Mike's 78FJ40 Build Thread

[Bang Bang]

I was going off of some info that someone posted here. After a little more research, I found the correct info.

 

[lostinafog]

I was going off of some info that someone posted here. After a little more research, I found the correct info.

soooo ya planin a stealth attack at the gorilla run in the over 40 thought they ment tires but then it might b age

 

[Bang Bang]

Well, if they meant age then I'll give 'em hell. If they meant tire size then not a chance if it's a timed event (which it is).

 

[Bang Bang]

I got to say that testing out the new driveline at Superlift was a ton of fun. The RockBox is AMAZINGLY S L O W. I was going downhill and it was so slow that the tires were pushing the smaller rocks out of the way instead of going over them!

 

[John Stw]

Lots of options with the new set up, looked like it worked well for you.

 

[Bang Bang]

Well, with 40 gears to choose from now, it's hard to decide.........

 

[Bang Bang]

Latest update......got the front axle rebuilt with the kit from Marlin. Also had Nitro chromo shafts and a Spartan locker installed while I had the axle apart (well, not me......my buddy Chris did the work for me). I had also scored a set of Aisin hubs which are now installed and got a set of 6* shims installed under the springs to rotate the axle to a better position. During the work, found out that the motor mount on the driver's side is broken. Bringing it to JD this morning for some welding work. Gonna have him fix the broken one and re-tack the passenger side for security. I can't wait to get her on the trail to see how she performs now. The front end felt a little tighter in the very short drive I have taken her on so far.

 

[Volunteer]

Latest update......got the front axle rebuilt with the kit from Marlin. Also had Nitro chromo shafts and a Spartan locker installed while I had the axle apart (well, not me......my buddy Chris did the work for me). I had also scored a set of Aisin hubs which are now installed and got a set of 6* shims installed under the springs to rotate the axle to a better position. During the work, found out that the motor mount on the driver's side is broken. Bringing it to JD this morning for some welding work. Gonna have him fix the broken one and re-tack the passenger side for security. I can't wait to get her on the trail to see how she performs now. The front end felt a little tighter in the very short drive I have taken her on so far.

Congrats on the upgrades Mike sounds like you'll be ready for whatever the trails will throw at you If the welds fail you can always take a page out of Isaac's trail repair book and chain it Last I heard that chain was still holding it a year or two later.

 

[lostinafog]

actually all BS aside not a bad idea to put a limit strap between frame & motor if you brake the mount the motor won`t lift which can cause all kinds of dodo.

 

[Volunteer]

actually all BS aside not a bad idea to put a limit strap between frame & motor if you brake the mount the motor won`t lift which can cause all kinds of dodo.

Good point PK in those situations I can see where that would certainly save some headaches

 

[raevenzero]

I recently wheeled with a Jeep that broke the same motor mount twice, shredding his oil filter both times!

 

[Volunteer]

I recently wheeled with a Jeep that broke the same motor mount twice, shredding his oil filter both times!

damn the bad luck or did he say if they were the Autozone mounts I've seen some of theirs that I could pull apart by hand I know I'm not going to trust that on my rig.

 

[raevenzero]

I don't know about the first one. But the second mount and filter was quickly acquired after a 1hr trip to a nearby town. He may have had the mount in the tow rig though...

Anyway, can't wait to see the rig in action Mike!

 

[Bang Bang]

So, since the last update, I have taken her to Superlift where she performed flawlessly. We hit several 4's and she pulled though with minimal effort. I apparently did pick one line that was not so good. On the last day and last trail we were doing, Ultimate Adventure, I drug the rear diff across one too many rocks. It started to leak. So, when I got home I removed the rear diff cover, cleaned it up, removed all the sealant, painted the cover and then re-installed with perma-seal gasket maker. I'm gonna paint the shocks to match.

So, last month we went to Choccolocco Mountain ORV Park to scout it out. We hit several of the harder trails which were fun but apparently I drug the front diff over too many rocks this time. It's leaking and is not going to be as easy a fix. Hope to get that taken care of in the next couple of weeks. I also scored a Metal Tech nose guard which is going to go nicely with the Rock Tastics bumper that I am having built as we speak.

Nose guard:

Bumper:

Side view:

It will eventually look something like this:

 

[Volunteer]

That's the best option IMO on a wheeled rig that gonna be a nice addition bud. I'm planning to go with the same Metaltech version on the 74. Seeing the abuse and roll by these two at GSMTR made up my mind.

 

[Bang Bang]

I forgot to add that I will be armoring the belly. I am really beating the hell out of this thing on some of thee trails. Would be adding diff armor front and rear and a custom skid.

And yeah Larry, I like the look of the front end plus the protection it provides. The bumper I have pictured is the one Perry brought to SCC this year. He did not have time to mount it but he brought it with him. I have been talking with Cody from Rock Tactics and he wants me help him with some fitment of some of the parts he is making for the 40 series. What you may not be able to see in the pic is the front of the bumper is angled. He makes the stinger and the shackle mounts fit on that same angle so that there is nothing to act like a stop. The stinger and shackle mounts can act as a slider.

 

[Volunteer]

I forgot to add that I will be armoring the belly. I am really beating the hell out of this thing on some of thee trails. Would be adding diff armor front and rear and a custom skid.

And yeah Larry, I like the look of the front end plus the protection it provides. The bumper I have pictured is the one Perry brought to SCC this year. He did not have time to mount it but he brought it with him. I have been talking with Cody from Rock Tactics and he wants me help him with some fitment of some of the parts he is making for the 40 series. What you may not be able to see in the pic is the front of the bumper is angled. He makes the stinger and the shackle mounts fit on that same angle so that there is nothing to act like a stop. The stinger and shackle mounts can act as a slider.

Cool that sounds like a nice design I look forward to seeing how it comes out. There is definitely a need for the tranny/t-case and diff armor. I have the t-case covered but I'm about to do the same to the diffs on the 80 I put a dent in the front and was an inch short of pinching the front ring gear and ruining my trip at SCC. It had me nervous having a known vulnerable spot when slapping the rocks at SI this last trip especially since I drove it up there and back loaded to the hilt with gear and two boys.

 

[PScottBx]

Nice Mike.. love to see where your rig has come from and where it is now. ... we also need a Clifford update soon

me

 

[Bang Bang]

Thanks Scott. Haven't really done much with Clifford. He made out great on the AL trip last month. But I just told Sandy today that I need to go ride over to where he is stored and make sure he is not leaking anywhere.

 

[HungryMedic]

I passed him today!

dontcha wanna?