FJ40 Newbie question for the knowing...

[snowplow]

So I finally stepped up to a FJ40. I'm itchin to get up to the Rubicon or Fordyce and wanted your perspective.

My previous rig was an 85 4runner pretty much loaded with all the goodies, 5.29 and 36" tires with a 22re, etc.etc.etc.. Drove it to Rubi and Fordyce a couple of times each and obviously it sucked so I just trailered it from then on.


So here's my question to you.......I just picked up a fully built 70' FJ40 with a SOA lift on 35" BFG mudders with 4.88/ARB's and rebuilt straight six with a SM420 trans. Dual tanks if it makes a real difference for weight.

Any input on what I might expect when driving up the 80 or 50 grades? It does 65-70 on the highway no problem but I have not driven it up a real grade yet.

Thank you for your input, much appreciated.

[RustyNailJustin]

You will be dogging it. 45 to 50 mph tops up 50 or 80.

[Toploader]

Originally Posted by snowplow

obviously it sucked so I just trailered it from then on.

You still got that trailer? Like Justin said, there dogs up on those passes. Many trips I wish I had a V-8 to rip up those grades...then get fuel at Robbs

[yzftaco]

LOL... I have a V-8 in mine (granted it's carburated) and I'm still a dog on those passes...

I'm in no hurry when I'm out camping though so it's fine.

[LT]

This might help get you up the passes in a quick manner while still rocking the tractor motor.

[JB Cruiser]

Don't expect to pass anybody going up hill! I have the same set up(W/37's) and it's a dog going up hill. Now when you get out in the dirt, you'll love the tractor motor, crawl over anything at 800 rpm. Learn to enjoy the slow lane!
JB

[teguman333]

ya man mine top speed is 60 65 tops i enjoy it i just sit in the slow lane and cruise its fun to see wholes ride up your ass get pissed and finally go around u.

[snowplow]

Thank you to you all for the respectful feedback, much appreciated.

With the Runner I used to drive on the shoulder and get passed by each and every semi,....rather embarrassing.

Looking forward to getting out there soon. Just have to fine tune a couple of suspension things first.

Talk to you all soon. Take care out there.

[Slowerthanu]

A clear lack of aerodynamics, a huge amount of drag from the tires and limited rpm range make these things SLOW on the road. I get SCHOOLED by my buddies with 4L60's and Vortec V8's but I refuse to give up on the manual.

I do have a fresh 350 sitting in my garage though LOL.

[Rockzar]

The 420 is ( obviously ) a 3 speed on the street. And the F motor a bit of a dog anyway. Fully loaded, just expect to have a long, slow, noisy ride up there Not much you can do about it so, get a good song in your head ( because you wont hear it through the speakers ), and accept the fact it will take you a whopping 30 min more to get there.

Drive safe!

cheers!
Dustin

[JB Cruiser]

One other note...The tractor motor can and will twist axles in half, even with the modest "80-1" gearing. Get a set of Longs in front and some Poly Performance axles in the rear...You'll Thank me later!
JB

[RustyNailJustin]

Originally Posted by JB Cruiser

One other note...The tractor motor can and will twist axles in half, even with the modest "80-1" gearing. Get a set of Longs in front and some Poly Performance axles in the rear...You'll Thank me later!
JB

X2 on this. Back in the day before longfields were around I broke 12 birfields in a 3 month span.