I recently bought a '68 FJ40/almost bone stock (F/3 on the tree). In the past two weeks I have put over 500 miles on it and except for basic tune-up stuff, I haven't done much. I've replaced the plugs/wires/rotor button/dist. cap. so far. I have yet to get in to the carb.

1st: Is it normal not to have much take-off power in 1st gear on the 3-speed trannies? I have noticed that if I am on a hill and stopped and go to take-off in 1st gear, she is slow to move out...Is this typical or are their some adjustments that I can make to improve my "launch speeds"?

2nd: I've also noticed that although the 1st start of the day seems a little difficult, once I've driven her for 30-40 miles and then park for 15 minutes, she is very hard starting. I've read some about the vapor-locking theory on this...Has anyone had any luck covering the metal fuel lines with split rubber fuel hose (heat shielding). And what is this wives-tale about using a wooden clothespin on the metal fuel line to disipate heat? I don't see the logic in this...

1. From what you descibe on launch, sounds like your clutch is going out.

2. Check your timing, points gap, dwell. I would use the insulation sleeves that you can pick up at performance shops to cover fuel lines that are exposed to a lot of heat.

I also thought that maybe it was a clutch issue, but it shifts smoothly with absolutely no grinding.

This problem seems to only occur in 1st gear during takeoff from a complete stop and is worse when on an incline. It almost boggs down and has cut off on a couple of occasions. If I drop the clutch in a situation like this, it just SLOWLY builds momentum.

Again, I'm just trying to isolate the prob. and I wanted to make sure that this wasn't just the way these 3 speed Fs respond.

I know that I'm v-8 spoiled, but hey....

Any input is much appreciated.

what size tires are you running?
What gears?

I know my 3 speed with an F engine and 33" tires is very difficult to start out, especially on a hill with the 4.11 gears. I'm gearing down this week to 4.88 and hope to see some improvements.

troy

I'm running 32X11.50 BFG ATs. Everything is stock on the F/3 on the tree.

I know I had to get used to the low power when getting started on hills with the F and 3 speed. I have needed to shift into low range in the transfer case to get up a couple hills because 1rst gear was just not able to cut it in high range.

know any good archery elk areas near telluride? Looks like we are heading that way in August.

troy

I'm not that familiar with Telluride, but if it were me, I'd buy an "over-the-counter" Either Sex Elk Archery tag and do some serious map reconaisance prior to making the trip.

Let me know how the gear swap goes, I'll be eager to hear how it turned out. By the way, for obvious reasons, I've been looking around for a cheap, used 4-speed to through in my 40. What do you know about these trannies? Are there any cons to this mod on an F-engine?

It seems strange to me that all you people have truble in first with a f 3speed and 33s when I first put my tbi conversion on and I still had the three speed I had truble not lighting them up starting around a cornner I swiched to a 4 speed for lower gearing and its just perfect. Either you have a cluch problem you dump the cluch or you need to squese some moor power out of that moter. I would start off with hei ignation you wonlt be disapointed

same here, on steep hills the 35's, 3 speed and 4.10's takes some work to get going........sometimes it takes some fancy foot/arm work to go from low to high when moving :)

oh and my clutch is new. once moving it gets up and goes........

Originally posted by Live Rust
I know I had to get used to the low power when getting started on hills with the F and 3 speed. I have needed to shift into low range in the transfer case to get up a couple hills because 1rst gear was just not able to cut it in high range.

know any good archery elk areas near telluride? Looks like we are heading that way in August.

troy

When you are in second have you tried going slower and then downshifting back to first to see if there is any difference. I would think if it was the clutch you might see a difference. Pimp, correct me if I am wrong.

Originally posted by romer
When you are in second have you tried going slower and then downshifting back to first to see if there is any difference. I would think if it was the clutch you might see a difference. Pimp, correct me if I am wrong.

1st isnt sincronised on a 3 speed. Either that or my syncros were bad. Pretty sure it was a little of both.

Elk Hunter

In your second post, you indicate that it shifts smoothly! There's a clue for you right there. 3spds dont shift smoothly unless the clutch is slipping. Try removing the inspection cover from under the bellhousing and see if you can spin your throwout bearing easily or whether it is under pressure from the pressure plate.

As far as tranny choices, I did a brief comparison of trannies on my website. Click here to read:

http://www.marksoffroad.net/FAQ.html

I am doing a 4spd into a 71 for a customer right now. I have one in my 65swb45 and LOVE it.