Npulver's 71 Fj55 Build "Sea Unicorn" (2 Viewers)

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Thanks Ron! Exactly the rear quarter/mount rebuild that i remember seeing, just couldnt remember who it was. Just got done saving all the vital pictures i think i'll need. So Thanks a TON also xtiaan2000. Made the process almost seem to simple lol. Think i'll be going a very similar route to this. I like how it seems to simplify the rear quarter area a little.
 
Went and talked to the local offroad fabricator (Zfab offroad). Todd is a super nice guy and builds some really top quality vehicles. Talked to him about doing the axle cut and turn for my SOA and about building outboard spring perches. He said after labor (i will be doing the disassemble of the axles and reassembly, as well as the perch removals) Said at the VERY most i'll be looking at 1000 bucks (without the outboard perches he said i would be looking at 500-600 bucks). This was a huge relief for me as im trying to do this "somewhat" on a budget.

Next official step is to sell my other project so i can get started on this one! Anyone want a done up 91 BMW sedan? :D
 
Finally got around to doing some maintenance on this. Since im a new owner to the pig i had no idea really how its been taken care of and whats been done (maintenance wise) So i figured I would at least give the engine a quick tune up. Plugs, wires, cap and rotor. Also have an exhaust leak from the manifolds that i bought some stuff to fix it. Another day when its warmer though. Some quick pics i took while working on it.

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and back together all done.

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btw, can wait till this summer, i'll probably pull the drive train out so i can do some engine bay cleaning and painting. Plus clean up some of the horrible wiring from past owners....ugh.
 
Npulver,

It looks good sitting in it's designated spot.

Wiring....... I get the chills thinking about it.
 
scrapdaddy said:
Npulver,

Wiring....... I get the chills thinking about it.
Click to expand...

Wiring use to bug me. After doing so many engine swaps and rewiring so many vehicles. I still hate it, but have zero fear (sometimes good, sometimes bad...lol)

On another note, this thing idled ridiculously low. After the tune up it came up some. Now after adjusting the timing, she purrs like a kitten. Took her for a drive to pick up some beer for the impending storm (expecting 5-11 inches here in SD) And everything has been smoothed out. No more dead spot down low, and nice clean idle.

Also im going to be building an old school full length rack for this, so i took off the basket up top. (btw, if you like a Belgian white, i recommend hoegaarden)

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Also, figured i would show this off, i know its not stock and think its neat the previous owner did this, super handy in the dark!

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LOL, i havent really dug into the speedo issue yet, not sure if the gauge itself is broken, or if its a snapped cable. When it warms up some i'll play with it. I just go with traffic for now. Its funny to watch. sometimes it'll sit at zero, other times it jumps around to different speeds (usually in the 40's or 50's)
 
I just use my old smart phones GPS and a good speedo app called Ulysses for speed. It has a HUD function that projects your speed on to the windshield. I'm sure other people have em but I have a working speedo from my 1970 piggy you can have if needed. I'm just going to get autometers someday.
 
Well $or is selling used ones for $150, so I would assume they are worth half that. I could use some items for trade also like fj60 steering box or rear power window parts. I'd like the experts to chime in on pricing, I'm not here to make a buck.
 
Have a guy putting money down on my bmw (hes picking it up at the end of march/spring break)

Operation BA-55 commencing soon!
 
Now i have the money in my account i can officially start purchasing parts. Looking at doing upgraded axles front and rear (after much though, i have decided to stick with the axles i have) So i need the best front axle upgrade i can get for a 78 FJ55 axle and for a 71 FJ55 rear. Curious on who i should buy from? I know a lot of this comes down to personal preference, just want to get what others think. Also as far as high steer goes, do i just buy a high steer setup for a FJ40?

Pretty excited to finally get started on this.
 
I'm with Tucker, ARB Locker and Longfield axle shafts. There are a ton of other upgrade parts to buy, also. Marlin axle seals, ARP studs, Longfield hub gear, Trail Gear's knuckle wiper, etc.

Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters---801.518.3937 ( I think )

Georg at Valley Hybrids---650.576.2023

Cruiser Dan at American Toyota---800.432.6668

Do alot of reading before ordering.
 
Thanks guys, lockers will have to come a little later as the wheels/ tires are taking a lot of my budget. ($2500 for wheels/tires). Which leaves me $3500 for the SOA, HD axles, shocks, high steer, and hopefully a couple things from Bobm.

The thing I'm unclear on is the front longfields, most websites say disc brake axles 79+, as far as I know Im running a 78 front. Guessing when I call to make my order ill talk to them and get it sorted out. I know there is a difference in the knuckle size, justnot sure which was I need to go.

Ron you gave me a few things to look at. Couple things I hadent heard of replacing.
 
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