Builds My New Project

[NikP]

A good nights sleep and a new perspective fixes many things including leaking brake fittings.

I bought a flare wrench and re-did one of the flares and no leaks...

I also received my radiator. I ordered a Griffin 8-00009-LS. I noticed this while trolling through eBay one day and according to the dimensions it looked like it might be pretty close to bolt in. The specs said overall width was 26.25 inches. What it didn't say, was that measurement was to the outside of the tanks not including the brackets. If it had been the width of the brackets, it would have been almost perfect.

No fear though, I was able to adapt brackets for a successful mounting. It would have been a bit easier had I had a single piece of angle iron rather than 4 scrap pieces. Anyway, I had to mount angle to the outside of uprights which the stock radiator bolts to.

Now to find a lower hose.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Nice fit! Where are you putting the steam vent. My motor came with it tapped into the water pump, which I found out later most guys run it up to the top of the rad. I never noticed any problems with it, but would like to have it right.

 

[NikP]

This radiator has the steam bent just below the cap on the right side.

 

[NikP]

Hooked up enough vacuum 4 wheel stuff to route brake lines. I sure admire electricians who can bend conduit into perfect alignment....I wished I was one of those.

 

[J Mack]

Looks great!!

 

[bobm]

Ditto

 

[NikP]

Any one know where this part goes? That's what happens after 4.5 years. While waiting for my power steering hose components, I started sorting boxes of parts to be a bit better organized when I get to assembly.



I placed this part ever so delicately in the box on top of the vacuum shift lever assembly, but I can't figure out where it goes.

All your help is appreciated.

 

[scrapdaddy]

I'm guessing it's the bracket for the window washer tank.

 

[J Mack]

All your help is appreciated.

Windshield Washer Reservoir Bracket..

 

[NikP]

Hmmm. Remind me not to mix parts from multiple areas of the pig in one box. Not sure why I placed it so carefully in the box. It doesn't quite go with interior dash parts.

Thanks guys.

 

[PabloCruise]

Hmmm. Remind me not to mix parts from multiple areas of the pig in one box. Not sure why I placed it so carefully in the box. It doesn't quite go with interior dash parts.

Thanks guys.

That just means you organize parts like I do!

 

[NikP]

The vacuum control for 4 wheel drive must be the poorest engineered component I've come across so far. No obvious adjustment to adjust the cable aside from removing the back mounting bracket and then a challenging game of trial and error. Is it really this hard or did I miss something?

Is the only adjustment really the cable set screw on the cable inside the assembly?

 

[onemanarmy]

I have no idea on that. My T case is lever actuated.

Maybe I missed it.....but why the swap to 60 axles?

 

[NikP]

Maybe I missed it.....but why the swap to 60 axles?

I anticipated highway driving and general all-around use and wanted the 3.7 gear ratio vs. the 4.1. I also wanted disc brakes on the front. The FJ60 axle had much better options for high steer linkage when going SOA for engine pan clearance.

My FJ40 has 4.1 axles and I feel red-lined trying to drive 65 mph.

 

[onemanarmy]

gotcha. I'm really hoping its possible to keep mine spring under and do the Vortec swap.

I just swapped 3.7 thirds for my stock 4.1 thirds, but I already had discs up front.

plus I like the tires tucked under the fenders.

 

[NikP]

I got sidetracked swapping another motor into my FJ40. I told someone I was tired of being a mechanic so I was glad to change my focus back to the FJ55. It just seems more therapeutic to create something vs fixing something that's broken and causing frustration. Hard to explain.

Anyway, I placed the fuse panel in its final place on the firewall and started hooking up the basic connections. My goal is to be able to run it on and off the trailer as I drag it to do my painting. I should be able to start it up tomorrow and get it up to temp now that I have the radiator in and all the pulley driven items connected.

Who knows, maybe I'll get brave and see if I can pull it out of the garage under its own power. Maybe even get crazy stupid brave and drive around the block.

 

[bobm]

Gotta take a spin around the block. So you know it will go onto trailer

 

[scrapdaddy]

Hey Nik,

Any updates, 2018 is coming around fast.

 

[NikP]

Hey Nik,

Any updates, 2018 is coming around fast.

Yes it's coming too fast. I need to find motivation. My back surgeries have limited the time I can spend tinkering so I almost do none now. If I work on the pig for one day I'm out of commission for two or three afterward.

I've contemplated selling since due to my situation since it's more pain than enjoyment at this stage. Hate to think that way but it might just be my reality.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Sorry to hear about the continuing back problems, they can certainly screw plans up. Maybe just put it on hold for now, sometimes the body works things out. Hang in there man and there way stay active on the forum, too much fun not to.