My Toyota Land Cruiser BJ40

new gauge install at ACC

2010-02-14T06:03:00.000-08:00

Well , I just go her back with a three gauge cluster install. I went with the Oil, temp and Volt under the radio. They look good and work.... I just need to get a picture and post it up. I also had ACC knock out a broken wheel stud and replace that with a new one. The truck is coming along. New on the list will be a new lift ! I will most likely go with the OME 2.5. That should look great and drive really well. I am close to having it set as my DD in the spring....

wow - holly lug nutz

2009-10-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

Well I was taken the bj40 for a spin to go by the shop ACC here in town . I was headed over there to ask about some gauges and getting mine working. After talking with them they seemed pretty optimistic that mine were not that far from working. Also after talking to them about the speed o being off , I feel real smart when they noticed it was in Kh not mph..... dohh..

Anyway back to my story , so I headed out the shop and down the road to visit some EXPO folks working on another truck and pop I heard this weird noise after turning. I though I must have broken something in the steering. Well pulled over and could find nothing wrong. I even kicked the tires and walked around the truck. Then decided to limp on back home. Well the noise continued until I saw in the rear view that my back tire was about to fall off. The lugs had come lose and were sitting on the last tread of the studs on 5 of the lugs. The sixth lug is broken off. Anyway as luck would have it I did not have my lug wrench with me either, so I continued on praying I would make it home. I did reach my garage and quickly began looking at the damage. I have stripped several of the lugs. Worn the thread down on some of them where I know it will be a problem and elonggated the lug holes on the rim. Dam,,,, I wont be making that mistake again , driving off with out checking everything out !

new / old hood

2009-10-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

Well I finally got around to painting my hood in the garage black and switching it out. I tell you what I dont know how anyone could paint a whole truck with spray paint. What a pain in the ___!
The paint job turned out less then what I wanted but I just got tired of spraying and started to rush it. I think its fine for now but I will end up having it done bu someone who knows what they are doing. All and all it looks better then what it did.... love that BJ40 !

BJ40 / fj40 WITH fJ 17 INCH RIMS

2009-10-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

Well I have driven several miles and everything seems a great fit. But I think I do need a spacer , maybe 1/4 on the front. At full turn the driver side wheel hits the steering rod. I think if I went into a hard turn quick the tire would grap the steering arm and damage it. I think I might be able to get the spacer for about 6 bucks each and not need any longer studs.

bj40 with 17 inch black Fj Cruiser rims

2009-09-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

Well after searching and trying to figure out what to do , I finally found some 17 inch fj rims on CLs for a deal I could not pass up. 80 bucks for all 5 rims.... Then I went over to a used tire place and had some Firestone Destination 265 / 70 / 17 tires mounted for $180 . I just needed something other then the MUD tires already on there. They had become warn on the front and were not making a fun ride into work.. Again my goal here is to have a daily driver and exploreation truck. Here are a couple of pictures.
SO far I have not had any problems with fit. My truck has a 60s front disk conversion and other than a tight fit no problems and I am not running a spacer. I think if the tire where any bigger I might need too.

North Ga to the Seas of Carolina

2009-06-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

Well I finally got out and did a little exploring and camping again. It feels good to wander from home a little and see some other parts of the east coast. Of course we did it up in style in our 10 RT starcraft pop up camper. This thing is the perfect camper for me and my family.

Here is my 2006 tacoma TRD hooked up to the camper. IT pulls so nice since the camper has full leaf springs and shocks with 15 inch offroad tires. O-ya not to mention AC and 3 way frig. Anwyay we headed up to North Ga to a spot right outside of Hellen Ga. on some private land on a lake.

We didnt do that much exporing because the weather kept us close to camp. No problem we made due and were able to catch a few bass and brim so all was not a loss.

Then we headed for the beaches of South Carolina right out side of Charlston , we camped at James Island Campground. What a great place for the entire family. I cant say enough about all the close and cool things that are at this campground. I will let the next picture speak for it self.

We were able to visit three different beaches , Ise of Palms, Folly Beach and Keawa Island beach. All of them were nice and had a little something different. We had great weather and we were one week a head of the croweds becuase the school kids had not gotten out in SC yet. It was a great week and I am already looking forward to the next adventure.

First camping in the RT10

2009-03-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

First pop up camper trip in the Star Craft RT10

front disk conversion myBJ40

2009-03-09T19:44:00.001-07:00

Well , after some time trying to get back into the garage , I broke down and had our local land cruiser shop hook me up with a front disk conversion from a 60s LC. Way to go ACC ! The addition of disk front with locking hubs is nice. The BJ40 stops real nice and the brakes feel great. The warn hubs are a nice touch and should get me that little bit extra gas mileage. Anyway they did a great job and I now can enjoy slowing down and stopping with out having to worry so much.

