Mike's 1978 FJ40 Build
- Thread starter 78fj40mg
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- #442
Hanging are the front Old Man Emu springs
Next step is to thoroughly clean prime and paint the front diff
Unfortunately I ran out of paint so I'm off to the Home Depot to replenish my paint storage cabinet.
Next step is to thoroughly clean prime and paint the front diff
Unfortunately I ran out of paint so I'm off to the Home Depot to replenish my paint storage cabinet.
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All kinds of shinny new painted objects you got going there. Nice work, Mr. Mike!
Yea, I can see how a lift could help.....(as I have to roll around on my back, on the cold concrete, just to grease those zerks.)
Yea, I can see how a lift could help.....(as I have to roll around on my back, on the cold concrete, just to grease those zerks.)
WOW! I'm amazed how well that paint looks
- Thread starter
- #445
All kinds of shinny new painted objects you got going there. Nice work, Mr. Mike!
Yea, I can see how a lift could help.....(as I have to roll around on my back, on the cold concrete, just to grease those zerks.)
Thank you Mr. Rick!
I too have rolled around on cold and wet concrete floors all my life while I was a youngster just like yourself, when I retired my first goal was to install a lift to make my life easier. I'm hoping to be fiddling with cars and using the lift for a few more years, so in the interim I'll be using the lift as much as my body will allow.
There are many mid rise and scissor lifts available for low headroom garages and I highly recommend one for you, life is too short to be crawling around on your fours and on your back. For several years I had a scissor lift just for oil changes, etc. and it was worth its weight in gold.
Think about it Rick, I H8IT when you suffer.
- Thread starter
- #446
Thanks Dave! I appreciate your enthusiasm.
Mike, Did you end up buying new locking hubs?
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- #448
No I just cleaned and painted the old ones they still work great after all these years. I little bit of paint goes a long way with these parts.
Just got the body off last night. 
Are you putting on a 2 1/2 lift?
- Thread starter
- #452
Yes, using Old Man Emu springs and shackles with grease-able pins with a 2-1/2" lift, I'm finished with the install and I'll be posting an update this morning.
Does it require a change in driveshaft length?
- Thread starter
- #454
The suspension, steering knuckle rebuild and brakes upgrade is now complete and am very happy with the outcome. The truck is now forward leaning a tad thus enhancing its stance, the combination of new tires wheels, OME springs and shackles has positively transformed the ride and it's a pleasure to drive.
Replacing steering components such as TREs, rag joint and rebuilding the steering knuckles is an essential and recommended upgrade in order to achieve the perfect OEM steering. The steering is now precise and crisp while the wandering and looseness is long gone, even with having power steering.
The new power steering system has also enhanced the ease of drive ability as it was a needed upgrade in facilitating maneuverability and handling while improving driving on paved or unpaved road conditions.
The rear third member rebuild has also enhanced the FJ40 experience as the clunking sounds while changing gears has been eliminated and replaced with precise and noiseless gear changing like Toyota intended.
The rear disc brakes addition coupled with a proportioning valve has augmented safety and stopping ability while eliminating rear brake lock-ups.
My cruiser has now been promoted as my daily driver for on and off road fun while it still poses the agility, strength and ability of a zombie apocalyptic bug out vehicle. Hopefully it can out run the zombies but it will definitely out climb them!
Me
very happy!
Replacing steering components such as TREs, rag joint and rebuilding the steering knuckles is an essential and recommended upgrade in order to achieve the perfect OEM steering. The steering is now precise and crisp while the wandering and looseness is long gone, even with having power steering.
The new power steering system has also enhanced the ease of drive ability as it was a needed upgrade in facilitating maneuverability and handling while improving driving on paved or unpaved road conditions.
The rear third member rebuild has also enhanced the FJ40 experience as the clunking sounds while changing gears has been eliminated and replaced with precise and noiseless gear changing like Toyota intended.
The rear disc brakes addition coupled with a proportioning valve has augmented safety and stopping ability while eliminating rear brake lock-ups.
My cruiser has now been promoted as my daily driver for on and off road fun while it still poses the agility, strength and ability of a zombie apocalyptic bug out vehicle. Hopefully it can out run the zombies but it will definitely out climb them!
Me
very happy!
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- Thread starter
- #455
Not for a 2-1/2 inch lift.
Gorgeous Mike!!
Mike that looks great
WOW!!!!!
WOW!!!!!
Nice job amigo.
You're a role model for retirement. I can't wait!
- Thread starter
- #460
Thanks Danny!