I aint sleeping till Rubithon - the buildup

Rockzar · 03-10-2005, 05:17 PM

Doing another round of mods to the Cruiser. I need to get it all done by Rubithon. Posting this and the progress will make me somewhat accountable for completing it.

I don't think it should be too hard to meet that deadline. Fingers crossed. I would consider this the "junior year" cruiser mods. Leaving Senior year for going bigger: axles, tires, gearing, maybe coilovers, etc.

In terms of drive train and suspension what the Cruiser currently has/ had, is a '94 TBI 4.3, 2.5" Flowmaster, SM420, 3speed tcase, BTB rockfinder shackle reversal with mild lift Rancho kidney buster springs, 33" (that actually measure 31") BFG AT's.

I am swapping in a '92 TBI 350 with a much quieter exhaust, SOA with stock front cruiser springs, rear 55 springs, and 36" Irocks. Am keeping my tranny and tcase. Maybe will make a new t-case support. I also hope to get the front clip, hood, and front frame painted too. At the present moment, I am hoping to keep my shocks, as much as they suck since money is already super tight. We'll see what happens. In my own twisted logic, I figured that doing the SOA was a perfect excuse to put in the V8, since that may change my driveline angles and will make welding in the front shackle hanger alot easier. My wife commented that I didnt get the memo saying- "if it ain't broke, dont fix it"

I got a front axle, perches, and some other misc stuff from Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters and it came in the mail very quickly. Thanks Kurt! I need to weld on the perches, bump stops, shock mount. I sold my 4.3 and picked up a 350 from George. I'm going to clean the motor up, get the accessories, and put gaskets in it. The 350 will plug right into my old wire harness, but I need to get a new chip to run the V8. I am waiting for my new Bob Firestein motor mounts to come in the mail. Hopefully they will be here today, not that I can do anything with them yet. Just want to get my grimmey little hands on them.

With the existing shackle reversal I have, I am in need of some front hangers. I have another rolling chassis and tub that I am going to make into a trailer, so I may scavenge the hanger from there, since that is also where I am getting my front springs. It looks like I may be starting my trailer project sooner than I anticipated. I can't wait to cut that stupid front shackle off the Cruiser. I may have to open a bottle of champaign when it happens.

I may also build a different t-case support. The Advanced Adapters one I have makes my t-case hang way low, and I want to get the Cruisers belly as flat as possible. I will need to do that before I get the rear axle welded up.

So far, my big concern is that the battery tray will be in the way, but thats an easy fix. The rest is just labor...

Anyway, heres some pics of where I am at now, before the buildup.

gonna clean this bad boy up with new gaskets, put it all back together, and call it good for now..

Once I get my springs on, I'll get this put together, under the Cruiser, and , welded..

I cant wait to cut this junk off..

And the hanger for the front. it would be cool if I could keep this, but it doesnt seem I should.. Anyone know different?

The 4.3 is gone. Gotta get the front clip off, tear off the AA motor mounts, clean it all up, then start putting it back together.

Rockzar · 03-10-2005, 05:31 PM

some more pics..

My battery tray. I am hoping its not in the way of the v8, cause it was super close to the v6...

I have been wanting to get her painted for 7 years. just getting the front clip done will be gratifying.

TRT2 · 03-10-2005, 05:34 PM

where did those new spring purches come from?

orangefj45 · 03-10-2005, 05:50 PM

hope that motor runs!

looks like we both have our work cut out for us dustin. except that my cruiser consists of a frame, tub, rear springs and rear axle right now.

no sleep for me either.

