Build Kermit, 1976 FJ40. The Cobbler has the worst shoes!

[ceylonfj40nut]

The title of the thread still holds true. Been wrapping up the chicken coop for the wife! This is a sign to get back on the skinny pedal!!!

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Back at it after assisting the wife with a chicken mansion. Front axle stripped for knuckle job, new brake calipers, pads, shocks, new spring bushings, 4 degree shims, and u bolts. Waiting for rotors and what I thought were longer springs pins to accommodate 4 degree shims. @cruisermatt was on speed dial to get some but we realized that I have more than enough leafs up front. Took the lowest one out and used existing spring pin/nut. OME bushings disintegrated in part due to age and due to leaking break master reservoir dribbling on to the spring below

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Got some hardware for the front end and wheels. Not cheap!!! Switching to ASCO long body hubs from Warn hubs. So hub studs, cone washers, spring washers, nuts. New lug nuts all around and front disc brake lug studs

 

[Chungas Revenge]

Switching to ASCO long body hubs from Warn hubs.

View attachment 4165909

Warn makes a solid hub. I think you’re really going to like the ASCO’s.. A tad bit on the “spendy” side but worth the extra coin(s)…

 

[cruisermatt]

Warn hubs are great for the car show.
They are a grenade if you actually wheel.

 

[pb4ugo]

Warn hubs are great for the car show.
They are a grenade if you actually wheel.

The birfield always broke 1st and protected the warn hubs.

 

[RevISK]

Warn hubs are great for the car show.
They are a grenade if you actually wheel.

There are certainly a lot of moving parts in them.
I swapped out for the Aisin hubs to match my other rig. Much simpler.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Thanks @cruisermatt. Nothing like OEM rotors!

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Nothing crazy. Knuckle job, new rotors, calipers, pads, hard lines, soft lines. New hub studs.Torqued. Make sure bleed valve always points up!

 

[John McVicker]

Looks good & I applaud you for the torque paint.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Looks good & I applaud you for the torque paint.

Helps with a quick look see when inspecting. Try to put it where it can be easily seen!

 

[John McVicker]

Good job…my 60.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

@SipLife rightly pointed out I should extend to steering arm base to capture both nut movement or stud movement. Get your mind out of the gutter boys!

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Completed entire front end. Moved to the back and tore down the rear to do all new bearings, seals, new brake cylinders, shoes, hardware. Drums look good. Cobblers brake shoes were in need of replacement. DS pad had separated and siezed on the drum. Needed a BFH. All brake cylinders also needed.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Good progress today. Got the rear axle shafts pulled without a fuss. Third member looks great. Shafts are not worn/ grooved.

Dropped by Toyota of Dallas to see if they had fj40 drums. To my surprise they had stock on shelf!!! Not knowing how long ago the shoe separated, thought I would put in new drums. Man they are so nice fresh out of the oven!

Also finally got my long body ASCO hubs today from City Racer and got them on. This was the last bit of the front end I had left to do.

PO had rounded the hard brake lines connecting the wheel cylinders in the rear. So I have got TEQ ones ordered from Cruiser Outfitters. I have NiCop at the barn but just hate how soft they are and will likely never use them on a cruiser.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Completed rear end bearing and seals. If it helps others, a 65 mm seal driver works perfectly to drive rear bearings home. No need for a old cut bearing race.

Third member looks great. Run out is within spec. No glitter. C-clips and axle spacer show no signs of wear or gouging. Spider gear thrust washers are like new. Moving on to rear brake install. Lots to keep track off. Wheel cylinders are location and orientation specific. @Coolerman’ has a great write up. Posting this for future reference. Peace of mind before SAS is growing with each step.

Realizing it’s a great way to get things done when peace of mind is needed against a hard deadline. I usually try not to get consumed on rigs to balance family and other obligations. The momentum has been nice however.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

@cruisermatt’s brake hardware comes with rubber plug for brake drum dust shields. Much appreciated

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Bardi (Bardrock) and Buffy (Buff Oppington) escaped their pen and wanted to assist with the rear end rebuild. Was busy head down until I heard their chatter.

 

[RevISK]

Bardi (Bardrock) and Buffy (Buff Oppington) escaped their pen and wanted to assist with the rear end rebuild. Was busy head down until I heard their chatter.

View attachment 4170729

They got out of Fort Bock Bocks?

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

List is getting shorter. Bleeding brakes, and on to handbrake refresh.