Question about installing Tuffy Console in '79 Fj40

[Rick '79 FJ40]

I was trying to install my Tuffy console and am using the brackets that Tuffy makes, but when I line up the holes in the back bracket with the ones in the bottom of the console, the front of the console is so close to the shifters that you can's shift into 2nd or 4th.

Do I need to drill new holes in the bottom to move the console back several inches? Will the front bracket still line up with the holes in the front or will I have to modify those, too?

I am using the 61/2" wide console with the "stereo den" in the front.

TIA!

 

[wantatlc]

just curious - has your shift lever been modified or replace? I have seen some that are at more severe angles than the original and can cause issue.

I installed in my 74 with their bracket no problem and it does NOT interfer with shifting. They have been doing this so long and make those brackets so specific, it tells me something on your end changed?

 

[rukowh]

I got the same console and the aussie style pvc mats for my 79' for christmas. I installed them last week and they look and fit perfect except for having the same problem you have. I was removing my shifter anyway to ease in the install of the mats so I heated it and bent it slightly. Then I sanded it down and primed and painted it. I considered moving the console holes but it was in a comfortable position and looked great like it was. I can always bend the shifter back later if I choose to go another route later but I don't see that happening. The shifter removal was easier than trying te re engineer that console mount. I found that the shifter would bend without heat but I wanted to adjust the angle of the existing bend opposed to adding a bend. I now have the charcoal tuff duck seat covers, the pvc floors, and the charcoal tuffy stereo console. They all match nearly perfect. I got the stereo console because I found that when I drive with the top off my cd player gets pluged with whatever sand and loose dirt is on the floor. I plan to use either a factory radio or a block off plate in the dash and put some kind of a screen or air filter in the open cavity under the radio in the console to keep dirt from blowing up from the bottom.

 

[Rick '79 FJ40]

I got the same console and the aussie style pvc mats for my 79' for christmas. I installed them last week and they look and fit perfect except for having the same problem you have. I was removing my shifter anyway to ease in the install of the mats so I heated it and bent it slightly. Then I sanded it down and primed and painted it. I considered moving the console holes but it was in a comfortable position and looked great like it was. I can always bend the shifter back later if I choose to go another route later but I don't see that happening. The shifter removal was easier than trying te re engineer that console mount. I found that the shifter would bend without heat but I wanted to adjust the angle of the existing bend opposed to adding a bend. I now have the charcoal tuff duck seat covers, the pvc floors, and the charcoal tuffy stereo console. They all match nearly perfect. I got the stereo console because I found that when I drive with the top off my cd player gets pluged with whatever sand and loose dirt is on the floor. I plan to use either a factory radio or a block off plate in the dash and put some kind of a screen or air filter in the open cavity under the radio in the console to keep dirt from blowing up from the bottom.

I guess brilliant minds think alike... I also have the Aussie floor mats in mins and they look good, too.

I may take your advice and change the bend in the shifter shaft. How do you remove the shifter? I think I heard that there is just some sort of nut holding it in once you remove the boot, but I've never looked under there to see what it looks like. Do you have to remove the "inner boot" from the transmission to do it? If so, how does that come off?

I wasn't looking forward to trying to modify the console mounting system to make it work like it is. I'm afraid it would be too far back to use as an armrest if I did, too.

I hadn't thought about putting a filter in the bottom of the stereo compartment before, but that sounds like a good idea.

Thanks for your help!

 

[RumBum]

I have an '82 (different setup I think) that I just put a tuffy console in with the same problem. R, 2nd, 4th = cracking my knuckles. I redrilled the holes about 1.5" forward of where there originally were. Everything is good now. For the price of the console & bracket, I thought that would have been figured out ahead of time.

 

[wantatlc]

I have an '82 (different setup I think) that I just put a tuffy console in with the same problem. R, 2nd, 4th = cracking my knuckles. I redrilled the holes about 1.5" forward of where there originally were. Everything is good now. For the price of the console & bracket, I thought that would have been figured out ahead of time.

again, assuming you both bought the correct bracket/mount, Tuffy has been doing this long enough and mkaing these consoles and specific brackets long enough, I suspect an aspect of your rig changed (like the shifter I noted in #2 above) and not a long standing flaw in their bracket/mount. I could stand to be corrected, but I suspect it is on the users end as new holes should not need to be created....