Next I am going to paint my new hood black and get my old one off. Also my buddy Pete brought over a couple of items like some rear light protectors and a new driver apron. Spring is here in the south and I cant wait to get her out on the street some more. Also next is am addition of a OME steering stabilizer, I am pulling the front seats and cleaning real good. Still looking for a set of OEM steelies with 33 9.5 15 on them. I will keep looking.

well Santa came ...

2008-12-20T11:56:00.001-08:00

I got a Starcraft 10rt offroad popup. Man this thing is great.. I cant wait to get it out and try it. This thing has 13 inch ground clearance, double LP tanks, 15 inch mud tires, full size spare. This isnt your grand dads popup!! Time for camping with the kids.

MYbj40

2008-10-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

Well We got myBJ40 out the other day and took the family for a big ride , I have seen some smiles but this topped the cake.

Even though I really like the look of the OEM soft top I am very happy with my best top and how easy it is to run it as a full length sun top. It is real neat to see two kids waving to everyone you pass buy.

Publish Post

radio install and 12v plug

2008-09-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

Rear seat belt install

2008-08-31T05:38:00.000-07:00

Well I had to do it, Drill four nice holes in the rear floor for the mounting of the rear seat belts. I had been looking for seat belts trying to decide what to do and how to mount them. I looked on line and read a little about how to secure the belts. I found a little bit of information here and there. I also was trying to go with OEM toyota seat belts but then after pricing them out , I figured it not going to really matter to me that much to have cheap-o seat belts as long as they hold people in. So I ran down to the local auto zone and started looking. Now the staff there had no idea if they had them in stock or not. So I looked and looked and was about to give up when I spotted them on the wall behind a chrome built shifted (YEA). So I was pleased to find that not only did I get the seat belts but also all the mounting hardware too. All for $15 bucks. great deal in my book...

So I go started right away and forgot to take some pictures of the process. but here are some anyway. I measured and drilled four holes , filled them down a little, then painted the top and underside with Rust zero. Let dry , then inserted bolts and tightened everything down. These things are stout and I would not worry about them ever pulling through. Then I mounted up the kids car seats , loaded up the wife and we all went for our first family BJ40 ride.... What a great feeling to see the smiles on the kids faces. The wife even said that she enjoyed it. Now she is asking about how we can fix that cruiser lean. : - )

Hard top hung / best top install

2008-08-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

Best top install on mybj40, it sure is nice when the parts and the instructions all line up and even if you have to be a little creative at times , due to the nature of old trucks, its nice to have most things fit perfect.

I also worked to hang my hard top from the garage ceiling so that the top would not be in the way and that the wife can start to park back in the garage. I thought that this would be easier than it turned out to be. I think it just took a lot longer to get the top in position and hung. Pictures to follow. I also installed safety straps to make double sure that things dont fall back to earth.

POR crazy and beer = ho no

2008-08-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

Well from here it is look great.....But late night in the garage with a beer I went a little over board and I might have POR over some holes... O well.

But it still looks good. And then I went on to POR the top of my windshield in prep for soft top mounting.

You can see the nive clean edge. This was all temp work to hold me over on a complete strip down and repaint. I wont get to that for a few years so . until then POR the crap out of things.

tail gate is on, but...

2008-07-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

Well , after attacking the last bolt from every angle I finally got it out.. I also could not wait to get the tailgate on to see what it looks like. What do you know the holes dont line up that well... I guess I will have to enlarge them a little to make things look right. Anyway I will take a photo tomorrow in the light when I take it for a spin. I am getting close to putting the soft top on but first I am going to do a little POR action on a few spots. mybj40 is not perfect but it is perfect for me.

well tailgate arrived from CCOT

2008-07-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

Well after looking at tale gates I went with the one from CCOT because I was also ordering a couple of other parts like their windshield brackets. Anyway, go that the other day and well I begin cleaning and prep work on the body and taking off the Aby door bottom striker plate. Man that is a pain in the ___. I dont know now other people can get some other these things off. No wonder most people stay with the soft top once they get all these bolts off. 4 hours later and I am still needing to remove one bolt. I did clean and started my painting of the interior gas panel. Over all it was in great shape. Just wanted to clean it, paint my gray interior color I am going with. Next I will remove the seat backs and paint them.. Also I lucked out CCOT messed up my order and they sent me the hood hooks instead of the Window hooks I ordered. O well. they said to just keep them. lots of dirty fun.... I still need to drive her now that the top is off.

Top off clean up - mybj40

2008-07-21T19:25:00.000-07:00

Well now that the top is off , I am ready for the clean up and rust treatment with POR in every spot I can get too. Here is the before shots.... The worst place in the back area in this next photo, it seems like some real good surface rust but other than that ,, looks pretty good... There was still even some hard top seals under neath the rubber had turned into a brick and fell apart in my hands.

Part 4 - top off mybj40

2008-07-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

Well Here is the Top on the ground after 3 guys picked it up...

The bad thing is that the legs snapped right off when I set it down. They were rusty at the joints and pretty much fell off. O_WELL. Anyway the top is real clean other than a couple of spots. I am going to built a sling to hang it from the garage .. Mybj40 is coming right long. Next up clean up....
New looks....

