New to me ‘66 40 (1 Viewer)

[Oregon FJ40]

Well I have a garage full of new parts. Entire new brake system is here minus brake lines. Also got the new clutch system in.

Was able to go out on a drive after that and got some admiring cheers going down the road. Was awesome, for about 3 miles. That is when it overheated.

First step, check thermostat.

I feel as something is missing in this picture.... Pulled the radiator and it seems to have good flow through it and almost no junk in it, obviously can’t see how the channels look. Not sure where to go next. Water pump? Head gasket leak? Don’t think it is that, definitely no water in the oil.

I was really hoping to drive this on the F motor for a couple years, but feel like it may be one problem after another. Tempted to just pull it now and get a diesel into it.

 

[daner]

I’d think long and hard before doing a diesel swap on your 66. It’s an expensive 2-3 year process and will actually detract from the value.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

I’d think long and hard before doing a diesel swap on your 66. It’s an expensive 2-3 year process and will actually detract from the value.

It is expensive, but it has also been my goal all along. Why do you feel it would detract from the value? Just because most people wanting cruiser would prefer Toyota components?

 

[daner]

It is expensive, but it has also been my goal all along. Why do you feel it would detract from the value? Just because most people wanting cruiser would prefer Toyota components?

Yeah, pretty much. I say that it would detract from the value as I have been (obsessively) watching the prices people ask for 40s (and if they sell) for the last 20 years or so. The more modified the cruiser is, the slower they seem to sell...and Stock cruisers consistently get more money. To do a quality diesel swap, you’ll have considerably more money invested and likely get less when you sell it.

If value isn’t an issue, I highly recommend a diesel swap. I put an OM617 and a five-speed in my 66 and love it. It is much, much more reliable and driveable, not to mention it gets almost twice the mpgs, however, it would be worth more stock.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

I popped the water pump off today with unpleasant results - It seems to be good; so probably not my problem.

Oil filler tube - I think I’ve located the problem.

I started looking into a head gasket rebuild. That diesel is looking better and better.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

Yeah, pretty much. I say that it would detract from the value as I have been (obsessively) watching the prices people ask for 40s (and if they sell) for the last 20 years or so. The more modified the cruiser is, the slower they seem to sell...and Stock cruisers consistently get more money. To do a quality diesel swap, you’ll have considerably more money invested and likely get less when you sell it.

If value isn’t an issue, I highly recommend a diesel swap. I put an OM617 and a five-speed in my 66 and love it. It is much, much more reliable and driveable, not to mention it gets almost twice the mpgs, however, it would be worth more stock.

Thanks for the honest opinion. I do still want the diesel though. This rig is for my enjoyment, not for resale value. Plan is for a 4bt and NV4500. Not sure on best t-case options yet though

 

[SteveH]

A 4BT is such a dang bread truck engine. I know you can buy fancy motor mounts and harmonic balancers, but they are loud and vibration-y. And I drive a 7.3 Powerstroke, so I know about loud...

I don't see how you could ever insulate a '66 FJ40 enough to make a loud diesel be tolerable. As with the others, I'd either find a 2F, or a slightly more civilized diesel.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

Been working on tearing down the '76 front axle. So far I have the third member out and the right knuckle disassembled. If I never have to do a knuckle again I'll be happy person. might be the messiest tasks I've ever undertaken. I'll take the other knuckle off next weekend and get the two soaking in the solvent tank, then some fresh paint before putting it back together.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

Front axle and components are all cleaned up, painted, and ready to be put back together. New NV4500 and components are also ready to go. The blown F Engine is pulled and the engine compartment has been cleaned up and is ready for the Cummins to be dropped in. Shop is a couple weeks out so I hope to get the front axle in and rear discs put on prior to then. Hydro boost kit should be here Friday so next weekend should be productive.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

I have had a couple productive weeks. Got the new ‘76 front axle done minus the Warn hub gaskets that are in the mail. Also got the new shackles done in the springs.

Yesterday the new wheels and tires came in.

Finally, got the rear axle torn apart, new bearings and seals, and new caliper bracket installed for disc conversion. Next weekend should have the axle put back together and have the vehicle rolling again.

Next up is installing Hydroboost and AC Systems, then off to the shop for the Cummins.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

Finally got the rear axle done and the wheels back on so I have a rolling vehicle again. Next up is to start on the Vintage Air install. The inside of the passenger compartment was filthy so I mixed up some degreaser and went to town. Tomorrow I will start the process. Watched some of the other installs people have been posting and hope mine will go as smoothly. I also painted my bib the new body color. The edges were completely rusty so I decided to put some new paint to see how I like the color.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

Today got the firewall chopped up and a new mounting plate for the Hydroboost system.

