The '76 FJ40 not really a build thread (1 Viewer)

[CondeCruiser]

I'm starting this thread to document the maintenance and upkeep for my wife and I's '76. We went in halves on this truck a couple years ago. We bought it from some good friends to use as just a driver. The wife drives it way more than i do, that's for sure. That alone makes me happy. I feel fortunate to have a cruiser head for a wife. She loves them as much as I do.
We are going to be taking it on a trip to Asheville NC via the Blueridge Parkway on Memorial Day weekend. It's going to be a little over 800 miles round trip.
Got a list of stuff to get done and ready for that.
1) Rebuild the steering
2) Swap out 4.11 3rds for 3.70's
3) Install clutch
All the parts came today from Cruiser Outfitters and I got rained out at work so I got after a few things. First I replaced the worn out rag joint on the steering. I had a spare center link on the shelf so I tore It apart, cleaned it up, and rebuilt it. I will get the truck on the lift tomorrow (if it rains again) and change out the TRE's.

 

[CondeCruiser]

Wrapped up the steering today. Will be starting on the axles this weekend hopefully. I have to put a brake MC and booster in my buddy's CJ Saturday.
Also pulled the inspection cover on the trans. Flywheel and clutch seem dry but I went ahead and ordered a rear main seal. May as well do it when I pull the clutch.

 

[CondeCruiser]

This weekend I got back to getting this more comfortable for the wife to putt around in. Swapped out the OME springs for some Pro Comp 2.5" ones, and started on the mini truck power steering swap. I will finish the swap in the next couple days, then its on to putting a clutch in that I've had on the shelf for 10 months. New Bilsteins will be here this week from City Racer.

 

[Land Shark]

Very interested in the Bilstein / procomp combo as far as comfort

Nice looking rig!

 

[CondeCruiser]

Very interested in the Bilstein / procomp combo as far as comfort

Nice looking rig!

The Pro-Comp Bilstein combo is great. I had them on my 40. The ride is really nice. I went to a 4" Skyjacker on my 40 to gain some extra height and possibly going to 35's. Not sure yet. Unfortunately Pro-Comp stopped making the 40 series springs.
I will say that the Skyjackers ride really nice as well with the Bilsteins.

 

[Land Shark]

Awesome. Yeah I really need to do something with the suspension on my 40. The ride is soooo extreme

 

[CondeCruiser]

Been busy with work so the power steering finally got finished yesterday. The wife is grinning ear to ear. Much smoother ride and easy steering.

 

[CondeCruiser]

Gettin them groceries this morning. Talking with the better half, and I'm really considering pulling the body off and doing some repairs to the 10 year old "restoration " that was done on this. It's not terrible but it ain't great. Thinking Mustard. Maybe this winter.