Reverse Jerry-Rigging a 1973 FJ40 to operation

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@JohnVee it has the 4" rough country lift with shackles, around 5"-6" total lift. I think I'm going to order spacers to eliminate the tire rub and give it a wider width because it is so tall. I tried to find a grade 8 bolt to be on the safe side but couldn't track down a grade 8 carriage bolt. This bolt doesn't actually support anything though, it's just the spring clamp which is pinned onto the leafs and this bolt just holds it there. I'm actually going to try and replace the clamp with another one I think I have that doesn't stick up.
 
Why don't you adjust the wheel stops, so the tires don't hit the springs. The bolts in the clamp limit how far the leaves can separate when the suspension flexes. You should leave the clamp in place, they help keep the leaves in alignment. I removed the bolts so I could possibly get more flex when on the trail.
 
@pb4ugo I was wondering what purpose the cosmos served and that makes sense, I'll probably round off the corners of the clamps with a grinder and replace theat bolt with a carriage bolt for now. Are the wheel stops just those bolts that stick out around like a loop of metal if I recal correctly?
 
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Is this the stop?
 
Hitting the springs means your wheels do not have enough back spacing. If I remember correctly, the backspacing should be 3 1/2". Check your wheels to see what they are. I have a set of unused 1/4" spacers you can have if that will help
 
I believe our tires run because they are so oversized, but I'm not sure of the backspacing. To measure do I just measure from the inside rim to the center? @David1947
 
Place a straight edge across the wheel at the rim and measure to the back side of the wheel. Your tires are no larger than mine and I do not have a rub issue.

If I remember correctly, didn't your have the steering horns altered by a PO?
 
Oh, I thought you only had 31s, these are 35x12.50r15s. And it does appear that the steering arms have been altered, they appear to have been bent, the only reason I can see for that is to clear the wheels. @David1947
 
They were bent because some numb nuts PO had no idea what they were doing. As Mark tried to explain to you, the steering geometry with the bent steering arms is skewed and dangerous. Most likely the PO found a set of wheels that would fit but rubbed to TRE so they thought it would be a good idea to heat and bend the arms out of the way. You need to find a set of steering arms PRONTO before you have a major problem. Then you can find a decent set of wheels that fit properly. BTW The wheels need to clear the TRE and not the other way around.
 
We are going to get new steering arms ASAP, I'm hoping to find some local. If not I will order some from Mark. And what is the TRE? @David1947
 
Tie Rod End. 4" is to much which is why the bozo PO bent the steering arms. Don't wast time with the steering arms. I believe you are on borrowed time with the ones you have.
 
I'm going to call Mark tomorrow and see if he has steering arms still, hopefully he does and I'll place an order.
 
Just remembered I have to not only get steering arms, but redo most of the steering because nothing will fit because it had to be shortened because of the arms before.
 
David70FJ40 said:
Better to do it now than after the steering gives up and you find yourself in a bigger mess.
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Since replacing the steering arms means we have to buy new steering components anyways, we are going to do power steering at the same time. The plan is to use an FJ60 power steering box with a saginaw pump (thanks for the idea @GLTHFJ60 ). Did either of yall rebuild your 60 boxes before installing them or just bolt em on like the sat?
 
I did that in my 40. Got a rebuilt steering box and a Saginaw pump. The tie rod came from RareParts.com. If you order from them or BudBuilt.com let me know and I will give you the measurements since it will be a custom build. BudBuilt.com is near Hickory and is a little cheaper but has a high reputation for quality. Go to IronPigOffRoad.com, under the steering tab you will find the mounting template for the steering box. Will make mounting easier and in the correct position. Come look at mine if you want to see the installation up close and personal.
 
@David1947 I will probably need those measurements. Did you use your factory 40 column or did you swap it for an 55 column? I definitely want to check it out in person.
 
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