This sooo cool and bring back a lot of memories my first car i had,1988 fj62 handed down from my brother.
It had lots of problems and i had no idea how to fix them so after a few years I ended up giving her away…..

Steve, you must really enjoy building all types of vehicles, admire your vision for seeing beyond whats there. Juggling multiple projects I'm sure keeps you busy, kudos to you.
Just wanted to ask about the rod ends you're using here on this build, they look a little different, care to share who you're using, thanks and keep on posting...........hows the Porsche coming along?

Simon ... BIG thank you
This is absolutely what I love doing, and I wish I had more time to be doing more 'hands on' work with the FJ55 but not only am I juggling these builds I am currently launching a newly developed safety software across Across Ontario and Canada in a very short time ... Killin me LOL !!

Also, yes I am actually heading to Los Angeles on Monday for one day to go and see the Porsche. Not as far along as I had hoped and going to light a fire under their ass because I have registered the car to be in the Motorama car show in the middle of March

So, to answer your question, the rod ends were sourced by a very reputable 4X4 Fab company thats actually only a short drive away.

https://ca.tmrcustoms.com

I purchased the full front 3 link, and rear 4 link Kit, you'll find them on the site

UPDATE ... She's now on all fours
Shocks ordered, and again I'm not one to complain but holy sh!t this 4X4 stuff is expensive

Didn't hold back on the shocks that we ordered ... 3 month wait
Fully adjustable FOX

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f41e7639_b.jpgScreen Shot 2021-12-04 at 8.30.14 AM by Steve Heck, on Flickr

Very happy she's on all fours now, and have realized now that we are going to have to build some very cool custom electric drop steps... she's tall
I believe the front end steering is now all sorted and will have more pics later today...

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6d8e9955_b.jpg65950629475__78AA72F6-6AB5-476C-AF6D-997993A957D5 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5cc5f67c_b.jpgIMG_3324 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b5a7a469_b.jpgIMG_3326 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4098975320.jpgyou-ever-take-it-off-any-sweet-jumps by Steve Heck, on Flickr

LMAO !!!! Trey, Just clicked with me buddy ... ABSOLUTELY !!

wow, this is bad ass

lol, I knew I was reaching far back with that comment but I hoped someone would get it. The frame looks great, Steve.

Never realized the rear end center section was also offset , also CANT wait to see the porsche in person . Is it march yet .

Thanks Guys
Trey, I laughed my ass off when it clicked LOL
Ryan, just got back from LA again, 12 hour trip just to see the car
Not as far along as I'd hoped but its getting there

See the update ...

Cheers
Steve

Very cool project and I can’t wait to see more.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks Marty ... These shocks are holding us back with an ETA of February, but got some good engine shots this week


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7c742965_b.jpgIMG_3583 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9783f9ed_b.jpgIMG_3578 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

Guys ... shocks arrived (FINALLY) a few weeks ago and we are rocking' this thing
Suspension pretty much complete, and put the body on to check all clearances ... we good !!

Last items - check for bump steer, and sort out how the 'heck' we are going to get a stabilizer bar up front

Pics show body on with suspension in full extension/droop. She will sit about 5-6" lower and rear axel back about 2-3"

This thing is going to be so cool ...


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3d6f6d2b_h.jpgIMG_5415 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ef7e0098_h.jpgIMG_5424 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d6ecbfec_h.jpg67857426095__67A78649-ED96-4B3F-87B3-4309AA9C52FD by Steve Heck, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e15da66b_h.jpg67857428348__02432E4A-4A26-457B-B84B-510AA382F873 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

Here is what I am shooting for, but with some cool sh%! added


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d68b3e43_b.jpgIMG_4068 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

I love it !!!!!

Too bad a$$...!!

Congrats on getting the body back on. I'm assuming it's temporary though? The rendering looks great. Love the Toyota racing colors.

Thanks Gents !!
Hi Trey ... yes you are correct. Taking all the measurements to determine engine placement. Once we know we have all the clearances then we will install the entire driveline and then weld up all the frame brackets. Once thats done the body will go back on for one last check. Then everything comes apart and goes for powder coating, and the body goes to the paint shop

Simple ... :thumbsup:

Cheers
Steve

Getting Engine ready to connect to 6L80 and Toyota TC


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e6214c9a_h.jpgIMG_5511 by Steve Heck, on Flickr


All ready ....

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1219dcdd_h.jpgIMG_5514 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

Are you doing any color matching on the engine? Possibly changing up the plastic supercharger cover a little?


Jeff-

AWESOME doesn't even begin to describe your build! I'm looking forward to watching it progress!

Jeff ... of course my friend ! you know me ...BTW, how's the 40' ???

Cramer, thank you ... as far as I know (and I have searched EVERYWHERE) nobody has taken a FJ55 to this level of resto-mod and I too am totally stoked to show the world what guys like us on Lateral-G can do with a little bit of talent and a 'little' bit of $$$ !! LOL


Cheers
Steve

I have to agree with you there, Steve. It is definitely going to be a SICK build!

