Year in Review: What was Your Best Land Cruiser-Related Accomplishment in 2023?

[mtn biker]

Among many of my forced upgrades, fuel pump, carburetor, u-joints, just generally keeping her alive. My biggest accomplishment is getting my 16 year old daughter to actually go off roading with me, when she was too afraid to go before now.

 

[pb4ugo]

My accomplishments were not nearly as extensive as others. In the spring I installed a cam and lifters i had laying around into my 350 sbc, only to find that the po's idiot engine builder put 305 heads that had been decked to the max on the engine. On a positive note, I plugged the hole in my bumper with the winch I rebuilt. In 2024, 1st on the docket is upgrade to FJ60 knuckles, then install a set of Vortec heads. Time willing will be a drop down tailgate and repair and install a better windshield frame. Oh I almost forgot, I did get rid of the plate style tire carrier and painted and adapted the later tube style carrier.

 

[RRblue40]

Biggest accomplishment is I have one now. Really like it, LOTS to do on body. Has a V8 chevy, NV4500 and an Orion

 

[pb4ugo]

Biggest accomplishment is I have one now. Really like it, LOTS to do on body. Has a V8 chevy, NV4500 and an Orion

View attachment 3518043

That's a great driveline combo. I enjoy the hell out of mine.

 

[troutbum4]

Installing my R2.8 with the H55F and split transfer case. I have to get it back on the axles first with the new Alcan springs with a 4" lift rear and 3" lift in the front.

curious as to the mpg you get now with this set up?

 

[fjdiesel]

curious as to the mpg you get now with this set up?

I don't know about mpg's with my 40... but, I usually measure mine with SPM (smiles per mile) while I drive.

 

[fjdiesel]

My accomplishments were not nearly as extensive as others. In the spring I installed a cam and lifters i had laying around into my 350 sbc, only to find that the po's idiot engine builder put 305 heads that had been decked to the max on the engine. On a positive note, I plugged the hole in my bumper with the winch I rebuilt. In 2024, 1st on the docket is upgrade to FJ60 knuckles, then install a set of Vortec heads. Time willing will be a drop down tailgate and repair and install a better windshield frame. Oh I almost forgot, I did get rid of the plate style tire carrier and painted and adapted the later tube style carrier.

View attachment 3518034

I really like the headlamp beauty rings. What are they from?

 

[pb4ugo]

I really like the headlamp beauty rings. What are they from?

Dare I say, they're for a jeep CJ. They're stainless steel made by Kentrol.

 

[mtn biker]

I don't know about mpg's with my 40... but, I usually measure mine with SPM (smiles per mile) while I drive.

That is the only measurement worth following in a 40

 

[roadstr6]

I got my five year project 40 back on the road for the first time since I've owned it. List of things done this year is too long to even fathom. Next up, headliner and driver side ambulance door rust repair.

Started here:

Finished here:

 

[Gearhead]

Made it running and driving with enough confidence to take Mom for a test drive. Still have top and doors to assemble, 8274 to rebuild but driving it is amazing!

 

[cims1970fj40]

2023 in chronological order:
4* caster shims;
New front brake calipers & pads;
5 Yokohama Geolandar M/T (LT255/85R16);
Oil Line Conversion Kit and Oil Pressure Regulator Gasket Kit;
SMG Stainless Steel Hinge Pins for Doors, Window and Hood;
Breather Caps for Front and Rear Axles (Part Number 9093003019);
Delete rear fender flares and replace with Real Steel patch panels;
New OEM Rear Marker Side Lights;
4Plus Fold Down Legs for Jumps Seats;
OEM Studs for Rear Differential (PN 90116-10103 x & 90116-A0025 x 2);
OEM Dash light sockets with plastic retaining rings;
Vader light & switch.

2024 projects:
ARB rear locker; and
4 speed conversion and transfer case rebuild
Marriage counseling

Yeah I would do it in that order for the 2024 projects because your going to need Marriage counseling after spending.

 

[fjdiesel]

I really had 3 things that were great accomplishments this year.

4 linked the rear suspension!!

3:1 transfer case gears.

And these were in preparation to go to SAS7. Drove from MN 3500 mile round trip!! Met some great people, had a great time with like minded Cruiser folks. Drove some great trails!!

 

[Aloha Jen]

It’s been a big year for my 1975 Fj40 project. A couple of big accomplishments as well as some first time on the job training experiences revolved around the paint and bodywork.
It was my first time helping to construct a garage paint booth

First time using an automotive paint sprayer, wet sanding (and more wet sanding), then cut/buffing single stage paint (Toyota Dune Beige in case it wasn’t clear from the pics).

I didn’t do it all of course, as I am very fortunate to have much more talented friends and family to teach me how to do these things. But the small part I contributed during painting was very fulfilling because I learned some new skills and gained a little more pride in this project. A project that is wrapping up and one that I will hopefully be driving very soon!!

The finished paint job and some new OEM hardware

 

[sogncab]

Joining the FJ40 crowd finally with twins.

Why buy one, when you can get two for twice as much. That's my motto.

 

[Sky King]

My accomplishments were not nearly as extensive as others. In the spring I installed a cam and lifters i had laying around into my 350 sbc, only to find that the po's idiot engine builder put 305 heads that had been decked to the max on the engine. On a positive note, I plugged the hole in my bumper with the winch I rebuilt. In 2024, 1st on the docket is upgrade to FJ60 knuckles, then install a set of Vortec heads. Time willing will be a drop down tailgate and repair and install a better windshield frame. Oh I almost forgot, I did get rid of the plate style tire carrier and painted and adapted the later tube style carrier.

View attachment 3518034

I like the small badge on the grill, a tasteful nod toward what's under the hood. Where'd you get it?

 

[POPO AGIE]

curious as to the mpg you get now with this set up?

The R2.8 is still in the crate and the FJ40 is still on jack stands. The H55F transmission and split transfer case are still on the rolling jack cart.

The front axle is still on a dolly about to put it back under the front. The 155F is still in the frame and froze up and cant rotate the crank. I was drilling out as much as I could on the tops of 3 pistons trying to relive the rings. Still wont turn. I need the fly wheel and the 2F bell housing for the conversion. I have a lot of work to do yet.

Should get twice the milage of either of the two F series motors I have had and will running at much lower rpms with the 4:11s with the H55F verses the 4 speed could do.

 

[bikersmurf]

Finally a step closer towards finishing my p/s conversion. Bought a $10 1:10 tapered ream and reversed the taper in the mini truck TRE so that a “60 series” steering damper would mount to it. The HSS taper from Ali Express worked great till I broke it… fortunately the task was done.

 

[sogncab]

curious as to the mpg you get now with this set up?

I get 20 with mine pretty religiously.

 

[RevISK]

I get 20 with mine pretty religiously.

Amen.