Nothing is normal about this 45 build

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Joined
Jul 7, 2021
Threads
1
Messages
55
Location
Australia
G'day all , I'm a new member so I hope I've posted this build in the correct thread category.
I've always loved 40/45series and a few years back acquired a 1972 fj40 ( for free). It was completely rusted other than the doors and chassis.
So, with no mechanical experience, limited four wheel driving experience and no financial support from my wife, I decided to build myself a vintage landcruiser.
I set myself some goals... it has to be a ute , it has to have a shorter wheelbase , it has to be a 4 cylinder diesel , it has to be covered in dune bage
and most importantly of all.. it must be done without spending any money.
So I got to work, I completely stripped the forty and sold every usable part except the chassis and the doors. I used the money I made from the shorty to buy my uncle's clapped out hj47 farm truck which I also stripped and sold including a quite healthy 2h and 5speed box .
So I started my very own wrecking business all to finance my project and picking a few parts up as I go.
I'm building a shortened fj45 out of bits and pieces, nothing is standard or normal, so without further ado, I'll walk you all through the build.
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The shorty chassis sandblasted and 450mm added.
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the tub I bought off an old farmer . It's an early model that has been hot dipped galvanized!
So no rust ever!
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you can see where I made the chassis extension, obviously all cab mounts where all moved and modified to allow for the fj45 cab.
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the moment of truth.... if my calculations and measurements are actually going to work?
 
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Solution
The engine and box just fit !
Any further forward and I wouldn't fit fan and radiator, any further back and the auto shifter would become impracticable for use.
The truck has almost become a mid engine, with majority of the vehicles weight central between the wheels.
The front drive shaft is approximately 300mm longer than the tail shaft.
After working out the correct length I modified part of the surfs drive shaft to the cruisers .
Eventually both tail and drive shafts will need to be balanced.
Removed old steering box ,drag link , tie rod ect..
Due to limited resources decided to the surf's power steering box. I've seen similar set ups using a 60 series steering box , so why couldn't I use the surf's? Well the biggest difference is it's a reverse facing pitman arm!
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The steering knuckle arm assembly is unorthodox, I fabricated the opersite hand knuckle arm on top and welded a gusset in between for strength. This gives my clearance from inside of wheel and the height.
 
So
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so, I didn't take a photo of my efforts of fabricating my dump pipe. So I've stollen this photo from Old blue ( I think that's correct? ), thanks. Anyway pretty much the same thing I actually got most of my ideas from silently stalking this forum as a visitor.
 
As most of you would have noticed I didn't include a catalytic converter, in fact most of this build wouldn't be technically legal for Australian road use.
I'm sure I'll will have to commit some degrading act to ever get this thing on the road! ..lol
I will cross this bridge when it comes.
 

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