Builds The Architect's '77 FJ40

[GA Architect]

Looks great covered up!!! Such a teaser! GA are you dropping the engine in yourself?

I'm in a quandary about that very question. Install the engine and new parts myself....OR.....I have a quote to have all items installed, but at the same time, have my entire frame (inside & out) and underside of my tub from the fire-wall back POR-15'd, as well as them installing my new Energy Suspension body mounts.

Roughly two to three weeks without my rig if I have the shop do all that work!

Just wait, I'm getting ready to post photos all the NEW items that will be installed: Engine, Radiator, Hoses, Hose Clamps, Thermostat, Thermostat housing, Valve Cover, Engine Mounts, Clutch, and the other stuff I've left of the list that I can't think about right now. I have a shipment coming in from Osaka any day now.
Being that I have so many new parts to install, I'm thinking a Professional should do the work....and not a Professional Architect!

 

[78fj40mg]

Three weeks sounds good to me, I've been working on mine for 6 months and don't even see the light yet, gee wiz, I don't even see the tunnel yet. Have the professionals do it and start enjoying the rig in three weeks.

 

[GA Architect]

GA, do you know what PETA actually stands for? People Eating Tasty Animals

Don

Don - I take it, when you break out the

, you don't grill up Tofu Burgers?.....What was the Movie with the line: "I'm not sure I can trust a man that doesn't eat red meat." ?

When I fire up my Yoder YS640, I'm smoking a full grate of either some Baby-Backs or a full Packer Brisket. Or both! As for my Weber Genesis, it is used for a mess of 3/4" Ribeyes or a cord of Kielbasa. - YUMMY

 

[78fj40mg]

I smoke pizza on my Traeger talking about yummy!

 

[GA Architect]

Three weeks sounds good to me, I've been working on mine for 6 months and don't even see the light yet, gee wiz, I don't even see the tunnel yet. Have the professionals do it and start enjoying the rig in three weeks.

Being it seems to be the rainy season here. As soon as it appears to clear up, I find myself just opening the basement garage, firing up the rig, backing it out and just puttering around the hood to get a fix....Once I get POR-15 on the chassis, rain/no rain I'm driving it!

 

[78fj40mg]

When you POR-15 a 40 it's like wearing a condom immune to rain and snow, great prophylactic as long as it doesn't break! Hey, did they start test your engine before delivery?

 

[GA Architect]

When you POR-15 a 40 it's like wearing a condom immune to rain and snow, great prophylactic as long as it doesn't break! Hey, did they start test your engine before delivery?

No they didn't start it, but did adjust the valves & check compression. It was actually in the compression test that necessitated a full new set of valves. These two guys know their stuff, ask Beno or ACC Toyota. All the engine work was done in their shop, and all new parts came from Beno. Do I have Confidence in the mechanist, HECK YA!

 

[78fj40mg]

No they didn't start it, but did adjust the valves & check compression. It was actually in the compression test that necessitated a full new set of valves. These two guys know their stuff, ask Beno or ACC Toyota. All the engine work was done in their shop, and all new parts came from Beno. Do I have Confidence in the mechanist, HECK YA!

It'll be nice driving with a brand new engine! I'm jealous.

 

[GA Architect]

It'll be nice driving with a brand new engine! I'm jealous.

No need to be jealous, break-out the Savings Bond and buy you one! 2F's may be cheap to buy used. But to have one built with Toyota parts and specs, uh, not so cheap.....Maybe two Savings Bonds will be needed?

Note: I'm a little under what I estimated on the engine rebuild. So I knew what I was getting into before I started.....If you don't know the cost, there will be STICKER SHOCK!

Tomorrow I have to make a trip to Harbor Freight and get a 2 ton crane hoist & leveler to get that sucker out of the back of my Tacoma.

 

[78fj40mg]

No need to be jealous, break-out the Savings Bond and buy you one! 2F's may be cheap to buy used. But to have one built with Toyota parts and specs, uh, no so cheap.....Maybe two Savings Bonds will be needed?

Note: I'm a little under what I estimated on the engine rebuild. So I knew what I was getting into before I started.....If you don't know the cost, there will be STICKER SHOCK!

Tomorrow I have to make a trip to Harbor Freight and get a 2 ton crane hoist & leveler to get that sucker out of the back of my Tacoma.

