FJ40 thread....

[Sheck44]

Holy crap !! Jeff, are you kidding me ,.... more details !!
This thing is awesome

I have so many questions
Steve

[Ketzer]

Originally Posted by WSSix

Cool ride. There's a company down this way called ACC that specializes in vintage Toyotas like this. They bring out some of their LS swapped rides to Caffeine and Octane. They do great work and really make me want to get one. Good luck with your truck. Glad to see you posting a thread on it.

Thanks! I didn't know about them. Another source if I get in trouble!

Originally Posted by Sheck44

Holy crap !! Jeff, are you kidding me ,.... more details !!
This thing is awesome

I have so many questions
Steve

Well get to asking...

[Sheck44]

Ok, first off what suspension and steering setup are you going with ?
I'm looking at a couple of different options as I want to drive mine a lot and don't want to break any teeth in the process

Steve

[Ketzer]

A little disclaimer first. This thing will probably never see so much as a dirt road, much less trails (just like 99% of the giant 4x4s on the road) which is a shame 'cause even bone stock they are very capable.

Our '79 came factory with power steering and it is all mechanically fresh so for steering, we are sticking with it. If it was manual, I would be looking into one of the FJ60 conversions. I've read over on the IH8Mud forum that some have even adapted S10 boxes.

Suspension wise, wanted to keep the semi-factory look so no 4 links or 3 links. I talked to the guys at FJ Company while I was at SEMA and they use OME (OldManEmu) on most all their builds. I bought the 2.5" kit with the Nitro shocks. I definitely did not want more lift, she has to get a running start to get in it as it is... The OME is supposed to have the best ride you can get from leafs and you get poly bushings in everything along with greasable joints. The install was pretty straightforward and the parts seem high quality.

I have not driven it yet with the new parts, waiting on the carb to come back from rebuild (due today I hope!!)

[fleetus macmullitz]

Cool project.

Subscribed.

[214Chevy]

This thing is awesome Jeff. I love the old FJ's too. By the way, damn good choice on the bronze/brown wheels.

[Ketzer]

Originally Posted by 214Chevelle

This thing is awesome Jeff. I love the old FJ's too. By the way, damn good choice on the bronze/brown wheels.

Thanks!!
I was getting envelopes from Prismatic Powders every few days until she finally agreed on a color. I think we went through 20 samples! It was either too dark for me or too light for her and I was determined it would have some real pop out in the sunlight. The color is a two-coat (of course) that starts with Ink Black and then gets a topcoat they call Frosted Tangerine...

Like most colors, pics really don't do it justice or show the real color.







My first attempt at building an off-road bumper...

[Sheck44]

Originally Posted by Ketzer

A little disclaimer first. This thing will probably never see so much as a dirt road, much less trails (just like 99% of the giant 4x4s on the road) which is a shame 'cause even bone stock they are very capable.

Our '79 came factory with power steering and it is all mechanically fresh so for steering, we are sticking with it. If it was manual, I would be looking into one of the FJ60 conversions. I've read over on the IH8Mud forum that some have even adapted S10 boxes.

Suspension wise, wanted to keep the semi-factory look so no 4 links or 3 links. I talked to the guys at FJ Company while I was at SEMA and they use OME (OldManEmu) on most all their builds. I bought the 2.5" kit with the Nitro shocks. I definitely did not want more lift, she has to get a running start to get in it as it is... The OME is supposed to have the best ride you can get from leafs and you get poly bushings in everything along with greasable joints. The install was pretty straightforward and the parts seem high quality.

I have not driven it yet with the new parts, waiting on the carb to come back from rebuild (due today I hope!!)

This is PERFECT Jeff, exactly what my plan was and wanted to see what you were doing for suspension. I've also decided to go Manual with an H55 and likely a 60 TC ... just need to find this stuff.

Are you going disc rear, and if so what kit did you use ?
Also, what are your plans for an EFI tank ?

Keep the pics coming !

Thanks
Steve

[Ketzer]

Originally Posted by Sheck44

This is PERFECT Jeff, exactly what my plan was and wanted to see what you were doing for suspension. I've also decided to go Manual with an H55 and likely a 60 TC ... just need to find this stuff.

Are you going disc rear, and if so what kit did you use ?
Also, what are your plans for an EFI tank ?

Keep the pics coming !

Thanks
Steve

I do plan rear disc when I do the LS. I'm lucky once again that mine is a '79 because that got me factory power front disc brakes. I'm looking at something like the JT Outfiiters kit Rear Disc Kit Here. It does not have provisions for an emergency brake but mine has the separate mid-mounted drum for that. I understand that there is a Cadillac caliper you can substitute that does have the provision if yours doesn't have the mid-drum or if you are changing transfer cases.

If it didn't already have front disc, I would have just done all Wilwood. Not for the flash, you cant even see any of it, but because I've used their stuff on several projects and like it. Bang for buck.


Fuel system has not been decided. I don't want to run an external pump but sometimes you work with what is there. Here is where '79 was not so bueno, it has a specific tank design. There are no replacements available. It also has a really funky shape that looks like a jelly bean someone stepped on in army boots. I am not sure yet if there is a place to retro one of the drop ins (Holley/Aeromotive) and get it to seal. Some of the new scavenger socks I've seen give me hope though on getting it to pick up fuel if I can find flat real estate to mount the top ring. The though of having to "make" a flat spot on top of the tank is not appealing, but is doable. If I have to go that far, I might as well weld in a factory GM ring and go OE. I have the tank and pump from the Camaro donor.
All else fails, we know we can use an external pump. Tried and true.

Please feel free to discuss your plans and thoughts!! I wanted this to be an open thread to all FJ builds. (all two of them... )

Jeff-

[Sheck44]

Ok .. so how about tranny and transfer case, this is what I've been agonizing over lately. Go 5 spd or auto ??? and then which transfer case ... 1980 to 1990 FJ60 TC are the ones to go with but soooo hard to find.

Oh and btw ... have you seen the new HDX gauges from DD !!??

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...od/prd1062.htm

Matt at Classic Bow Ties is a huge TLC fan and is doing some VERY good deals, ordering my gauges from him shortly

Cheers
Steve