Builds Rootbeer Float my FJ140 Build Thread (1 Viewer)

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ceylonfj40nut

Waiting for Barn Time
SILVER Star
Joined
Jan 11, 2015
Threads
170
Messages
5,635
Location
TX
I have been meaning to start a build thread since 2017 when we got her. There have been a few distractions with my boys projects that have slowed the start.

The fam made an adventure out of it to fly to Nanaimo, BC to pick it up and drive it back to Texas. We drove in the winter through Yellowstone and made it to TX with a water pump glitch that was sorted out in Missoula Montana.

Details:
1986 build date
2H diesel LHD
A440 automatic
Splitcase
Semi float rear
OME lift
BFG all terrain 33X10.5x15
I added 4Plus 8274 winch front bumper and rear bumper (3 gas can capacity)

I can’t take credit for the current name. That goes to @thatcabledude. Original name was Rootbeer. It is getting a full float 80 series as you read later on. Hence Rootbeer float.
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The distractions with my boys are documented here

 
Rootbeer float sat waiting while we got through some of the boys projects.

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It’s been driven while waiting it’s turn. It’s got an crusty rear frame. @4Cruisers was selling a fj62 body and frame. @CenTXFJ60 wanted the body. I wanted the frame. We did that in @CenTXFJ60’s magic barn in 2018!!!!!

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@Cowboy45 was daily driving Rootbeer float to school for over a year. One evening his feedback to me was he was hearing a “thud thud” noise. Look to see that rear shock tower had separated from the frame. Nothing to weld on but Swiss cheese. This accelerated the need to get on it.
 
Current plan

Separate body from frame
Switch drive train to new fj62 frame
Replace a440 with h55f
Install manual transmission pedal bucket
Install new transmission cross member
Install fj62 boots
Get new Tom wood driveshafts
Reseal transfer case
Do trail tailor front and rear coil conversion
Rebuild and install 80 series locked axles
Convert 24v to 12v system using fj60 wiring harness
Put body back on

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Good story. I’m just outside of Nanimo BC right now, there are a good number of cruisers here.

Questions:

Do all Canadian diesel cruisers have semi floating rear axles? Or is that a unique feature of your HJ?

Why did you swap a 62 frame, is there a good advantage besides more ridged? What is the exact differences?
 
Good story. I’m just outside of Nanimo BC right now, there are a good number of cruisers here.

Questions:

Do all Canadian diesel cruisers have semi floating rear axles? Or is that a unique feature of your HJ?

Why did you swap a 62 frame, is there a good advantage besides more ridged? What is the exact differences?
Not all Canadian cruisers came with semi floats. Some did have full floats. Especially HJ61s.

More rigid frame. Fits FJ60 bodies with minor tweaks. Rear cross member mainly. I will be taking this out to put the 4 plus bumper.

Do you know Jim Johnson in Nanaimo? This was his rig. I bought it from him.
 
Good story. I’m just outside of Nanimo BC right now, there are a good number of cruisers here.

Questions:

Do all Canadian diesel cruisers have semi floating rear axles? Or is that a unique feature of your HJ?

Why did you swap a 62 frame, is there a good advantage besides more ridged? What is the exact differences?
1. All US spec fj60/62 came with semi float rears. Some foreign market specs received FF option and Canadian Hj61.

2. 62 frame is a bit beefier as far as shock and spring mounts are concerned. Trans crossmember is set farther back for the auto. Also different offset for 3fe engine mounts.
 
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Hey CD!
Do you know the paint code for this 60? Beautiful btw!!!
Gabe and I have been curious about the color on ours and found 4E8, beige metallic. Curious if this is the color on yours.
Gabe does not like the name beige metallic, lol. But it is what it is. 🤪
 
Hey CD!
Do you know the paint code for this 60? Beautiful btw!!!
Gabe and I have been curious about the color on ours and found 4E8, beige metallic. Curious if this is the color on yours.
Gabe does not like the name beige metallic, lol. But it is what it is. 🤪
4E8 it is!!!
 
Not all Canadian cruisers came with semi floats. Some did have full floats. Especially HJ61s.

More rigid frame. Fits FJ60 bodies with minor tweaks. Rear cross member mainly. I will be taking this out to put the 4 plus bumper.

Do you know Jim Johnson in Nanaimo? This was his rig. I bought it from him.
Don’t know a Jim Johnson, must be a cool guy though if he has cruisers.
 
Picking this up tomorrow. 1997 fzj80 frame. Decided to take a different direction. Shortening this to go under Rootbeer.

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That’s going to be a lot of work. Are you going to use the coils too?
 
That’s going to be a lot of work. Are you going to use the coils too?
It’s going to be either way. Using all coils. In it for a challenge and learning. Want an upgrade with TEQ parts. The 80 frame is stout. It would be a whole lot more work if I had body work and other resto which I don’t. Prefer the 80 rear coil option compared to what else is out there. I also like keeping the keeping 80 rear axle as is and using the factory uppers and lowers. Most say 80% of benefit of this mod is got from the front coil conversion. I get that. I like the rear coils. Got a free full float rear axle in the deal which gets me the frame for free.
 
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Just add a turbo and you have a clone of McGuire’s 60. Which is sweet
 
I am toying with the darkside!!! Getting places fast appeals to me.
 

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