78 FJ40 Build

[dustybaird]

My dad modified the power steering pump bracket and got it all mounted up. Need to get some lines made still but its progress.

All cleaned and painted.

 

[dustybaird]

My dad and brother both know how to weld, i however never really tried to learn. That is until now, one of my goals on this project is to learn how to weld so i attempted that with the exhaust.

My first attempts were less than pretty.

But after some guidance from my brother i was able to start to get the hang of it.

I was able to get both mufflers welded into place and will hopefully get the exits down today.

 

[dustybaird]

Exhaust exits ready to be added.

Little bit of high temp black

and done! waiting on some bolt on exhaust hangers but other than that should be good to go.

ordering the rest of the power steering components today. maybe get that all buttoned up next weekend!

 

[dustybaird]

Finishing up my power steering conversion now. Almost there! Luckily CruiserOutfitters is local to me and has all the power steering components i need. This was very helpful.

Box of linkage.

Drop pitman arm, new draglink and gm conversion tie rod mocked up. Looking way better than with the pitman arm that was in the back of the truck.

Im going to pull the other bar out and clean and paint it to match.

 

[Metcalf]

How close will the drag link come to the spring at full compression when turning right all the way?

 

[dustybaird]

How close will the drag link come to the spring at full compression when turning right all the way?

Not sure about that, I will have to check once we get it down off the jack stands.

 

[Boss Hog]

Previous owner left some items in the glovebox

Looks like the previous owner knew how to have a good time!!

:rockon:

 

[dustybaird]

My power steering kit had a yoke that was to big for my steering box but luckily a local company had the right piece in stock.

And all ready to be installed for good.

Steering is completely done! Now onto the brakes. Everything was thrown into boxes so we have been piecing together everything starting from the front and working our way back. So far the fronts are complete and hopefully we will finish the rear end today.

 

[dustybaird]

Update time!

Front end all together

Power steering lines all done.

Back on the ground. All the brakes are done and functional, clutch system all works, power steering is complete.

New master cylinders, clutch system and brakes are 100% new

Just need to run the fuel lines and fix the wiring mess and we should be good to go!

 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

That pinion angle looks very low. Could probably use a cut-n-turn.

 

[dustybaird]

Thanks i will take a close look at that!

Lots of progress today!! It ran and moved under its own power!

Got it started and ran it for 20 minutes at varying RPM to break in the cam. Made some awful noises and after breaking it in we pulled the valve covers to find i had adjust the rockers incorrectly. One of the pushrods decided to punch a hole through a rocker arm and they are one piece now. I need to keep it as art work or something haha.

I had bought a oil pump tool from summit that let us build oil pressure before starting and it worked perfectly.

Pushrod and Rocker become one

Luckily since its a 350 all it took to fix was $7 and a trip to a local autoparts store.

Quick video of it idling.

[video]https://youtu.be/myllxHioOX0[/video]

Tomorrow we will get this drivetrain all filled with fluid and try driving it around the block!

 

[dustybaird]

Working on cleaning wiring up now, The factory harness that goes to the back of the truck has been cut out by the previous owner so we are replacing that now. Also started cleaning up the front bumper parts that came with it.

I think its a factory bumper with an aftermarket bolt on brush guard. Going to sand blast it and coat it black.

Soon!!

 

[dustybaird]

Got the top, hood and doors back on yesterday. Also got a fan control switch to operate the electric fan. Hopefully this weekend we can get all the wiring finalized.

 

[dustybaird]

More progress, mostly cosmetic.

The rear doors were missing a hinge but i had 2 of the older style hinges in the piles of crap that came with the truck so my dad was able to modify one to fit. Ugly but functional. It got sprayed black with some tough coat krylon.

Ambulance doors on!

No truck is complete without a Yeti sticker. Oh and a goat.

Rear jump seats installed.

And bumper is all mounted to. Need to find some cheesy offroad lights for it i think.

The final parts i need to get it driving have been ordered and will hopefully be here next week!

 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Put some big old KC Highlighters on it with the wire guards for that retro look. I think KC still makes them.

Love the bumper and the wheel.