Builds SLOW 71 (1 Viewer)

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Here's a picture of the skid plate, you can see where the bumper took some hits at Moab. My azz was sagging pretty bad, I've since added two leaves to rear spring pack, hoping she won't drag as much.

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Dang my old original springs look perfectly flat compared to yours pictured above. :hillbilly::hillbilly:
That's definitely on the list for 2017....
 
One to add to the list of summer trips.

NookShneer,

Read through all the pages, sounds like it's going to be fun. I'm still thinking about CruiseMoab in May, so not sure if we want to go back out west three times this year. I'll run it by the co-pilot.
 
I'm trying to get @xtiaan2000 to go and bring his FJ55, it would be cool to see your rig in person.


NookShneer,

Read through all the pages, sounds like it's going to be fun. I'm still thinking about CruiseMoab in May, so not sure if we want to go back out west three times this year. I'll run it by the co-pilot.
 
While waiting for my FF Diamond axle to be built, I took the SF axle apart. Ever since I got a case of stretchy nuts, the rear axle has been making noise. I found one of the problems today. These are Poly Performance axles and I don't know the chain of events that led to this failure, but here it is. I'm going to take the pumpkin to a pro to check everything and replace what's bad.

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Hi Ron,
The chain of events leading to the axle failure is that you bought them from Poly Performance and then installed them in your rig. You aren't the first to see this ugly mess as just about anyone who bought the PP junk has had the same experience, me included. Best thing to do is chuck both of them and go back to stock whether semi or full floater. A little searching here will net you others' stories of how badly the PP axles "performed".
Hope to see you at Cruise Moab for the 20th Anniversary event this coming May.
 
Hey Steve,

Good to hear from you! I have heard about the failures, but after I had bought mine, my kind of luck. I decided to bite the bullet and buy a FF axle from Diamond Axles with disc brakes that matches the 60 front axle. It has the RVC shafts, so hopefully no more trail holdups.

We're going to try and make it out there again. It's an easy sell with my wife, she walks around all Winter with her duffel bag in one hand and a map in the other. She really had a good time with all you guys!

Thanks for looking in,
 
Hi Ron
I just spent the last few days reading through your thread, what an amazing job you've done on your Fj55. This will be a very helpfull resource, I plan to do something similar to your build. I hope you don't mind if i ask for a bit of advice, my truck had a 350 chev in it which has since been removed Im wondering weither i should put a 350 back in<should be pretty simple or look at something more modern like an Ls1 (they are pretty common here in NewZealand) for better reliability fuel economy.
I saw you had a few problems installing the vortec engine with the clearance of the oil pan. Would a body lift help? I have standard fj55 axels with fj60 disc brakes.
Im also looking at installing OME suspension that might give me a bit more clearance, how do your OME springs ride?
Did all your sound deadening make a big difference how noisy is it inside the cab?
i hope im not bpthering you with all these questions.
 
Bothering...heck no, I love this stuff. If you're for sure staying with a Chevy motor, then get the newer LS1 motor. I had a 327 in my old FJ40 and the LS motor is day and night different. What transmission do you have or planning to get? The oil pan is a big problem, I avoided it with FJ60 axles, which are 3" wider moving the pumpkin over a bit and the right pan with the right amount of lift. The OME springs give it @ 2 to 3 inch lift and I also used a 1 inch body lift, giving me some room at the top to raise the motor some. Use the right length bump stops and you will be good. I can't say with the 55 axle if you'll have problems there. Most guys do the SOA , but I tried to stay closer to the ground.

The ride is fine for me, I'm a truck guy and really don't notice any harshness from the springs. All the sound deadening and bedliner products I used has worked great. My wife and I can talk and listen to the radio while driving, much better.

There's a bunch of guys on here that can help you set it up, when you're ready introduce yourself and the wagon to the group, don't forget the pictures, we love pictures! :)
 
Thanks Ron Im thinking I might even go for a 2UZ FE with transmission out of an LX470 the japanese stuff is pretty easy to get here
Im not sure how it will fit, I'll do a search and see if anyone has put one into an FJ55.

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Alright, the housing and parts started showing up Friday. It's an amazing housing, way overkill for me, but I'll never break it.

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I've been doing a lot of small jobs while waiting, more importantly got the on board shower done, we'll try it out at the Pig Party.

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One thing I wanted is to name the pig after my Dad's old Willys Wagon "MUD HEN" so the name is on the dash now.

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Christiaan,
Yes , the whole thing, 4Runner brakes on a 60 hub and flange, RCV axle shafts. The axle was custom cut to match the 60 front.

Hey Bob,
I can't help it I'm cool! :) That 3 wheeler won't die. I bought it used in the early nineties and use it everyday to feel the animals or go to the mail box. I guess you could call it my DD.
 
Hey Bob,
I can't help it I'm cool! :) That 3 wheeler won't die. I bought it used in the early nineties and use it everyday to feel the animals or go to the mail box. I guess you could call it my DD.[/QUOTE]

And how do your animals feel? :D
 
And how do your animals feel? :D

Steve,

Took me all week, but finally seen what I did there, :doh: FEED not FEEL. Mid March is birthing season and I do get touchy feely if they need help, a lot of sleepless nights. See you in Moab!
 
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