Builds Zeke, the 1975 Wanderer and DD

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Got the front axle rebuild kit from Kurt.

IMG_20220110_125636392.jpg


Gotta figure out where that large sized (34mm?) socket went off to during our move from Iowa to Tennessee, but otherwise, will be ready to rebuild an axle.

Also started organizing the interior, which I documented in this thread: Mounting crap on an FJ55 - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/mounting-crap-on-an-fj55.1273055/#post-14242439

Once I got some of that done, as well as finish with that driver's side front body mount, I'll be able to go places and do some things.

Need to figure out how to camp in/out of this rig, for instance.
 
So, here's the deal.

Over the last couple months, I've been working on and enjoying the crap out of Zeke. All along I've been thinking about what to do with him, and I've come to somewhat of a decision.

My plan is to enjoy driving him, wrenching on him, and fixing the things I can over the next two years.

At that time, I will turn 60; my main income streams will open up, and instead of pulling Zeke off the road for a well-deserved restoration, I want to replace him with a minimalist early FJ40 like this:

1642299572263.webp


I guess I'm not willing to put the time and effort into the amount of sheetmetal work necessary to fix all the boo boos my FJ55 require.

That doesn't mean I won't enjoy working on, driving and adventuring in Zeke over the next two years.

The fact is, I was looking for an FJ40 when I found my FJ55, and I want a smaller, more handy truck that me, my wife and my dog can get in and out of.

As an aside, I'm studying up on FJ40 details, and keeping a weather eye out for a good, solid example to snap up along the way.
 
120mm said:
So, here's the deal.

Over the last couple months, I've been working on and enjoying the crap out of Zeke. All along I've been thinking about what to do with him, and I've come to somewhat of a decision.

My plan is to enjoy driving him, wrenching on him, and fixing the things I can over the next two years.

At that time, I will turn 60; my main income streams will open up, and instead of pulling Zeke off the road for a well-deserved restoration, I want to replace him with a minimalist early FJ40 like this:

View attachment 2895048

I guess I'm not willing to put the time and effort into the amount of sheetmetal work necessary to fix all the boo boos my FJ55 require.

That doesn't mean I won't enjoy working on, driving and adventuring in Zeke over the next two years.

The fact is, I was looking for an FJ40 when I found my FJ55, and I want a smaller, more handy truck that me, my wife and my dog can get in and out of.

As an aside, I'm studying up on FJ40 details, and keeping a weather eye out for a good, solid example to snap up along the way.
Click to expand...
"And now for something completely unexpected..."

Plot twist!

Well you have definitely had time to sample the Pig's wares, and if your conclusion is, "Do not want", you should probably trust your instincts!

I hope you can find the right 40 for you.
 
PabloCruise said:
"And now for something completely unexpected..."

Plot twist!

Well you have definitely had time to sample the Pig's wares, and if your conclusion is, "Do not want", you should probably trust your instincts!

I hope you can find the right 40 for you.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the comment.

It's funny, but a couple things heavily influenced my decision, and the fact that I do like driving this SOA FJ55 "a lot" have kept me from realizing what those things are.

First, I broke a couple ribs early on working on Zeke, because I slipped on the bumper while leaning into the engine compartment. The apron is nearly knife sharp and is hazard to my aging side. Since then, I've invested in a step ladder and a wheel mounted folding step system, but still, working on a lifted truck isn't my idea of a good time.

Second, when my dog fell out of it and knocked her breath out. She did that running on their side thing animals do for a moment or two before she wobbled back to her feet, evidently unhurt. I'd dropped a weaned pig once as a child and it died, and I was genuinely afraid the same had happened to my dog.

Those kinds of things stick in my mind.

I'd be cool with a smaller, handier vehicle like an FJ40, and am kind of fixated on narrow, near stock sized wheels/tires, over something lifted and more capable off road.

Anyway; back to more adventures with fixing and driving Zeke. I don't have the money or space for an FJ40 right now, so back to FJ55 hijinks.
 
You know it's not impossible to reverse those suspension mods and tire choices. Might even be easier and cheaper than starting over with an unknown vehicle.
 
riderjgs said:
You know it's not impossible to reverse those suspension mods and tire choices. Might even be easier and cheaper than starting over with an unknown vehicle.
Click to expand...
Glad you brought that up.

I could reverse those suspension mods, but it would be more money than I want to put into it. I've researched the costs, which are considerable to do it right, and in the end, I still wouldn't have the Land Cruiser I really want.

Doing my first few rust repairs has convinced me there is a LOT more to repairing the sheet metal on a 55 than on a 40. I believe the phrase "steel origami" has been floated out before, and it's true.

As configured, this is a very capable rig, and I'm willing to bet there is someone who wants one just like it, and I can save them from doing it themselves.
 
riderjgs said:
You know it's not impossible to reverse those suspension mods and tire choices. Might even be easier and cheaper than starting over with an unknown vehicle.
Click to expand...

This ^^^

I have a friend w/ a SOA 60 who would like to go back to SUA

(or 80 frame...)
 
PabloCruise said:
If you ain't having fun with it, adjust accordingly!
Click to expand...
Pablo is dead on with this, in my opinion. They're just our hobby, not married to it. That said, if you haven't owned a 40 before maybe buy one before you sell the 55. Long legged guys don't fit well in a 40 for very long. I always had to cock my right leg up too high in order work the pedal. Ways around that, too.
 
scrapdaddy said:
Pablo is dead on with this, in my opinion. They're just our hobby, not married to it. That said, if you haven't owned a 40 before maybe buy one before you sell the 55. Long legged guys don't fit well in a 40 for very long. I always had to cock my right leg up too high in order work the pedal. Ways around that, too.
Click to expand...
I am exactly average in height and weight, so I have no worries.

Having said that, I fully expect to get the 40 before I get rid of the 55
 
Last edited:
riderjgs said:
You know it's not impossible to reverse those suspension mods and tire choices. Might even be easier and cheaper than starting over with an unknown vehicle.
Click to expand...

Just a thought; One of the major costs in undoing a SOA is re-arching, or getting new springs, as well as relocating the shackles to accommodate the new springs.

I read in another thread where someone is running with flat springs was happy with them "as is."

I'm facing buying new rubber, and am wondering what is involved in undoing my SOA lift. I know there is some chicanery with the steering mechanism, (it's on the top of the knuckle) and the PO did something called a "cut and turn" and am wondering what exactly is involved in undoing that.

Anyone have experience converting an SOA to a SUA?
 
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