... that is the name of my newly purchased FJ45 pictured below. I have been on this website a number of times but now feel I have the badge needed to join up.
I have always wanted one of the old cruisers, but I am willing to admit I know F(J) all about automotive restoration, or even heavy maintenance. So, while I will aim to be as independent as I can, I am hoping the older heads can nudge me along with specific info I can't find online. I also don't have any friends or family that are into cars, so I'm all alone out there.
Now, while the "tank" is in decent condition, it needs plenty of work as its maintenance has been neglected for some time. I'm capable of changing all the fluids etc at least to get her smelling a bit better, and will inevitably post engine photos etc in other threads, but just for now...
I HAVE ONE QUESTION FOR THOSE THAT KNOW THINGS... As you can see from the photos, there is a poor lateral alignment. The front left sits higher than the front right and the rear right sits higher than the rear left. This could be a bent chassis I know, but the suspension is also uneven (detailed below), so I will supply you with photos and all the relevant factors I am aware of (just ask if there is anything else) for you to figure out which it is.
Factors suggesting chassis misalignment:
- Visual misalignment is significant
- Passenger door has minor issues opening and closing
Factors suggesting chassis fine:
- Doesn't pull to the side when driving
- Doesn't crab walk
- There is one suspension spring less on the rear left than rear right, and the front right suspension seems flatter than the front left, which could both be congruent with the higher rear right and front left. [Having said that, I do know suspension can be affected by chassis damage.] I do not know why there is a spring missing from the rear right.
- No visible chassis damage or bending (but I'm a novice so maybe there are tricks to figuring that out that I haven't learnt)
Just to provide as much info as I can, the front left sits 2.5cm or 1 inch higher than the front right, and the rear right sits 3.5cm or 1.4 inches higher than the rear left.
I will attach some as many relevant photos for you to have a look at too. Thanks for any advice given.
P.S. I have also never been a member of any forums so if I'm supposed to be posting elsewhere, just let me know.
I have always wanted one of the old cruisers, but I am willing to admit I know F(J) all about automotive restoration, or even heavy maintenance. So, while I will aim to be as independent as I can, I am hoping the older heads can nudge me along with specific info I can't find online. I also don't have any friends or family that are into cars, so I'm all alone out there.
Now, while the "tank" is in decent condition, it needs plenty of work as its maintenance has been neglected for some time. I'm capable of changing all the fluids etc at least to get her smelling a bit better, and will inevitably post engine photos etc in other threads, but just for now...
I HAVE ONE QUESTION FOR THOSE THAT KNOW THINGS... As you can see from the photos, there is a poor lateral alignment. The front left sits higher than the front right and the rear right sits higher than the rear left. This could be a bent chassis I know, but the suspension is also uneven (detailed below), so I will supply you with photos and all the relevant factors I am aware of (just ask if there is anything else) for you to figure out which it is.
Factors suggesting chassis misalignment:
- Visual misalignment is significant
- Passenger door has minor issues opening and closing
Factors suggesting chassis fine:
- Doesn't pull to the side when driving
- Doesn't crab walk
- There is one suspension spring less on the rear left than rear right, and the front right suspension seems flatter than the front left, which could both be congruent with the higher rear right and front left. [Having said that, I do know suspension can be affected by chassis damage.] I do not know why there is a spring missing from the rear right.
- No visible chassis damage or bending (but I'm a novice so maybe there are tricks to figuring that out that I haven't learnt)
Just to provide as much info as I can, the front left sits 2.5cm or 1 inch higher than the front right, and the rear right sits 3.5cm or 1.4 inches higher than the rear left.
I will attach some as many relevant photos for you to have a look at too. Thanks for any advice given.
P.S. I have also never been a member of any forums so if I'm supposed to be posting elsewhere, just let me know.