Build Olive the 71 FJ40 build

[firemanj92]

Drained the coolant and replaced the bottom hose with a different joiner that eliminates the heater port that l had capped. Those rubber caps always seem to crack up.
With new coolant l tested the temp gauge and all seems happy. Still undecided on whether to run some aux style gauges, thinking the JRP gauges l have in my 80 series are very nice and easy to read. Just don’t trust the accuracy of the old idiot gauges
Measured up and made a front driveshaft from spare parts l had, got the run out to a nice minimum spec and burned it in. I am sure the speed of the old tractor will never be an issue for the shorty.

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Looks good, missing a driveline bolt(?)

 

[frankenyota]

Good eye, only used two bolts each end to get the correct length and adjust for best run out. Shaft was tack welded in position then removed to be fully welded. Also need to replace the diff pinion and transfer case seals.

 

[frankenyota]

Had some great weather a few weeks ago so took the Shorty for a run up the road to test it out at 100km/h.
Drove great, nice and straight but ran out of puff at 95km/h. Not sure if its old fuel or carb related but will do some more testing once the weather clears up been terrible. Exhaust fumes aren't really noticeable which is good after repositioning the exhaust outlet.
Rear leaf springs could possibly do with a leaf removed as there isn't much weight in the rear and running 60 series leaf packs.
Hoping to finish off getting a few pieces powder coated and seats recovered if l can find some decent to do them.
Looking at getting the rear tyre carrier powder coated black, thought this was easier than stripping and painting in body colour and more durable.
Hopefully it looks ok

 

[frankenyota]

Had some parts powder coated recently, got the front grip done and Toyota badge fitted up. Front bumper and number plate holder in black.
Also got the spare wheel carrier done, is it worth putting rubber between the body and brackets for the carrier or were they just fitted hard up to the back quarters?

The small things

 

[Chamba]

They were just fitted up against the body, no rubber. I imagine due to the weight of the tyre they didn't want any potential for flex.

Looks brilliant. Well done mate. Slow and steady wins the race..... so long as you're not talking F1 of course.

 

[frankenyota]

So l replaced some seals on the transfer case as they were weeping and installed speedy sleeves to the worn flanges. Once the flanges were off l spun up the front output and found the front bearing very noisy So thought l would attach that later but after doing the rear output l pulled the cover to check the rest on the internals. Looks like a transfer case rebuild will be in the near future. So after going through the Toyota parts manual and working out my overhaul, l thought should l be stripping the H55 to replace bearings or just do the seals and sent it? It all shifts nicely but there was some noise but maybe from the transfer.

 

[frankenyota]

Was a sad day yesterday as my best mate was put to rest, so we took one last cruise in the shorty as he loves going for a drive.
Rest easy Leroy

 

[occruiser]

Was a sad day yesterday as my best mate was put to rest, so we took one last cruise in the shorty as he loves going for a drive.
Rest easy Leroy View attachment 4162855View attachment 4162856

I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sure those rides meant the world to him. You will always have those happy images when you ride.

 

[frankenyota]

Thanks mate, he was always keen to come for a ride in the ute or cruisers. He will be missed by the family.