My 1980 FJ40 Build

[TwelveGravity]

Why not keep it all Toyota by using an FJ60 PS pump and a Toyota mini truck PS steering gear box.

Although I would like to keep it as Toyota as I can, I've already changed many parts.
Can your suggestion be done with a SBC? As I'm running a SBC350 w/ TH350. I saw your conversion with your 2F. I looked through your threads. Amazing build. Looks great with alot of great advice.

 

[78fj40mg]

Although I would like to keep it as Toyota as I can, I've already changed many parts.
Can your suggestion be done with a SBC? As I'm running a SBC350 w/ TH350. I saw your conversion with your 2F. I looked through your threads. Amazing build. Looks great with alot of great advice.

Thanks for your kind words! I honestly do not know whether or not it would work with an SBC 350, maybe someone more experienced with SBCs might chime in.

 

[TwelveGravity]

Okay, I'm having a hell of a time finding someone or some shop that will flash or reprogram the ECM to my cruiser. The SBC350 was pulled from a 1995 Chevy and had a 4L60E transmission. I am fitting it with a TH350 instead but the ECM needs to be updated or it won't run right. I contacted Painless Performance where the wiring harness came from but they stated that they do not make a harness for a 1995 Chevy 5.7L TBI. So in turn they also will not do anything with the ECM.

 

[TwelveGravity]

I was able to get quite a bit of work done this weekend. Although it was over 100 DegF outside, a swamp cooler in the garage was very helpful.
I finished with my knuckle rebuilds. Installed Chromo 30 spline axles & birfields & 6 gun knuckles with Hysteer arms. We cut & turned the knuckles. There was alot of grinding to do inside the housing to fit the chromoly birfs.

 

[TwelveGravity]

I still need to weld on the shock tabs, steering stops. Will need all new steering components. Tie Rod and drag link is too long. Plan to look into power steering options.





I took the 3rd starter back and returned it for one a year model older and somehow was able to make it work. I was finally able to fire it up for the first time in two years.

 

[TwelveGravity]

Now that its back on all fours, next major courses are to complete the steering. Transmission & transfer case install then drivelines. There are still many small bits to do here and there.

 

[TwelveGravity]

A little bit from this weekend.
Made some "These will do for now" seat brackets to get by until I can get the adjustable brackets and new seats that recline for a little added comfort on the trail.







Just about finished with the front end.
Cut the existing tie rod & drag links to accommodate the hi-steer arms on the new knuckles. Temporary fix until I can make up my mind on which power steering conversion I want to do or full Hydro.





After calling over 1 dozen shops to see who can provide a new or re programmed ECM since everything Im running is out of a 1995 5.7L TBI that had a 4L60E that I am replacing it with the TH350. Most shops didnt work with anything as "Old" as a 95 and others want nothing to do with California regulations. I came across Howell Engine Development in Michigan. They make custom wiring harnesses for just about anything and ECM's for everything under the sun.

 

[TwelveGravity]

So I think that I have decided to go with a sag steering system after reading about 4 separate threads. Many parts recommended in the threads that I can look up. Downey, Cruiser Outfitters.

Pretty much the way I didn't want to go. I wanted to keep away from cutting a hole in the front of the chassis but from what I'm reading it sounds like it is the way to go for power and stability. It can also be done clean with the right parts and done right.


Here are some pictures inside where I'm wondering if I will have clearance issues against the headers or shock hoop.
I think I will look into Borgeson 3/4" collapsible steering shaft.






Here are more pictures as it sits now. Nothing special just factory steering.

 

[TwelveGravity]

 

[TwelveGravity]

I found a really nice steering box that is already tapped and drilled for Hydro Assist to be installed at a later date if needed.


I found this steering box in a similar thread by @RWBeringer4x4 (Very helpful thread) that I originally thought about using.



Some research done by RWBeringer4x4.
""In case anyone is looking for confirmation of the other thousand saginaw steering posts, the box I ordered is listed below. I have confirmed that it is indeed 4 1/4 turns lock-to-lock, and has a 32-spline input gear. The store had it listed as 0.80" input gear, which equates to (almost) the same as 13/16." It should work!

1976 Jeep J20 Power Steering Box
Cardone Part #27-6529 (6529 was included in some way in every store/rebuilder I looked)
4 mounting bolts
4-1/4 turns lock to lock
32 spline, 13/16" (0.80") input gear""

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

Adding this to my own spreadsheet, forgot to write down the part number. Thanks for digging it up! I'll have to read back through your build now!