Sounds great, I'd love to see plenty of pics of your set up and engine. Are you pulling the old engine?

 

[GA Architect]

I'm going to tear down the original engine to see how it looks in there. In the mean time and over the next few years, I'm going to find the correct pistons for a '77, rebuild and probably reinstall it.......One of those slow build jobs.

 

[78fj40mg]

I'm going to tear down the original engine to see how it looks in there. In the mean time and over the next few years, I'm going to find the correct pistons for a '77, rebuild and probably reinstall it.......One of those slow build jobs.

Rebuilding your 2F is a great idea, I would do the same, the 2F seems to be an easy engine to rebuild no timing chains to deal with etc. You may want to consider buying an engine stand from HF since you'll be pulling the '77 2F.

 

[handcannon]

Don - I take it, when you break out the View attachment 1048482, you don't grill up Tofu Burgers?.....What was the Movie with the line: "I'm not sure I can trust a man that doesn't eat red meat." ?

When I fire up my Yoder YS640, I'm smoking a full grate of either some Baby-Backs or a full Packer Brisket. Or both! As for my Weber Genesis, it is used for a mess of 3/4" Ribeyes or a cord of Kielbasa. - YUMMY

You're right about the tofuoooie. We don't use a grill very much as those cuts of meat are too expensive for our budget. Although it doesn't happen very often what I really like is when my daughter uses the smoker and does up a smoked turkey, which she happens to be real good at.

I'm real interested in how things go for your motor swap, and all the other things you have planned. So, I'll be watching this thread closely.

Don

 

[ErikinSC]

i just ran compression numbers today on my 'rebuilt' 2F by the PO. 2F block with an 'F' head on it.... i had compression of 105 - 116 results. Really expected to be higher than that. what kind of numbers did you wind up with on yours?

 

[GA Architect]

i just ran compression numbers today on my 'rebuilt' 2F by the PO. 2F block with an 'F' head on it.... i had compression of 105 - 116 results. Reakky expected to be higher than that. what kind of numbers did you wind up with on yours?

In my euphoria, I forgot to ask!.....Obviously it is with-in spec, or it wouldn't be in my basement right now. I'll ask on Monday and report back.

 

[Anvil]

i just ran compression numbers today on my 'rebuilt' 2F by the PO. 2F block with an 'F' head on it.... i had compression of 105 - 116 results. Really expected to be higher than that. what kind of numbers did you wind up with on yours?

ErikinSC, I'm in the process of rebuilding a 79 2F utilizing a 74 F.5 head. I've read here on MUD to expect 180 - 195 compression numbers... this is what I'm shooting for... 9.0-9.5 compression.

GA, I may be driving through your area in June to attend a Fast Attack Submarine reunion in Charleston, SC. If I'm fortunate enough for this plan to materialize... Can I have a short ride in your 40? I'll buy lunch! I've never been in a fresh 2F rig.

 

[GA Architect]

ErikinSC, I'm in the process of rebuilding a 79 2F utilizing a 74 F.5 head. I've read here on MUD to expect 180 - 195 compression numbers... this is what I'm shooting for... 9.0-9.5 compression.

GA, I may be driving through your area in June to attend a Fast Attack Submarine reunion in Charleston, SC. If I'm fortunate enough for this plan to materialize... Can I have a short ride in your 40? I'll buy lunch! I've never been in a fresh 2F rig.

Iron - You let me know when you are coming thru, and I'll block off the afternoon. If it's nice out and you have a few hours to spare, we'll go wheel it!

Here is what I got today, put it together, and my 2F is out of the Tacoma's truck bed and safe and sound in my basement!

Here are some new items waiting for the install:

Yep, I've got a Vintage Air Bracket in that photo. The CCOT AC/Alt brackets just don't seem to align very well, thus the 15465-VTB bracket install.....At my office, I have my OEM radiator, thermostat housing, Kyosan fuel pump and LUK clutch kit.

 

[78fj40mg]

GAA looking good! Is that a two ton engine lift?

 

[GA Architect]

GAA looking good! Is that a two ton engine lift?

Yep, a Two Ton Tessy! Lifted that sucker up with no issues on the 1 Ton pin.

 

[Weber Sarge]

I was hoping for a pic of the Taco sagging with that lump in the back of it - their springs are not from the same lineage as a Cruiser for sure , mine bottoms out with around 350lbs in it ....
Sarge