Fixing up a 69' FJ40 for a friend. Took the body off yesterday and dropped it off for him to do the clean and paint. A couple of ?'s. What is the best method of paint/rust removal. He's been using an 8in angle grinder with wire wheels and it seems to bee taking too long. Any suggestions?

We're considering a body lift so that he can run 33's for the overdrive and clearance and we won't have to cut a solid body. The two issues I'm concerned with are (1) still using the stock steering column which is directly conected to the steering box without a joint, and (2) keeping the column shift and dash mounted transfer shift without binding.

Has anyone done this and have some insight. Or anyone want to contribute a couple of pennies to the idea. Like me, he likes the old stuff and doesn't want to change a lot. This is why we're thinking body lift, looks original, but can go bigger.

thanks
tom

What? You want to have your cake and eat it too?

Three ideas come to mind, and they're all bad :shaking: :shaking: :shaking:

Floorshift and saginaw steering are the only SAFE answers, and hopefully nobody will suggest any of the three bad ideas. :(

1" body lift should be adjustable, but much more than that and you'll need to address the column at the firewall and the shift linkages.

paint/rust removal

There was a thread on ih8mud about rust removal -it was a few months ago and I can't find it but someone said they tried using a pressure washer with a sand blasting kit. You get pressure + abrasion but no dust... Sounded like a good idea to me.
did a quick google and found this sandblast attachment (http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=25481)

I did a 2" botty lift a couple years ago. They now sell them I believe. I just lifted it enough to use the bottom 2 fender holes instead of all 4.

I also already have power steering and such. But the reason I hated it was when the frame flexes It would tweak stuff really bad with the lift on. Like the fender and the hood would both go oppisite directions. On top of that I didnt like the look.

To each his own but if you do want to do it just go buy some round stock UHMW-PE and cut the desired leangth you want then put them in.

I think I'll work on convincing him to run 33x9.50s instead of lifting.
thanks
tom

paint removal is to use oven cleaner it will eat all the paint off as well as plastic and rubber so you have to be carefull. spray on oven cleaner and let sit then hit with pressure washer. then get some good primer made for bare metal prep as for rusted areas use a rust paint where all you do is sand with 50 grit and remove any oil and grease and by using oven cleaner you will remove all oil and grease.

The body lift is easy and no issue as long as you keep it under 2".

Got a used one if you want it for $75.....Man-a-Fre 4+