Newbie Cruiser Girl

[moomtazz]

OK I'll admit I only looked at this thread because of the title. BUT now that I've read it I really want to encourage you to keep going with the cruiser! When I bought my '72 I had absolutely no idea about how cars worked.

The beauty of the FJ is they are sooo good to learn on. I suggest getting all the toyota factory manuals you can, as well as a Helms manual (I think Helms was "good" one, someone correct me if I'm wrong please).

Anyway, with just a few tools I went from clueless to swapping out fuel pump, clutch slave cylinder, brakes, water pump, rebuilt carbuerator, tie rod ends, other stuff. The thing is most of the 'repairs" you will make are nothing more than troubleshooting to find the problem then just bolting on a new part. It is nowhere near as complicated as it may seem at first glance.

There are so many good sites, like this one, out on the internet that you can find guides w/pictures for just about everything you will want to do.

 

[shelfboy1]

my wife has had a 69 40 for about 10 years says she gets jealus because guys keep hitting on her truck .doesnt drive it much because everywhere she goes there is always a bunch of people who want to buy it . not many cruisers here in girard pa any how good luck and enjoy your new love

 

[pportmd]

Actually that is a completely different system than a Cruiser uses. That is more like what the IFS mini-truck uses...

...thus the disclaimer "generic" diagram.

Once a tie rod, always a tie rod however. Point made applies to any system and that is, start diagnosing by look/checking at any junction point in the steering linkage for unusual play or looseness in any vehicle to address zig-zag problems, including the LC. Also check that all connecting rods are straight...tire pressure equal on both sides, wheels are properly balanced...usual basic stuff.

 

[John Smith]

2) The Steering – I have gotten used to no power steering when parking but the play in the wheel can get scarry if I’m going over 45MPH. She seems to get a mind of her own and follow the curves in the road.

So that do you think? What would you get done first? I would love your feedback. Tammy

Darty or floaty feeling steering and following ruts in the road is usually due to lack of caster and can be corrected with caster shims or shorter shackles on the front springs. Slop in the steering wheel can be many things. From tie rod ends (TRE)s, the center link, or even the steering box. This is the first thing I would address. With tight steering, proper caster, and well adjusted brakes you will really enjoy the truck.

 

[cruiserjunktion]

You probably saw my Gator stickers on my Cruisers…can’t wait until football season starts! Thanks for the heads-up on Mark A. and Go Gators!

GO GATORS!

 

[Ducks]

Welcome! It's great to learn how to work on a land cruiser. I started out knowing nothing. (Not that I know much now but I am learning.)

Just on the off chance you hadn't noticed (or maybe I missed reading it) - There is a "Girls Garage" section that started recently. Also the Toyota Land Cruiser Association website - www.tlca.org and the local chapter - http://www.tlca.org/clubs/bchntoys/index.shtml

Chad

 

[67 Cruiser Girl]

Thanks Alan! This is great info.

Thanks for the photo Ricardo. It helped me understand what’s going on in the steering.

Thanks moomtazz for the encouragement. I have learned a ton from this sight and I’m very thankful everyone has been so helpful.

Mel Lowe…Go Gators! Can’t wait to see what Tebow does this year. I watched the Blue and Orange game on the Sun Network and it looks like we have some good young guys to build on. Nothing will beat last year though!

Thanks Ducks for the info on the Girls Garage. I honestly didn’t see it since I have been focused on this forum. I will check it out. Thanks!

 

[4WD Toyota Owner Magazine]

Nice 40! Welcome!

 

[DomSmith]

Welcome Tammy. There are a few people in SD that I trust with my truck if I need someone else to take a look at it. I'll try to gather some contact info, but I'd say Mark's input would be well worth the trip to Burbank.

Beach-N-Toys is the local TLCA club here. Meetings on the first Tuesday of each month (I think). The location is in flux. PM me if you're interested in any of the info.

Oh yeah, and take your time with the rig. Fix the safety stuff first but plan for the long haul and don't do something you'll have to "re-do" later on. It's worth doing it right the first time.

 

[knixen]

Welcome Tammy, I guess I only have been here days or minutes longer than you but I guess a proper greeting is in place!

I just got my first 40 a few weeks ago with about the same problems as you've got yours I suspect. Same color too

My steering was at best scary, driving in a tunnel here at 55mph was on the edge to suicidal!!!