Rockzar · 03-10-2005, 05:50 PM

heh. no, those are the ancient neandrethol ones. I can't wait to hack them off.
<edit> spring perchess... doh! I thought you said hangers. Got the perches from Cruiser Outfitters. Gots 'dem 3 holes in 'em.. <edit>

-Dustin

Rockzar · 03-10-2005, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangefj45

hope that motor runs!

hahaha. Atleast if it doesnt, the saved weight of not having a motor in my rig will be alot easier on yours as your towing me through the 'Con!

orangefj45 · 03-10-2005, 06:32 PM

guess i'll owe you that much.

rockthedog · 03-10-2005, 06:38 PM

cooooool......

add anti-wrap bar to the must do list.......please

........since i'll be wheelin with you

orangefj45 · 03-10-2005, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockthedog

add anti-wrap bar to the must do list.......

dustin. i have one for sale if you're interested. fc built!

smurfblue40 · 03-11-2005, 12:41 AM

Damn Dustin!!!

I was hoping to get a 4 speed/crawl box / ARB locker conversion
done by Rubithon...

BTW anyone got a 4 speed bell housing laying around ?

TRT2 · 03-11-2005, 08:36 AM

you guys get busy!

This reminds me of the letter I received from a guy about 1 week before Rubithon 04 where he noted building a cruiser up was a much larger job than he envisioned. Basically, he was bowing (bauw, bhow, spelling?) out and noting not to return his registration fee due to his late change of plans. Well of course the letter hit so close to home and many of us know what he was up against... that I certainly refunded his reg. fee and asked if I could use his letter as a good reminder. I should find that and add it to the site.

wonder if he ever got it done?

orangefj45 · 03-11-2005, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRT2

you guys get busy!

i try, but sometimes she has a "headache".

Rockzar · 03-13-2005, 11:27 PM

I got a little done today. 5 hours of work and not much to show for it.. Was dragging my ass hung over from the wedding we were at last night.

Got the springs and axle out, and got one side of the axle apart. Still need to take the other side and the diff out. Then remove the shock mount and bump stops before I start rebuilding the new axle. Oh, btw, if you didnt already know- front axles are really f'n heavy. I used the cherry picker to move it around. It saved my butt. Also, I've got to get all my sockets in order. I spent as much time looking for them as I did using them..

71-Cruiser · 03-14-2005, 01:14 PM

That looks strangely like my truck does right now.

SPLIT PEA · 03-15-2005, 09:26 PM

We are all waiting for the new pics.

we can wait

Rockzar · 03-16-2005, 12:06 PM

ok, progress is slow durring the week with work and a class I am taking. But, that still gives me time durring the day to spend money.

Got these motor mounts in the mail yesterday.

I punted on the Alcans since I found a set of 55 springs finally. They will be here next week. The Alcans would have been nice, but this saved me some coin that threw at a new drill press this am. I am spoiling myself.

This weekend will be about cleaning up the frame and getting the front springs off my other rolling chassis. I'll have to put my Ranchos back on that frame, so that will take some time too. I've got to keep that a rolling chassis so I can move it around... I hope to get the springs pulled apart, cleaned, and painted too.

-Dustin

88 mangler · 03-16-2005, 01:54 PM

looks like its coming along nice dustin!

orangefj45 · 03-16-2005, 02:19 PM

keep it going dustin!!

are you gonna stop by dave's place tonite? i'm bringing your starter and alternator.

Rockzar · 03-16-2005, 02:52 PM

I'll be there with some more weird Belgian beers.

orangefj45 · 03-16-2005, 03:18 PM

sounds like we're gonna be on a liquid diet tonite. you're bringing beer, dima's bringing beer, i'm bringing beer,.........

get there after 6.30pm or you're gonna be waiting.

Bagsmo · 03-17-2005, 08:36 AM

Hey Rick. Been in Mexico for a week, but if you haven't found a bell housing, I have one for ya...

smurfblue40 · 03-17-2005, 09:55 AM

Ray,
Thanks for the offer, but BK was able to score a bellhousing for me!!!
I'm looking for a (cheap) 4sp split case now

Mexico... business or pleasure?

orangefj45 · 03-17-2005, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smurfblue40

Ray,
Thanks for the offer, but BK was able to score a bellhousing for me!!!
I'm looking for a (cheap) 4sp split case now

Mexico... business or pleasure?

i assume bk told you about mine for sale. how cheap is cheap?! somebody has dibs on my 4spd-split case setup right now but if he falls thru, maybe we can work something out. i'd rather keep this stuff "in the family" so i'll let you know before i advertise it in the for sale section.

smurfblue40 · 03-17-2005, 11:47 AM

George...
BK told me about your case, let me know if the other deal falls through...
Been working on selling the house so things are a little tight.(no more HOA

)

orangefj45 · 03-17-2005, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smurfblue40

George...
no more HOA

)

bastard!

