That's as fast as I've ever driven either of my FJ40s, and I think I'll keep it that way.
I would feel safe saying I hit 80 at one point today on that test run. It just ran as smooth as possible today, the new tires are nice!
What have you done to your Land Cruiser this week?
- Thread starter IH8MUD
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I would feel safe saying I hit 80 at one point today on that test run. It just ran as smooth as possible today, the new tires are nice!
I'm hoping for a lot of improvement (over my '76 FJ40) when my '71 FJ40 build is finished next year. I'm planning on driving it to the Solid Axle Summit in Ouray in August. The seats will be redone and all of the seals/gaskets/weatherstrip will be replaced, so it should be comfortable enough. And it'll drive safer, quieter, and smoother - rebuilt axles with low-mileage 3.70 differentials, rebuilt center arm and new TREs, a split transfer case behind a very low mileage H41, new OME suspension, new tires, and refreshed brakes. I may even be able to push 70 mph on US 550. Keeping my fingers crossed.
what was the trouble
Resurrection Update: Got the front disc brakes together with new pads and cylinder boots. The boots were an absolute exercise in frustration trying to get them in position and then getting clips on. I shoulda used my lock ring pliers. Both outside lower cylinders were hard to get compressed as they were stuck, especially the driver's side. I had to use a long tire iron to finally budge it back in. I didn't want to break the brake line connection at this point and pull cylinders and install the flat o-rings that come in the rebuild kit. The brakes didn't drag, so I guess that they were pulling in after letting off brake.
Also filled tank, so that meant a maiden trip to gas station. Nice to drive it again. Still to come, full brake flush, all fluid checks and maybe some fluid changes and some more de-rusting. Definitely need new overflow hose from tranny to tcase. Bilstein 5100 shocks are ordered and enroute.
Also filled tank, so that meant a maiden trip to gas station. Nice to drive it again. Still to come, full brake flush, all fluid checks and maybe some fluid changes and some more de-rusting. Definitely need new overflow hose from tranny to tcase. Bilstein 5100 shocks are ordered and enroute.
What size tires did you put on?
I'm running 33" BFG KM2's with the same diffs and transmission as you, and I can go 70 easily, 80 for a short time if I need to (except over the passes!). It's comfortable maintaining 65 mph all day long.
At first I'll be running BFG 30X9.50R15 ATs, which are pretty much new. When they wear out I'll be installing BFG LT235/85R16 ATs on 70-Series wheels, just like on my '86 FJ60.
The '71 FJ40's split transfer case will be getting a 3:1 gearset from Cruiser Outfitters, that's why I decided to go with the low mileage 3.70 differentials from an almost 20-years ago FJ60 part out. That'll give me an adequate low range setup plus allow me to hit higher highway speeds.
With 30" tires you should be pulling about 2900 rpm to get 70 mph, which will seem like high revs but a 2F in good shape can certainly do it. May not seem too comfortable though. With 33" tires I am going 70 at just over 2600 rpm, a significant difference in terms of comfort factor. With my setup, I am most comfortable doing 60-65 mph, at 2300-2450 rpm.
I put an Orion transfer case behind mine, with 4:1 gears. The best of both worlds for me.
The odometer was gunked up, all the grease had basically turned to honey, not allowing the odometer roll over from 6999.
The 2F that's going into my '71 FJ40 will be a transplant from my '76 FJ40 - it has only ~66,000 original miles and it runs like a top. I'm aiming for 70 mph for those longer full-day drives to Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and southern New Mexico.
Any details on where/how to find one of these in the US?
I got lucky, @bigndn gave this one to me as his kids had out grown it. New parts are readily available if you happen to find a used one, or you can purchase new:
Woh! Definitely would have to be used - At that price I’ll just buy my 1 year old a real FJ40
thanks for sharing though - I’d seen a Land Cruiser power wheels but never really knew what it was called or what to search for.
I'm into this for only about $100 and quite a bit of time. It was a blast to do though...Woh! Definitely would have to be used - At that price I’ll just buy my 1 year old a real FJ40
Mine quit prior to change of ownership. My OCD mpg tracking has been going crazy. How did you get yours working? Service manual, thread on here, YouTube?
Start here.
Fixing the stuck odometer (with pics)
Many here have seen or experienced the symptoms of the odometer not turning over properly. Usually the minor (tenths) wheel still turns over correctly but it does not increment the next digit. The most common cause for this is the lube on the odometer becoming old and sticky. My 84 BJ42 had this...
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Your resto looks great and I know the joy playing with and building those little cars.
I have built three peddle cars and was thinking of doing an FJ40 until I found out there were already some made.
Here is my last one.