Build Purist Step away. Mint 400 2023 FJ45

[landcrusher909]

Its been a busy week. Finished going over the driveshafts. The U joints I got from @cruiseroutfit still look brand new, I remember when I first had these built the guys at Ed Moore Drivelines were really impressed with the quality. With the number of miles and our time limit being extended to 6 hours ( YES ) Everything needs to be checked. Even checking the limiting straps, I found the rears have stretched 3/8" and the fronts a full 1/2 inch so today were driving to PRP for new limiting straps. Another week of prep and I should have the 45 ready to go At least I will be able to say I checked everything. Have a Great weekend you all know where I will be LOL

 

[matzell]

When do the triple bypass shocks go on? Asking for a friend!

 

[landcrusher909]

How hard am I planning on pushing the 45 ? All the hardware has been replaced with new Grade 8 bolts, nuts and washers. Every bushing has been changed, every bracket checked and were even going to double up on the limiting straps. I'm getting close

 

[landcrusher909]

Rusty Nail racing is going to Japan ! Well in a way. I worked out a contract with 4X4 Engineering and Bradley wheels. They are going to use the 45 and our Team name in their flyers at the Toyko Auto Salon. The numbers for this event over 3 days can reach as high at 300,000 visitors. Rusty Nail racing is the first Team to use their product in any US competition race.

 

[BMThiker]

You're gonna be YUGE in Japan, Rob!

 

[landcrusher909]

You're gonna be YUGE in Japan, Rob

Haha ! Race RC Trucks need prep too

 

[landcrusher909]

KOH Update, Were getting done what we can, We have been without power for the last two days and not expecting it to come back on til Monday. I am Great full we finished as much as I did in the last few weeks. We are in a high fire area, We are safe and nothing has been spotted in our area. Wendy and I are living off the generator, Its like indoor camping. So many in the LA area have lost everything. I am moving forward and should be on the lakebed by the 19th. Thanks for all the support

 

[Bear]

Hey, Rob, we're without power now for five days and more wind due next week. Hope your generator can put out enough juice to run the equipment you need--most standing compressors require 240V. Good luck on your race !

 

[Michael B]

I’m glad you guys are safe.

 

[landcrusher909]

Thanks everyone, We got our power back on and the 2 days I have been upgrading the roll bar padding. We are now using SFI 45.1 fire resistant padding. Its a PITA because its so think and almost like a hard plastic. I figured out how to use hose clamps to get it into shape and them zip tie it to the roll bar. We are also working on a new chase bar I am really stoked about. Going all old school and hand made. I know you guys would expect nothing less LOL. I think I am still on track to leave next Sunday. I tell ya this stuff for the Young HAHAHA

 

[cruiserdan]

We are now using SFI 45.1 fire resistant padding.

You may want to add that to the house while you're at it.

 

[landcrusher909]

You may want to add that to the house while you're at it.

We are in a good place. After the big one a few years ago I have made sure we have a good fire break between the property and any fuel. Today was a good day and with everything going on I am still getting done what I can. We will be at King of the Hammers

 

[landcrusher909]

One step closer, We decided to build our own chase/lite bar the ones online are expensive and really not what I was looking for. I wanted to have running lights and brake lights. So after stopping by the local scrap yard I bought 6 bucks worth of hardware, some Amazon LED trailer lights for $ 47.00 and spent the last two days getting everything put together. Big Thanks to my buddies and Teammates Matt and Chris.

 

[Bear]

Looking good !!

 

[landcrusher909]

Building a Toyota race jack. One of our Teammates sent me a factory jack from a 4Runner. I was tired of carrying the bulky heavy floor jack. So, I made and adapter with a 14mm bolt and double nutted it. Welded everything together and bam we have a factory Toyota race jack. Since all the lug nuts are 14mm it makes sense. With the 1/2" impact a few wooded blocks if we need it and move on to a tire change.

 

[landcrusher909]

The 45 is finished. All the hours of prep and thinking about what can I do to make it better I hope pays off. Today I worked on something that's been in my head for a week. Like any 40 or 45 there are only 2 studs that hold the radiator support on the frame. This next race is going to really test our endurance ( Mine and the 45 ) So today my buddy Chris came over and I mocked up these brackets that use the lower bolts on the Fan shroud/radiator into the support. Then bolted them to the frame. This way I don't have to worry about the support studs losing the nut or breaking while were on course. Hope that makes sense . I have thought through so much on the truck always trying to make it a little better.

 

[redfj45can]

 

[landcrusher909]

Perfect example why we run a pre in cab air filter. The was just from Barstow.

 

[landcrusher909]

This will be the last update for a few days. We pull out in the morning for Johnson Valley. Looking forward to having a few days to relax and and enjoy to desert. Today one of the last things I finished was add a few names to the tailgate. Ryan Apple aka Bearded Apple and Chris Christian aka Chris40/62. These guys earned their place on the tailgate for all the work they put in. Also Wyatt, Bailey and Peyton our Grandkids, they are coming out to watch grandpa race. Its our last King of the Hammers and I am excited to be sharing it with them. Have a Great week everyone

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Pic of Rock Midget?