03-10-2005, 05:17 PM	#1
Rockzar Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Member # 25622 Location: In the fog, Half Moon Bay, CA Posts: 1,817	I aint sleeping till Rubithon - the buildup Doing another round of mods to the Cruiser. I need to get it all done by Rubithon. Posting this and the progress will make me somewhat accountable for completing it. I don't think it should be too hard to meet that deadline. Fingers crossed. I would consider this the "junior year" cruiser mods. Leaving Senior year for going bigger: axles, tires, gearing, maybe coilovers, etc. In terms of drive train and suspension what the Cruiser currently has/ had, is a '94 TBI 4.3, 2.5" Flowmaster, SM420, 3speed tcase, BTB rockfinder shackle reversal with mild lift Rancho kidney buster springs, 33" (that actually measure 31") BFG AT's. I am swapping in a '92 TBI 350 with a much quieter exhaust, SOA with stock front cruiser springs, rear 55 springs, and 36" Irocks. Am keeping my tranny and tcase. Maybe will make a new t-case support. I also hope to get the front clip, hood, and front frame painted too. At the present moment, I am hoping to keep my shocks, as much as they suck since money is already super tight. We'll see what happens. In my own twisted logic, I figured that doing the SOA was a perfect excuse to put in the V8, since that may change my driveline angles and will make welding in the front shackle hanger alot easier. My wife commented that I didnt get the memo saying- "if it ain't broke, dont fix it" I got a front axle, perches, and some other misc stuff from Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters and it came in the mail very quickly. Thanks Kurt! I need to weld on the perches, bump stops, shock mount. I sold my 4.3 and picked up a 350 from George. I'm going to clean the motor up, get the accessories, and put gaskets in it. The 350 will plug right into my old wire harness, but I need to get a new chip to run the V8. I am waiting for my new Bob Firestein motor mounts to come in the mail. Hopefully they will be here today, not that I can do anything with them yet. Just want to get my grimmey little hands on them. With the existing shackle reversal I have, I am in need of some front hangers. I have another rolling chassis and tub that I am going to make into a trailer, so I may scavenge the hanger from there, since that is also where I am getting my front springs. It looks like I may be starting my trailer project sooner than I anticipated. I can't wait to cut that stupid front shackle off the Cruiser. I may have to open a bottle of champaign when it happens. I may also build a different t-case support. The Advanced Adapters one I have makes my t-case hang way low, and I want to get the Cruisers belly as flat as possible. I will need to do that before I get the rear axle welded up. So far, my big concern is that the battery tray will be in the way, but thats an easy fix. The rest is just labor... Anyway, heres some pics of where I am at now, before the buildup. gonna clean this bad boy up with new gaskets, put it all back together, and call it good for now.. Once I get my springs on, I'll get this put together, under the Cruiser, and , welded.. I cant wait to cut this junk off.. And the hanger for the front. it would be cool if I could keep this, but it doesnt seem I should.. Anyone know different? The 4.3 is gone. Gotta get the front clip off, tear off the AA motor mounts, clean it all up, then start putting it back together. Attached Images __________________ '71 -FJ 40 for sale: http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=549817&highlight= Last edited by Rockzar; 03-10-2005 at 05:47 PM.