Still enjoying it, she's put several thousand miles on it... and I think it's even dirty right now from a pop-up shower! :eek:


Jeff-

Jeff, thats EXACTLY what I want to hear ... I tell you I miss my FJ's but glad I sold them to build the 55'

Steve

Again, BIG thank you
Cheers
Steve

Morning guys ... so some updates

Motor and trans in with body on temporarily
No major clearance issues ... Check !
New rear bumper with swing out arms getting installed

Marty ... we can get LOTS of bikes in this one buddy !!!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...aec1c1a_3k.jpgIMG_7508 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...68a64db_3k.jpg68798404571__18DE6596-CDFD-4A10-8D41-557363E8249C by Steve Heck, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...be206c8_3k.jpg68824009043__FF87763D-907B-47D7-BB72-1B93E39D9352 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

Some updates guys .... definitely getting there
Stainless exhaust parts coming next
Custom fab on front/rear sway bars ... waiting on parts
Engine SET in position now as far back as we can
Rear bumper almost done
Front bumper extensions under way
Sorting out the exact position of the twin sticks


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4fc0c122_k.jpgIMG_7733 by Steve Heck, on Flickr


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8798bb9e_k.jpgIMG_7731 by Steve Heck, on Flickr


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c153fc85_k.jpgIMG_7736 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

This thing is rad. Love watching it come together since it's so different than what I am accustomed to.

Hey Trey, yes it is in the TO area and most certainly next time you are here I'll take you up to see it. This thing is insane, the complexity of the front end to get the suspension correct and make sure there are no clearance issues is crazy ... there must be 60-80 hours just in planning, trial fitting and then welding.

Hardest part is coming up now, fitting/threading the 1" sway bar through all the moving parts and then making sure nothing hits on full articulation ...

And I love bringing this stuff to you and the rest of the members as well.

Let me know buddy !

Cheers
Steve

Are there any plans to gusset the shock towers in front and rear or are they not needed? Asking because I don't know. :thankyou:

Any new developments on this Steve?

Hey guys .... YES
Ran into some issues with the body work that was 'supposedly' done well in the restoration ... well, that didn't turn out to be so true so it went back to MY guys for some work and it's still there BUT she will be a 9.5/10 very soon. This is going to be my best 4X4 build to date no question, so the finish will be 1000X better than OE.

Have decided on colour ... Toyota Cement gray with black roof and all black accents

All gaps redone, removing a sh!t ton of bonds, and BIG update, we are integrating a sunroof !!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2b29faf_3k.jpgIMG_9529 by Steve Heck, on Flickr


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4c5d31a_3k.jpg70420897616__99E2FB4D-0A78-49C1-901A-BCC7C5F946B5 by Steve Heck, on Flickr]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...44abce8_3k.jpgIMG_9013 by Steve Heck, on Flickr


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2b29faf_3k.jpgIMG_9529 by Steve Heck, on Flickr


and we are making custom carbon hood louvers

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5fb3ecd_3k.jpgIMG_9538 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

And ... the frame and all components are going in for powder coating VERY soon, then let the build BEGIN !!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...894911f_3k.jpgIMG_9534 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

New sunroof ... this should be cool !!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...cbe8f8a_3k.jpgIMG_9012 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

I'd call that a panoramic roof instead of a sun roof. That's going to be cool on the truck.

Sorry the body work isn't up to your standards. That's a crappy set back.

Damn that sucks... you've had such great luck in the past getting quality work done. Sorry people gotta be so unreliable...

Thanks Trey, it is what is is my friend, didn't get as lucky as I have in the past but its all good.

Jeff, actually its not at my end ... I paid GOOD money for a fully restored FJ55, its was on the other side of the country so I couldn't see it in person, but he did send me 100's of pics, and these are SO rare that I jumped on it. When it arrived it looked 'good' for the 'usual' FJ, but to me and this build ... not even close. So now my team takes over and like I mentioned, this will be my best ever Landcruiser.

This may be my last Cruiser so it better be my best, unless I do a 45 (below) ...I've always loved these


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...74a209c3_k.jpgcb767190bd0c1f793fcac038e3eef00ac57f7fc8 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

So excited ... FINALLY after a year and a half of missing parts and fully customizing the suspension, steering etc.. its off to blasting and powder coating.

Assembly time is almost here !!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3660a297_k.jpgIMG_0629 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...159fec72_k.jpgIMG_0633 by Steve Heck, on Flickr

Talk about an inspirational build !!!

I/we am looking forward to seeing more posts.

FINALLY .... here we go !!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f483e45d_k.jpgScreen Shot 2023-10-07 at 7.30.18 AM by Steve Heck, on Flickr

Is this getting the 632 GM crate.....? :poke:



:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

Jeff-