Builds My first 40 build - 5.3/TH350/LC-case stretched and linked (1 Viewer)

[Mike Shull]

What is the latest on this one?

 

[88chevota]

Been traveling a lot lately for work but a few updates. Ran the brake lines to the rear and ran the fuel lines back to where the tank will go. Put the tub back on because I need to redo a couple of the body mounts. Also got the shock hoops for the front done. I plan on adding some gussets to the coil support and running a tube to both shock hoops that can disconnect. so little by little.

I ran into some issues with the headers I bought so I had to get something different. hoping to start on the exhaust soon.

 

[88chevota]

Took the tub back off today and got working on the exhaust. I need to figure out my fuel tank set up. I think the one I have has some rust in it. It looks like the old SOR 21 gallon steel tank. Any suggestions?

For now here is some pics. My son was helping me today and wanted to do some welding so I let him go for it. He's learning and we are having fun. Not everything has to look pretty. As long as it holds and doesn't leak. lol

 

[88chevota]

Couple more. Just need to put some exhaust hangers in. I'm tempted not to run it all the way out the back and just let it dump right there.

Last one is where I ran my fuel pump and filter.

 

[88chevota]

Made a little more progress the past couple weeks. Gas tank installed, support hoop, and support rod for panhard arm. I also added some gussets to the point where the shock hoops connect with the coil buckets for added support. I'm changing out my stock 40 knuckles to 60 knuckles so that will be a great upgrade.

 

[88chevota]

Used a 1" solid rod for the support. I'm going to also put a plate on the drivers side for added support for the pahnard bracket and where the steering box with go. Last pic with CAD (cardboard aided design)

 

[peesalot]

Just a thought, have you checked out the case saver & nose cone support from Valley Hybrid ?

 

[88chevota]

Just a thought, have you checked out the case saver & nose cone support from Valley Hybrid ?

Nope, The current set up I have I bought with the vehicle. PO gave up on the project and I took over. Got a good deal though. lol

 

[peesalot]

Georg sells a tcase saver that is designed to prevent the case from cracking down the middle which is an inherent failure point with the offset rear output, high horse power, big tires, traction. He also sells a ring that goes over the front output nose cone to prevent it from cracking the ears off the housing, usually when the front driveline is impacted.

 

[Mike Shull]

Georg sells a tcase saver that is designed to prevent the case from cracking down the middle which is an inherent failure point with the offset rear output, high horse power, big tires, traction. He also sells a ring that goes over the front output nose cone to prevent it from cracking the ears off the housing, usually when the front driveline is impacted.

I second that recommendation…though this happened after 10-15 years with 300 hp, big tires and low gears.

 

[peesalot]

Mike, did you find the idler shaft or was it lost ?

 

[Mike Shull]

Mike, did you find the idler shaft or was it lost ?

I honestly have no idea. This happened over 10 years ago and all of these components were recycled.

 

[88chevota]

I second that recommendation…though this happened after 10-15 years with 300 hp, big tires and low gears.

View attachment 3597356

View attachment 3597357

View attachment 3597358

View attachment 3597359

View attachment 3597360

OUCH!!!

 

[88chevota]

Man, I am so bad at updates, but travel for work has also been a bit crazy lately. Did make some progress lately though.

Decided to swap out the front factory knuckles to 60 knuckles. steering arms a quite a bit more stout and the brake setup will be better.
Got the FJ60 steering box in, using an 80 pitman arm. Also using a 91 FJ80 lower intermediate shaft to go up to the steering column.
Radiator mounted for now. Probably will pull it out a couple of times as a figure more stuff out.
Did some other little things like get the TH350 kick down cable all figured out.
Finished routing the exhaust. My son helped with the welds and I must say we both are not that great at welding thin material. lol so don't look too closely. But he is learning a ton and so am I.

For those who have done LS swaps what did you all do for lower and upper rad hoses?

Enough typing and time for picks...

Steering box...

Finished the exhaust... I mounted the tank over to passenger side to leave room for the exhaust. Should I wrap it where its close to the tank and coil spring?

 

[88chevota]

Few pics of where the radiator sits. Just enough room to run the factory fan. I used a champion direct fit rad for LS swaps.

A

 

[Mike Shull]

I haven’t purchased hoses yet as I plan to do that once my radiator arrives. I plan to follow @mtweller ’s advice. Here is a link to a few part numbers that he gave me:

Builds - Stretched 1-Ton FJ40 - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/stretched-1-ton-fj40.1253008/post-14776690

I will most likely wrap my exhaust pipe where it passes by the fuel tank.

 

[88chevota]

Slow on progress but progress is progress. I switched out the 40 steering knuckles to 60 knuckles. much beefier set up. Spent some time on the little things. Cleaning up some wiring and making it look nice with loom, running tranny cooler lines, finishing up the steering and hoses. got some front and read seats. Probably did some other stuff too but don't remember. lol

 

[88chevota]

 

[88chevota]

 

[88chevota]

Happy Independence Day!