably never should have stopped working on the bolt you had because once you gave it up it was all over. I don't often ask for or desire help when I'm wrenching because it is my therapy. Just me and the cruiser usually. Hope you get those guys straightened out. hell, just print your post and tack it to the wall under "MINE"!
Hang in there, we got your back.

 

[sarca]

Well Charity, you had every right to get hot and you probably never should have stopped working on the bolt you had because once you gave it up it was all over. I don't often ask for or desire help when I'm wrenching because it is my therapy. Just me and the cruiser usually. Hope you get those guys straightened out. hell, just print your post and tack it to the wall under "MINE"!
Hang in there, we got your back.

Thanks - I cant say that I gave up, in so much as Im aware of my temper. When I went in the house, I actually thought something similar to what you stated..Ive never come in from working no matter how sore, how little work was accomplished and felt negative about the time spent with this 40. I was partially disgusted that I allowed myself to be robbed of that sense of "I did it myself" - definitely wont happen again.

Thanks again for the support!

 

[myquestoyota]

I just realized that the same thing happens to me when I'm cooking. Cooking is also therapeutic for me and I usually do it myself. I enjoy company while i'm at it and will sometimes accept the offer to chop something up but have, on occasion, had someone take over when I turn my back and have sat and simmered while they mess with MY food. Politeness gets in the way of my disdain and I'll let them but don't want to. Kind of like a woman working on a cruiser, I'm a man in the kitchen and the opposite sex thinks it's their realm. Carry on.

 

[Ol'40]

Ha Ha ha, loved your story and heard your frustration..

Sarca, make things easier on youself, get a couple of longer 'breaker bars' for your sockets for extra leverage. You can also use a length of pipe to add leverage to your ring spanners/wrenchs...

The lendth of pipe is also useful for breaking the bloody dogs head..

Gaz....

 

[sarca]

Ha Ha ha, loved your story and heard your frustration..

Sarca, make things easier on youself, get a couple of longer 'breaker bars' for your sockets for extra leverage. You can also use a length of pipe to add leverage to your ring spanners/wrenchs...

The lendth of pipe is also useful for breaking the bloody dogs head..

Gaz....

ACTUALLY - Id picked up a cheap breaker bar at Harbor Freight, the huz snapped it on the very first bolt. I immediately threw it in the 40 next to my seat...Ive always liked having a wide range of choices when it comes to weaponry

 

[DSRTRDR]

why not use their strength but direct it to where you want it - that's what I am trying when there's wrenching to do

yes, hubby was more sloppy at routing the wiring on the 40 than I would have liked, but that happens when you have people with different philosophies and skills working on the same project

now that we have the 80, he's getting more anal, too

 

[fjwagon]

Stuff happens. Help is good but sometimes you have to stand your ground and make it clear what kind of help you really need. But good help is even better if you can get it. After all, this is a huge job. I've done several lifts and after doing the first one, I discovered it's best to have the right tools. An impact wrench, jack stands and a torch accompanied by a BFH(big hammer) are probably the best tools you can barrow or buy. I like tools so it's easy for me to buy them and I like to be self suffient but you don't have to go this route. And I usually buy them on sale or at a discount through friends or work. Keep your eyes peeled for sales. Don't be afraid to pay a little more for the right tool or your will be wishing you did after you break it in the middle of nowhere. Don't ask me how I how. Reading the FAX is good but the "Search button can be the icing on the cake when it comes to doing a job the first time. A FSM will pay for itself many times over. Getting single tools on the fly can be had at pawn shops as well. I've gotten several standard impact type sockets for my tractor since most of my stuff I have is metric. It sounds like you are already enjoying the benefits of owning a 40. Be safe and good luck.

 

[Snowdogyyz]

Sarca- we need more pics! Put up some more pics of that beauty. The thread has great conversation, but just needs more pics!

 

[sarca]

Now with pics!

Youre so right..more pics needed!

Here's one of the rear, 2.5" lift on Hell Creek Springs and Bilsteins. Decided to stay with the mysterious shackles that came on her - as the Ironman Shackles I have are much smaller and I dont want to lose my lift.

Id cleaned and sanded then sprayed a rust treatment followed by 3m Pro Grade Rubberized Underprotectant - Planning on having the muffler done before Uwharrie, Im pretty sure the way its currently seated it would gladly pop off on sight of a rock.



And I finally got my license plate yesterday - NC is picky, I wanted "mejane". It was taken. I wanted "her 40" (3 letters cannot be followed by a number, unless its a single digit?!) So here's what I ended up with

TA DAHHHHH


Moving right along, Im wondering if there was a sleeve over this at one point - or should I should keep it greased for now?

 

[DSRTRDR]

for the license plate