Builds Tucker and Roma's 75 FJ40 Restore

[roma042987]

Action shot from the southeast 70 series meet at stoney lonesome ohv park in cullman Alabama at the end of September. Noticed on this hill that the rear main seal was leaking and since we were planning on heading to moab Utah the following week, I pulled the trans and inspected. I was a bit stumped since the seal was new and installed about 10k miles ago. It didn't leak a drop until the front of the truck was raised at a very steep angle. Turns out it was an aftermarket seal which I guess came with the clutch kit from manafre (otherwise I would have used an oem seal) The spring was broken in the seal and it had backed out and was riding against the flywheel. We did this one night after work and got the new Toyota seal installed and leak fixed all in about 5 or so hours. Ready for Moab!

 

[roma042987]

Then this happened on the way to moab just outside of Oklahoma city.

 

[roma042987]

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Damn ......

 

[gcrump01]

Wow, I hope everyone is OK. I would be devastated, my jaw hit my desk seeing those pics! Just unreal...Good luck with it..

 

[micruz60]

Nooooooo!!
Everyone's Okay??

 

[roma042987]

long story short one of the trailer tires blew out and made the trailer roll, we were running 60-65 on the freeway. There was no time to do anything but pucker up. I looked in the rear view and the trailer was perpendicular to the 100 and that's when I knew we were going over. Im not sure how many time the trailer rolled but when it did consequently it rolled my 100 over twice landing back on its wheels. Both trucks were totaled. We didn't have a single bump or scratch. The trailer tongue was torn off but the chains held.

 

[roma042987]

you can see the angle of the two A pillars in this picture where the roof was thinking about collapsing. It would have certainly been a different outcome if we didn't have our seat belts on. It was quiet a roller coaster ride.

 

[KY Longhunter]

Wow! I was enjoying your pics and thinking what a nice ride, then I went to page 14! Holy crap!

Glad your allright. Was the 40 insured at a "Stated Value" or will the insurance come up with their own FMV?

 

[roma042987]

Parts procurement for version 2.0 has already started. We started rebuilding a late model full float 40 axle with parking brake provisions while waiting on the insurance to settle before starting disassembly of the 40. If anyone has any rust free front doors and ambulance doors and hardtop sides and hood please shoot me a pm. At this point looks like 2.0 will be an alumacruiser. Tucker is going to order everything aqualu has to offer and we will start with that. I'll let him chime in the details about the insurance if he decides to do so.

 

[BamaPaul]

No way! Glad yall made it through unscathed. Too bad the cruisers got beat to crap.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Really glad no one was hurt however the photos are sickening.

 

[wardharris]

Lots to be grateful for in this thread, especially the last few posts. I enjoyed meeting you at Cullman and look forward to seeing Version 2.0 next year!

 

[greenbeast]

Glad everything ok! These things can always be rebuilt although my stomach hit the floor seeing that first pic of the trailer on its side. I have read every page of the original build to learn and it just breaks ones heart to see this!

 

[todt]

Damn that sucks big time! I wasnt ready for that when i scrolled down. Glad everyone ok.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

my goodness, what happened?

 

[Irish11]

Glad everyone made it out okay. Rolling on the freeway is terrifying, but rolling with the trailer attached must have been crazy. The fact that everyone walked away is a testament to the strength of these rigs. This was an awesome build to read, sorry this chapter ended like it did, but looking forward to the next one. Good luck with the new build!

 

[boozewz]

Oh man!

Great to see you both made it out safe and sound.

I'm even more impressed to hear that the fire burns in you to bring back this 40 to life.

 

[Nottajeep]

Sorry to hear this Roma and Tucker (heartbreaking on Tucker's 40) but you have your health and life so that upside is priceless.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Then this happened on the way to moab just outside of Oklahoma city.
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Wow Roma!! I'm very sorry to see that... Y'all did such gorgeous work... And glad to read further and learn you are both fine!!