Part 3 - Hard top almost off

2008-07-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

Well after pushing and pulling for 30 min, I took of the door strikers and WD up the rods that go into the body thing one of them must be stuck. Then pushed and pulled some more, then decided to strong arm it. I got up in side the truck and placed my back up against the hard top and pushed. Nothing.... So I pushed real hard on one side and POP ! maybe I missed a bolt, or maybe it was bondo under one of the sides..... Yea you guess it bondo over on one of the sides behind the roll bar.

Well at least it was a clean break with no other fractures that I can see. Now the top is ready to come off. I think I need a second person for sure.

So while I wait for another strong back, I went a head and started painting some parts grey. I am starting with some small parts and I am working up to larger ones learning a good painting technique. Next will be the gas neck cover and the seat backs.

top removal part 2 - rusty bolts

2008-07-13T19:00:00.001-07:00

So I jumped right in where I left off removing the passenger side aby door. First I have to disconnect the license plate lights. I was pleased to see that they were just twisted together with black tape. No problem... Then started up bolting the door and again having the right size mm socket is the most important. Again the upper bolts were easy but the bottom bolts run through the tub and have rusty nuts on the other side. This took me close to 1 hour to remove the rusty nuts. I went ahead and started hitting other rusty things with WD. I went over all the bolts and looked for any problems. I could tell right off the bat that the upper door bolts were going to be a problem.. Anyway started removing the bottom tub bolts. and all went well only broke one off and it took me 2 hours to remove the other back bolts that went all the way through the tub rail. I dont think they are supposed to be like that. I ended up having to drill out one of the front screws that hold the top to the windshield, that was a long process which I would not want to repeat anytime soon.

ahh the top removal part 1 - mybj40

2008-07-11T19:39:00.001-07:00

Well I have begin taking the top off after buying the best top and thinking about it for a while. I agree with everyone , take her top off every once in a while. I am amazed at how nice my amby doors are ... They are so clean all the way down to the seals. I am so lucky.. Anyway I am going to build a host to lift it off and leave it off for the summer. Then I back on in the winter. I was able to get one of the doors off tonight and will get the other off tomorrow. I also sprayed WD on all the tub bolts. I think I am going to have to get some stronger stuff for some of the other rusty bolts. I will take some shots tomorrow when I begin getting the rest of to top off. I think before I put the softtop on I am going to do a little clean up and POR !!

another night in the garage on mybj40

2008-06-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

Well I spent the last two nights taken out my kick vents , scraping out the old seal , sanding and painting with rust zero and putting back on a new seal that CCOT sent me for free with another order. I cant say enough about getting anything free in the world thanks CCOT. Anyway it helps when your scraping to have the kick vents on something soft. So I have a few scratches on the vents now. O well... I also tried to treat some of the rust on the main body with some POR> I have had this can for several months now and its self life is pretty good if you store it right. I have a C clamp holding the lid very tight to keep air out. Works great. I think next I am pulling out the seats and clean them up and re paint the backs . Then when I get the new tail gate the hard top will come off.

KC lights work

2008-06-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

Well I thought I would tinker a little bit one night and started out looking at switch on the dash that has never worked. I thought that it maybe connected to the two KC lights on the front but they never worked. I started messing with it and what do you know one of the KC lights came on . So I opened up the other one and started cleaning the connections and sure enough , it came on to. So I took the lights off and cleaned the glass and inside and they now look great..

mybj40 has a new front head light.

2008-06-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Well after messing with the lights the new light's screw is a little shorter than the OEM. I could barely get it on the fender and screwed down. But, I did and I hooked up all the wires and tested them out. All work great. love it...... Next is the soft top....

OBX - Adventure with Tacoma TRD

2008-06-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

Well after failing to read the signs which say 20 psi tire pressure recommended , I got stuck shortly after this picture was taken.

mybj40 is home sweet home.

2008-05-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

Boy the guys over at Atlanta Custom Creations did a bang up job, looks great under the hood. The mounted roll bar looks great and gives me a peace of mind. The rear seat looks jeepish but gives the wife a peace of mind for the little ones riding in the back. I drove it home from the shop with no problems , breaks work but I used the engine to slow down. The truck is a beast ! I only messed up twice and ground some gears : - ) O well I will learn... There was some feeling cruise n down road window's down , feeling the humm of 32 inch mud terrains ...

