Builds TheAmigo's 1981 FJ40 Build Log (1 Viewer)

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Today is a huge milestone! Got my frame, axle housings, and front bumper back from powder coating. Looks great. Also received a new OME 2.5” Heavy suspension from @cruiseroutfit (ters).

Thanks again!

Did that new cross-shaft retaining bolt arrive too?
 
It did, but I seem to be missing my stickers... :) I framed the autograph.

Ha! Bryce brought a box into me and asked if I would sign it, I knew exactly who was asking :D

If your stickers are missing, let me know and I'll mail off a batch.
 
Ha! Bryce brought a box into me and asked if I would sign it, I knew exactly who was asking :D

If your stickers are missing, let me know and I'll mail off a batch.

If I can't find them we can just wait until I buy something else from you guys. It'll happen.

Edited... Actually.. I'm going to be in SLC soon. I could just stop by to shake your hands (one of yours, one of Bryce's) and pick them up! :)
 
Nice! The frame looks great, good choice on the Cardinal BK08 ;)
 
Suspension on! OME Dakar 2.5”.

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Yeah.. was like that from a PO. Seems pretty stout. I don't plan on towing anything with this rig. Do you see anything I should remedy?

Its not uncommon to see an FJ40 with Rear Crossmember bowed out from some moron trying to pull a stump with strap tied to crossmember. That one looks like it has some serious bracing.

Can you take a picture from the rear of frame?

It looks like it hangs kind of low for my taste. But seeing how the Powdercoating is all done, i would probably just move on and not worry about it. :meh:
 
Interesting trailer hitch

Its not uncommon to see an FJ40 with Rear Crossmember bowed out from some moron trying to pull a stump with strap tied to crossmember. That one looks like it has some serious bracing.

Can you take a picture from the rear of frame?

It looks like it hangs kind of low for my taste. But seeing how the Powdercoating is all done, i would probably just move on and not worry about it. :meh:

Yeah, since the powder coating is finished I'm betting it's a great hitch... :) But seriously, it is well braced. It did have a 4" lift on it so it was probably about right.
 
Today is a huge milestone! Got my frame, axle housings, and front bumper back from powder coating. Looks great. Also received a new OME 2.5” Heavy suspension from @cruiseroutfit (ters).

View attachment 1594704 View attachment 1594706
Looking good!
Who did you end up using for Powdercoating? Happy with the transaction? There’s a place in Issaquah I was going to use for some stuff on my re-build since they are very close to me. Seat frames, roll bar, etc.
 
Looking good!
Who did you end up using for Powdercoating? Happy with the transaction? There’s a place in Issaquah I was going to use for some stuff on my re-build since they are very close to me. Seat frames, roll bar, etc.

I used Skagit Valley Powder coating in Mt. Vernon. It was a long slog up there and back for me but they came well recommended. Very nice to work with and got it done and back in a week. I won't be going that far for anything else I need coated though mostly because it's so far and I'm more familiar with the process required.
 
As I've disassembled everything and prepared to put it all back together I was perusing this page at Cruiser Outfitters and noticed that my differential flanges aren't stock. Cruiser Outfitters

Seems someone replaced the stock 3.7 diffs with 4.11s. The transfer case remains stock with 19 spline outputs. (Also based on this page: Cruiser Outfitters).

Thanks to Kurt and Bryce at Cruiser Outfitters for answering my emails and phone call wondering what if anything I should do. I do not intend to do heavy offroading with this, only things I can make it back from. :) So keeping it as-is and not going back to fine splines. Plus, all the internals look great. My main concern was that finding this change would cause problems with the ARB rear locker I purchased, but it doesn't.

Also:
About to ship a load of hardware off for plating.
Picking up a dial indicator setup for the diff work I'm about to start.
Finishing a smaller painting booth so that my barn-age remains usable even if I'm treating and painting parts.
 
Just wanted to say that the OTC 4520 Differential Side Bearing Puller kit fits perfectly. Has four stepped adapters to push against as the bearing is pulled off. Machining was high quality and the jaws fit under the bearings perfectly.

Conversely, Harbor Freight's "large bearing separator" was junk for the pinions. A not insignificant portion of its "largeness" comes from the black paint they coat it with(and that chips off so easily). So, I also ordered an OTC 1123 Bearing Splitter (1/2" to 4-5/8").
 
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The Harbor Freight report does not surprise me....
 
As I've disassembled everything and prepared to put it all back together I was perusing this page at Cruiser Outfitters and noticed that my differential flanges aren't stock. Cruiser Outfitters

Seems someone replaced the stock 3.7 diffs with 4.11s. The transfer case remains stock with 19 spline outputs. (Also based on this page: Cruiser Outfitters).

Thanks to Kurt and Bryce at Cruiser Outfitters for answering my emails and phone call wondering what if anything I should do. I do not intend to do heavy offroading with this, only things I can make it back from. :) So keeping it as-is and not going back to fine splines. Plus, all the internals look great. My main concern was that finding this change would cause problems with the ARB rear locker I purchased, but it doesn't.

Also:
About to ship a load of hardware off for plating.
Picking up a dial indicator setup for the diff work I'm about to start.
Finishing a smaller painting booth so that my barn-age remains usable even if I'm treating and painting parts.


Looking good! Where are you sending parts for plating? I found a place here in Portland but wont be able to get anything out to them for a few more weeks.

Clint
 
Subscribed! Just read through the thread. Exciting progress. Would love to see your 40 when it’s on the road if not sooner. I’m in Seattle, though make it down to Tacoma about every month.
 

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