Dreams of a FJ40 - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Deep South Cruisers · 01-14-2002, 10:09 AM

I've been mulling over a decision between a 78 and a 71 FJ40 to the point of driving one in my sleep

last night I dreamed about axles all night, ruined my sleep, but hey! what a manly dream!

The 78 is really to nice to thrash and would take all my money plus a little financing with no cash for a lift, tires, ect.

The 71 is a cash purchase with money left over for a lift and tires and when i break it...who cares! I can rebuild it stronger. but I'm stuck with the F motor and stock drivetrain for now.

So heres the question: with the stock F motor and 3 speed on the 71, what will be the largest swamper YOU would dare to run? Even when I lift it I know the gearing (4.10???) will limit me on maximum size.

any opinions are appreciated.

TRD · 01-14-2002, 10:17 AM

the 350 swap will be alot easier on the 71 and you won't have smog to worry about.

The F motor is bad but that won't matter too much if you just crawl.

GloNDark · 01-14-2002, 10:41 AM

I agree, get the older one. I have an f motor in mine with an SM420, and I am into the tranny swap probably $250 tops. With new clutch. And let me tell you, crawling with that motor is awesome. It's highway speed that sucks. But who need highway speed? With my swampers it's scary enough going over 65....

BigRedFJ40 · 01-14-2002, 10:47 AM

There is nothing wrong with the F motor. Granted, it doesn't have the worlds greatest horse power compared to a small block. I wasn't desinged for that. It's designed to crawl. I ran my original F in my 72 for 396k before I pulled it. It still runs. The only reason I pulled it was because I had a 2F built for the truck.

As far as tire size......I would have no problems with either a 33x12.5 or even a 34x9.5. I would stick with the 71......less B/S to deal with and you can ditch the smog stuff too

Cruiserhaven · 01-14-2002, 11:16 AM

I've seen some guys do some pretty hardcore wheeling with the ol' reliable "F" engine. There is a guy near me in VT that runs the "F," knarly 34" x 9.5" Swampers and a PTO winch and he can can GET IT.

The 3pd tranny bites though---swap that out the first chance you get.

60seriesguy · 01-14-2002, 01:51 PM

That wouldn't be our esteemed friend "farmboy", would it? If so, I agree, the guy drives a fairly stock, *ancient* FJ40 and wheels it harder than most people I've seen. Very impressive because of the relatively mild modifications and because his wheeling style is a bizarre mixture of calm, precise wheeling and the occasional explosion of pedal! ;-)

Deep South Cruisers · 01-14-2002, 01:54 PM

I fear the 34x9.50 might be a little tippy

but it seems like it would be a hell of a trail tire and allow me to keep the stock gearing for awhile and still enjoy my ride.

You guys dont leave me hanging here, I want ALL opinions. GOOD AND BAD. speak your mind

Cruiserhaven · 01-14-2002, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fj60 driver
I fear the 34x9.50 might be a little tippy but it seems like it would be a hell of a trail tire and allow me to keep the stock gearing for awhile and still enjoy my ride.

You guys dont leave me hanging here, I want ALL opinions. GOOD AND BAD. speak your mind

I had the 34" x 9.5"s on my wagon and it WAS too tippy. So I sold mine to a FJ40 owner (who liked them). They seem to do better on the smaller/lighter FJ40's.

But I prefer wider tires and probably wouldn't go narrower than 12.5" (33" x 12.5" is a nice size for a mildly modified rig) on my own FJ40. Your stock gearing wouldn't seem as bad with 33's.

BigRedFJ40 · 01-14-2002, 02:31 PM

with the stock 4:11's, the 33" tires will actually act as an overdrive. You'll be fine. As far as the 34x9.5's being tippy on a 40......Everyone in VT swears by them. I personally prefer a 12.5 myself.

60seriesguy · 01-14-2002, 02:47 PM

I don't think tall and narrow are a good tire combination on a 60 series, especially a lifted one. On an FJ40, it works, it's a good solution for people running on tight trails with rocks/mud combination; in the Northeast, it's a beloved trail tire size.

Personally, I like 12.5" wide tires, though I confess that after running them for over a year, I *HATE* 10" wide rims and will be going back to 8" rims as soon as possible. For some odd reason, rims have always been my Waterloo, I've had six sets of rims on this Cruiser in the last 10 years and I haven't found a set that I truly liked....

