Okay....Spring of 2012 is almost here 
My 75 FJ40 build up thread
- Thread starter kcustom73
- Start date
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has other plans for me 
I'm placing my order with Aqualu this week for mine....did you have difficulty matching up the tub / tranny hump to the stock 40 firewall?
I've seen their firewall in person - looks really sharp, I'm just wondering the reason for not going 100% Alu for the tub....other than the obvious cost increase.
Great build - inspired mine....so we'll have to compare notes!
I've seen their firewall in person - looks really sharp, I'm just wondering the reason for not going 100% Alu for the tub....other than the obvious cost increase.
Great build - inspired mine....so we'll have to compare notes!
This is what it looks like as of tonight...
Awesome build. Most of us can only dream of a build like your's.
One thing that it is very hard to tell from the pictures, is how much space you've got between the firewall and the block.
I'm not that familiar with the 6.2 Diesels. However, if 350s are too close to the firewall they'll tend to run hot. Just hate to see you finish your build, and then have to tear it apart to make changes.
kcustom73
Stretched it...
- Thread starter
- #86
CCJeff, The tranny cover would be my only complaint about the Aqualu tub. The fit with the firewall isn't to my liking and I ended up cutting it up to make it fit. No big deal seeing that I'm going to cut the back off to make it fit with the longer drivetrain.
Bikersmurf, Thanks you for the props... The engine does look close but the closest it gets is 1in (passenger side valve cover) everything else has lots of clearance. I can't really move it any more forwards because I'm running out of room for the radiator, fan and the coolers. The 6.2 is a hot engine but I think I'm going to get some ceramic coated headers to get more heat out of the engine bay, get as big a radiator I can fit and go to an electric fan (maybe a taurus fan) and hope its enough.
Bikersmurf, Thanks you for the props... The engine does look close but the closest it gets is 1in (passenger side valve cover) everything else has lots of clearance. I can't really move it any more forwards because I'm running out of room for the radiator, fan and the coolers. The 6.2 is a hot engine but I think I'm going to get some ceramic coated headers to get more heat out of the engine bay, get as big a radiator I can fit and go to an electric fan (maybe a taurus fan) and hope its enough.
Sub'd! Nice...looks a lot like the stretched version Bandierante except with better looking window layouts. I like it. Too bad Aqualu doesn't build a body like the rare 5 door Bandy in the mid wheelbase. That would be sweet.
Curious, what's your bed length from closed tailgate to back of front seats? Is it pretty much right at 5'?
Curious, what's your bed length from closed tailgate to back of front seats? Is it pretty much right at 5'?
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Sweet...that's exactly why I was asking. I'm thinking a stretched version of my 40 is going to happen, just not for another couple of years.
kcustom73
Stretched it...
- Thread starter
- #90
Far and few between
Sorry if my updates are few and far between, but the free time I get I spend on the truck these days.
I've gotten the rear hatch completely done. Using the Aqualu hatch was interesting. Didn't install it quite like they recommend. I cut open the sheet metal and welded in some 1/4" plate and then drilled and tap for the hardware. Did this both for the shock and latch and the hinges.
I also got the 60 gear box installed. Trusting IPOR on this one and decided to notch the stock shock tower. Added some iron angle on the back side to re-enforce it all.
I also got my hydroboost mocked up. Built a 2" adapter to bolt to the stock location and from everything I've read to give me better adjustment.
I'm just trying to get all the fabrication done so I can get this thing to paint maybe by May??? Now all I need to get done is:
finish the rear bumper,
build the front bumper,
get the doors catches installed,
finish the rear seat mount/storage
get the shifters installed
fab up a new tranny cover (the one from Aqualu really won't work with the 203/splitcase combo)
rock sliders
skid plate
Ok maybe May might be pushing it...
Sorry if my updates are few and far between, but the free time I get I spend on the truck these days.