From BJ40

mybj40 waits on another part

2008-05-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Well just as things are getting put back together oops, one more part is missing. The freezer plug does not seem to be there. As they were re filling fluids as it went in it came out. Great... Part is a 6 dollar part with an hour of labor and 6 days wait.....

when the cruiser is away

2008-05-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

It has been so long that I am starting to forget I own one. I have been looking at other cruisers to buy ! How bad is that ? I am looking at a 1980 fj40 with ARB lockers and power steering disks all around, winch, blah blah. great deal. The only problem is it is a wheeled truck and has seen some action. The other I am looking at is a cherry 1976 good condition with little rust bright blue and well maintained. Both about the same price. But I dont need another cruiser do I ? If I go and look at the blue one I might end up buying it and then asking for forgiveness later....

long over due up date BJ40

2008-05-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

Well mybj40 has been in the shop for close to a month now waiting on parts. It seems that I should get used to the idea that I might have to wait sometimes to get parts from around the world. Good thing is I have learned a lot and have found a few parts here and there in Canada and Costa Rica. Pretty cool. I also went ahead and took an opportunity to have a roll bar mounted in the truck. The shop had someone replacing the factory bar with a fill cage so I wheeled a deal and went a head and had them in stall the OEM bar. Then while they were in there doing that I went a head and had then install the forward facing rear seat that I bought a while ago. (best top seat.) Then I got to thinking as the weather gets warmer I would like a soft top and after looking and thing , how I would love to have a factory soft top or Paki top, I did not like the fact that the bows are so fixed and not easy to take off. (and $$$) My plan is to run the hard top during the winter and soft top during the summer. so I bought a used Best top supertop still in the box !! I will run it as a full length top and roll up the sides. It look s great and I know it will last a long time. Now I just need my truck back.

mybj40 went to the shop

2008-03-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

Well I took mybj40 over to the local LC shop to give them a try and to make sure I was not having any major issues with the cooling system. So I am going to have them fix the broken motor mount, get the oil pressure and temp gauge working. They are also going to do some basic tune up items while they have it. Then I will be able to it the road, but not with out some break issues. This at least will give me a start in what I need to look at myself.

I also picked up some new blinkers and a new ready to paint hood to replace my current hood. I think I did alright on the price , thanks pete

mybj40 in the drive way

2008-03-17T19:35:00.001-07:00

Well here is mybj40 after a quick rain. She looks like a toy sitting in the drive way. Anyway I am planning on having a shop check her out real good so I can get ready for the first real adventure. We have a friend that just bought 1,100 acres and says we are free to explore. 4x4 ! I think I might have a small leak of some sort so I am holding off any further modifications until I get this solved. Once checked over first will be a full roll cage and a front disk break conversion. Then I will let it ride for a while before I do the power steering.

O I almost forgot I also bought a fold and tumble rear seat by best top for the kids to seat in. I will have it mounted with the cage install. COOL. I have to make it safe for the little ones.

BJ40 Video in garage

2008-02-09T19:47:00.000-08:00

Well Here is the first of many, The next one will be of it running so everyone can hear how cool a bj40 really sounds.

BJ40 Video and pictures.

2008-02-09T19:39:00.001-08:00

Well Here are some shots as I get her cleaned up. You can see the rear now is POR'd grey and came out pretty clean. I think next time I will sand a little more. It really does have a great look. Other than some small things here and there, it is ready to hit the trails.

Air power - thanks Bro

2008-02-09T19:34:00.000-08:00

Well If there is one tool in the garage that you need it would be air power !! There is nothing like working those rusty nuts off with a little compressed air. I have to give a thanks out to my big brother for letting me borrow it. Tanks alot. : -)

mybj 40 and some new shots

2008-02-09T19:24:00.001-08:00

The addition of the HD bumper with stainless steel screws. Well its all ready for a winch.... But that will have to wait for now.

Also when I got the BJ40 it had some hood damage and I am planning on buying a new hood one day but until then I started playing around with some paint and well added my own touch. Its painted black up until the hood vents.

update for bj40

2008-02-07T20:31:00.000-08:00

Well I order some more POR 15 gray, some new front shackles and some stainless steel bumper bolts . I will have to take some pictures tomorrow. I also have been working on painting some of my damaged hood black to give it a better look. I think it looks pretty good, I am planing on putting big stickers on the side like I8hmud or something like that. I should be able to mount the hood and finish installing the new front shackles and get some cool pictures this weekend, I think the BJ40 is coming together.

CCOT Leveler block snake oil ? bj40

2008-02-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

Well after pissing away 3 to 4 hours of trying to get everything back together after buying a new bolt for the block to spring pack , I am calling snake oil. I was so happy that I got eveything back together when I lowered the BJ40 back down no change ? WTF.. Not even an inch , no movement what so ever. I think thinking I must have something else wrong or this thing is a peace. Anyway I did learn alot and build some confidence in the process but I was thinking this should work. Well as for the worst $15 bucks so far this takes the cake. Next on the list a little paint on the hood then new bolts on the hood. POR the rear area and redo the floor pans in Grey and I should be ready for prime time.