 

[Zoomie]

1979 FJ40 and Tuffy Console installation

Rick - I owned a '79 FJ40 and installed the same Tuffy console, and encountered the same problem you describe. I determined that the simplest solution was to remove the shift extension from the transmission, heat it at the bend with a propane torch, and bend the short section "up" [the section with the shift knob] about 10-15 degrees or so, just enough to grip the shift knob and shift into second and fourth gears without requiring surgery on the shift hand!
It took me three or four "heat-bend-reheat-bend-reheat-bend" cycles before I could bend the shifter enough to clear the front of the console, but it worked fine and was less obvious visually than moving the console farther back between the seats. I was extremely cautious when bending the shifter because I didn't want to break it, but if you take your time and go slowly it's not that hard to bend.

 

[blueflame]

I have a different console same problem, just put my foot against the shifter and made the appropriate bend I needed. Simple and quick. I am not much of a perfectionist though.

 

[RumBum]

again, assuming you both bought the correct bracket/mount, Tuffy has been doing this long enough and mkaing these consoles and specific brackets long enough, I suspect an aspect of your rig changed (like the shifter I noted in #2 above) and not a long standing flaw in their bracket/mount. I could stand to be corrected, but I suspect it is on the users end as new holes should not need to be created....

1 - Not too many choices in brackets or holes to bolt it to. I'll assume it was the right one sent to me.

2 - If my shifter was anything like the rest of my rig, it was very original (but not rusted through). It doesn't make sense that so many shifters were bent over the years by previous owners.

3 - User error can be ruled out because the brackets only line up with the holes they can bolt to.

Basically, the shifter cleared by such a small amount, it had to be designed that way. I think the real problem is the Tuffy boxes with the radio compartment on the front. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that design came out after the original box. From what I can tell, it's just added on at the factory. Again, if it were not for the radio compartment, clearance would not be an issue. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

 

[rukowh]

Removing the shifter isn't difficult. Just take off the boot and pull the dust boot off of the tranny. This will reveal a cad plated retainer that is spring loaded. Press down on the retainer while turning left. It only has to turn maybe a half inch or less. The shifter will lift right out. My 40 and 60 both are the same except the 60 was more stubborn. I think I pressed with two screwdrivers it a turning motion on the 60. I think you could bend it without removig it but you could possibly break it off in the tranny too. And for what its worth I know its the right bracket, I know the shifter is origional and it only fits one way...Its the Tuffy console.

 

[wantatlc]

I think the real problem is the Tuffy boxes with the radio compartment on the front. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that design came out after the original box. From what I can tell, it's just added on at the factory. Again, if it were not for the radio compartment, clearance would not be an issue. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

fair enough... not sure when that design came out, but it must be specific to the stero model and I did not originally read that is what you have as your post just said "I just put a tuffy console in" - so I stand corrected and see the issue now

(still could bend that shifter though )

 

[Rick '79 FJ40]

I appreciate all of the advice! At least I now know I'm not alone in this problem.

I ordered the bracket from CCOT and originally ordered the bracket that they (CCOT) designed for this application. When I got the bracket, it was the one for the 78 and earlier trucks. I asked them to send me the correct one and they told me that they no longer made their brand of bracket for the '79+. Seems like they would have indicated that on their web page or when I ordered it. Anyway, they sent me the correct Tuffy brand bracket and told me not to send the other one back. (If anyone needs one for a pre-79 model, let me know) I was afraid that I would get a hassle about returning it, I've had differing experiences with returning stuff to them, but they were very easy to deal with in this instance.

Anyway, to make a short story long, that's why I'm pretty sure I have the correct brackets. I originally installed the rear one backwards and the console was WAY too far forward, but figured that out pretty quickly.

I'll just have to try bending the shifter.

Thanks again for all of the help!

 

[FJResto]

I had the same problem with my CCOT console....I wanted a short throw shifter anyway, so i fixed the problem with my sawzall.....best of both worlds....I can shift into 2nd and 4th, and my console is great.