I've gotten the rear hatch completely done. Using the Aqualu hatch was interesting. Didn't install it quite like they recommend. I cut open the sheet metal and welded in some 1/4" plate and then drilled and tap for the hardware. Did this both for the shock and latch and the hinges.
I also got the 60 gear box installed. Trusting IPOR on this one and decided to notch the stock shock tower. Added some iron angle on the back side to re-enforce it all.
I also got my hydroboost mocked up. Built a 2" adapter to bolt to the stock location and from everything I've read to give me better adjustment.
I'm just trying to get all the fabrication done so I can get this thing to paint maybe by May??? Now all I need to get done is:
finish the rear bumper,
build the front bumper,
get the doors catches installed,
finish the rear seat mount/storage
get the shifters installed
fab up a new tranny cover (the one from Aqualu really won't work with the 203/splitcase combo)
rock sliders
skid plate
Ok maybe May might be pushing it...
Ha! So I'm not the only one in Ottawa building a 40! Nice pic of the Avro Arrow..... Nice build! I'm at paint as well.... Keep it up!
kcustom73
Stretched it...
- Thread starter
- #92
still going
Things are still moving along on the 40.
Got the Lokar shifter installed for the 700R4. Was a bit of a PITA because the bracket wheres not made to go with the 203 stock adapter so had to take off both the splitcase and 203 to get thru bolts installed so I could use a nut instead. With the shifter installed I'll be able to start working on the sifters for the t-cases.
Also got the tire carrier built. Still need to add a latch. With this done, the rear bumper is almost done, just got to get the lights installed and some brackets for the trailer safety hooks.
I've also started working on the rock sliders. The passenger side is done and the driver side is almost done also. Decided to go bolt on. With my frame being bolted together, I'll be able to add another plate on the inside of the frame. Also wanted to incorporate an original looking step.
While working on all of the above, I've also been working on the body work. So if I can keep up this pace up, I should be able to get this thing to paint by the end of summer... Here's hoping plans don't change.
Things are still moving along on the 40.
Got the Lokar shifter installed for the 700R4. Was a bit of a PITA because the bracket wheres not made to go with the 203 stock adapter so had to take off both the splitcase and 203 to get thru bolts installed so I could use a nut instead. With the shifter installed I'll be able to start working on the sifters for the t-cases.
Also got the tire carrier built. Still need to add a latch. With this done, the rear bumper is almost done, just got to get the lights installed and some brackets for the trailer safety hooks.
I've also started working on the rock sliders. The passenger side is done and the driver side is almost done also. Decided to go bolt on. With my frame being bolted together, I'll be able to add another plate on the inside of the frame. Also wanted to incorporate an original looking step.
While working on all of the above, I've also been working on the body work. So if I can keep up this pace up, I should be able to get this thing to paint by the end of summer... Here's hoping plans don't change.
There's a few of us in the area
, personally my build is going MUCH slower than I'd like though!
Kevin,
The work you're doing is amazing, it's going to be a really nice truck!
Keep it up, you're an inspiration to anyone following this thread.....
The work you're doing is amazing, it's going to be a really nice truck!
Keep it up, you're an inspiration to anyone following this thread.....
awesome build! your doing great work
loving the 40 mate well done! the longer wheelbase of the troopy with out the overhang is sweet, i have 0 regrets cuting my troopy down, only thing is it's too short to sleep in the back.
More pics! For the raptor, call AB warehouse in Montreal, they will connect you with the Ottawa rep. I have the gun if you want to borrow it.
kcustom73
Stretched it...
- Thread starter
- #100
Andrew,
Things are still progressing and pics will be coming soon. I've actually decided to go with Monsterliner instead of Raptor. Vendor seems very good to deal with and the guys that have used it seem too like it. You still need to pop by and have a beer
Things are still progressing and pics will be coming soon. I've actually decided to go with Monsterliner instead of Raptor. Vendor seems very good to deal with and the guys that have used it seem too like it. You still need to pop by and have a beer
