ntsaint's FJ40 search and build

[77TLCFJ40]

Heat and a pickle fork.

Be sure not to mushroom the end of the shaft since it has to pass thru the mount. If you're gunna hit it with a BFH, leave the nut on the threads.

 

[ntsaint]

yeah, i stopped short of just beating it to death, felt like that would be a bad thing.

Wound up just taking a sawzall and cutting the stabilizer just below the mount. That was the last thing holding the suspension to the frame. I'll pick up a pickle fork tomorrow and see what I can figure out.

Also had the same issue getting the pitman arm off of the steering box. Wound up just removing it attached. Will start back up on that tomorrow too.

pics in a minute...very productive day.

 

[ntsaint]

OK, started out the day cutting off the 'custom' homemade front bumper that one of the POs (not Rob) had welded onto the frame. Yes, welded.

Turns out he had welded to the gusset plates on 3 sides, as well as to the 90 degree supports that are riveted to the frame. Couldn't get those cut off, so had to drill and pop the rivets. Going to have to find a couple of those front frame mounts and a pair of gusset plates...

 

[ntsaint]

Continuing on, very busy day. Got the engine pulled, suspension off, and frame attachments (except the battery tray) detached.

Taking it for sand blasting and powder coating tomorrow.

Engine pull really went well, had no problems.

In fact, the only things that really gave trouble today were disconnecting the drive shafts (fixed by binding the bolts then turning the shaft with a crowbar), and the damn steering stabilizer (still stuck on the frame!).

 

[ntsaint]

One last pic, everything laid out.

 

[offr0adlim0]

Wow!! You are flying through this project. Cant wait to see the finished product.

 

[wngrog]

Sweet.

 

[southff4]

Looking good!

 

[dnp]

WOW! That's gonna be a SWEET 40!

 

[ntsaint]

Heat and a pickle fork.

Be sure not to mushroom the end of the shaft since it has to pass thru the mount. If you're gunna hit it with a BFH, leave the nut on the threads.

Pickle fork. 2 seconds later, done.

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[SHUSH]

You are gettin it. Great job

 

[Jordan7118]

Great work!!!

 

[77TLCFJ40]

Pickle fork. 2 seconds later, done.

Sweet.

Keep up the great work. Very envious of your shop!!

 

[ntsaint]

Just got word suspension is shipping complete tomorrow! OME 2.5" kit, full setup with shocks/sprinks/bushings/dampener.

Might make June 1 after all...

 

[ntsaint]

Ok, got everything off the axles so I can get them cleaned up and painted this weekend. Opened up the rear drums. I have to admit I have no clue what needs to be replaced in here, but I'm afraid it's gonna be everything, right?

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[ntsaint]

I'm also thinking now would be a great/easy time to replace all the tie rod ends?

They all look to be in pretty bad shape.

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[ntsaint]

Last question of the day...the tie rod has a slight bend in it close to the front drivers tire. Is this by design or is it bent?

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[77TLCFJ40]

Tie rod is bent. I bet you could straighten it fairly well. I would not worry about replacing it unless you are adding a power steering system other than minitruck PS. What size tires are you going to run?

It looks like the rear wheel cylinders will need to be rebuilt or replaced. Are the shoes & drums in good shape? You might want to consider upgrading to rear disc brakes instead of fixing the drums??

Yes its a great time to change the TREs and clean up/paint the linkage.

 

[wct49]

Ok, got everything off the axles so I can get them cleaned up and painted this weekend. Opened up the rear drums. I have to admit I have no clue what needs to be replaced in here, but I'm afraid it's gonna be everything, right?

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

All looks ruff. Converts to disc?

 

[wngrog]

Rear disc conversion.

There are directions on Mud how to source all parts local except the caliper brackets.

Probably same $ as complete drum rebuild.