Builds My 78' Barn find FJ45 (3 Viewers)

[Michael B]

Started rear axle assembly last night.

 

[Michael B]

I got all of this done last night.

 

[Michael B]

Then I had a Happy Fathers Day!

 

[Michael B]

I managed to install the PS gear box after cutting the grass tonight.

 

[Michael B]

I spoke with my body man yesterday. He asked me to drop by one day this week to pick out my colors so he can get the paint on order. He also informed me that he will be ready for a test fit of the body in the first week of July. I'm really going to have to push to get this chassis rolling by then since I will be out of town all of next week. Hmmm........I may need to use a couple of days of vacation this week.

 

[Varty Yo]

Nice work my friend

 

[Michael B]

Thank you Brett!

 

[Jespervangfalkenberg]

Wow... it is going to be really awesome and a fantastic ride!

 

[Michael B]

Thank you Jesper! I consider that high praise from a man that does your caliber of work!

 

[Michael B]

I stopped by the paint shop today and snagged this picture of my tub. The bed was going into primer this afternoon. The cowl is supposed to be attached next week.

 

[Michael B]

I spent about 40 hours this week disassembling, cleaning and painting the front axle and all of its parts. I'll be out of town all week so no work until the weekend. I hope to have it rolling by the 4th of July. Bearings should be here by the time I get home.

 

[Varty Yo]

Man im enjoying this build

 

[Michael B]

Thanks Bret! I hope the month of July will be very exciting and fruitful. I expect the body to back from the shop and ready for install by the end of the month!

 

[Michael B]

After being out of town for work all week it was good to get back in the garage. I made a little head way on the front axle today. It was slow going. Tomorrow I should be able to get the bearings packed and installed. Then I can mount the hubs on the axle and get the brakes installed. After that I hope I will have enough time to get the axle under the frame as well. It also appears the PO of the axle had used the incorrect screw on the back of the right knuckle and it broke off after it bottomed out.

 

[Michael B]

The axle assembly is just about complete. I need to install the brake hard line and do a little touch up and it will be done. Tomorrow I should be able to install it. I have also included a before and after shot of the hub and rotor assembly.

 

[cult45]

Amazing.

 

[Michael B]

Thanks Cult!

 

[Michael B]

If my memory is correct I put about 55 hours into refurbishing and installing the front axle. But it is finally done! I'm ready for the body test fit. I will be giving my body guy a call tomorrow!! I intentionally left the tie rod alone for now as I will need to investigate how to integrate the 70 series steering with my Saginaw setup. I did run into a little issue with my Saginaw gear box and my OME shackles. It is closer than my last setup was so I had to flip the shackle and will need to space the box out about 1/4' to keep the two separated. It also seems I will need one long square axle u-bolt. I already know a 60 series is too narrow. I believe a flip kit u-bolt will work, I just need to get over to Roma's to measure it. The next major refurbishment will be the split case. OH BOY!!!

 

[Claws]

That is one neat looking rolling chassis, excellent there, can't wait to see the rest of the build

 

[Michael B]

Thanks Claws! I'm hoping to have the body back at the end of the month.