Builds Ryan’s 40 AKA "Bandit"

[rfitzpatrick]

Got the inspection done yesterday. Nothing I wasn’t expecting from a 51 year old truck. Here’s the list of urgent needs based on their assessment:

1. Leak near main seal
2. Brake fluid tests at 100 parts per million of Copper. This indicates moderate breakdown of the brake fluid and internal corrosion of the brake components may be beginning.
3. Left front brake shoes loose. Front and rear need cleaned and adjusted
4. Leaf spring bushings badly deteriorated
5. All tie rod ends loose. Steering idler loose. Steering gear has internal play. Recommended to replace TREs, steering idler, and steering gear
6. Replace both front axle seals. Transfer case rear output seal.
7. Clutch chatter starting from stop
8. Fluids in front & rear diff are black and need replaced
9. Loud bearing noise from rear when driving. Excessive lash in differential pinion. Fluid is black. Recommended to overhaul rear diff.

I already have new TRE’s ready for install but need to find the other steering components. This was my biggest concern as explained above.

As for the brakes - I’m leaning toward doing a front disc swap instead. I found a FJ60 front axle. The guy wants $300 - is that a good price for one? How challenging is the swap? And do some guys only swap the front brakes or do you generally do both front and rear?

I’m calling around to some 4x4 shops about the list. I can do some of this work but I’m running out of time as I have to go back to work soon.

 

[OlYellr]

I have been rebuilding these boxes for over 30 years, and can possibly help you with yours.

I sent mine to Mark - glad I did.

Also the center arm rebuild helped mine too -

one source for the kit

there is a video on youtube on how to do the center arm yourself. Rented the tools from O'Riley to pull it apart (removing the center arm from box that is - then the next most involved part was cleaning it to make it purdy. The actual rebuild was rather quick. Yet, if you are paying someone for the TRE, they might as well do the center arm.

Also - there is a spec somewhere about normal steering wheel play/slop - I can't find it quickly to post here - maybe an inch or something like that with the steering wheel.

One thing I am looking at/researching for "drivability" is increasing the caster - stock is 1 degree - looking at some shims for the front to increase the angle - think of the front wheels of a shopping cart. pro/con stage for me right now.

Congratulations!

 

[rfitzpatrick]

I found a local guy parting out an 85 FJ60. I’m going to grab the front axle so I can do a disc brake conversion. He thinks he may also have the power steering box and pump. What else should I look at grabbing if I can?

Edit: Seller is asking $450 for complete front axle, PS pump, and PS box. Is that a fair price?

 

[pb4ugo]

Imo, that sounds fair. I always try to make an offer, but it's reasonable. The 60 box reqiures some welding to mount it to the inside of the frame inside the engine compartment. I think it's a better, cleaner setup than the sag box out frt. I'd want to get the pitman arm, pump brackets, tie rods, along with the hoses, if possible. I've not done the 60 swap but I've done a couple of scout ps setups which is similar. Idk, Maybe the steering shaft from the box and column.

 

[rfitzpatrick]

I found a local guy parting out an 85 FJ60. I’m going to grab the front axle so I can do a disc brake conversion. He thinks he may also have the power steering box and pump. What else should I look at grabbing if I can?

Edit: Seller is asking $450 for complete front axle, PS pump, and PS box. Is that a fair price?

The guy who is parting this out posted it on Craigslist an hour away from me. However, it turns out he's located in the souther part of the state. Unfortunately, I don't have time to make a 6 hour round-trip drive to pick up the parts right now so I'm going to focus on rebuilding the drum brakes for now.

 

[rfitzpatrick]

Not much going on with the 40 at the moment. I’ve received new tie rod ends, front axle rebuilt kit, and a center arm rebuild kit. I’m leaving town this week, so I won’t be able to get started on those projects for about another week or so. I’m really looking forward to getting the steering sorted out. After that I plan on upgrading the suspension and getting new tires so I can enjoy it for a while.

 

[rfitzpatrick]

Finally getting some work done on the 40. I started tearing down the front knuckles today. Removing the drum brakes was the hardest part so far.

 

[rfitzpatrick]

I ordered new soft brake lines but I'm having a helluva time removing the old ones. I am using flare nut wrenches in case anyone is asking. Any tips/tricks?

On a related note, I don't think the new lines I bought came with new crush washers. What size do I need? Are they something I might be able to find locally?

 

[rfitzpatrick]

Another question - what do you all recommend using to clean up the machined surfaces on my knuckle parts?

 

[mattressking]

I'm going to save you a lot of time and relying on other people.

Use the FSM. Every question and more is covered in detail. Use the Chassis/Body for truck, F manual for engine.

Cruisercult.com

Then learn to use partsouq.com and read the parts fiches. You'll be able to learn what your truck was equipped with from the factory.

 

[pb4ugo]

Washers are available at any auto parts store. Clean up with a scrapers, razor blades, wire brushes and maybe Scotch Brite pads.

 

[igotta40]

Nice truck. That engine bay looks just like my old 1971.

 

[rfitzpatrick]

I'm going to save you a lot of time and relying on other people.

Use the FSM. Every question and more is covered in detail. Use the Chassis/Body for truck, F manual for engine.

Cruisercult.com

Then learn to use partsouq.com and read the parts fiches. You'll be able to learn what your truck was equipped with from the factory.

Awesome. Thanks!

 

[rfitzpatrick]

For the life of me, I can’t seem to get one of the cylinders out of the back plate. I’ve sprayed it with pb blaster and tried hitting it out with a punch, but no luck. This thing is stuck tight!

 

[rfitzpatrick]

Well, I feel like an idiot. I got the cylinder removed. I just had to remove one last bolt from the cylinder

 

[120mm]

Well, I feel like an idiot. I got the cylinder removed. I just had to remove one last bolt from the cylinder

You aren't the first one....

Finally getting some work done on the 40. I started tearing down the front knuckles today. Removing the drum brakes was the hardest part so far.View attachment 3393574

Be advised the front spring should be on the inside of the brake shoe. All your brakes are probably like this. It does make a difference.

These brakes actually work well, provided due diligence is observed when assembling them.

 

[rfitzpatrick]

You aren't the first one....

Be advised the front spring should be on the inside of the brake shoe. All your brakes are probably like this. It does make a difference.

These brakes actually work well, provided due diligence is observed when assembling them.

Noted on the springs. Thank you!

 

[120mm]

Here's a helpful diagram.

 

[rfitzpatrick]

Got up early Saturday morning to drive 2.5 hours down to the Cruisers and Coffee event at Redline Land Cruisers in Colorado Springs. Saw some pretty sweet rigs there!

 

[rfitzpatrick]

Also put in some time on my 40. Parts are all pretty much cleaned and got a good coat of POR-15 on. I'm going to sand down my knuckles just a little more before I start reassembling everything.

I also got the center arm rebuilt. Threading in that top cap was a pain! Finally got it after about 15 minutes of struggling. Next up is tie rod ends!