So I finally got a new '73(12/72) FJ40 to replace the '78 I foolishly sold too long ago. It already has a fresh 350 but is otherwise mostly stock which is cool so I can build it up myself! I am currently relocating a poorly positioned radiator in prep for the Saginaw p/s. Anyway, I now have a ton of winter projects to get it trail ready and will be seeking much advice.

I need to do a mini truck brake/knuckle swap on the stock '73 axle to get my braking straight B4 the big tires/SOA. I need advice on the making the Tie Rod End work. Thoughts on: shimming the truck arm down to fit the LC TRE, using the larger mini truck TRE, spend too much $$ on an aftermarket arm, other options? Since I'm planning a SOA can I just do it all at once and install some type of hysteer option that will solve this dilema?

THANKS!!!

After looking at all the options, here's what I did. I fabricated shims for the '85 truck knuckle arms to allow me to use the LC TREs. Close second - using the truck TREs (flipped 180 degrees - passenger side to driver's side and vice-versa) and tie rod and shortening the LC relay rod. '84 and '85 truck TREs/tie rods are much beefier than the '79 through '83 parts.

I did the cheapest and easiest when I did mine. I used the mini truck tie rod after adjusting the length . I simply cut off about an inch and tapped the holes deeper. Now I've got a good range to work with for adjusting the "toe in"

My drag link is a shortened LC tie rod. It's got a Jeep TRE on one end and a LC TRE on the other. It's Jeep at the pitman arm and LC on the top of the double steering arm.

I've worked it pretty hard the last five or six outings and it's doin just fine!;)

BTW, I do carry spares.:D