Introduction.
Most guys give their rig a name. Mine is "Milli." No, it's not named after my mom, or some ex-girlfriend. My late wife gave it that name. In the summer, after it starts raining, the millipides come out. The millipide is a worm-looking thing with lots of legs. It's a slow moving crawling animal, like most Land Cruisers. The name stuck.
This project started in September 2003. I had been looking for a FJ40 project for several years. Word went around the club that there was a possible candidate in Edgewood, about an hour east of Albuquerque. Long story short, I bought the truck for $800 and dragged it home. It was later described as a "basketcase" and for the majority of the build it was known as Project Basketcase. It really was. The engine was a 2F from a 1978 with a Rochester 2 barrel carburator and 1969 manifolds. Mice, or rats, had taken up residence between the junkyard bucket seats. The 33" tires were rotten, but the rims were later cleaned up and powder coated. It had rust in all the usual places ... rear quarters, rockers, and the rear sill was gone. Nothing there. The truck was originally a Capri Blue color, but had been rattle canned black. The truck had also historically been on its side, maybe more than once. In general though, the body and frame were in good condition considering the truck's age.
As with any project I had grand asperations. None of which included a fuel injected engine. That is another story. I started out making a list of what I wanted to do. This was followed by a budget. Well, we all know what happens to budgets on projects like this. It hit the trash can fast as the project grew, and grew, and grew. There were two objectives I didn't deviate from. First, keep the truck as Toyota as possible. Second, retain the classic look of this vintage, making a few additions to improve safety, or just 'cuz. I didn't want to hack this LC up into an unrecognizable trail monster.
In a nut shell
Most guys give their rig a name. Mine is "Milli." No, it's not named after my mom, or some ex-girlfriend. My late wife gave it that name. In the summer, after it starts raining, the millipides come out. The millipide is a worm-looking thing with lots of legs. It's a slow moving crawling animal, like most Land Cruisers. The name stuck.
This project started in September 2003. I had been looking for a FJ40 project for several years. Word went around the club that there was a possible candidate in Edgewood, about an hour east of Albuquerque. Long story short, I bought the truck for $800 and dragged it home. It was later described as a "basketcase" and for the majority of the build it was known as Project Basketcase. It really was. The engine was a 2F from a 1978 with a Rochester 2 barrel carburator and 1969 manifolds. Mice, or rats, had taken up residence between the junkyard bucket seats. The 33" tires were rotten, but the rims were later cleaned up and powder coated. It had rust in all the usual places ... rear quarters, rockers, and the rear sill was gone. Nothing there. The truck was originally a Capri Blue color, but had been rattle canned black. The truck had also historically been on its side, maybe more than once. In general though, the body and frame were in good condition considering the truck's age.
As with any project I had grand asperations. None of which included a fuel injected engine. That is another story. I started out making a list of what I wanted to do. This was followed by a budget. Well, we all know what happens to budgets on projects like this. It hit the trash can fast as the project grew, and grew, and grew. There were two objectives I didn't deviate from. First, keep the truck as Toyota as possible. Second, retain the classic look of this vintage, making a few additions to improve safety, or just 'cuz. I didn't want to hack this LC up into an unrecognizable trail monster.
In a nut shell
- July 1969 FJ40, though only the axle housings, sheet metal and frame are left from 1969.
- 35x12.50-15 Goodyear MT/R tires on black steel rims.
- Four wheel disk brakes.
- Front diff: 4.10 geared in factory FZJ80 electric locker.
- Rear diff: 4.11 fine spline gears. No-Slip lunch box locker. I want an ARB.
- Steering arms from Luke at 4x4 Labs.
- Drag-link and tie-rod are DOM from Marlin with FZJ80 rod ends.
- Spring over axle conversion.
- Knuckle cut and turn on front axle by Proffitt's Cruisers.
- Shackle reversal in front.
- Springs from Alcan.
- Bumpers and sliders are garage built. I really need a winch.
- Split transfer case from 1986 FJ60, rebuilt and regeared with Mark's 3:1 low range gears.
- H55F 5-speed transmission.
- 3FE Stroker (2FE) engine built by Tim Jenkins at DOA Racing.
- 22 gallon gas tank from Northwest Metal Products
- Wire harness from Centech and built using Weather Pack connectors.
Pic as received
Pic as it sat at the top of Elephant Hill last month
Pic as it sat at the top of Elephant Hill last month
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