Updating a 1990's build (1 Viewer)

[SNLC]

Cheers

 

[pjohnson]

Purty...

 

[curtis65]

Kudo's to you Ian for taking on this build, great work. I'm sure you will have a happy, proud customer.

 

[SNLC]

FJ60 hubs I am using in the build.

This was so incredibly seized up. Spindle threads are all messed up, both nuts seemed cross threaded and the outside lip on the spindle is flared out like somebody beat on it with a sledge. The other side was some strange looking lock nut with tiny allen set screws to keep it in place. What a mess this all was. Good thing is I am not using any of it so don't have to waste much time messing with it. When in doubt, cut it out!!

Much better now that the mess is gone.

Cheers

 

[cruiserkreutz]

Nice to see a new build from you on here. Great work as always!

 

[SNLC]

Weight back on the front before I tear out the axle housing.

Even with a DC front shaft and 4* with any droop the u-joint binds up at the t-case. Time to fix that.

Caster is out by about 7.5*.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

I was this ----> <----- close to tearing the front axle out this afternoon! I would really like to start working on it, fabrication is a lot more fun to me than wiring and plumbing. Especially when it is a bit home brew vs fitting some like that MAF Saginaw kit.

I hadn't given it much thought yet but as soon as I did it took no time at all to make up my mind about the steering damper set up on this truck. There is no way I am putting anything even similar to that Rancho set up that was in it and any sort of stock set up is just not going to work to well. So full custom it is.

That was an FJ60 I set up with a custom steering damper. It was an Icon that is charged. I liked it a lot. Probably use a kit like this on the FJ40.

Synergy Jeep JK Hi-Mount Stabilizer Relocation Kit

I know JEEP parts!! Flame away....I may just fully home brew it and build my own. May have to anyways but that heep kit and these pics gives you a good idea how it will play out.

So I didn't rip the front axle out because I figured since I need to be under the truck a bunch to deal with fuel pump, fuel lines and a bunchy of other stuff I will wait. Plus I am waiting on the knuckles and high steer arms from FROR. But I am itching to get into the front end. Any ways, tore the seats and console out and the fuel tank cover. Happy to find a return port on this year of fuel tank. This makes plumbing the FAST so much easier and I don't need to pull the tank. I am going to route all my fuel lines on the opposite side of the chassis as stock, ie LHS. It just makes more sense, there is more room and it will be much cleaner in the engine bay.

Don't think I mentioned it yet but this is going on the front axle as well,
Toyota Axle Housing Bash Plate 3/8" Thick, Diff Guard

Nearly hit "buy it now" on a complete steel brake line kit a few times but I just feel I will have to make to many from a kit to be worth buying one. So it is really starting to look like I will be making all the steel brake lines myself.

I will be using this on the front to deal with shock mounts axle side and well, pimp it out a bit with some added strength!

Heavy Duty Knuckle Gusset Kit | Marlin Crawler, Inc.

Towers up front, no idea until I cycle the suspension. These sure are sexy though and I will probably use them if I can v the Ford towers or others.

9.75" Shock Tower, 2" Deep - Pair

Wishing I was ripping the MAF kit out so I could move the front axle forward but that is not happening so I will just have to work with it. I am going to flip the leaves around in the back and move the frame hangers to move the rear axle back and center it up in the wheel well.

Rear shock mounts axle side on my mind a lot lately. Since this is not a crawler and the owner will not use it for that I am really starting to lean towards a shock mount behind the axle that is low on the axle side. Similar to an 80-series but behind the axle, Jeep or Nissan Patrol style if you will. Hate to do it because it will put a "hang up" spot on the rear axle but I am feeling like good flex and travel is more important than clearance due to no rocks for this truck.

So anyways, that is where the build is at and where it is going.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Oh ya, friggin battery tray.

Everything I find is made for stock shock towers. Obviously that is not going to work. Looking at this

Optima Single Battery Box

and then just customizing how it mounts.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Just about done with the wiring, not the cleanest job but I wasn't hired to re-wire the truck just install the Fast.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

I spent the last few hours running around and rounding up parts to finish off the FAST.

Taking lunch and then back at it.

Oh ya I had a good grinder session yesterday evening. The front axle is prepared for the goodies!

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Setting up the front axle.

Cheers

 

[74fj40]

How much caster are you planning to add? Looks great.

 

[SNLC]

How much caster are you planning to add? Looks great.

4.5*


Cheers & thanks!

 

[74fj40]

Have you experimented with any higher? I added 6* and love the way it drives on the street. It may cause my ps fluid temps to raise off road though. We’ll see.

 

[SNLC]

Have you experimented with any higher? I added 6* and love the way it drives on the street. It may cause my ps fluid temps to raise off road though. We’ll see.

I have always run between 4-5* and been happy with the results. It is a little stronger than stock on all Cruisers. Bigger tires, run a few degrees more. If you are running big rubber, 6* may work well. All builds are different. I am shooting for 4.5* but until the steering is on nothing is decided for certain.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

So I decided to move the front axle forward the only way I can.

I first set the pinion at 10* and was not happy with it, just not enough. So I have gone to 16* and it is much better. For now I am going with it.

Going to be a big turn on the cut & turn! Out by 20* now.

This is initial set up, just tacked on. After playing with it a bunch though I am happy with where it sits. I will move to the cut & turn next but that will also just be tacked on. Still waiting on the knuckles and arms front Front Range.

Oh ya, I swapped out the stock but re-arched to 2" lift leaves for a set of 100% old and stock leaves. Shackle angle has improved slightly.

Cheers

 

[jim land]

Why did you keep the tall SR hanger , those are made for sua , on a soa short hanger like factory or ruffstuff and thru the frame shackle help keep the lift lower , also make it easier to place the axle more forward

 

[SNLC]

Why did you keep the tall SR hanger , those are made for sua , on a soa short hanger like factory or ruffstuff and thru the frame shackle help keep the lift lower , also make it easier to place the axle more forward

Yes I know.

Customers decision not mine.

Cheers

 

[White Stripe]

That thing will have like 7 or 8" of lift overall when you are done if you keep the shackle reversal stuff on their.

 

[SNLC]

That thing will have like 7 or 8" of lift overall when you are done if you keep the shackle reversal stuff on their.

No doubt, it had that much when I started. At least now it will drive good.

Cheers