CCOT LEVEL Block install

2008-02-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

Well I have a two inch lean to my driver's side and from my understanding this is common. So after looking at new springs and upgrading shocks which all are pricey I decided to get the CCOT lever block until I could afford to go with a new system all around. The block is only $15 and is simply a steal block and bolt which sits on top of your passenger rear spring. I think the idea is it pulls on that side of the sring pulling up on the other side. (not sure about all this) So I start taking things apart and decide I should try and do this with the spring still on the car and just push the rear axle up to get to the top of the spring. Anyway I spend all this time taking things apart and go to put the block on and the bolt that holds everything together is to big. It wont fit in the hole through the leaf pack. Now I am going to have to run to lowes and get the correct size. This thing had better work or I am going to be pissed off. !

BJ40 new front HD bumper

2008-01-31T17:45:00.000-08:00

Alright JTo has delivered quickly my new HD channel bumper. http://www.jtoutfitters.com/front-winch-channel-bumper-toyota-land-cruiser-fj40-p-4785.html?osCsid=757ijg32vipmnkias4m0ip08b4

pictures soon to follow...

bj40 and front

2008-01-26T15:19:00.001-08:00

Here a few shots of the front my the bj40.

bj40 fun with POR-15

2008-01-26T14:52:00.000-08:00

Well I begin the rust adventure with starting off with taking the front bumper off. Dam I hate rust... Anyway I ended up getting it off and cleaning and treating with zero rust. I think it turned out really well. I went a head and order a new bumper HD from JTO. I have never order form them but they had the best price on a HD bumper winch ready powder coated black. I think it should be hear next week. I also had to order some bumper bolts because I have to cut most of mine off. I think once I am done with a couple of these easy items the BJ40 will look great. I also stayed out in the garage until 1am using the CCOT starter kit POR-15 . I was surprised that the kit almost completely covered my driver and pass floor plans. I think it turned out pretty good even though I could not see what I was doing very well. The hole black and black. So I overed some grey to put on a second coat and do some more touch up work. I will also do the rear bed area as soon as it comes in. I need to take some pictures .... Let me go and do that.. OK you can see that it is a work in process.. I am still trying to match paint on the hood before I start on the top. Also Here is what the front and New tires I got on there 32x 11.5 15. MUD KING

Parts have arrived

2008-01-19T12:30:00.000-08:00

Well I had a nice little box of items waiting for me .. and even had a few extras thrown in for free. Now there is something about getting more then what you order that will keep me coming back. I order a new shift plate, some new bolts , and some new side hood hooks. I also got a small POR kit to test that out for my floor pans and new door handle. So I have already replaced the door handle and while I had that off cleaned up and painted behind the handle. I also started touch up work on the hood that was damaged. I am still very excited about this BJ40 and I have only gotten to drive it a couple of times. Life is good.

Bj40 and BIO fuel .... O YEA

2008-01-13T18:20:00.000-08:00

Well There is this little set up not far from my house that is selling BIO fuel 24 hours . How cool is that. I am going to grab 5 g. after work and run it. I know the previous owner was running it and I think I should be fine with the winter blend with out any worry. Got to love it...

The work starts ....BJ40

2008-01-13T18:03:00.000-08:00

Well she arrived a little beaten and with a few parts missing but thank goodness to CCOT and a good paycheck because I quickly went through it. First I ordered 2 new tires so I could have a good spare and some good meats to get me around. I went with 32 11.5 15 .. Second I order a new driver side door handle because mine is broken and I am getting tired of getting in one the passenger side of the truck. Next was some feel good parts and a new shift plate so I can remember where I am while I am driving. Then there were the extra wheel bolts to replace the ones that have been broken off : -) And last be not least a little POR-15 kit to test the waters in sealing the driver and passenger floor pans should make for a real fun time...

I really like the size tire and look , they are MUD KINGS which are made by BFG. I am going to have to get used to this manual steering thing, just doing a little turn is tough. Damm I need to beef up with some weights or something.

Damaged in Shipping...

2008-01-12T20:33:00.000-08:00

Well I go over to meet the shipper not far form the house and as soon as I could see the truck I knew something was wrong. The hood had flown up and slammed into the roof and bent back. I shipper and I got into a bit of an argument about the details. Eventually I accepted the truck and had them note all the damage and missing parts on the slip. The hood was a wreck , there were missing parts like hood windshield latches and the Driver side blinker was gone.... GO figure the shipper denied all responsibility for any of it. (great). Anyway I got luck that the seller was a class act and we were able to reduce the price to cover most of the cost. Of course leaving me to deal with everything. I think it worked out pretty well.... It started right up and I drove it home with no problems. Next to do a full check over.....

the Deal and Delivery

2008-01-12T20:19:00.000-08:00

Well the truck is in Colorado and I need it in Ga. so what to do. .. Well after looking into everything from flying out skiing then driving back (which is what I wanted to do). I decided to just have the truck shipped. I did not want to hit the rode with a truck this old and so many unknowns. Even thought I know it would have been a cool adventure. So shipping it was, the seller was very helpful with this and really set most of it up with a shipping broker so total cost from Co to Ga. was $635 (not bad). The seller and I set up paypal accounts so we could transfer the money with no additional cost. We agreed to set up a payment plan and I would send a 70% payment once I received scanned images of the bill of sales and title. Then I would send the rest once the truck showed up here and the paper work. Now all this was a first to me, I was buying a truck I had never seen , nor driven. Talk about a little risky....