I found that the secondary steering box (or whatever its called in English) that is located behind the winch was loose. I had to tighten all the bolts. There is also a possibility to adjust the slack in it, there is a large bolt on top of it with a small one on top. If you loosen the small one with a 14mm wrench you can tighten the big one with a 24mm one. Then just tighten the small one and you good to go...

I also greased up every end-link in the steering rods, and yes there are lots of them! Just follow every bar and find a greasing point, fill it untill it comes out again.

If you do this, and yes YOU can do it!! It will be safer to drive, if you also fill up your knuckle house I think it will help.

Changing the steering damper might also be a good idea!

I was lucky that disc brakes and power steering already was installed on my truck!

Btw Tammy, a girl with a 40 is incredibly sexy!!! My girlfriend werent too happy with mine, she didnt exactly get a gold star for that

Excuse my poor technical English...

 

[67 Cruiser Girl]

Thanks DomSmith for the help! I emailed the SD cruiser club regarding the next meeting location. Hopefully I will get a response so I can meet some local Cruiser friends soon! I would love to have the name of the mechanics that you trust in SD if you don’t mind sharing. I agree with you and want to fix her up right the first time.

Thanks knixen for the help with my steering! I will give it a try this weekend. It’s time I stop being afraid to work on her and get a little greasy.

 

[steenh]

BigBoreLover: Love it that you’re from FLA and your folks have a hound! You probably saw my Gator stickers on my Cruisers…can’t wait until football season starts! Thanks for the heads-up on Mark A. and Go Gators!

I was following along enjoying the thread, proud that you bought the best year cruiser... and then you lost me at "Go Gators" (see avatar)

Ah well...

jk... welcome aboard!

 

[67 Cruiser Girl]

I was following along enjoying the thread, proud that you bought the best year cruiser... and then you lost me at "Go Gators" (see avatar)

Ah well...

jk... welcome aboard!

I love the harassment! I have to admit that UGA is pretty cute. 5 more weeks! Love college football! Thanks for the welcome!

 

[K7640A]

Tammy,

I drove a couple of 40s with drum brakes and I have to agree that a well tuned drum brake will be sufficient. The only reason I changed all my drums to discs was because I am usually in the wetlands (ie. mud... lots of it )

 

[DSRTRDR]

I found that the secondary steering box (or whatever its called in English) that is located behind the winch was loose. I had to tighten all the bolts. There is also a possibility to adjust the slack in it, there is a large bolt on top of it with a small one on top. If you loosen the small one with a 14mm wrench you can tighten the big one with a 24mm one. Then just tighten the small one and you good to go...

I think he means the center arm/bellcrank

 

[Volunteer]

Well all the tech talk appears to be covered, I'm like a few others found myself here because well 67 Cruiser Girl says it all. Gotta say any woman driving a Orange 40 has my attention . Orange 40's are sweet and you picked a great year it looks great. On a side note I can't wait for SEC Football I bleed Orange but it don't get any better than SEC football and I enjoy following all of the SEC.

Sorry for the pollution, Welcome

 

[67 Cruiser Girl]

Thanks K7640A! I agree and will focus on the steering first…no mud for this girl.

Claudia you go girl! I love it!

Volunteer thanks for the welcome! It should be another fun year in the SEC. Can’t wait!

 

[Colicious]

Well all the tech talk appears to be covered, I'm like a few others found myself here because well 67 Cruiser Girl says it all. Gotta say any woman driving a Orange 40 has my attention . Orange 40's are sweet and you picked a great year it looks great. On a side note I can't wait for SEC Football I bleed Orange but it don't get any better than SEC football and I enjoy following all of the SEC.

Sorry for the pollution, Welcome

definitely gets a point for driving a cruiser, though i dont know about being a gator fan

great cruiser and glad to see a SEC fan, especially one in california
geaux tigers

 

[petescoffee]

Welcome to the board.
Pretty funny you have over 4000 views already.

 

[1973Guppie]

tammy, I am in San Diego, fallbrook, FWIW, I would buy a factory manual and start getting your hands dirty, only way you are going to learn if you want to do it yourself. If you need a mechanic, I don't know of any good ones down this way but am willing to give you some pointers if you want to stop by. I think you could spend some $$ and get a few things done by a mechanic (LC shop), then learn a few simple things to keep it in tune and running well and you would be all set up. PM me if you wish.

Noah