The Possum 40 project build

[D O C]

First pic is wiring the motor

2nd was cutting out the old crossmember

 

[D O C]

The Possum is alive

 

[billd45]

Fantastic! You are far more ambitious than myself! Best of luck to you on the rebuild and I am anxious to see the results.

 

[40TUDE]

Awesome doc, I can tell you're excited and so am I......we need to get you an editor lol

 

[FJCRAWLER]

It makes you want to cry when they first come alive .

 

[D O C]

Ok, so today I got out of early from work today. So I came home and went straight for the garage. I wanted to hear this thing run again. I also wanted to do a coolant flush on the engine. When I changed the water pump out for a high flow GM one, I did see some build up inside the engine. This way I can start it up once a day for about 10 mins. But so far no leaks, oil or coolant wise. I couldn't help to take another video.

Possum 2

I was going to weld the cross-member plate to the frame, but I was using 40TUDE bottle and I had to give it back. He got a new toy. Miller matic 211. So I though I would just take the C02 bottle from my beer kegger. But the regulator will not fit that bottle. It was worth a try. So no welding till I get a new bottle. Guess I could use flux core but I hate that s***.

I was also able to get the leaf springs apart. I wanted to take the 2 smaller springs out. they are fj62 rear springs. I gave them some paint and flipped the pin. I was going to hook them up to the axles but the center pin is to big for the plate that goes on top. So now I have to go buy a 15 drill bit I will use 2 times. Well guess that will have to wait.

I also fixed the hub seals on the rear axle. They started to leak. SO I took them apart and did see some rust and it was not close to being smooth. So I took some fine grit sand paper and smoothed them out. I greased them up and back together. Got the calipers back on and the axle sitting about where it needs to be. Looks like my wheel base will be about 103.

 

[D O C]

Here is the shot from the rear

 

[40TUDE]

I think your wheelbase will be much longer than 103

 

[D O C]

Well with the way I have to do the front that is what it will be about. If I move the rear axle back anymore the tire will stick out the back. Right now it should be about flush with 40s. And my drive shaft will be 31"
. I plan to run 37" but just in case.

Also I was able to drill those holes out bigger with my step bit, but look I will need to run chevy spring or a new spring plate on passside. The spring pin will not line up with the holes. ?????

You think I need more them 103" ?

 

[40TUDE]

yes dont make any final decisions till we have a chance to talk it all out...I have some ideas

 

[D O C]

Ok buddy. Sounds like a plan. Bring chop saw tomorrow for me please.

 

[D O C]

Here are some old pics from when I rebuilt the tcase.

After I redid all the tub I wanted to see how well the hard top would fit. It lined up perfect. I ambulance door that need a little work but would be great once its all done. Just need a new rain gutter for the fiber top.


I also added in a love pic of Mr and Mrs 40TUDE. Kissing in my ride.. How cute

 

[D O C]

Keep in mind that those shots where taken on the old frame.

 

[D O C]

So I was now able to mount the steering box up front. I am not sure I like it 100% I would like to see it more flat. When to the junk yard to try and get some steering linkage, but didn't have all the tools to get them off. I did find all kinds all power steering lines that I can use.

I found me a nice set of seats out of a 09 Subaru. Black leather, no rips. Got them for 38 a piece. What a steel. Also got me a throttle cable and gas pedal. Need to get a slave cylinder for the clutch. I got a bracket to mount it, but will not work with my shift fork. So I guess I will need to modify it.

I got a front drive shaft that has a high angle joint on it to run my front axle. I will just need to make it longer. I will also need to change the way it hooks to the Tcase. Any ideas ? Also have some clearance issues with the yoke and the crossmember.

 

[D O C]

Here are the pics for the front drive shaft

 

[40TUDE]

Did you weld that plate to the frame, I dont think it is sitting back in there far enough...I could be wrong

Oh ya, cute pics

 

[D O C]

I did not weld to frame yet. So no worries there. I was thinking the same thing. But need all the parts to know.

 

[D O C]

Ok..... I have been really busy with putting out fires while planning this weeding, but I did not expect to put out an actual fire. I am embarrassed to tell you that I nearly caught my house on fire Saturday night waiting for my fiance to come home.

Earlier that day, Austin "40 TUDE" was remarking about the dangers of cutting and grinding metal in close proximity to an open container holding flammable material. I laughed it of, of course. Who would actually do that? Who doesn't seal their gas container with sparks raining down on them? Who, you ask? This guy!


I returned home on Saturday before my fiance and thought it would be the perfect time to get some work done on my 40. I started to lay down some welds on my steering, not paying attention to the sparks pouring to the ground. More importantly, I did not notice the unsealed gas container on the ground next to me. Well, they found each other. As you can guess, it was not a healthy union. With a loud "whoosh," and my life flashing before my eyes, I started ripping out the fuel lines. In a panic, I grabbed the flaming gas tank and ran into the back yard, spewing lit gasoline all over the concrete slab. This caused the flames to increase to about 8 feet and taking out the neighbors tree. The fire also claimed the lives of two patio chairs, but that was not discovered until morning. With my heart racing and adrenaline coursing through my veins, I ran to the front yard to grab the garden hose. Just as a trained fire fighter, I extinguished the inferno.

Upon inspecting the damage in the Sunday morning light, my fiance's first remark was, "You got the chairs? Those were the good chairs!" Despite this catastrophe, the steering on my 40 is BEEFY! Thanks to 4x4 Labs for having the cheapest and beefiest saginaw steering conversion kit for the FJ 40. The best lessons in life are sometimes the most obvious ones.

 

[D O C]

Now for my steering

 

[nelsonjm624]

Man your lucky, good thing you or the 40 didn't sustain any damage!! Careful careful!