Well here is the story so far.....

2008-01-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

So I was driving the other day and the wife sees a restored Fj40 and says she would not mind owning another one some day. Well I thought that would be cool and I would start with a little bit of a better rig than the last Fj40 I had. It had a little to much rust. Anyway, I though I would kind of look around and see what was in my area and the prices. Wow I was surprised to see that there were a couple in the area to look at and think about. Of course as soon as I started looking the Land Cruiser fever took hold. Now I know that wife had said one day in the future it would be nice. But then I good and find the holly grail a 1979 BJ40. It was a dream come true so of course I had to buy it.

My new buy BJ40

2008-01-12T19:54:00.000-08:00

Thats right I said BJ40 !! I just scored a 1979 BJ40 that came up from Costa Rica about a year ago and has been in the west for a couple of months.

First Adventure :: Camping with a 2 year old

2007-05-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

Well the tacoma was great, I am learning really fast that getting there is 80% of my problem. I am happy with the gas savings that I got by having a lighter truck. I did realize that I need a truck cap to put my stiff in so I can lock it up and modify it for my gear.

LC Sold the next day

2007-04-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

Wow , now I dont know what to think. I just sold the LC the very next day. I guess that is good since I now have a car payment. Man these things happen so quick I can hardly believe it. I know I will miss the LC............ but she had a blown engine and I know I have sold her for the max anyone would of payed out. I wish I could of kept the ARB...

Now I drive a 2006 Tacoma 4x4 TRD

2007-04-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well I guess I am going to sell the LC because I just bought a 2006 double cab / TRD / tow package, auto !! in silver. Crazy thing is I had never even driven a tacoma until I drove off the lot.
CRAZY

well in a sudden move.... no more LC.

2007-04-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

Well my deal on the other truck fell through and I was pissed off. I kept getting the jerk around from the owner about getting it cleaned up and then I saw some photos of rust under the body and just could not get myself to buy the truck unseen. (sucks)

engine trouble shooting

2006-12-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

Well , I got her back home yesterday and I am happy just seeing in the drive way. I am going to check her over tonight and get to work on changing the oil and running cleaner through . I am also going to check the PVC valve and all things easy first. I think I might have a clogged return like some has suggested. Hopefully that will fix my problem and I will pass on the new truck. IF not I am still in the market for a new 80 with lockers.

engine crap

2006-12-22T19:08:00.000-08:00

Well after going back and forth on the engine and trying to figure out what the best plan is, I am bring her home to work on her my self I did not get any where with ULC even though they have been really nice about the hole thing. They just want to replace the engine instead of finding out whats wrong. I know with only 128K on it there is plenty of life left in her. I am going to have her towed over here so I can change out the oil and run some cleaner through the system. Then go synthetic all the way. But while I am doing that I am looking for a truck with Lockers to replace the LX. I have figured that it will be better to replace than to try and fix but I am still going to give it a try and see. I am looking at a 1995 LC with lockers. How about them apples.

We will see if I can pull everything off.

engine trouble.

2006-12-10T17:42:00.000-08:00

just as you could guess the knock caught up with me. after cleaning all the gue off my truck after a week or setting . I was driving in to work and bam no oil pressure. So I limped over to ULC in town. They have said that I have majoe engine problems even thought I didnt want to hear it. At least not this time of year or when I just get the thing looking right. So After several days of playing email games with them I went over there and talked with them. We set a plan in motion to get in there and try and fix the oil pump and have a look at the head. That I could go ahead and do an HG and some other stuff while they had my truck. Not sure if this was a good idea or not. Only time and money will tell. ...

sitting on the edge

2006-10-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

Looking out from the blad.

what an adventure with the Up State Cruisers

2006-10-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

Heading down the bald

weekend trip

2006-10-17T18:58:00.000-07:00

Well I am getting ready for the weekend trip. So far I am already thinking this is going to be a muddy adventrue due to the fact that we have gotten three days of rain before the outting. I know it will be fun !! Things I need to do : 1. remove the spare from under the truck and secure it in the rear. 2. secure spare gas tank on roof. then load everything else up. I am heading out to make the am group on friday so I should get plenty of time off road.

ARB Installed !

2006-08-07T18:19:00.000-07:00

ARB Install:

2006-08-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

Well I finally got my box of parts so I can install the bumper. As many have said check out everything before signing for it. I was lucky in that the supplier did make good on ordering me
the correct parts / it just took another week to get. I have to say I would agree with everyone
so far the installation is an easy one. I removed four bolts on the OEM bumper and off it came.
then removed the tow loops. I test fit the bumper to see if the frame was going to line up and
just like that perfect fit. Now I just need to bolt on the bumper and screw on the lights. I think
the lights will take me longer to get working than anything else. It looks great. !! I think the truck is made to have this bumper on it.

WTF - BIG BOX ?

2006-07-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

100 hour Cargo Box

2006-07-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

Low Cost , Light weight storage box.

This is in no way at the same level as some of the craftsmanship that I have seen here. This project makes me even more envious of some of the skills and thought that I see here on Mud. My hats off to those who can think it up and make it happen. (keep doing it)

My goal was too create a light weight yet strong storage solution for the rear ½ of the LC. When I say strong I mean strong enough for general camping equipment / with a distributed weight range. (my cooler will sit on the floor next to the box) The primary objective was to build the box to be easily removable so it needed to be light in weight and easily bolted or strapped down. The box needed a hatch On top upfront so it can be accessed with the tail gate closed.

1. I wanted to still use one of the third row seats.
2. It needed to be light weight enough for easy remove and add back.
3. It must securely bolt / strap to the floor
4. It must not make a lot of noise when off road. (no rattling)
5. Second row seats must be able to fold forwards

Dimensions of Box: 20 inches wide by 41 inches length.
The Box height is 6 1/2 inches.
Wood: 8 foot 2 by 6 pine.
8 foot 2 X 4 pine (for draw sides)
2 Ply board ¾ 24 by 24 squares
2 Ply Board 3.4 24 by 4 feet

Other Misc.
2 rolls of rubber drawer liner
2 small hinges
1 bottle of wood glue
1 forgotten candle for wax
1 sheet sand paper

Tools:

circular saw
Drill
Screw driver
Brad Nail Gun
Staple Gun

Total Cost : less than 50 dollars
Total Hours to build : 9 hours +

Results of the build:
Well the choice to go light weight was good one but posed some problems. This box is not made to take several people standing in the middle on it, but it seems to have a good distributed weight range towards the edges. This will more than meet the need for carrying camping equipment and jumper cables, trailer hitch, lights, ropes, fire extinguisher, etc.. But by using thinner wood you have to take into consideration of where you can place screws and hardware. So I am staying away from any fancy hardware right now and going with rope pulls for handles. I think this will make it easier to meet the no raddled requirement. I am also going with a wax treatment for the slide of the drawer. The only thing I have done a little different than some of the other folks is that I placed two bottom slides on the top of the box to make getting things from the back easier when the tail gate is open. I don’t have to climb in there to get things. The draw can open towards the front from the rear area if the second row seats are folded forward. The biggest is that it is really easy to pick up and move. One major thing is to place the wood gain across the opening not with it for added strength. Also PINE is a light weight wood which needs some protection once built. I went with a shellac stain so I could see the wood gain. Also this box does not weigh enough to cause the truck to lean even when fully loaded.

Top Hatch Has Lock

Drawer Has Lock

Top slide has rope pull and lock to hold in position.

Slide and bolt hinge system using existing floor seat mounts.

ARB Bumper -

2006-07-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Well after going back and forth on the issue and talking myself out of it completely, I broke down more like collapsed to buy an ARB winch bumper. The wife had gone out of town and I just had read a post on Mud about a sale and sure enough , it was a good deal. I know she will be pissed but what can you say, the truck will thank me. I think I should get it in two to three days and then the installation !!

cargo box

2006-07-18T19:51:00.000-07:00

WEll I have been working on a cargo box for the back of the lx. I will post more later I am not quite finsihed with the hardware but som far it has worked out really well . It might look a little rough around the edges but it works.

got my other crap

2006-05-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

Well I had been looking for a new gas can and I saw some used military ones o line for 14 bucks so I bought two of them. ONe is stamped 1944 and I think it is really that old. Both look pretty good on the out side and the older one looks like it needs a cleaning on the inside. The Newer one looks great on the inside and has been lined with some kind of coating. All in all a good deal at around $26 with shipping. Well worth it for two cans.

first little land cruiser adventure

2006-05-31T19:05:00.001-07:00

Well took my little one on his first Land C ruiser camping adventure. It was alot of fun.

More stuff and Pictures...

2006-05-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

Well I installed the small 4 LED light in the back area. Great Idea that someone else had on mud. I did it a little different and used vellcro to hold the light on there. This way I can move it from one side to the other and I can take it off and use it like a flash light. This thing works great. No more fumbling around in the back !

I also got one of these. It is a Torin 7,000 pound farm jack like a high lift jack. IT was only $35 bucks and this thing is heavy duty. I used it for the first time on a tracker and It was great.

here is where we are at

2006-05-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

I cant seem to get a good picture but here it is for now. with some follow up LED light pictures.

So I mounted the LED light in the back area on velcro so you can move the light around. I love it !! I can place it on any side and adjust it all kinds of way.