Deep South Cruisers · 01-14-2002, 02:55 PM

my first thought was the more MEAT!!!! the better

33x14.50 swampers would look like a fawking tank coming at you but then I think of the poor F engine trying to push 14.50" wide meats

Jason M · 01-14-2002, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fj60 driver
my first thought was the more MEAT!!!! the better

33x14.50 swampers would look like a fawking tank coming at you but then I think of the poor F engine trying to push 14.50" wide meats

Do it. The old F will handle 33's easily. Hell I am running 38.5's on my rig with the 2F!!!
Although I would swap out the tranny for a SM420....

Stock motor with a set of headers and a 2.5" exhaust and a flowmaster... THey work great!!! That is what I have in my 72...

Cruiserhaven · 01-14-2002, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 60seriesguy
That wouldn't be our esteemed friend "farmboy", would it? If so, I agree, the guy drives a fairly stock, *ancient* FJ40 and wheels it harder than most people I've seen. Very impressive because of the relatively mild modifications and because his wheeling style is a bizarre mixture of calm, precise wheeling and the occasional explosion of pedal! ;-)

Haha. You got it, I was talking about farm boy. He's a great wagon spotter to boot!

EricFJ40 · 01-14-2002, 10:14 PM

I'd grab the '71 and go wheelin'. As others have said that F motor no race winner but, With the SM-420 behind it, it will crawl. In fact I just did finally pull my F out, I just needed more HP for the snow. My last setup before I pulled had the 420, three speed case, 3/4 ton axles w/ 4.10s and 39.5's. I didn't go down the freeway very well, but in the rocks it went where ever I pointed it.

rabid · 01-15-2002, 05:27 AM

The boys that you are speaking of ditched the 34/9.5's for most of the year and now run 35x11.5 swamper tsls most of the time. They studded the 34's (with 3 studs PER LUG

) and run em with chains for winter wheeling.

I am usually in the back at the wrong end of the tow strap with my unstudded 33" tsls.

rabid · 01-15-2002, 05:36 AM

Dont have much better pics here at work, but here is the rig. It is a 64 with lots of stuff done to it, mostly all early toyota, including the original engine, rebuilt with lots of crap added. 4sd to 3spd, arb, blah blah blah.
He is slow as hell on the road, and on the trail, where it counts.

rabid · 01-15-2002, 05:37 AM

here is the first pic. check out the angle and where the rear half of his tub is. yes he did made it unassisted.

Deep South Cruisers · 01-15-2002, 05:50 AM

thats fawking beautiful *sniff*

BigRedFJ40 · 01-15-2002, 05:53 AM

hey Dan, nice pics of Wallys' rig...... Where were you guys that day? Sorry I missed it.

Cruiserhaven · 01-15-2002, 05:57 AM

Cool pics

Thanks rabid!

rustycruiser · 01-15-2002, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rabid
The boys that you are speaking of ditched the 34/9.5's for most of the year and now run 35x11.5 swamper tsls most of the time. They studded the 34's (with 3 studs PER LUG ) and run em with chains for winter wheeling.

I am usually in the back at the wrong end of the tow strap with my unstudded 33" tsls.

Hey Dan
Are Tyke and Jim the only ones who have switched to spring over, or are the rest of you guys slowly following as well?
Ross

rabid · 01-15-2002, 10:38 AM

Well, a little of everything. Jimbo is sprung both ends, Tyke did his in the rear, and under in front with custom spring packs and a SR. I am going to do it at some point

- even have a housing stripped and in the back of my pickup to send out to get turned.
It has been there for 2 weeks.

Money is the main issue for me, I want to do it right the first time. This is my third sprung under suspension, and it is getting to the point that I am having a hard time staying with them when they are rolling on 35's and all that.

It will get done, just don't know when.

Chris- I have no idea what the trail was, it was in Nh/Mass somewhere near Jims camp. Pretty great in places.

mrtlc4x4 · 01-15-2002, 04:47 PM

I have no problem with the old f motor(and yes it really helps having a 420 behind it).But the first thing you should spend that extra money on is disk brakes, atleast on the front.especially if you want to run wide 33's

Quote:

there's my 2 cents............and yes i'm broke now

ehsankiani · 01-15-2002, 06:39 PM

Very nice pics..

