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

Member Build Threads

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Well, I was going to wrap up the rear today, adjust and bleed brakes. Hit a snag. The FIC brake cylinders I ordered have a factory defect where the crossover hard brake line connects at both cylinders. The female screwed housing hole is too big, the 10mm tube nut thread does not engage and bottoms out. Frustrating. Also FIC adjusters do not have the ramp down cut like OEM cylinders. For reference to others, do not buy FIC cylinders. Brakes are a tad important and FIC does not do good QA/QC. Not trusting anything about them. Throwing them in the trash. Chasing down other wheel cylinders this morning!

Also broke down the parking brake. Looked good. The drum adjuster is a little worn so I will be replacing that. Rear drive shaft u joints are good and tight.



IMG_0597.webp
 
Last edited:
Take 2. Took a trip to CCOT which is in my back yard and got me some better quality rear brake cylinders which they had in stock. Installed them and finished rear brake plumbing.

Also got a complete handbrake rebuild kit at CCOT. Happens to be a complete kit from Terrain Tamer. Has ll the bits needed! It is legit! Tackling it tonight.

IMG_0612.webp


IMG_0611.webp


IMG_0610.webp
 
Got the parking brake refurbished. I sensed a slight vibration on deceleration. Going to take rear drive shaft to confirm it’s balanced tomorrow. When I was removing the parking brake dust shield out to put a new transmission rear output seal, I noticed bolts were loose to point where it could rattle. Fixed that. Add some RTV to the bolts before tightening the dust shield. Not sure if the vibration sound was from it. Just going to confirm drive shaft is good to go! Got the rear wheels back on. A milestone! Sure is nice to have new lug nuts. Had some chincy chrome acorns.

Going to add RTV to the splines before putting drum back on.

IMG_0614.webp


IMG_0615.webp


IMG_0616.webp
 
Had the same thought as I stepped back😁.They are in good shape. Little use. Absolutely no dry rot. Still has a soft feel. Going to run them.
 
On second thought, @RevISK shared his recent experience with same tires and condition as mine on a recent wheeling trip he did. Look and feel was deceiving. New tires are on the way. Kenda Klever R/T 33x9.5x15s. Thanks for the nudge @clrussell.
 
ceylonfj40nut said:
On second thought, @RevISK shared his recent experience with same tires and condition as mine on a recent wheeling trip he did. Look and feel was deceiving. New tires are on the way. Kenda Klever R/T 33x9.5x15s. Thanks for the nudge @clrussell.
Click to expand...

This is the right answer. Replace.
 
Goes with the title of the thread. May have to change it now😁
 
ceylonfj40nut said:
On second thought, @RevISK shared his recent experience with same tires and condition as mine on a recent wheeling trip he did. Look and feel was deceiving. New tires are on the way. Kenda Klever R/T 33x9.5x15s. Thanks for the nudge @clrussell.
Click to expand...

Good choice on tires and I’m glad you decided to swap before the trip
 
clrussell said:
Good choice on tires and I’m glad you decided to swap before the trip
Click to expand...
Yes! I also like the 9.5”. Turning without PS is easier. I think it also tucks better under the rear fenders.
 
Might get a new exhaust done. It’s pretty good stock routing. What I don’t like is the run along the DS chassis goes below the skid plate. It can get crushed. It’s not the best weld job. Could it last the trip and more? Yes. It will likely need replacing soon.Talked with @landcrusher909 about this some. Seems to make good sense to route above the skid plate. He noted adding a bracket to pull the handbrake/ speedo cable away from the heat. Had a look yesterday, these cables already have brackets and pulled away toward the xfer case.
 
CD, great work you are doing and wow! $$$.

Can’t wait to see it when we all get to SAS.🛠️🧰🛠️
 
Took the rear drive shaft in for a check. Initially when I bought this truck in 2013, it had a spicer after market drive shaft. Got stock shafts from Classic Cruisers, added new joints and it’s been running decent on regular DD duties. Mentioned earlier that it had a slight vibration. Drive shaft balance place called. For some reason, one of the welds joint was off round. Dunno if the used stock DS was faulty to begin with. Getting it back today.
 
John McVicker said:
CD, great work you are doing and wow! $$$.

Can’t wait to see it when we all get to SAS.🛠️🧰🛠️
Click to expand...
John, $$$$$$$$ indeed. So deferred maintenance always catches up. Likely could be less of a hit over time if I was not a cobbler. One of my highlights at SAS is visiting with you and your better half. You are a bad ass OG. Hoping to be you one day!
 
Got the City Racer LEDs on and started on getting main power feeders (starter, winch) redone. Also adding a few more grounds. Some people add a disconnect switch to the winch power line. I am not. The starter power wire does not have one on most vehicles. Knowing they carry high amps, I will wrap them in heavy duty spiral wrap to prevent chafing/ shorting.

IMG_0627.webp


IMG_0628.webp
 
Last edited:
Ordered tires yesterday online at noon. At my door today at 9a. Free shipping! Also stopped by CCOT to get a console and new front seat belts.

IMG_0632.webp


IMG_0631.webp
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom