Builds This years homework (9 Viewers)

[REZARF]

From the dash pic of the overdrive sticker to the left of the Toyota Land Cruiser, does it have one?

Haha, I need to check. It’s got a big PTO-like handle but not in the PTO spot. That’d be sweet if I get another gear out of it.

Thanks Darren!

 

[onemanarmy]

yea...big rigs have drums....made of 2025 tech and materials

stock looking driver:
Discs
4 speed
new windshield
pull drivetrain and install all new gaskets......if it starts to get driven more.....its gonna leak everywhere
new shocks
new tires
and check all grounds...probably why the gauges aren't working and the root of many Pig electrical issues

 

[bobm]

Belleview Winch Brake Lever

In stock now! 10% first batch sale to keep them moving! A new CNC machined 6061-T6 aluminum reproduction brake lever for your Belleview ( or classic Warn ) winch with the factory cable activated drum brake. The factory cast aluminum brake lever is the most common broken part on these faithful...

brennans-garage.com

would you look at dat

 

[PabloCruise]

I teach a basics automotive class for one of our local high schools here in Montana. Just two 45 minute elective classes a week. This years project/homework...

A 1972 FJ55.

Found it locally. I pulled over the first day it was on the side of the road with a for sale sign in it. The gentleman who owned it wanted more than I was willing to pay. I passed. It sat for sale for a few months before the owner lowered the price a bit, so I swung back by for a closer look, about a week later and a few conversations with the owner and we struck a deal. My 12 year old son and I drove it home with big grins on our faces.

From what I can tell everything works except the gauge cluster. Nearly all the bits and pieces are there. I think it is original and un-restored with one small section of bubba body work on the tailgate. I don't think there is a truly straight panel on the entire truck but the rust is minimal. Only rust busting through is just in front of the drivers door on the fender. The frame and floor are CLEAN for the year. WAY cleaner than my 40.

My class consists of a dozen students and our plan is to go through the safety stuff and mechanicals first, teaching along the way, letting them get their hands greasy. If we end up with a solid running driver, we will likely move to the interior and freshen it up as well. I'd like to see the FJ55 be an "unrestored" driver. We need a new headliner and seat covers and perhaps a carpet kit. Should be fun.

As it sits 7/25/25
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Pork butt...
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Fantastic!!! I love it.
Good to see your name in here Drew.
How long ago did you move to MT?
That Pig looks pretty darn good.
I am sure you can figure out the cluster.
That rear bumper looks scary! I know @Bump It Offroad has a sweet rear bumper for the 55. LMK if you need one...

 

[trainbufftony]

yea...big rigs have drums....made of 2025 tech and materials

stock looking driver:
Discs
4 speed
new windshield
pull drivetrain and install all new gaskets......if it starts to get driven more.....its gonna leak everywhere
new shocks
new tires
and check all grounds...probably why the gauges aren't working and the root of many Pig electrical issues

As a matter of fact the s cam air drum brakes in a big rig haven't changed design in 70 years. Maybe longer than that.

No exotic materials only steel and pig iron.

 

[3_puppies]

There's a reason that big rigs use exclusively drum brakes.
They tried disks in the 80s and it was a short lived experiment.
Drums ftw.

most new semis and large trucks are running disc brakes and have for the last 15+ years, you can still get trucks with drums, all depends on how it is ordered
disc brakes are even on trailers now adays
it takes longer to remove the tires than it does to change out pads on trucks.

drums work well, still run them on my rigs

 

[3_puppies]

Love it, didn’t know about the drum brakes on big rigs

As a matter of fact the s cam air drum brakes in a big rig haven't changed design in 70 years. Maybe longer than that.

No exotic materials only steel and pig iron.

lots more moving parts on S cam drum brakes than disc
no need for greasing, no rocks getting stuck in drums, disc are simple versus drum on big trucks.
drums still work well, 65% of our fleet is still drum, but disc is coming in with all new trucks

 

[PabloCruise]

Okay, I have been slowly cleaning and inspecting the Cruiser in the evenings and I am encouraged overall. Very solid rig with minimal rust. I am just deep cleaning it for starters and observing what's there and what is missing.

As I plan the class I have a few dilemma's:

• Should I consider a front disk break conversion? I have heard properly built and adjusted drums work really well. Not sure if I am taking away any value by changing things up. This seems like a no brainier to me, simple enough to swap them over. Then the kids learn disks and drums. Thoughts? Does a 40 axle (mid 70's) make for a direct swap?
• 3 speed or 4 speed? I have a few spare 40 transmissions in the shed. I haven't done a conversion before, I assume I need a bell housing and a t-case adapter? Not sure if I want to go this far into this one. I do enjoy putting around in it, but he three speed is beggin' for mercy around 50-55mph.
• Is there a cheap route for rubber and door felts? Like buying bulb seals in bulk? I don't want to invest in the good stuff in case we decide to do the body down the road and strip it for paint but it needs something in the meantime.

I know you all like pics so here’s a few more.

Nothing special about a 1F but she’s there and runs great.
View attachment 3961907

Always nice to find the original Jack and rods. Bottle Jack came with it too. Has the original hardware to mount it all.
View attachment 3961904

Dash seems complete. Doesn’t appear to be hacked up.
View attachment 3961901

Look at that radio! Pretty rad.
View attachment 3961903

Respect your elders.
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Great thoughts!

• What if you took them through the FSM for maintaining and adjusting the drums, and then you all rebuild a disk front axle while it is on the bench and swap it in? Good stuff.
• For a 4 speed swap you could keep that bellhousing, but upgrade the clutch from the finger style to the diaphragm style.
• I found a great place in Denver for a lot of the generic weatherstrip - see my Pig thread. For the specific stuff - SLOCruiser is your hook-up!