 

[evL MT]

Well I am glad I ran into this post. And a few like it... So I just got the 6-1/2" Tuffy Series II Security Console for my 78' FJ40. I opted for that over the 6-1/2" Deluxe Stereo Security Console for personal reasons. Anyhow I also got the proper Tuffy Mount, 73' to 78' - SKU #057. And low and behold I can't shift into 4th! Mind you my rig 100% stock. Anyhow the mount gives a person two bolting options, 1st bolt position 4th gear hits and 2nd gear would wipe out anything in the cup holder closest to the driver. 2nd bolt position, which moves the console towards the rear of the vehicle, 4th works but close, ones wrist is so bent it is aggravating, and 2nd gear wipes out anything in the cup holder closest to the driver if it is a bottle AND in 2nd bolt position it sits on top of the Rear Heater! As well bolted in 2nd position the use as an arm rest is not very good at all.

I was totally smoked and disappointed by this. I realize that yes I could go back just a few inches and drill all new holes, and thus barley clear the Shift Cane and Rear Heater. But that looks dumb, I loose arm rest real estate, and my wrist is very bent shifting to 4th gear. The box looks correct and just right in the 1st bolt position and thus uses the supplied larger bolts. This is where I want it, 1st bolt position.

So I am going to remove my Shift Cane and put the torch to it. I am going to bend it right at the factory bend and as a previous poster stated from what I have come up with on my gauge is 10 to 15 degrees should do it. This actually pans out in a way because I have been meaning to re-paint the Shift Cane anyway. And obviously, it will need a re-paint anyway after dancing with the gas-axe.

I posted this so that others may have a "heads-up" before they purchase their Tuffy Console. Granted the Tuffy Console is a rock solid item that can't be touched by others. I am very happy with the console itself. It is very well built as is the mounting bracket. A "must have" for your truck. But be forewarned, a modification will more than likely be required. I have read more about folks having to mod then the folks who had no problem. It's a great improvement for your truck none the less. Hopefully you will be one of the ones that doesn't have to mod the Shift Cane.

 

[antFJ]

Not sure this is good advice but I was able to bend mine without heat and didn't remove it from the vehicle

 

[evL MT]

Ya that's good antFJ, I have read elsewhere that bending by force in place is not a good idea. But good suggestion for those in a pinch. But... I would suggest if one has access to a torch, to take measurements, remove Shift Cane, make template, proceed, apply some fresh paint, install, add a girl behind passenger seat belt, put a couple of beers in the "cup" holders as now they won't shatter upon shifting, and head for the woods and shoot something.

By the way I left out another odd thing with the Tuffy "bolt" kit. They provide two M5 bolts with the Tuffy SKU# 057 Mount, 73' - 78', these bolts are for attaching the front of the mount to the bar that crosses between the two front seats. Well those two bolts are the common, found everywhere on your rig, M6 x 1.00, not M5... So as always, save your hardware.

 

[chuckost]

I have a 78 also. Sorry it's been a while since I put mine in but I didn't have any problems. I do have the one with the stereo holder though.

 

[fj401978]

Wow, what a clean and sharp looking '40! Great pics and write up, too!! Kudos!

Skip

 

[1911]

On my 1980, I didn't use the Tuffy supplied bracket(s), I drilled new holes in the bottom of my console to match the four original captured nuts that are in the tub for the stock plastic center tray. Then, I could position the Tuffy console forward or back as desired. I placed it just where it wouldn't interfere with the shifter cane. Has the added advantage of not drilling any more holes in the tub. I used some small nylon spacers under the Tuffy and some slightly longer bolts for the front two mounts to keep the console level. It's not as strong as the big Tuffy bolts but it's plenty strong enough for me - I'm not worried about someone trying to pry the Tuffy out.

 

[CHAS404]

Great write up guys. And I thought I was the only one!!! I have the 82 FJ43 which we added buckets too which I think may be from a 70 series. Not sure but they look wider. I went to use my Smittybuilt box (which is wider than Tuffy) and it is just too snug. I used a smitty on an 83 FJ40 with no issues just snug.

Now this Tuffy causing a hassle. Tuffy is much nicer quality at $275 vs the $100 smitty. but the smitty is nice too if you can get it to fit.

I will post my resolution soon with photos.

Here is the smittybuilt with recovered matching armest like I did on my 83 FJ40. if the truck was not for resale I would keep it this way but the drivers seat is all the way back for a tall driver (me). But alas the seat wont slide forward much. Shame looks good.