Builds Salted Pork fj55 family wagon build (14 Viewers)

[Roastchestnuts]

Alright yesterday I asked my wife to turn the steering wheel back and fourth so I can inspect the steering components. Looks Like I have some play in the center arm. It certainly needs rebuilt. I deem it not safe over 45mph with the way it is.
I have a spare one that seems to be in much better shape possibly has been rebuilt. but there is a catch. I think the one I have is from an fj40. I never used it because it was for a later fj40 than I had. I think a 1972. The center part of the component looks the same. The arm might be different? (Ill post some pictures after work.) Are they the same or can I not use it?

There are a few other components I am going to replace too.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Finally we had some sunshine here! My wife and I went to the beach afterwork yesterday and I brought the family wagon! I am surprised how well it does out there with very basic bias ply tires that are aired up! anyways It was awesome to use it for a test run for a beach day! this thing is going to be perfect for us!

 

[Roastchestnuts]

I have a fj55 specific question. My fj55 came with a header. its the header you see for the 2f engines everywhere very basic. Looks like this one - Pardon Our Interruption... - https://www.ebay.com/itm/123914455627 My question is are there fit issues with fj55s and headers? I have thought off and on about installing the header especially since I already own it but it might be more trouble than its worth. I just know my exhaust manifold is not in tip top shape and I do have a header...

 

[charliemeyer007]

The cast iron manifold on my 72 FJ40 cracked in half. I couldn't find another one (cheap), then someone gave me a used header for free. My PO told me to run 2 man-a-fre header gaskets. My dad and I planned the manifolds on a big sheet of glass with sandpaper. I made custom step washers for the bolts to fix the flange thickness difference (1/4"). Made longer studs and used stainless steel nuts. I soaked the gaskets in warm water for 1/2 an hour. I torqued in sequence by 1/3. After I ran it for like 15 min I let it cool down and torqued again at 100%. I have ran those manifolds on at least 2 engines and have been on/off at least 3 times. I'm on the second set of manny gaskets. They have never failed in use and it was my daily driver for many years. It did sit for like 10 years when I got sick, and the clutch was out, brakes were bad. It my car now and I don't drive daily. Clutch and brakes are fixed, so is the dizzy.

Oh and later I built a fluid heat riser to prevent carburetor ice forming on the climb to Hilltop - works great - copied the manny unit.