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