01-14-2002, 10:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
Deep South Cruisers Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Member # 3514 Location: Jasper, Alabama Posts: 5,543	Dreams of a FJ40 I've been mulling over a decision between a 78 and a 71 FJ40 to the point of driving one in my sleep last night I dreamed about axles all night, ruined my sleep, but hey! what a manly dream! The 78 is really to nice to thrash and would take all my money plus a little financing with no cash for a lift, tires, ect. The 71 is a cash purchase with money left over for a lift and tires and when i break it...who cares! I can rebuild it stronger. but I'm stuck with the F motor and stock drivetrain for now. So heres the question: with the stock F motor and 3 speed on the 71, what will be the largest swamper YOU would dare to run? Even when I lift it I know the gearing (4.10???) will limit me on maximum size. any opinions are appreciated.

01-14-2002, 10:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
TRD Zeus of the Sluice Join Date: Nov 2001 Member # 8286 Location: Costa Mesa, Ca Posts: 4,684	the 350 swap will be alot easier on the 71 and you won't have smog to worry about. The F motor is bad but that won't matter too much if you just crawl. __________________ -Ryan

01-14-2002, 10:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
GloNDark Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: Dec 2000 Member # 2482 Location: Yo momma house Posts: 11,731	I agree, get the older one. I have an f motor in mine with an SM420, and I am into the tranny swap probably $250 tops. With new clutch. And let me tell you, crawling with that motor is awesome. It's highway speed that sucks. But who need highway speed? With my swampers it's scary enough going over 65.... __________________ GET IT Dave!! save me a spot bro......i'll miss you...

01-14-2002, 10:47 AM	#4 (permalink)
BigRedFJ40 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Member # 6876 Location: The Great North East Posts: 446	There is nothing wrong with the F motor. Granted, it doesn't have the worlds greatest horse power compared to a small block. I wasn't desinged for that. It's designed to crawl. I ran my original F in my 72 for 396k before I pulled it. It still runs. The only reason I pulled it was because I had a 2F built for the truck. As far as tire size......I would have no problems with either a 33x12.5 or even a 34x9.5. I would stick with the 71......less B/S to deal with and you can ditch the smog stuff too __________________ You want world peace...man made booze, God made grass. Who do you trust?

01-14-2002, 11:16 AM	#5 (permalink)
Cruiserhaven Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Member # 3930 Location: New York Posts: 433	I've seen some guys do some pretty hardcore wheeling with the ol' reliable "F" engine. There is a guy near me in VT that runs the "F," knarly 34" x 9.5" Swampers and a PTO winch and he can can GET IT. The 3pd tranny bites though---swap that out the first chance you get. __________________ CRUISERHAVEN 1987 FJ60, 1974 3FJ40

01-14-2002, 01:51 PM	#6 (permalink)
60seriesguy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Member # 3942 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 2,288	That wouldn't be our esteemed friend "farmboy", would it? If so, I agree, the guy drives a fairly stock, ancient FJ40 and wheels it harder than most people I've seen. Very impressive because of the relatively mild modifications and because his wheeling style is a bizarre mixture of calm, precise wheeling and the occasional explosion of pedal! ;-)

01-14-2002, 01:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
Deep South Cruisers Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Member # 3514 Location: Jasper, Alabama Posts: 5,543	I fear the 34x9.50 might be a little tippy but it seems like it would be a hell of a trail tire and allow me to keep the stock gearing for awhile and still enjoy my ride. You guys dont leave me hanging here, I want ALL opinions. GOOD AND BAD. speak your mind

01-14-2002, 02:31 PM	#9 (permalink)
BigRedFJ40 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Member # 6876 Location: The Great North East Posts: 446	with the stock 4:11's, the 33" tires will actually act as an overdrive. You'll be fine. As far as the 34x9.5's being tippy on a 40......Everyone in VT swears by them. I personally prefer a 12.5 myself. __________________ You want world peace...man made booze, God made grass. Who do you trust?

01-14-2002, 02:47 PM	#10 (permalink)
60seriesguy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Member # 3942 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 2,288	I don't think tall and narrow are a good tire combination on a 60 series, especially a lifted one. On an FJ40, it works, it's a good solution for people running on tight trails with rocks/mud combination; in the Northeast, it's a beloved trail tire size. Personally, I like 12.5" wide tires, though I confess that after running them for over a year, I HATE 10" wide rims and will be going back to 8" rims as soon as possible. For some odd reason, rims have always been my Waterloo, I've had six sets of rims on this Cruiser in the last 10 years and I haven't found a set that I truly liked....

