Pretty quiet in here... what are you working on?

[mwalls54]

Ok, so this bad boy is done and ready to go back under the 40. I’ll be wrestling with it by myself tomorrow along with the new OME leaf springs.

Got any tips for installing it? Springs to truck first and then the axle? or attach springs to axle first and then the truck? How would y’all go about tackling this?

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attach the frame side of the springs then put the axle under and support with jack stands then finish springs with the shackles then lower the axle down on the springs.

 

[DustyFJ]

Nice. You're less than an hour from me now so maybe an Annapolis trip is in your future.

for sure, as soon as the bars open up?

 

[HoundDog]

attach the frame side of the springs then put the axle under and support with jack stands then finish springs with the shackles then lower the axle down on the springs.

Good call. That’s what I’m working on right now. Going to try and roll the whole shebang under on the motorcycle lift. We’ll see if my scheme works.....

 

[HoundDog]

She’s in!

 

[1MOA]

She’s in!

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View attachment 2296710

View attachment 2296712

Are those Warrior U bolt skid plates?

 

[HoundDog]

Are those Warrior U bolt skid plates?

They’re SOR. Wanted to do the Redline U bolt flip kit but was too rich for my blood. $OR wasn’t cheap either...

Edit: just realized SOR calls their u bolt skid plates Warrior plates....yep, you’re correct

 

[Blue77FJ40]

They’re SOR. Wanted to do the Redline U bolt flip kit but was too rich for my blood. $OR wasn’t cheap either...

Edit: just realized SOR calls their u bolt skid plates Warrior plates....yep, you’re correct

You might want to take a look at 4Plus ubolt flip plate. Best I've seen out there. Extremely rugged. I had a set of the ones you currently have from another source and they suffered a lot of damage from the rocks.

4PlusProducts | FJ40 | Suspension Parts

Off road essential 40 series Land Cruiser U-bolt flip kit and shackle reversal kit. Made in the USA.

www.4plusproducts.com

 

[hakalugi]

I got a new bikini (?) top made by Lim's Auto Upholstery in Tysons Corner. The one redline threw-in was based on Justin's original rollcage design, which was different than my steelwork, so it didn't quite fit. Worked with Lim's to consider modifying the one I had, vs. a new one. We went with new canvas top, very happy I did.

this year's todo's:
* reduce the size of the steel 'box frame' on which the front passenger seat sits, it's a bit tall by ~2" so time for some plasma cutting and welding fun...
* stereo system of some sort. my iphone + jbl BT speaker only goes so far with 37's and road noise... just want to keep the industrial look and not cut into any aluminum. i dislike rollcage speaker bars/placement but may end up with that. since my plan for dash-area-roll-cage DIY line arrays with 2" drivers in custom fiberglass enclosures may be too time consuming (even with covid, still too busy).

 

[matzell]

For the shade tree/ weekend wrencher, they are quite sufficient, for sure.

I have two US General tool boxes at work that I use everyday at the shop. I think the 40-44" model. I have had them for the past 8 years. I would not hesitate to buy another.

 

[Jakes40]

@hakalugi I used a cheap Bluetooth amplifier with stereo outputs to 2 waterproof speakers. It over powers my 37’s road noise. I did have to put the amp in a box. The link is one similar but mine doesn’t come with the remote. But it is small enough to put in a box under your dash. And use the IPhone controls.

Bluetooth amp

 

[matzell]

This is a classic issue. I think the new lines hexes are too big to fit in the stock hex hole. You might try filing them out to fit the bigger fitting. Most of mine are loose , since the spacing between the c-clip and support is often too narrow to fit with the spring clip. Very frustrating

Use a Dorman clip, it is thicker than the thin Toyota ones.

 

[Stumpalama]

Use a Dorman clip, it is thicker than the thin Toyota ones.

It's the opposite problem, the steel mounts on the axle are too thick and there isn't enough of the groove on the soft line exposed to fit the clip.

 

[Blue77FJ40]

It's the opposite problem, the steel mounts on the axle are too thick and there isn't enough of the groove on the soft line exposed to fit the clip.

Any thoughts of judicious grinding of the mounts? Is this limited to aftermarket hoses or also OEM?

 

[D21FJ60]

Busted rear shock due to rust. Saves me having to try and cut it off. Also figured out why it was so bouncy.
Next to take off that fellow mudder sent me with some coil springs.

 

[HoundDog]

Update on my junk......

Front axle, suspension, and steering overhaul is all done and put back together.

Rear end is out and getting the same treatment.

Little momma got me a Traxxas TRX4 Defender for my birthday....FJ40 body arrives soon to replace the Defender body lol.

 

[NearJetties]

Who can lend a hand with a beefy pitman arm puller and some heat or know of a shop that would help if I showed up (after a phone call) with two steering boxes?

At an impasse....snapped the pitman arm puller I borrow from advance auto. I’m swapping out the old, worn, and leaking steering box for a new to me low mile 80 series box. It’s a bit of an upgrade and drops right in except for swapping pitman arms and the steering shaft u joint. The coupler is also stuck on the 80 series box...the one the 62 slide right off

 

[OTRAMM]

I don't remember which size but you need this style of puller. OTC cone puller

 

[Diff Kraken]

Found out that RCI sells a filler plate to protect the radiator when installing the front skid on a factory GX470 bumper... 5 min install... much better. Now for the hidden winch!

 

[D21FJ60]

Does anyone have this guy or something similar brand wise? Hate to buy a tool to use one or two times

 

[Crusha]

From my days as a tech...

"If you have to borrow a tool from me more than once, you need to buy your own."