Build "The Milk Truck" FJ45 Preservation Sorta

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Finished up the wiring. I upgraded the wiring to the center console with 2 awg from an 100 amp fuse under the hood to a distribution fuse block to the air compressor. I replaced the ARB 40 amp inline arb fuse blocks with dual fuse block shown to clean up the installation.

I left enough room to be able to add a radio in the future.

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I am realizing now that SAS 10 is going to get here quick, so decided I needed to get another project done that I have been putting off. The tie rod at the pitman kept coming loose, I suspect because the one ton taper was not right, so I bought a new arm that I had them taper for me. Installed and hope that won’t be an issue again.

I had also had issues with the steering stabilizer coming loose. The bolt on the tie rod mount kept coming loose, so I decided try something different. The old mount.
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I opted to install an oem 80 series steering stabilizer. I tested the range first and it works. I cut the tapered mount off of an old 80 series tie rod end and welded it on the steering link. I made a deep bevel on all sides of the mount and welded it on hot, so I hope it holds.
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Added some paint and put it back together. I am hoping it will absorb some of the road vibration felt through the steering wheel.
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I’m looking forward to it. We need to get that same picture at Kite Lake but turn the vehicles around this time.
You look like you're telling secrets...
 
Getting things together to go to SAS next week and decided it was the right time to knock out another little project I have wanted to do. Not really on the truck but an accessory. I have a Trasharoo but it really doesn’t work on the 45 and carrying garbage in a canvas bag in bear country doesn’t appeal to me.

I bought an old US gas can that has a nice lever attached cap that will fit a can or bottle. I cut the top of and worked the edge, so it will sit over the bottom then added a hinge and latch. I now have a hard sided trash can that fits in a fuel can carrier on my rack. If a bear really wanted in I am sure it could get in there but I like it better than the canvas bag and it is easier to carry. I’ll give it go and see how it works.

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That's super cool! I would drill small drain holes in the bottom in case someone tosses some liquid in. It also makes it easy to hose out in the future! Have a blast out there!
 
That's super cool! I would drill small drain holes in the bottom in case someone tosses some liquid in. It also makes it easy to hose out in the future! Have a blast out there!
I consider adding holes in the bottom but decided I would rather not have random fluids drain in the bed of the truck. I would rather just have to hose the can out when needed.
 
I consider adding holes in the bottom but decided I would rather not have random fluids drain in the bed of the truck. I would rather just have to hose the can out when needed.
My first thought was a little bit of gas in the can might keep the bears away?

I’m banking on my Northbound Expeditions bag being covered in diesel soot and oil keeping bears out, it won’t rot like a trasharoo under normal circumstances let alone being soaked in carcinogen.
 
My first thought was a little bit of gas in the can might keep the bears away?

I’m banking on my Northbound Expeditions bag being covered in diesel soot and oil keeping bears out, it won’t rot like a trasharoo under normal circumstances let alone being soaked in carcinogen.


We could add some fryer oil to your tank and attract bears for miles. Hopefully the cost of diesel doesn’t for you to seek out alternative fuel. As you are you though you are probably good to go.
 
This one is strictly a seasonal decoration. Much like a Christmas wreath. I carry recovery gear in it.
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