Builds "The Milk Truck" FJ45 Preservation Sorta (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Tank5
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Tank5
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- Thread starter
- #323
I have been working on the floor of the cab. I removed the supports under it which I will have to replace with some new modified supports.
One of the previous owners had already taken a torch and welder to it to add a support from another land cruiser. The floor was warped already and had some weld boogers, so I cut as much of that out to get as clean a slate as I could.
Initially my plan was to modify the floor so that it would raise up above the transfer case for clearance. I spent a decent amount of to making the pictured raised hump which is about 4-5 inches tall. I was fitting in place when I changed my mind and decided to keep the floor flat. I will add the hump or something similar to the cover for clearance.
After changing my mind I went to work rebuilding the floor. I made the new opening long enough that I could pull the transmission without having to pull the engine. Building or modifying the tunnel cover is going to be fun. I still have some finishing work to do but I was tired of grinding. Here is where I ended the day.
Edit: I set the cab back on the chassis after shaping the transmission to make sure it cleared where it was supposed to. The fit is good.
One of the previous owners had already taken a torch and welder to it to add a support from another land cruiser. The floor was warped already and had some weld boogers, so I cut as much of that out to get as clean a slate as I could.
Initially my plan was to modify the floor so that it would raise up above the transfer case for clearance. I spent a decent amount of to making the pictured raised hump which is about 4-5 inches tall. I was fitting in place when I changed my mind and decided to keep the floor flat. I will add the hump or something similar to the cover for clearance.
After changing my mind I went to work rebuilding the floor. I made the new opening long enough that I could pull the transmission without having to pull the engine. Building or modifying the tunnel cover is going to be fun. I still have some finishing work to do but I was tired of grinding. Here is where I ended the day.
Edit: I set the cab back on the chassis after shaping the transmission to make sure it cleared where it was supposed to. The fit is good.
Last edited:
Were the footman loops, under the driver seat, from the factory? I guess that I never considered how a 45 driver's seat can't rotate back, and the tools wouldn't be in a flip lid box? Do you know where the jack and the tool roll would originally go?
Tank5
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- Thread starter
- #325
The footman loops are stock as far as I know. The jack would have been secured in a clamshell strap type mount under the seat. I don’t have the mount that would have been bolted to the floor. I don’t know for sure how the tool roll would been secured. I will have research that.
Tank5
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- Thread starter
- #326
I worked on fitting the steering column today. I am using the column from the 4runner I parted out for my harness. The column is nice it has a tilt feature and is adjustable front to back. To fit it I had to cut a bunch of brackets off the column, modify the lower edge of the dash to clear the adjusting leaver as well as modify one of the mounts on the pedal bracket.
I borrowed an idea from @2fpower on his Vera build and used a 2 piece collar to mount the column to the pedal bracket. I made an arched strap to connect the upper portion of the collar to the pedal bracket.
I feel like I lucked out again and was able to use an 80 series steering shaft with a second 80 series steering joint to connect to the steering column without any modifications. It is tight fit running the linkage between the engine, headers, and shock towers but it fit perfectly.
I borrowed an idea from @2fpower on his Vera build and used a 2 piece collar to mount the column to the pedal bracket. I made an arched strap to connect the upper portion of the collar to the pedal bracket.
I feel like I lucked out again and was able to use an 80 series steering shaft with a second 80 series steering joint to connect to the steering column without any modifications. It is tight fit running the linkage between the engine, headers, and shock towers but it fit perfectly.
Tank5
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- Thread starter
- #327
I am adding some GM steel to the project.
I started working on the transmission cover. I had thought through several different approaches for this part. I really wanted to try and keep the cover looking like it had some resemblance to a factory piece. In my mind that meant keeping some curves and factory like formed shape to it rather than something stitched together with a bunch of square angles.
I went shopping at one of the local scrap yards and picked up two tunnel covers from a 1980s model suburban and a square body pickup. I wasn’t sure they would work but they had very similar lines and they were cheap enough it was worth the gamble. The hacked up two part blue cover pieces are what came in the 45. They almost look like scrap and I had to go pull them back out of my scrap pile. It turns out there is enough left to build a cover with. This is what I am starting with.
I trimmed the edges and tacked the rear and middle sections together. The two pieces had the same profile and lined up perfectly. I like we’re this going.
I was pleasantly surprised that it looks like the t-case shifter lines up perfectly under the stock cover opening. I may use it in the location if it works with where I decide to mount the shifter.
I started working on the transmission cover. I had thought through several different approaches for this part. I really wanted to try and keep the cover looking like it had some resemblance to a factory piece. In my mind that meant keeping some curves and factory like formed shape to it rather than something stitched together with a bunch of square angles.
