Looking to Learn and For Some Help (1 Viewer)

[Tony_Farson]

Hey everyone. I am officially a member of the club! Woot! I am very interested in learning from anyone willing to hand me tools and I'd also like to know if there's anyone who'd be willing to help me out on some of the stuff I want/need to do to my 40. I know some stuff, can do basic repairs and general maintenance. I even swapped a motor in my old mustang in my teens. It is the bigger things I have never done but REALLY want to do. Stuff I am interested in learning and helping others with...

1. Steering upgrades and repairs
2. Axle assembly and overhaul
3. Brakes
4. Wiring
5. Body work
6. Welding and fabrication

I want to swap to power steering ASAP, and I will be attempting to demo the old electrical in my 40 in the coming months and installing a 26 circuit harness. I plan to swap in the 78 4-speed and transfer case I recently acquired and want to upgrade the gears and install at least one locker in the 78 axles in late spring/early summer too. If anyone has the time and inclination to help me get some of this done, I will feed you and keep your beverage of choice well supplied for your efforts and you can have any of the parts you want left on the 78 or that come off my 68.

I should have a 78 frame in good shape, 68 axles, F motor, 3-speed, transfer case, drive lines, some exhaust bits, radiator, and maybe more things I can't think of at the moment.

I can also offer my professional services for computers, servers, and other IT related things.

Thanks in advance!

 

[airon23]

What part of Reno are you in? To be honest I'm sort of in the same boat and I'd like to learn a bunch of this same stuff myself. Maybe not quite as ambitious to do all that to mine but I would definitely not mind lending a hand and helping where I can while at the same time learning. I've been wanting to turn this hobby of owning and driving my 76 FJ40 to being able to do more on it myself.

So while I wouldn't necessarily be able to teach you these things I wouldn't mind learning together and helping out with the hopes of being able to do the same on my 40.

Text me sometime if you are interested in a helping hand. I'm usually available on Saturdays just depending, and maybe during the week, but that would depend on my wife and kids plans. Aaron 775-232-8298

 

[Tony_Farson]

What part of Reno are you in? To be honest I'm sort of in the same boat and I'd like to learn a bunch of this same stuff myself. Maybe not quite as ambitious to do all that to mine but I would definitely not mind lending a hand and helping where I can while at the same time learning. I've been wanting to turn this hobby of owning and driving my 76 FJ40 to being able to do more on it myself.

So while I wouldn't necessarily be able to teach you these things I wouldn't mind learning together and helping out with the hopes of being able to do the same on my 40.

Text me sometime if you are interested in a helping hand. I'm usually available on Saturdays just depending, and maybe during the week, but that would depend on my wife and kids plans. Aaron 775-232-8298

Hey Aaron. Did we meet at the meeting? Sorry, I am bad with names... I was the talkative new guy in the middle of the room.

I live up near Somersett by the Mormon Temple. I'd be happy to meet up and we can break stuff together! LOL. Maybe we could talk to the rest of the club to see if we could do some shared learning sessions or something. There must be a TON of knowledge collectively represented in the group and it would be great if it could be passed along somehow.

I am in a bit of a hurry for some of the stuff on my list because I want my 40 fully operational by my birthday (6/6) and would like to drive it the the TLC swap meet in Petaluma in July. I am hoping to have it ready by the Rubithon on June 19.

 

[MagmaFJ]

Honestly I would like to learn/help on a lot of that stuff too. I have a rig that does not need much wrenching ('14 FJC) but that is no excuse not to learn. All I have done recently is electrical work, some bolt-on stuff and various interior mods.
You should schedule get together or something and see who is available to help or just hang out.

 

[Tony_Farson]

Honestly I would like to learn/help on a lot of that stuff too. I have a rig that does not need much wrenching ('14 FJC) but that is no excuse not to learn. All I have done recently is electrical work, some bolt-on stuff and various interior mods.
You should schedule get together or something and see who is available to help or just hang out.

That is a good idea. I'll send an invite out when I am ready to begin working on one of the items I listed. I think welding and steering will be first up since I am ordering my power steering conversion kit and it says welding is required... I have never touched a welder in my life!

 

[MagmaFJ]

Welding is something I would love to learn. I know my way (enough to be dangerous) around most of a machine shop but I have never done welding.