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

Thanks for your kind words! I honestly do not know whether or not it would work with an SBC 350, maybe someone more experienced with SBCs might chime in.

To answer this question - yes, this conversion will work with a SBC too. That said, with 37's I think you'd be doing yourself a disservice running mini truck of FJ60 power steering. The saginaw box is significantly more powerful. As I mentioned over on the other thread, it's almost overpowered for my 31's. The installation "surgery" is more invasive and it's not "all Toyota" but, like me, it doesn't sound like that's much of an issue for your truck anymore! Plus, if done well, it can look almost stock!

That said, if you're interested in seeing that option put to work in a SBC rig with shock hoops, etc. in the way - check out the build by @Cdaniel

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/glucosamine-treatment-for-an-old-warrior.452873/

I refer to this build often - he did a really good job correcting a V8 conversion, making frame repairs, adding FJ60 steering, etc. He also chronicled a lot of part numbers and took good pictures - so I refer to this thread often.

 

[Cdaniel]

Thanks for the nod there Mr Beringer.
One minor fact correction. My Setup is for the Scout Saginaw box. Not FJ60, though very similar.

To answer this question - yes, this conversion will work with a SBC too. That said, with 37's I think you'd be doing yourself a disservice running mini truck of FJ60 power steering. The saginaw box is significantly more powerful. As I mentioned over on the other thread, it's almost overpowered for my 31's. The installation "surgery" is more invasive and it's not "all Toyota" but, like me, it doesn't sound like that's much of an issue for your truck anymore! Plus, if done well, it can look almost stock!

That said, if you're interested in seeing that option put to work in a SBC rig with shock hoops, etc. in the way - check out the build by @Cdaniel

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/glucosamine-treatment-for-an-old-warrior.452873/

I refer to this build often - he did a really good job correcting a V8 conversion, making frame repairs, adding FJ60 steering, etc. He also chronicled a lot of part numbers and took good pictures - so I refer to this thread often.

 

[Cdaniel]

And to the OP: If your still in research mode on steering you would be well served to get the front suspension crossed up and really have a close look at what happens with all the steering linkage. Unload one side, compress the other and cycle the steering lock to lock. Then switch the load/unload and cycle it again. Reveals a lot of things to consider in box placement and pittman arm drop etc.

 

[TwelveGravity]

Thanks Cliff, I will keep your advice in mind. I'm at short break on the build right now to help a relative with their own project. Then I will be back at it. Great thread by the way. I read through a lot of it as suggested by RWberinger. I'm sure I will refer back to it as well. I think i have decided to use the J20 steering box as suggested, I will most likely fit it with Hydro assist later when the time is right.

 

[TwelveGravity]

So this is the little project that put my build on hold for a short time. This was all put together in the garage with common tools.
But soon to be back on the 40.

 

[TwelveGravity]

This weekend I was able to make a little progress. We got my TH350 together with my rebuilt (Thanks to Georg) Orion.
I took the transmission in to a local shop and had it rebuilt since I bought it used and didn't know its condition (better safe than sorry).
We go tit back and installed it this weekend. I have to say this thing looks amazing. It too bad it has to hide under the 40 out of sight.





After installing them we found that having moved the transfer case back a few inches (via Advanced adapters kit) to eliminate front driveline contacting the oil pan, the transfer case now is in the way of the mount for the rear three link ish setup. Make a little progress only to create more work. No complaints though, Just means more time in the garage with the 40 and a cold brew.

 

[TwelveGravity]

 

[TwelveGravity]

So now it sits for another few weeks. Next weekend The crew is headed to the Swamp run up at Bald Mountain. I was REALLY wishing to have my 40 completed by then but things just didn't work out. I'm looking forward to this next weekend for some good times with good friends. The weekend after that I will need to come up with a fix for this crossmember. Even though it was a big bump in the road, its still a major milestone on this build. It is now farther along than it has been in YEARS even form when the PO had it. Next is drivelines and steering conversions. After that I have mostly small tedious things that should hopefully go pretty quick.

 

[TwelveGravity]

I'm curious if anyone has experience with the AA crossmember that I'm looking into. They state that it does hang down pretty far reducing ground clearance. I'm curious how much. If it creates a big problem or not. Pictures of ones in use would be nice. I've got the extended adapter between my TH350 & my Orion. Thanks in advance.