 

[airon23]

Nice job on the work you've done. Good luck on the vintage air install. It isn't difficult just tedious. Since I just installed mine, here's some pointers I can think of...
Probably better to start from bib and work your way back. Instructions are broken into 3 main components, work around the radiator, compressor, interior cab work. Other pointer would be to clear up any wiring you can think of while it's open and exposed for easy access, mainly under dash and firewall as needed.
Last but not least that square plate that bolts onto where your blower went into the cab matters the orientation, i.e. top and bottom. I put mine in upside down and then had to "fix" it because I did not want to remove the hoses and wires after they were already through the rubber grommets. You'll see what I mean it was pretty tough.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

Thanks for the tips. I watched your install and it definitely made me less nervous. When you open up those boxes and see the ton of parts it is a bit overwhelming.
Unfortunately I’m kinda stuck to only the work inside the cab right now as I don’t know where stuff will be with the Cummins installed. Was hoping to get into it today but the hydroboost took way longer than I was hoping. But now that it is mounted I can shoot off the measurements to @Rainman to get some new brake lines in the works.
Working two days of OT next weekend so won’t have much time to work on the truck, but will have extra money for new parts.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

Nice job on the work you've done. Good luck on the vintage air install. It isn't difficult just tedious. Since I just installed mine, here's some pointers I can think of...
Probably better to start from bib and work your way back. Instructions are broken into 3 main components, work around the radiator, compressor, interior cab work. Other pointer would be to clear up any wiring you can think of while it's open and exposed for easy access, mainly under dash and firewall as needed.
Last but not least that square plate that bolts onto where your blower went into the cab matters the orientation, i.e. top and bottom. I put mine in upside down and then had to "fix" it because I did not want to remove the hoses and wires after they were already through the rubber grommets. You'll see what I mean it was pretty tough.

Spending some downtime at work reading through the instructions for the install. I see I use the factory inspection plug to power the system ECU. Did you use the factory plug for your install or just use new wiring. My plug appears to be in good physical condition on the outside, but only had one plug hooked up on the outside of the firewall. Sadly much of the wiring in my rig is in poor shape and has some questionable repairs/mods by any number of POs. I imagine I'll have to do a full rewire at some point in the future.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

Got the new Downey fuel tank mounted up along with my hitch. I don’t have the sending unit yet so I will have to pull it back out in a couple weeks.

Next will be cutting the fender to mount the filler. While I’m at it, I need to cut out what appears to be a start at a fuel filler mount a PO “installed”. Rather he hammered a hole into the body and put a mounting ring on it.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

Since my last update I unfortunately have not gotten much done. Between going on vacation to returning home to fires and heavy smoke, not much time or desire to work in the garage. Smoke finally cleared though so I got back to work. Got the old steering components removed to make way for the Saginaw setup.

Also got the fuel level sensor and got it installed in the tank.

I wanted to fix/update the bad wiring that goes to the rear turn signals which will be inaccessible once the new fuel tank is permanently installed. The wiring was so old and crusty, that I considered my options. If I was going to rewire the vehicle, now really would be the time...... so...

 

[Oregon FJ40]

Started working on separating the 3-speed and t-case today. Both look pretty good inside which actually surprised me. 3-speed will eventually get sold and t-case put on the back of the NV4500.

Also prepped surfaces for cutting and welding to mount the new steering box.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

Got the old wiring harness out of the truck today. Wires were so old and crusty. Will be nice to have it freshened up with the new wiring.

Gauge cluster seems to be in pretty good condition. Will research it to see if I can get it cleaned up. Also considering a new setup from Dakota.

Lastly, got the t-case separated. Gears inside look to be in really good condition. I’m guessing I’ll disassemble it and put new bearings and seals in it before sticking it on the NV4500.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

Been working on cleaning up and eliminating yellow parts. Sorry yellow fans, can’t do it. Not to mention the overspray. So I spend the last couple days working on fenders and the hood working a rustoleum restore. After making great progress, the wife rolls in and changes the game plan. She tells me that since I have it stripped down this far, might as well do the actual paint and body work instead of finishing the build and then doing it.
Yup, she is awesome. So commence frame off job. Selected Cadet Blue as the final color choice.