What have you done to your Land Cruiser this week?

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I recently received the @OPMACHINE bumper I ordered, and while I’m impressed with its overall quality and design, I’m really disappointed with the color. The shade is completely different from what I expected, based on photos of other parts powder-coated in “Vegas Gold.” I’m not sure if it’s due to a bad batch of powder from Prismatic or if the wrong shade was chosen, but either way, it’s nowhere near the pewter color that matches the rest of my car. I’ll be getting it powder-coated again next week, so that’s a few hundred bucks I didn’t plan for. It’s a shame having to refinish it, especially since the quality of the powder coat itself is top-notch, just like the rest of the bumper. Looking back, I kind of wish I’d just gone with the unpainted version. For comparison, I’ve attached a photo of a brand-new OEM mirror in pewter next to the “Vegas Gold” bumper.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a gorgeous bumper and I would most definitely buy it again—I was just let down by the color. I will post a follow up picture once it's been repainted in something more to my liking. I'm thinking of going with Prismatic Steel Silver PMB-5208.View attachment 4059022View attachment 4059018
I use the steel silver on my things and I think it is closer match to OEM.
 
Removed the gas tank last night to drop in an in tank fuel pump for the sniper. After I started removing everything I was thinking maybe I should do an inline pump. If it wasn’t for me having the in tank pump already I probably would’ve reconsidered.

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@cims1970fj40 It’s interesting that you say this. When I did my sniper, I had heard about how the in tank pump was quieter. Etc, etc….I was already spending (over spending) on a few things so I bought mine with the in-tank pump. I had a brand new fuel tank and once I had started, I thought it would be easier if I had the in-line pump. I actually did order the complete in-line pump from Mosley but never opened the box.

Frankly, I’m happy I did not back track and moved forward nicely with the in-tank fuel pump.

Maybe you have seen this? Maybe not

 
@cims1970fj40 It’s interesting that you say this. When I did my sniper, I had heard about how the in tank pump was quieter. Etc, etc….I was already spending (over spending) on a few things so I bought mine with the in-tank pump. I had a brand new fuel tank and once I had started, I thought it would be easier if I had the in-line pump. I actually did order the complete in-line pump from Mosley but never opened the box.

Frankly, I’m happy I did not back track and moved forward nicely with the in-tank fuel pump.

Maybe you have seen this? Maybe not


Thanks! I believe I have seen that video a few months ago. I also have new tank that I bought several years ago but have only started the cruiser a few times. I had some non ethanol gas in it for a couple of years and drained it about a month ago or so.

But to your point I’m also glad I’m doing the in-tank even though it sucked having to remove everything to get to it. Also how did you close the original ports for the pressure and return line please?
 
Thanks! I believe I have seen that video a few months ago. I also have new tank that I bought several years ago but have only started the cruiser a few times. I had some non ethanol gas in it for a couple of years and drained it about a month ago or so.

But to your point I’m also glad I’m doing the in-tank even though it sucked having to remove everything to get to it. Also how did you close the original ports for the pressure and return line please?
I used a GM in tank pump on my 77 build (start at 171, parts list on #181) My kid wanted a Jeep, she's getting a 77 FJ40 LS Swap instead - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/my-kid-wanted-a-jeep-shes-getting-a-77-fj40-ls-swap-instead.1353535/page-9
 
Those unused ports have those plugs like the one used on the vacuum ports on the carb or EFI and a spring clamp. My new tank and Sniper sat in the garage for 16 months or so and hesitating frequently because the truck ran pretty well, or so I thought. Surely mistaken as the Sniper is the beast fuel delivery method I have used in my FJ40’s from the Rochester to the Downey Holly…is yours running now?
 
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Those unused ports have those plugs like the one used on the vacuum ports on the carb or EFI and a spring clamp. My new tank and Sniper sat in the garage for 16 months or so and hesitating frequently because the truck ran pretty well, or so I thought. Surely mistaken as the Sniper is the beast fuel delivery method I have used in my FJ40’s from the Rochester to the Downey Holly…is yours running now?
Last time I ran it was with the carb. I had a coolant leak I had to track down. Once I did that I started the sniper conversion.
 
Installed the Koito headlight upgrade. Need to neaten up the wiring a bit to finish up. Ran the drivers side light wiring down under the radiator and back up to the headlight. Wasn't sure if that was the best way to run it.

I ran the drivers side wire under the radiator too. The wires go between the radiator and the radiator support bracket. I disassembled the plug, shortened the wires and put new terminal ends on and then back into the plug.
 
My pathway of choice as well, under the radiator frame and back up the side
 
I’m replacing the steering linkage on my 1977 FJ40 & I ran into an issue when test fitting the ends. All OEM Toyota Parts

From what I can tell there is a taper on the tie rod end on the passenger side & the relay rod has to be mounted in front of the tie rod. If I try & do so the stud for the relay rod doesn’t go through far enough to get the castle nut on.

I can get the ends to fit if I put the relay rod behind the tie rod but I don’t think that’s the right thing to do. I’m wondering am I doing something wrong here or is there an issue with the parts?

The first 3 pics are the correct way to mount the ends but when doing so there’s not enough thread on the other side.

The second to last picture shows what happens if I would put the relay rod behind the tie rod…plenty of clearance.

The last picture is what I removed from the vehicle.

Happy new years!! Thanks in advance!
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@DylanH239 it looks like you ended up with tie rod ends for a right hand drive vehicle, where did you purchase these?
😂 lovely I got them from my local Toyota dealership. I’m going to see what they can do to swap them out. I appreciate the insight
It looks like I got part# 45046-60H00
I think I need part# 45046-60H02
 
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Some filler pics. Yeah I know it’s controversial, do you keep the imperfections or go for a glass finish? Big difference between filler to hide rust and filler to smooth

Some filler pics. Yeah I know it’s controversial, do you keep the imperfections or go for a glass finish? Big difference between filler to hide rust and filler to smooth the panel.

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That would look pretty cool as is with a clear coat. Not for everyone, but would be a nice patina look.
 
Finally installed the engine. All new clutch bits. My back hurts now. Thank god for the :princess:, couldn’t have done it without her.

Don’t be stupid like me and fail to realize the transmission mount has a front and a back. Hence the giant friggin “F,” stamped in the rubber.

Going to get a metal plating kit, tired of sending small stuff out and waiting.

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I started the fj55 for the first time since thanksgiving. Maybe before. Cranked it some with the coil unplugged to get some oil moving. I am always astounded how smooth strait 6s run.



Also spent a few hours aligning doors after replacing my rockers. Aligning doors is the stuff of nightmares. Unfortunately I still have welding work to do but my eastwood 140 bit the dust! currently shopping for a new mig machine.
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