I went shopping at one of the local scrap yards and picked up two tunnel covers from a 1980s model suburban and a square body pickup. I wasn’t sure they would work but they had very similar lines and they were cheap enough it was worth the gamble. The hacked up two part blue cover pieces are what came in the 45. They almost look like scrap and I had to go pull them back out of my scrap pile. It turns out there is enough left to build a cover with. This is what I am starting with.
I trimmed the edges and tacked the rear and middle sections together. The two pieces had the same profile and lined up perfectly. I like we’re this going.
I was pleasantly surprised that it looks like the t-case shifter lines up perfectly under the stock cover opening. I may use it in the location if it works with where I decide to mount the shifter.
2fpower
SILVER Star
That really looks amazing with the GM parts. One thought while you are at this stage. I always felt that the space on the driver footwell was small, and with the different tranny setup, you should have a bunch of room there -- anyway, I moved this section over a couple inches and will make the accelerator mounting much easier.
Tank5
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- Thread starter
- #329
Thanks for the kind words and idea, I had not considered that as an option but I will. The drive by wire pedal allows me to place it wherever I want, so I hope I can do it with out having to modify the tunnel cover. I am also considering modifying the brake pedal since I don’t have a clutch pedal.
Tank5
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- Thread starter
- #330
I have been working the transmission cover and that little part that covers the center diff. lock took some work and some head scratching. I had considered two other options before arriving at what is pictured. I still have to do some finish work on it and add the mounting flange around the bottom. I happy with how it has turned out to this point.
Really nice blending and fab work there. Inspirational. Can’t wait to see the final draft.
You think you are going to make SAS?
Tank5
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- Thread starter
- #334
Unfortunately I am not going to make it. After injuring my knee I had to slow down on the long late nights working in the garage. After falling off the pace I realized I wouldn't be able to get it together enough for the trip. I really have to focus on getting my knee fixed for work and the soonest appointment I could get with the specialist is August 5th. The knee is my priority, so I am not going to make it even it I took my 80. I passed my spot on SAS5 to another member already. My new goal is to have it driving by the end of this year at least.
Dang, was hoping to see this thing. Sorry about the knee. Next year, I guess!
I don't know if you do instagram, but there is a guy on there - "kneesovertoesguy" and he has programs and exercise for knee strengthening. The number of positive reviews and testimonials from people that have followed his program is astounding. He really knows his stuff. Worth a look.
Kneesovertoesguy – Medium
Read writing from Kneesovertoesguy on Medium. Equipment & Programs at atgonlinecoaching.com. Every day, Kneesovertoesguy and thousands of other voices read, write, and share important stories on Medium.
kneesovertoesguy.medium.com
Hope you can get the knee addressed and get back to this build quickly. Enjoy following along with your progress.
Tank5
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- Thread starter
- #338
I don't know if you do instagram, but there is a guy on there - "kneesovertoesguy" and he has programs and exercise for knee strengthening. The number of positive reviews and testimonials from people that have followed his program is astounding. He really knows his stuff. Worth a look.
Kneesovertoesguy – Medium
Read writing from Kneesovertoesguy on Medium. Equipment & Programs at atgonlinecoaching.com. Every day, Kneesovertoesguy and thousands of other voices read, write, and share important stories on Medium.
Hope you can get the knee addressed and get back to this build quickly. Enjoy following along with your progress.
Thanks for the thoughts and link. I am not on Instagram but I will see if I can find a way to look this guy up. I have been doing a bunch rehab ahead of my potential surgery. This will be the second time I have done this, so I at least know what to expect. Based on my last injury, recovery should go quick after I get to that point.
Tank5
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- Thread starter
- #339
I spent a little time in the garage today trying to figure out how much room I will have to place the power steering and transmission coolers.
I moved the radiator support as far forward as I could and still have a little over an inch of space between the fan and radiator face. I hope that is enough. After setting the bib in place there is about 1 3/4 of and inch to work with for the steering and trans coolers.
Not much to show but here are some pictures anyway.
I moved the radiator support as far forward as I could and still have a little over an inch of space between the fan and radiator face. I hope that is enough. After setting the bib in place there is about 1 3/4 of and inch to work with for the steering and trans coolers.
Not much to show but here are some pictures anyway.
Tank5
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- Thread starter
- #340
The power steering cooler and hose routing are figured out. The Setrab cooler I had on hand fit this spot well. I made some brackets to mount it and it looks like it should work. I measured the high pressure side of the hose and will have to have it custom made, so it will be a little while before I have it back.
