Builds Project Pikachu: 1977 FJ40 (1 Viewer)

[wngrog]

Awesome. Love the radio

 

[cbmontgo]

Just emailed an order in to @cruiseroutfit for new 555 tie rod ends. Ready to get the steering tightened up for better highway driving and I hear that these are the shiznit.

Random dash pic with "new" radio:

 

[Mr Cimarron]

Used the same kit on my 40. Night and day difference afterwards.

 

[wngrog]

When the Delta Beast was at 49 Tire they rebuilt his center arm box. Not sure where that part or kit came from but maybe you should do that too. It was not expensive.

 

[cbmontgo]

When the Delta Beast was at 49 Tire they rebuilt his center arm box. Not sure where that part or kit came from but maybe you should do that too. It was not expensive.

I always forget about that other box. Hmmm. May need to do that.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I always forget about that other box. Hmmm. May need to do that.

We've got those too

If you'd like a center arm rebuild kit we can send it out tomorrow and I'll cover the shipping. LMK

 

[cbmontgo]

We've got those too

If you'd like a center arm rebuild kit we can send it out tomorrow and I'll cover the shipping. LMK

Let me replace the tie rods first and see if it tightens stuff up. If not, I'll give you a shout. Thanks!

 

[cbmontgo]

City Racer intake hose showed up today. It is a little known fact that his mold was taken from the survivor OEM one that was in my stocker 1976 FJ40.

 

[cbmontgo]

A few other items of note during the water pump process that have helped to clean up my engine compartment...

New/aftermarket alternator. Gonna keep the OEM as a spare. The pulley on the new one was narrow, so I swapped pulleys and it works great.

Cleaned and painted the alternator bracket, fan pulley, VCV mount, and upper/lower thermostat housings.

 

[cbmontgo]

Got a few things done in the last day or two.

The radiator on my son's 3rd Gen 4Runner started leaking, so I needed to get him back on the road. These are some solid, incredible little rigs. The 3.4 V6 is a fantastic engine. This one is a 1999 Limited 4WD (his first car). Lots of torque and the engine is smooth as silk, even with 191,000 miles.

Next was the tie rod ends on Pikachu. The 555s are beautiful and I'm very happy with them. I never noticed how crusty the old ones were.

The steering is getting much tighter, and I'm probably just nitpicking at this point. But, there is still some play at the drag link end (where it meets the pitman arm). I'm going to tighten it up and call it good.

 

[ginmtb]

Got a few things done in the last day or two.

The radiator on my son's 3rd Gen 4Runner started leaking, so I needed to get him back on the road. These are some solid, incredible little rigs. The 3.4 V6 is a fantastic engine. This one is a 1999 Limited 4WD (his first car). Lots of torque and the engine is smooth as silk, even with 191,000 miles.
View attachment 1597360
Next was the tie rod ends on Pikachu. The 555s are beautiful and I'm very happy with them. I never noticed how crusty the old ones were.
View attachment 1597362
View attachment 1597363
The steering is getting much tighter, and I'm probably just nitpicking at this point. But, there is still some play at the drag link end (where it meets the pitman arm). I'm going to tighten it up and call it good.

You might want to paint your tie rod ends as I’ve read they rust pretty quickly. Obviously easier when they’re off but still should be able to get a coat on there.

 

[alabamatacomaguy]

Especially for the size of the 4runners and Tacoma’s they were a great package, good size and weight balance. I still miss my 01 Tacoma with that motor. That was a fun one to downshift in.

I need to paint my tie rod ends as well. They seem to have surface rust and have never been wet.
I think zerk fittings can be added if ever desired on them from reading on here.

Cool looking garage.

 

[cbmontgo]

You might want to paint your tie rod ends as I’ve read they rust pretty quickly. Obviously easier when they’re off but still should be able to get a coat on there.

Hmm. Didn't realize that about paint. What type of paint are y'all using?

Merry Christmas!

 

[tucker74]

Hmm. Didn't realize that about paint. What type of paint are y'all using?

Merry Christmas!

Either clear them or my go to is Krylon Rust Tough Enamel in semi-gloss black -

 

[hooter]

From cruiser outfitters website

I too missed this tech tip but MUD came through

hOOter

 

[cbmontgo]

Disassembled the drag link end, cleaned, greased, and cranked it down tight. There's still some play in it.

 

[cbmontgo]

Can't get happy with the Airtex water pump, so I'm bringing in the big guns. Thanks for the fast shipping, @cruiseroutfit.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Can't get happy with the Airtex water pump, so I'm bringing in the big guns. Thanks for the fast shipping, @cruiseroutfit.
View attachment 1598096

Thank you!

 

[cbmontgo]

Bolted up the Aisin water pump, and in true fashion, the pump has zero leaks and was a snap.

While I was at it, I swapped out all of the hose clamps with City Racer's stainless OEM-style clamps. These are quite beautiful.

 

[cbmontgo]

I was in the presence of two cruiser gods yesterday, @TWatson and @wngrog, and we agreed that my Pitman arm was pretty much worn out at the end with the ball joint. So, I've got a new arm as well as a drag link end on order.