 

[rusty_tlc]

That is a good idea. I'll send an invite out when I am ready to begin working on one of the items I listed. I think welding and steering will be first up since I am ordering my power steering conversion kit and it says welding is required... I have never touched a welder in my life!

Which PS conversion kit do you think you are going with?
I strongly suggest you watch a bunch of videos then practice a lot before you begin. Also do not buy a cheap welder, it only leads to frustration and failure.
This guy has a a lot of good videos

 

[Tony_Farson]

Which PS conversion kit do you think you are going with?
I strongly suggest you watch a bunch of videos then practice a lot before you begin. Also do not buy a cheap welder, it only leads to frustration and failure.
This guy has a a lot of good videos

Thanks! I'll check out his videos. I'd still like to get some hands on work with someone who has a welder and some experience. Are you game Dan? I won't be ready to do this for at least a month... Need the parts to come in and I need to make some space in my garage.

I went with this kit + a tilt ididit column w/ ignition. The kit completely eliminates the rag joint, which is a bonus for me and it saves me the hassle of trying to Frankenstein parts from a lot of different places. It cost me hundreds less than BTB/MFE tried to charge me too!

 

[Tony_Farson]

Also do not buy a cheap welder, it only leads to frustration and failure.

Do you have any suggestion for welder models and power levels for welding things to the frame? I'm guessing it will have to be fairly powerful to make a strong weld on thick steel.

 

[airon23]

Tony no we didn't meet I was not at the meeting. I'll keep an eye open for when you post something here as far as scheduling something for anyone available.

 

[Tony_Farson]

Tony no we didn't meet I was not at the meeting. I'll keep an eye open for when you post something here as far as scheduling something for anyone available.

Great! Where abouts are you? I just ordered my power steering and ididit column. I also ordered my EFI kit from Affordable Fuel Injection tonight. I'll be ordering the wiring harness and Dakota gauges in the coming weeks, but most of my attention will be on the power steering and getting the 2F ready to go in. I won't start it until I have power steering, new wiring, new fuel tank, lines, and pump.

I will have lots to keep me busy for the next few months. I hope we can get some working sessions together. I think it would be a lot of fun!

 

[WILLD420]

Buy a 220V welder if you can power it. I have a Miller 175 and a Lincoln around the same size. The lincoln runs a nicer bead and is easier to use with only a few settings available. The Miller has infinite control of voltage and wire speed so you can fine tune it but for a beginner, simpler is better.

I know people who have run Hobart machines and some of the others. I find that staying with a brand that is more common leads to less frustration in the long run.

 

[Squirrel cage]

Do you have any suggestion for welder models and power levels for welding things to the frame? I'm guessing it will have to be fairly powerful to make a strong weld on thick steel.

My first machine was a Lincoln Weldpak 140, which was great for several years, building a couple bed racks as well as numerous other small projects. With the decision to go SOA i was going to need to upgrade to a 220 unit. I picked up a Miller 211, and let me tell you the difference is night and day! it has the ability to switch from 110 to 220, and this thing RIPS!!! Price points are quite different however. while the Lincoln was about $450, the Miller is $1100.00.

 

[Tony_Farson]

Thanks guys! I was eyballing this one...


Hobart Handler 190 MIG Welder 230V with Multi-Function Welding Pliers

Do you think that will do for welding brackets to the frame for things like rock sliders, power steering mounts, etc.?

 

[WILLD420]

Should be good.

 

[airon23]

Great! Where abouts are you? I just ordered my power steering and ididit column. I also ordered my EFI kit from Affordable Fuel Injection tonight. I'll be ordering the wiring harness and Dakota gauges in the coming weeks, but most of my attention will be on the power steering and getting the 2F ready to go in. I won't start it until I have power steering, new wiring, new fuel tank, lines, and pump.

I will have lots to keep me busy for the next few months. I hope we can get some working sessions together. I think it would be a lot of fun!

I'm up north in Sun Valley. Whenever you are ready you can ping me your address here or through text 775-232-8298 and we'll see what we can work out maybe even with the other person who responded saying they were willing to help.

 

[Tony_Farson]

I'm up north in Sun Valley. Whenever you are ready you can ping me your address here or through text 775-232-8298 and we'll see what we can work out maybe even with the other person who responded saying they were willing to help.

