Greeting one and all.... FJ40 Project

Post by **Mechman** » Sun Oct 26, 2003 1:01 pm

Hi Guys..
i have been looking thru this site for a few days now and thought id say a G'day.
I am currently working a 1973 SWB FJ 40 that has had a small holden V8 added, a 2 seat convertion and a roll bar. I didnt do these mods so im kind of playing catchup with what else has been added. Its up on axle stands ATM as its having some much needed bodywork attention.

I've built lots of motorbikes in the past in the UK (yes, im a pom) but i have never rebuilt a car or 4bie before.

i am looking to rewire the thing as the electrics are crap. can anyone give me any pointers?. the loom seems to have shit loads of spare connectors and wires.. im sure i dont need all them. i have a Haynes.. so it shouldnt be too hard, but any offered advice will be taken on board.

im also interested in the cheapest way to convert the front brakes to disc.. the drums are WAY TO SCAREY!.

thanks in advance to anyone that takes the time to read this..

i have a digital camera, ill take some pics and add them if anyone is intersted...

Cheers

Rob

Post by **Kev80** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 9:37 pm

Do you mean "rewire" or just fix/tidy up the electrics ?

Post by **bubs** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 10:13 pm

front discs, just go get a hilux axle, and get all the disc brake components you require, bolts up as far as i am told

Post by **Mechman** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 10:13 pm

thanks for the reply... i think iwould like to start from scratch. i used to do the same to my bikes... there are to many places a short could be and as i have brought it as an ongoing project, i think that would be safer.
have you done this?

Post by **Mechman** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 10:15 pm

bubs wrote:front discs, just go get a hilux axle, and get all the disc brake components you require, bolts up as far as i am told

will i need the whole axle?
i have found out that a 60 serries will "bolt" on... is this true.

Post by **2car** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 12:04 pm

Mechman wrote:
bubs wrote:front discs, just go get a hilux axle, and get all the disc brake components you require, bolts up as far as i am told

will i need the whole axle?
i have found out that a 60 serries will "bolt" on... is this true.

Almost. Everything from the CVs outwards will bolt on. You will have to grind out the cast ends of the axle housing to get the larger CVs in, and shim the steering arms to take the smaller TREs. Hilux stuff is cheaper but the disks aren't vented - I use Hilux gear and love it. Apart from the disks, I think all the 60/Hilux stuff is the same.

Post by **Shorty40** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 1:26 pm

Just put the 60 series diffs under your rig

Not only will you pick up the disks, but you will also gain about 80mm width :cool:

Post by **Tojo** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 6:04 pm

the cheapest way to get front discs is to get the discs, hubs etc from a 1981 onwards model 40 series. They came standard from this time and are a direct bolt on with no grinding, shimming or any other problems. While you are at the wreckers get the master cylinder to suite. Im not sure if it is different than the drum only model but would not hurt to change it.

Post by **Mechman** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 8:42 pm

Tojo wrote:the cheapest way to get front discs is to get the discs, hubs etc from a 1981 onwards model 40 series. They came standard from this time and are a direct bolt on with no grinding, shimming or any other problems. While you are at the wreckers get the master cylinder to suite. Im not sure if it is different than the drum only model but would not hurt to change it.

are these bits as rare as rocking horse shit or will i find then with out too much trouble?. i would rather not have to grind away, or alter the steering geometry if i can help it... well, too much anyway.
having said that... i would like to raise the body too.. and i am looking at replacing the shackles with 100mm over size. i figure this will give me about 50mm lift. will this alter the steering much?
i can make these myself. and i have noticed that the alternator on the 253 will hit the inner wing if i lift the body itself. is this a common problem?

Post by **Shorty40** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 9:27 pm

Mechman wrote:and i have noticed that the alternator on the 253 will hit the inner wing if i lift the body itself. is this a common problem?

Can you get a pic of this ?

I have a 253 in my 40 and my alternator fits no worries

Post by **Mechman** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 10:05 pm

here are a couple of pix showing the position of the alternator ..

what other mods have you done that you would recomend?

Post by **POS** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 10:37 pm

Sounds like a good truck

Post by **Mechman** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 10:56 pm

Mate... considering the ole girl is 30 years old.. im impressed.
i fell in love with these the first time i saw one, 7 year back when i came over here on hols. i have a Pajero too.. in fact i have had 2 of them.. and the FJ is awsome compared. i have mates with the Pajeros too and they call my girl the Tow truck... man, if i had a dollar...lol she will go and go.

Post by **ORSM45** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 7:12 pm

Mechman wrote:what other mods have you done that you would recomend?

A Chev

Post by **2car** » Wed Nov 05, 2003 11:29 am

Tojo wrote:the cheapest way to get front discs is to get the discs, hubs etc from a 1981 onwards model 40 series. They came standard from this time and are a direct bolt on with no grinding, shimming or any other problems. While you are at the wreckers get the master cylinder to suite. Im not sure if it is different than the drum only model but would not hurt to change it.

Sorry, but the end of the housing will require grinding to fit the larger CVs. Hilux gear is cheaper and requires the same work.

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Greeting one and all.... FJ40 Project

Greeting one and all.... FJ40 Project

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