Where to begin - Inherited my Aunt's 77 FJ40

[ktmusa8]

Welcome. Just got mine on the road after 4 years of complete teardown to frame, however haven't touched the engine tranny or transfer case yet. My advice is to enjoy it as is and take make bite sized efforts at getting her where you want her without putting her out of commission for too long.

 

[NellieFJ40]

Well everyone an update is in order. As you may recall I brought the vehicle up to Poser's place in Minnesota to have it gone through and have all mechanical issues taken care of. Overall Poser said the vehicle is in nice shape (minus the known body issues!) and was very original. Of particular note and, quite welcome news, was the the 2F engine has good compression measuring between 140 and 155 on all cylinders and that the frame is in very good shape.

He has completed his inspection and we are proceeding with fixing all identified issues. They include:

- drain and replace all fluids, gaskets, plugs, plug wires, hoses, cap, rotor change...all the general maintenance stuff
- clutch, master and slave cylinders, hose, engine rear main seal
- rear diff repair. Had significantly more metal shavings in it that would be expected. Companion flange has up and down movement indicating worn bearings. U joints in rear drive shaft are loose. Skid plate smashed into transfer case. Rear drive shaft tube has gouge in it and will be replaced
- Rebuild carb. Desmog vehicle
-leaking oil pan gasket, sidecover gasket, and rocket cover gasket and seals
-worn steering components and right front wheel bearings loose. Front axle shafts and steering knuckles have never been serviced.

WHEW! I think that's everything. I was hoping to have a lift installed at the same time to fit some new 33x10.5 tires but the budget isn't going to allow that at this time.
Can't wait to get the truck back in 6 weeks or so and actually have a machine that will hopefully mechanically trouble free for quite some time!

 

[want2wheel]

That is a very small list of repairs. This sounds like it will be a great rig for you and your family.

 

[White Stripe]

When a vehicle is not serviced, inspected, or repaired regularly things can really add up. Once you get her back and shes fixed up keeping up with repairs and maintenance you will avoid such big bills in the future for repairs and not have to catch up. She will probably not drive the same when you get it back.

 

[NellieFJ40]

Thank you both for your thoughts. Amazing how this relatively small list add up dollars wise! Oh well it'll be worth it. From here on out I'll keep up in maintenance and repairs as necessary.

Countdown is on. Approximately 6 weeks till I get her back. I just need to decide where I want to take it for its initial offroad run. I've heard stories from my aunt and parents about my aunt on the guanella pass trail in colorado. Maybe there?

 

[subzali]

That will be prime time for that area. Look up argentine pass, which is off of guanella pass. I bet some locals from rising sun would go with you.

Most of that stuff sounds pretty normal, so count yourself lucky you didn't have a PO that messed with stuff too much to add to the list and the cost (e.g. Hacked steering job).


...via IH8MUD app

 

[shipmag]

I wouldnt recommend removing the smog equipment. If you happen to have to relocate for some unknown reason you will have to resmog. I found out the hard way after 30 years.
Now I have to figure out how to make it stock again.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[NellieFJ40]

Shipmag I would have tended to think like you. Its been on since new and is seemingly functioning correctly as the truck continued to lass Colorado emissions.

that said I'm certainly no expert and I'm paying for one in poser. As such I figure I need to go along with what he thinks. If I move im sure ill regret it but hopefully that wont be the case.

Subzali thanks for your thoughts. I will look into argentine pass and the rising sun club.

With regard to the po issue its nice to have a one owner family vehicle!

 

[subzali]

I wouldnt recommend removing the smog equipment. If you happen to have to relocate for some unknown reason you will have to resmog. I found out the hard way after 30 years.
Now I have to figure out how to make it stock again.


...via IH8MUD app

X2 I'm putting my emissions stuff back together as we speak. Just box it up and save it


...via IH8MUD app

 

[NellieFJ40]

Hmmm. Interesting to compare both of your thoughts to posers. I'm not going to speak for him but his advise, at least in my situation, was to remove the desmog system. I'll DEFINITELY be keeping all the pieces of the desmog system. Here's to hoping I don't have to figure out how it goes back on in the future.

 

[NellieFJ40]

I saw another post on all the mirrors in our 40s. Didn't want to interject into that thread so thought I would ask here.

I find my mirrors constantly moving from road vibrations. I believe they are the original mirrors. Would going with new mirrors help the situation?

 

[NellieFJ40]

Thought I'd provide an update. Progress is being made on the truck and hopefully ill have it back in time to participate in the tall corn cruisers event next weekend.

When I get it back ill be starting to replace things like:

Seat upholstery/foam
rear jump seat
broken reflectors
hub caps
mirrors

speaking of mirrors anyone have any input on mirrors needing constant adjustment? Would replacing the mounts help with this8s issue?

 

[coinoperated40]

The plastic mirrors are not the best thing on a 40. The plastic can crack and as you tighten the screws... crack even more..If cracked. not much you can do, but if not, then you might try and rough up both surfaces, plastic and metal, by putting some groves in them. It worked on ape hangers back in the day of motorcycles. I purchased new mirrors from CCOT a few years back and they were loose also.

 

[ktmusa8]

i've got the same issue with my ccot mirrors as well. got them tightened about as much as i can without breaking the plastic and they still move around.

 

[NellieFJ40]

Thanks guys. Looks like the ccot mirrors aren't the solution. There's gotta be some solution to keep the mirrors where you want them.

 

[bj40green]

Put a tiny toothed washer in the mirror. The mirror will be locked in place.

Rudi

 

[subzali]

I have notched the slot on the plastic on the CCOT mirrors so I could get them positioned in the right spot and so they would close tighter. Tried roughing up the ball with a vice grips so it would grip the plastic better, and eventually resorted to gluing the things in place.

After a while picked up some used OEM mirrors out of the junkyard and even though they look like they are the same concept, for some reason the OEM ones hold a lot better.

Might have to try the toothed washer idea.

 

[NellieFJ40]

All,

I'm overdue for providing an update! I'm back in possession of the vehicle now that poser has completed his work. It was definitely a long process but I'm more than happy with the work done by poser. I think he would agree that at times it seemed tellie just wanted to be a bit of a handful!

In addition to those items initially identified poser also ended up replacing the fuel pump, water pump, and fix a leaking radiator.

9ne thing that changed from the original plan is that the emission system is still in place. If it acts up in the future it may come off but for nkw its still on.

I havent driven it much since getting it back but it sure puts a smile on my face when I do.

I did drive it back and forth to work; about 70 miles. I filled up before and after the trip and got approximately 13.5 mpg. So posers definitely got her running in peak performance.

I just ordered new seat upholstery a d foam from sor. I also ordered a new headliner. Hopefully that will all be pretty straight for to install.

 

[overton]

Sound like you are making some great progress. There's more than one good thread here on MUD regarding the headliner install

 

[NellieFJ40]

I saw one that you posted and I plan on following it for sure. My main concern deals with where the headliner gets trimmed off. It seemed that maybe along the front edge it wasn't intuitive?

Thanks!