03-10-2005, 05:31 PM	#2
Rockzar Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Member # 25622 Location: In the fog, Half Moon Bay, CA Posts: 1,817	some more pics.. My battery tray. I am hoping its not in the way of the v8, cause it was super close to the v6... I have been wanting to get her painted for 7 years. just getting the front clip done will be gratifying. Attached Images __________________ '71 -FJ 40 for sale: http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=549817&highlight= Last edited by Rockzar; 03-10-2005 at 05:33 PM.

03-10-2005, 05:50 PM	#4
orangefj45 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Member # 6816 Location: on thin ice Posts: 14,832	hope that motor runs! looks like we both have our work cut out for us dustin. except that my cruiser consists of a frame, tub, rear springs and rear axle right now. no sleep for me either. __________________ looking for Advance Adapter parts? send me a pm!

03-10-2005, 05:50 PM	#5
Rockzar Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Member # 25622 Location: In the fog, Half Moon Bay, CA Posts: 1,817	heh. no, those are the ancient neandrethol ones. I can't wait to hack them off. <edit> spring perchess... doh! I thought you said hangers. Got the perches from Cruiser Outfitters. Gots 'dem 3 holes in 'em.. <edit> -Dustin __________________ '71 -FJ 40 for sale: http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=549817&highlight= Last edited by Rockzar; 03-10-2005 at 06:18 PM.

03-10-2005, 06:32 PM	#7
orangefj45 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Member # 6816 Location: on thin ice Posts: 14,832	guess i'll owe you that much. __________________ looking for Advance Adapter parts? send me a pm!

03-10-2005, 05:34 PM	#3
TRT2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Member # 5488 Location: Auburn Posts: 1,015	where did those new spring purches come from?

03-10-2005, 06:38 PM	#8
rockthedog Rock God Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19510 Location: vacaville ca Posts: 2,337	cooooool...... add anti-wrap bar to the must do list.......please ........since i'll be wheelin with you __________________ 77fj40, 1 TON www.wfoconcepts.com 530-268-9494 tlca# 12281 semi_budget 1ton build http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=530636

03-11-2005, 12:41 AM	#10
smurfblue40 Fender bender Join Date: Jun 2004 Member # 32029 Location: Sloughhouse, Ca Posts: 886	Damn Dustin!!! I was hoping to get a 4 speed/crawl box / ARB locker conversion done by Rubithon... BTW anyone got a 4 speed bell housing laying around ? __________________ Rick '72 FJ40 -Lightly modified '91 FJ80 -Work in progress TLCA #14103

03-11-2005, 08:36 AM	#11
TRT2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Member # 5488 Location: Auburn Posts: 1,015	you guys get busy! This reminds me of the letter I received from a guy about 1 week before Rubithon 04 where he noted building a cruiser up was a much larger job than he envisioned. Basically, he was bowing (bauw, bhow, spelling?) out and noting not to return his registration fee due to his late change of plans. Well of course the letter hit so close to home and many of us know what he was up against... that I certainly refunded his reg. fee and asked if I could use his letter as a good reminder. I should find that and add it to the site. wonder if he ever got it done?

03-13-2005, 11:27 PM	#13
Rockzar Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Member # 25622 Location: In the fog, Half Moon Bay, CA Posts: 1,817	03.13.05 I got a little done today. 5 hours of work and not much to show for it.. Was dragging my ass hung over from the wedding we were at last night. Got the springs and axle out, and got one side of the axle apart. Still need to take the other side and the diff out. Then remove the shock mount and bump stops before I start rebuilding the new axle. Oh, btw, if you didnt already know- front axles are really f'n heavy. I used the cherry picker to move it around. It saved my butt. Also, I've got to get all my sockets in order. I spent as much time looking for them as I did using them.. Attached Images __________________ '71 -FJ 40 for sale: http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=549817&highlight= Last edited by Rockzar; 03-13-2005 at 11:28 PM.

