WARNING ! LONG STORY. So…let me detail a bit about how I wound up with a ton of work to do on the 40…and now, no time in the next few months to do much of it, so far. The 4.11 gears in my 40 are not an issue but it would be nice to cruise the hi ways with less noise, rpm and pushing the engine. If you’re doing the 65mph limits around here, you can be pushed off the road by other enthusiastic drivers passing at 80 to 85. It is the north east corridor and everyone is impatient ( remember that “me first syndrome “ I had mentioned a few months ago)
I had searched for a disc brake conversion for the above mentioned friend and @Yotajeff responded to my request. After a few discussions and emails, PayPal and other things Jeff sent me a few heavy boxes loaded with all of the parts, hubs, calipers, rotors, birds and bearings. He additionally recommended the seals, gaskets and numerous small parts and tie rod adapters to use during this conversions and called me to insure that we were both on the same page. I was able to easily obtain the needed suggested parts from Sonny and FJ-Parts in California along with lightening speed. He is genuinely concerned that this project is as simplied as he could make it. He has also told me to call him or text with any questions or issues that may develop during the conversion… wow, !!!
Anyway, as we know, there are a few MUD members who command a load of respect for their knowledge and dedication to the vehicle. I had asked about swapping my 4-speed for the 5 speed. A reply from @wngrog noted some fairly involved reworking of the tunnel cover for proper fit. He suggested re-gearing to the 3.70 gearing to achieve a similar effect. He has also provided several suggestion for the Holley EFI installation I did a few months back
Looked into buying new ring annd pinion gears ans well ans the process of installing them. Gears were not in stock for 2 sets and cost is up there. I had inquired again to @Yotajeff about looking to change the differentials.
He found a few fronts telling me they are typically less used then the rears as they are always under power. Today, two well packed and stuffed plastic crate boxes arrived UPS. I ALSO NEED new spring bushings shocks and MAYBE all 4 springs (thinking still about Terrain Tamer parabolic). I texted Jeff to let him know that everything had arrived. He calls me back a bit later to advise me of a procedure to not move the spider gears and maintain pinion preload along with several other helpful hints. Earlier he again suggested a list of parts necessary to make this swap un-eventful.
Safe to say the FJ40 will undergo same really good transformations over the winter.
Here’s the crazy part…not that any of this isn’t crazy enough at my age…. I have lived where I am for over 4 decades. I had ALWAYS WANTED A POLE BARN but never had the cash flow to support one. It was always kids needs and family things of any kind that took precedence. I would build a vintage bike and sell it…profits went to wife and kids. Some went to other FJ40’s. A wild cycle of the same events for 20+ years. The pole barn is done almost 2 years now and the old garage became a drop-off site for more junk. Also always want to convert this garage to a large family room.
So now at 72( real soon ). I am beating myself up building: beams, lifting sheets of plywood…flooring joists, sub-floor, top floor, electrical, insulation, cutting in windows, doors, new headers, fireplace, even foundation stuff, mixing concrete, drilling into the old concrete, rebar…filling in the old garage doors gaps. I have used over 5000 nails and 5 butane cartridges to power the nail gun. With the pressure of the approaching holidays and how long I will be here to enjoy many more of these holidays with this new room, I AM trying to get it done before December 20th.
@Yotajeff there has been some change in priorities… you have been a remarkably nice guy and excellent source. It’s all here waiting to get started….thank you once again for all the great parts and conversations. I’ll be in touch and send a few photos as I get things going.
Let me add one more thing: in the few years I have been here at IH8MUD, EVERYONE I have dealt with or carried on conversations has been amazing.
Thanks!!
I
