My 65 FJ40 get it running and see what happens. Work in progress thread

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Joined
Nov 21, 2012
Threads
47
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696
Location
Layton, Utah
Website
www.hertzlayton.com
My 65 FJ40 get it running and see what happens work in progress thread

Well it runs and drives! :steer: The 4wd works and everything!

It sat outside for 10 years without being driven before I bought it. I put in a new brake master cylinder. New battery, ended up just honing and cleaning up the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder. ( the new parts from the local auto parts store did not fit) Added some gas to the tank. Sprayed some starting fluid in it and it fired right up! I drove it around the block and it ran ok. i have to work on the gas pedal it has to much play in it. Man It's bumpy and loud on the inside! I guess I have to get used to that. I work for a car dealership and have a demo. So I drive new cars home everyday. And have gotten used to the nice ride and quiet interior.

I changed the plugs and changed the oil. I also painted the undercarriage. Took the wheels off and sanded them and painted them flat black. They look so much better! What a difference. I took off the headlight bezel and painted it and installed it the correct way. (After getting hounded by most everyone that saw it! Man you guys are sensitive about that! lol)
Looking better now.

The heater blower motor was making a loud growling noise. I took it out and lubed the front bushing and it quieted right down. There was no play in it, just dry. It works good now. Fun to have something to tinker with again! And not have to count on as your dd.

When I first bought it my plan was to get it running and sell it and make some $$. But now I really like it and my family does to. So we have added it to the family. It will be a good teaching tool as well. My kids have all been helping me clean it up and get it.

I will keep updating this tread with my progress. and Pictures.

Here are some before and after pics of the wheels
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Looks great. Enjoy the time you can spend with your kids while working on this. Get the roof and doors off in the summer for some real driving fun.
 
65's have straight cut gears(t-case?).....so yeah its loud
 
You are exactly right! All but one of the bolts that go down into the tub sides broke off! What a pain in the rear! O well you will get that with a 48 year old rig

Get a drill with a cord, a few of the right sized bits, a tap and a six pack. It's not that bad. Spray them all down with kroil ahead of time and some might come out while you're drilling.

I picked up a tool that's a reverse bit on one end and an extractor on the other end. I wouldn't say I recommend it, but it did pull out at least one of my rusty bolts while in the drilling phase. I only did about 8 of them, so that's not too bad of a record.
 
So I have the chance to buy some axles out of a 77 fj40 I have been searching the FAQ for answers. But I just need verification. Will they just bolt right in my 65? Are the driveshaft flanges the same? Will my hard brake lines on my 65 thread into the rubber hose off the 77?
 
So I have the chance to buy some axles out of a 77 fj40 I have been searching the FAQ for answers. But I just need verification. Will they just bolt right in my 65? Are the driveshaft flanges the same? Will my hard brake lines on my 65 thread into the rubber hose off the 77?

Bolt to the leaf springs? Yes.

Drive shaft flanges are NOT the same. 65 is smaller if they are still stock.

IIRC the brake line fittings on a 65 are a rare 9mm size vs. the 10mm of the '77. Plus I think the brake line from the 65 front axle comes down on the opposite side of the truck vs. '77.

None of those issues are difficult to fix. The other thing to watch out for is the master cylinder. If you still have the single circuit master I'd be upgrading to a dual circuit master if you intend to drive the truck on a regular basis.

:cheers:
Nick
 
I have not updated this thread like I should have. Since my last few posts I have installed some ome 2 1/2" lift springs. Bought some new to me seats and installed them. Made some front shackles. It rides much better now.
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My list of things to do for now.

Get turn signals to work.
Install new LED tail lights. ( to get rid of the trailer lights in there now)
Get the wipers working. (It has aftermarket universal motors on it that do not work)
Find a rear view mirror!!. (Got one?)
Get some side mirrors that mount to the body not the doors.
Rebuild the carb.
Fix gas gauge.

That's for now. I'm sure it's going to be a never ending list. But it gives me something to do!
 
Good looking rig. I am currently looking at '66 40 hard top. I plan to make it street worthy at first, you know have some fun with it first. Then eventually do a full frame off restoration to stock, or as close as possible. Best of luck! I'll definitely be watching this one.
 
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