Will do! Looking forward to it.

 

[Krusty Krab]

Hey Tony, I would be available to help you anytime. I will admit that I am not a mechanic and have been forced to fix stuff because of my love for wheeling, mostly rock crawling. Because of that I know a little bit about fixing things that break. I think it is great that you are planning on doing most of the work your self on your build. It can save much $$ and the experiance you get will be invaluable. To make the goal of the Rubithon this year is a good one albeit optimistic.
My advice would be to let a good shop do your set up in your diffs with the locker you mentioned. Rebuilding the outer axles can be done in an evening. And don't weld anything yourself that involves your safety while driving down the road until you get "good " at it.
I could be of help with replacing birfs. seals etc. The SOA can wait but a lift would be good. I have a set of 21/2 inch lift springs you could use until you get to it( they are set up for a soa but you would just need to reverse the center pin). And I have gotten ok at body work with the bondo and my rattle can paint job. You might want to look at my work before you invite my help! Many of the things you listed can be done by most people but it takes TIME. Most of the guys in the club don't have much extra with wrenching on their own stuff and life, work etc. I know there are guys in the club that are great mechanics that would do anything to help if they had time. Hence the lack of response to your question.
Having a rig to run the rubicon requires the four L's and a good engine which it sounds like you are working on getting.
1.Larger tires. 33s are fine but after running it on 33s you would wish for 35s
2. Lower gears. Again stock gears will get you through but again it is much easier when you not banging over stuff
3. Lockers. One is enough as long as there is someone with a strap in front of you. Two will get you thru.
4. Lift. So you don't drag your body across rocks or get hung up. Rocker protection is good but I got by for years with what you already have. From the picture of the rig it looks like you may have some lift? SOA height is perfect-4 inches. But any above stock will do.
Let me know when you want some help.
Mark

 

[Tony_Farson]

Hey Tony, I would be available to help you anytime.
Mark

Thanks Mark! I appreciate the response and advice.

I have 33's on it now that the PO put on, so I am thinking there is a 2.5" lift on it. It has ironman shocks and the shackles look newer than the rest of the 50y/o rig. I want 35's with a 4" suspension lift, no body lifts. Personally, I think I could fit 35's now (haven't measured) but they would probably rub in the back on higher articulation. I am eyeing a few off the shelf kits to get me there. BTB/MFE quoted me their "Safari Suspension System FJ40 Rock Crawler" 4" lift for $2,500 but that is like more than half way to a well done SOA or linked suspension so I don't think I want to spend it... I think they are a bit of ripoff on a lot of their stuff too... Just my opinion. Will the springs you have get me to 35's without rubbing? Would I need different shackles or shocks, or ??? Thanks for the offer too! I'll take em if they will get me higher in the air.

I don't have a press for the bearings and don't want to jerry rig the axle work, so I will be taking them somewhere for the rebuild when I am ready. I was planning a Spartan locker in the front, but want selectable in the rear so I can still drive open in the snow and rain. I want an e-locker... don't want to mess with ARB or any other air locker stuff.

I agree on safety and drivability when it comes to welding. Not to mention the fact that I am not ready to lay down $800+ on a good welder when I don't know what I am doing yet. I will take my power steering kit to a shop for the welding portion. I still want to do the setup though but would like someone who knows a little more than me looking over my shoulder to ensure I don't set myself up to go careening off the side of a mountain because I missed a bolt or didn't torque something to spec.

I will make your advice for Rubithon my goal list going forward. Most of it was in view in my plans, but is really helpful to have the confirmation on the direction I am going.

 

[Krusty Krab]

Your right about being able to run 35s. they are only one inch taller than a 33. But people swear that the one inch better clearance under the diff makes a difference. I have a 35 inch spare we could put on and check it out. And you may already have that lift. I think if you go with a auto locker in the rear you should also do it in the front. Just me, but I love being able to turn that thing off when bound up and/or backing off an obstacle(and sometimes I still break). Pittman arms and steering components can break if you really power up on the turning and your up against a rock or inmovable object when locked when crawling. Thats my 2 cents on front lockers.
If you don't make the Rubithon this year we can run Rubicon with you sometime. I didn't do it last year for the first time in 16 years. Was busted and wanted to take my time in fixing it. It was a bad year. No camping or campfire time.