Quote:
Originally Posted by RWebb
yeh - you have to get a hold of these things BEFORE they become a cult item
but how hard is it to swap the tranny & brakes to something better?
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My 72' has a 78 axle under it for the disc conversion. There are other methods like using the knuckles from a early Toyota mini truck that can be done as well. It's a matter of finding good parts in either case to swap in.
The four speed is a bolt in option with the 2F and the 1F, you do however also need the transfer case with it, or you need to modify the 4 speed output shaft or the three speed t-case input gears to mate it it.
Beyond that there are other issues with these cars.... The 2F engines are getting very expensive to rebuild, not 911 expensive, but not cheap. The 1F's.. forget it, they had issues anyway and are not generally worth saving.
Power steering normally needs to be added to make them comfortable to drive. That's a GM Saginaw conversion, or sourcing of power steering parts from, say, a 1980.
To get a "perfect" Fj40 or 55 takes years of work. Rust repair, updates, finding parts all are a chore.
My 72' factory soft top is a frame off restore that I did myself. It has a 350tbi engine, GM power steering, power disc brakes, 4 speed transmission and 3 speed case. Between body work, parts sourcing, and conversion pieces it was a four year job. And I still can't source a set of factory canvas doors anywhere.
There are so many items on these trucks that are terribly hard to find. Wiper motors, dash knobs, hubs, wheel cylinders, the list goes on. These were sold in a somewhat limited fashion in the states and a lot of parts need to come from the third world at this point.
For instance there is one guy that makes a factory soft top reproduction, he's in Pakistan and you have to do a group buy for the tops. It takes a year to turn the order around. You have to love these things to even consider getting into one.
Here is mine on it's maiden voyage after sitting for 10 years.
YouTube - FJ40 First Run