01-14-2002, 02:55 PM	#11 (permalink)
Deep South Cruisers Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Member # 3514 Location: Jasper, Alabama Posts: 5,543	my first thought was the more MEAT!!!! the better 33x14.50 swampers would look like a fawking tank coming at you but then I think of the poor F engine trying to push 14.50" wide meats

01-14-2002, 10:14 PM	#14 (permalink)
EricFJ40 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Member # 6270 Location: Magalia, Ca Posts: 436	I'd grab the '71 and go wheelin'. As others have said that F motor no race winner but, With the SM-420 behind it, it will crawl. In fact I just did finally pull my F out, I just needed more HP for the snow. My last setup before I pulled had the 420, three speed case, 3/4 ton axles w/ 4.10s and 39.5's. I didn't go down the freeway very well, but in the rocks it went where ever I pointed it.

01-15-2002, 05:27 AM	#15 (permalink)
rabid Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Member # 770 Location: Burlington, VT Posts: 1,145	The boys that you are speaking of ditched the 34/9.5's for most of the year and now run 35x11.5 swamper tsls most of the time. They studded the 34's (with 3 studs PER LUG ) and run em with chains for winter wheeling. I am usually in the back at the wrong end of the tow strap with my unstudded 33" tsls. __________________ My oversized hat won't fit your humungous head.

01-15-2002, 05:36 AM	#16 (permalink)
rabid Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Member # 770 Location: Burlington, VT Posts: 1,145	farmboy Dont have much better pics here at work, but here is the rig. It is a 64 with lots of stuff done to it, mostly all early toyota, including the original engine, rebuilt with lots of crap added. 4sd to 3spd, arb, blah blah blah. He is slow as hell on the road, and on the trail, where it counts. Attached Images __________________ My oversized hat won't fit your humungous head.

01-15-2002, 05:37 AM	#17 (permalink)
rabid Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Member # 770 Location: Burlington, VT Posts: 1,145	here is the first pic. check out the angle and where the rear half of his tub is. yes he did made it unassisted. Attached Images __________________ My oversized hat won't fit your humungous head.

01-15-2002, 05:50 AM	#18 (permalink)
Deep South Cruisers Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Member # 3514 Location: Jasper, Alabama Posts: 5,543	thats fawking beautiful sniff

01-15-2002, 05:53 AM	#19 (permalink)
BigRedFJ40 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Member # 6876 Location: The Great North East Posts: 446	hey Dan, nice pics of Wallys' rig...... Where were you guys that day? Sorry I missed it. __________________ You want world peace...man made booze, God made grass. Who do you trust?

01-15-2002, 05:57 AM	#20 (permalink)
Cruiserhaven Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Member # 3930 Location: New York Posts: 433	Cool pics Thanks rabid! __________________ CRUISERHAVEN 1987 FJ60, 1974 3FJ40

01-15-2002, 10:38 AM	#22 (permalink)
rabid Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Member # 770 Location: Burlington, VT Posts: 1,145	Well, a little of everything. Jimbo is sprung both ends, Tyke did his in the rear, and under in front with custom spring packs and a SR. I am going to do it at some point - even have a housing stripped and in the back of my pickup to send out to get turned. It has been there for 2 weeks. Money is the main issue for me, I want to do it right the first time. This is my third sprung under suspension, and it is getting to the point that I am having a hard time staying with them when they are rolling on 35's and all that. It will get done, just don't know when. Chris- I have no idea what the trail was, it was in Nh/Mass somewhere near Jims camp. Pretty great in places. __________________ My oversized hat won't fit your humungous head.

01-15-2002, 06:39 PM	#24 (permalink)
ehsankiani Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Member # 6498 Location: Pakistan Posts: 3,934	Very nice pics.. __________________ [B][URL="http://ijc.com.pk"]Islamabad Jeep Club[/URL][/B] Pakistan [URL="http://i4x4.org/ehsan"]Ehsan Kiani's Official Blog[/URL] [URL="http://youtube.com/user/ehsankiani"]My VDO Channel[/URL]

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