Black Stone Labs

2006-05-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

Just ordered the blackstone labs oil test kit which is free. The cost to do the test is only $20. That is a steal for someone to let you know how your engine is doing. As soon as I get the test I am going to send in the oil sample and post the results. I am mainly trying to figure out how I am doing on the engine. I dont want to buy some aftermarket stuff if I am going to have to have some major engine work done soon like HG replacement or a valve job. I know I am having some kind of problem because I can hear a noice until the engine warms up. Its like a valve combustion noise. Hopefully everything will check out but if not at least it will point me in the right direction on what to look at fixing first.

crap more stuff...

2006-05-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

Well , I have been uplate and buying stuff for the LC. I just order a highlift , some LED lights for the back lift gate, 2 5gal. jerry cans Used. I just could not help the price. I think the jerry cans might be back ordered because I just read about 5 other threads with people having them on back order until late June. O well I guess I will have to get in line.

TJM vs ARB bumper

2006-05-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

Well after much reading , I am still leaning towards getting a TJM instead of the ARB. Hopefully I will place my order in a day or two. I think the added weight of the ARB is not needed for my application. I really dont do any rock bashing and I think the TJM T-17 will do the job, plus have expantion to a winch. There is a cost savings of at least $200 going to the standard TJM bumper over the ARB. I figure if I ever change my mind there will always be a market for it used.

Photo Edit.

2006-04-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

Land Crusier Dreaming ! From Altanta to North Western C.

2006-03-26T17:57:00.000-08:00

Well we went for a weekend up at camp canoe, which is out side Blue Ridge Ga. We had a good time and we even got to see some snow coming down. It was really nice. The truck did great not a problem ! We went over to the Aska area and did a little hike, That area sure is nice. I think I am gonig to plan a tacco river trip in the spring when the weather ges warm.

Running borad removal

2006-03-24T11:29:00.000-08:00

I dont even know what to say. My truck looks so much better with out running boards. I think the wide boards take away from the tires and the line of the truck. I have always left them on because on getting in and out is easier. Screw that!. Plus I am luckly , I finaly gave up on the mini van thing and bought one for the family and in laws. I love mini-vans because now I get to modify the truck. Anyway , removal was easy with the space just being tight. I think it took less then an hour and I had them both off. I am glad I read on MUD to undo the front nuts that hold on to the plastic trim. Love it. Now I just need some LC mud flaps up front.

more yakima / rack stuff

2006-03-15T13:47:00.000-08:00

Well I went searching on ebay and criegs list and found a good number of A1 towers and other stuff. I also bought a thule cargo box for the roof a fontier for $95 so I can add protection for the high lift and other gear on the roof. I also bought 4 other A1 towers with locks for 58.00. Then I turned around today and bought a complete yakima rack; 6 locks ,4 A1 towners, 58inch cross bars and flaring all for $45. Need less to say that I have 4 extra A1 towers forsale plus locks. I am trying to figure out how to best mount the cargo box now. I will post pictures in a few.

Water in truck..

2006-03-15T13:43:00.000-08:00

Well I have been parking my truck out side and we had a big rain yesterday and now I have water in the passendger side near the second door. I have read on ih8mud on water and checking the slits for the rocker panel. I guess this was either A I didnt have a door shut all the way or I need to clean those slits out . I will check tonight.

Service @ Urban Land Cruisers

2006-03-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks, Urban for working with me on the front axle rebuild. I learned quite a bit and got my hands really dirty all at the same time. If you in the Atl area and have a land Cruiser of any year these guys can help you. www.urbanlandcruisers.com
Mike broke down one side and then walked me through removing the other axle parts. I thought it was not as hard if you have the right tools but very messy. I dont think I would thry this in my garage. yuck.

TLCA new memeber

2006-03-08T10:13:00.000-08:00

Well, after thinking about it for some time , I finally joined the TLCA. I figured I needed to give back to something that was actively trying to protect some ORV areas. Plus , I wanted some reading materials when im on the pot. I cant take Ih8mud with me.

A little service issue...

2006-03-08T09:51:00.000-08:00

Here is the deal. I have been around and around with my truck trying to get the front axle serviced correctly and I have gotten no where. So tomorrow I have an appointment with the locate shop Urban Land Cruisers to take it over there and help in the tear down. I get to learn a little about the truck and I get to see how this stuff is done. I am looking forwward to getting in there and busting it down. I think it is a wheel bearing issue but I am unsure another reason I want to get in there and check it out.

The wife bumped some one

2006-02-23T19:22:00.000-08:00

The wife ran into someone today ! The damage is not to bad and I think this will make a great reason to upgrade to an ARB or TJM. I still can make up my mind. I am thinking TJM because it will cost less and not weight as much. Who knows maybe I will have a custom one made here locally. Sucks.

North Ca. Trip

2006-02-23T19:19:00.000-08:00

Ran up to North C. for a little R&R and looked at some property. I love it up there. The truck ran great and the water was fun ! I cant say enough about the ability to this thing.

Starting Off..

2006-02-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

Wow two land cruisers ! What a great trip dirve 30o miles to pick up a new FJ40 ! I had way to much fun pulling this back !