03-14-2005, 01:14 PM	#14
71-Cruiser Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Member # 3008 Location: www.ACCToyota.com Posts: 431	That looks strangely like my truck does right now. __________________ Michael Harness, Owner [url]www.ACCToyota.com[/url] 71 FJ-40 SOA, EFI 5.0, NP435, 38.5 SXs

03-15-2005, 09:26 PM	#15
SPLIT PEA Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Member # 15764 Location: POLE MARKER # 6, HARD LEFT Posts: 241	We are all waiting for the new pics. we can wait __________________ Half Wacked FJ 40, Dana 60s, Big Block chevy 292, Dual Fuel, 465,Atlas,488s,Spool,ARB,,38s, and Exo cage,

03-16-2005, 12:06 PM	#16
Rockzar Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Member # 25622 Location: In the fog, Half Moon Bay, CA Posts: 1,817	ok, progress is slow durring the week with work and a class I am taking. But, that still gives me time durring the day to spend money. Got these motor mounts in the mail yesterday. I punted on the Alcans since I found a set of 55 springs finally. They will be here next week. The Alcans would have been nice, but this saved me some coin that threw at a new drill press this am. I am spoiling myself. This weekend will be about cleaning up the frame and getting the front springs off my other rolling chassis. I'll have to put my Ranchos back on that frame, so that will take some time too. I've got to keep that a rolling chassis so I can move it around... I hope to get the springs pulled apart, cleaned, and painted too. -Dustin Attached Images __________________ '71 -FJ 40 for sale: http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=549817&highlight= Last edited by Rockzar; 03-16-2005 at 12:51 PM.

03-16-2005, 01:54 PM	#17
88 mangler Granite Guru Join Date: Jun 2004 Member # 31780 Location: vacaville,ca Posts: 827	looks like its coming along nice dustin! __________________ 88YJ, d44&14bolt,d300,105"wb,40"creepies and 6 angry hampsters under the hood! tow rig: 91.5 dodge w250 cummins. Dixon 4Wheelers Build it, Break it,Fix it, Repeat!

03-16-2005, 02:19 PM	#18
orangefj45 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Member # 6816 Location: on thin ice Posts: 14,832	keep it going dustin!! are you gonna stop by dave's place tonite? i'm bringing your starter and alternator. __________________ looking for Advance Adapter parts? send me a pm!

03-16-2005, 02:52 PM	#19
Rockzar Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Member # 25622 Location: In the fog, Half Moon Bay, CA Posts: 1,817	I'll be there with some more weird Belgian beers. __________________ '71 -FJ 40 for sale: http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=549817&highlight=

03-16-2005, 03:18 PM	#20
orangefj45 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Member # 6816 Location: on thin ice Posts: 14,832	sounds like we're gonna be on a liquid diet tonite. you're bringing beer, dima's bringing beer, i'm bringing beer,......... get there after 6.30pm or you're gonna be waiting. __________________ looking for Advance Adapter parts? send me a pm!

03-17-2005, 08:36 AM	#21
Bagsmo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Member # 22961 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 175	Hey Rick. Been in Mexico for a week, but if you haven't found a bell housing, I have one for ya... __________________ Ray Parker '63 FJ 45 SWBFB Butch-Built, Mudrak Improved, Rubicon Tested and Scotch Guarded...

03-17-2005, 09:55 AM	#22
smurfblue40 Fender bender Join Date: Jun 2004 Member # 32029 Location: Sloughhouse, Ca Posts: 886	Ray, Thanks for the offer, but BK was able to score a bellhousing for me!!! I'm looking for a (cheap) 4sp split case now Mexico... business or pleasure? __________________ Rick '72 FJ40 -Lightly modified '91 FJ80 -Work in progress TLCA #14103

03-17-2005, 11:47 AM	#24
smurfblue40 Fender bender Join Date: Jun 2004 Member # 32029 Location: Sloughhouse, Ca Posts: 886	George... BK told me about your case, let me know if the other deal falls through... Been working on selling the house so things are a little tight.(no more HOA ) __________________ Rick '72 FJ40 -Lightly modified '91 FJ80 -Work in progress TLCA #14103

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