Build Montana 65 FJ45LV "Tin Zen"

[Mtntopper]

I built my first 40 in the back parking lot of my townhome complex in Edwards, Co (vail) and part of that build happened during the winter. I can feel how cold you are just looking at these photos!

Are the snouts/spindles the same throughout the years on all 40 series? Probably could just get a new spindle instead of fussing with the bronze bushing?

What makes you think its cold in there??

 

[EWheeler]

What makes you think its cold in there??

View attachment 2886166

I just turned the heat up in my office. BRRRRRR

 

[greenbeast]

Looks like good week ahead for working on the LV after today's white shyt moves through!

 

[Mtntopper]

Took a couple hours last night and cleaned up the front shackles. Re-tapped the threads, removed all the hardened rubber from the pins, and squirted a little paint on them. Ordered all new OEM rubber bushings and grease. Noted an interesting detail, the shackle nuts are tapered on one end and square on the other.

 

[Mtntopper]

I built my first 40 in the back parking lot of my townhome complex in Edwards, Co (vail) and part of that build happened during the winter. I can feel how cold you are just looking at these photos!

Are the snouts/spindles the same throughout the years on all 40 series? Probably could just get a new spindle instead of fussing with the bronze bushing?

The bushing I'm referring to is pressed in the axle housing, labeled #4 on the drawing. I belive it acts as the oil seal as well. I have a solid 1/4" play on the driver's side. There's also play in the ball and claw on that side. Trying to get my hands on the low mileage axles out of the same truck I got the F135 out of. Looking good for that, I just have to wait until March for those though.

 

[xtremeVA]

I thought #4 was the inner axle seal that everyone suggests changing to the Marlin Crawler Inner Axle seal

 

[Mtntopper]

I thought #4 was the inner axle seal that everyone suggests changing to the Marlin Crawler Inner Axle seal

This is what the part looks like. No rubber, all bronze, double-duty as a bearing point and an oil seal. It looks like the Marlin is for Birfield axles.

 

[xtremeVA]

Ah, Yes...the bronze bushing! Sorry, it's been a while since I've rebuilt a knuckle.

 

[Mtntopper]

Really been enjoying my time with this project, I haven't used a power tool on this car yet. I've turned every nut, bolt and screw by hand only, then I've re-cut every thread that I've touched. It's all about the journey.

 

[Mtntopper]

Secured a nice set of low-mileage axles. New bearings, seals and brake cylinders. My favorite Warn 6 spline hubs on there sealed the deal. All I have to do is repaint housings and install, oh and go get them in CA.

 

[KT40]

Nice find Steve! Where in CA?

 

[Mtntopper]

Nice find Steve! Where in CA?

Thanks Ken. They're in So. Cal, near Alpine. Making plans for a trip out there in March. I've been wanting to catch the Bakersfield swap meet at the end of April but I'm not waiting that long to get these axles.

 

[Mtntopper]

Noticed a wee bit of seepage at the lower front seam of the fuel tank. I went ahead and pulled it so I could take it somewhere for repair. Really not even sure how repairable something like this is but I'm about to find out.

 

[KT40]

Everything is repairable Steve. Admire you. Cold climate. 10x20 canopy. Dirt floor. Gettin after it!

 

[Denscustom1]

At least you didn't have to remove one of those pesky fuel tank skid plates! Hehe!

 

[cuteo100]

Do you know if that fuel tank is stock for your 65 FJ45LV? I have the exact one installed as an auxiliary tank on my FJ45 LPB.

Took mine off to do some cleaning and have the inside sealed/lined.

 

[Mtntopper]

Do you know if that fuel tank is stock for your 65 FJ45LV? I have the exact one installed as an auxiliary tank on my FJ45 LPB.

Pretty sure it's stock. I don't think it's ever been removed before. Fits up in there like a glove too.

 

[xtremeVA]

Your tank has the long filler tube just like my LV tank...but mine has a massive dent in it .

 

[Mtntopper]

The tank is out and I started pulling the rear axle today. An amazing fellow Mudder has very generously offered to bring my newly acquired axles to me from CA next week. As soon I have that chassis rolling again, that motor is going in.

 

[greenbeast]

Steve, if I am thinking of the same nice fellow mudder let me know if I can help with bringing them from Junction Tuesday. Truck is open and would be easy for me to drop them at your home or anywhere along the route home.