vtcruiser60
SILVER Star
My goal is to wheel with Rabid, Mike and our boys in early June....so I have some work to do. I figured if I put it out there on the board, I'll publicize my goal and actually accomplish the projects.
Current status:
Mainly a 74 FJ40, 71F motor, 34x9.5 swampers, OME 2.5 lift, 60 series discs, locker....runs great...aside from the bodywork (See picture below). Basically the truck is very solid, but I got lucky on some parts this winter and decided to tear into it for large overhaul.
Here is my to do list:
Drivetrain/mechanical: 4:1 Orion install, new clutch kit, clean up a worn top shift plate on the 4spd tranny, mini-truck power steering install;
Body: minor crack and rust repair on frame, floor board repair near cowl, install alum tub, paint, install metaltech cage; Paint, paint, paint; Assemble hardtop and include in painting; Montero jump seat install for the kids;
Electrical/cooling: minor wiring frayed, install new tail lights, heater rebuild
Accessories: OBA via a York 220
Not mission critical, but the on-board air, power steering could wait until early summer....not that big of a deal for the early June wheeling adventure.
Financing I am fortunate and have a solid job and income, but I have a firm rule about paying for this hobby out of the house checking account(though loans are ok
). I have had a great deal of luck rebuilding powder coated AISIN hubs and selling them on the board. Here is a link: https://forum.ih8mud.com/sale-parts/246212-aisin-hubs-completely-rebuilt.html I have a huge pile of hubs coming up for sale in the next few weeks.
If you see errors in my ways or other problems to consider, please let me know. This is not my full time job and I am not a pro.
Attached is an original photo of the rig when I bought it from Stan...
Current status:
Mainly a 74 FJ40, 71F motor, 34x9.5 swampers, OME 2.5 lift, 60 series discs, locker....runs great...aside from the bodywork (See picture below). Basically the truck is very solid, but I got lucky on some parts this winter and decided to tear into it for large overhaul.
Here is my to do list:
Drivetrain/mechanical: 4:1 Orion install, new clutch kit, clean up a worn top shift plate on the 4spd tranny, mini-truck power steering install;
Body: minor crack and rust repair on frame, floor board repair near cowl, install alum tub, paint, install metaltech cage; Paint, paint, paint; Assemble hardtop and include in painting; Montero jump seat install for the kids;
Electrical/cooling: minor wiring frayed, install new tail lights, heater rebuild
Accessories: OBA via a York 220
Not mission critical, but the on-board air, power steering could wait until early summer....not that big of a deal for the early June wheeling adventure.
Financing I am fortunate and have a solid job and income, but I have a firm rule about paying for this hobby out of the house checking account(though loans are ok
). I have had a great deal of luck rebuilding powder coated AISIN hubs and selling them on the board. Here is a link: https://forum.ih8mud.com/sale-parts/246212-aisin-hubs-completely-rebuilt.html I have a huge pile of hubs coming up for sale in the next few weeks.If you see errors in my ways or other problems to consider, please let me know. This is not my full time job and I am not a pro.
Attached is an original photo of the rig when I bought it from Stan...
Last edited:
