Rolling Chassis!

So I finished rebuilding the back axle, replaced the seals and wheel bearings (thanks to Mark at Marks Offroad) and subsequently gave it a nice matte black finish before mounting it back to the frame. Shackle angles are terrible, but that is something I will have to address when i have more weight on the frame. Next, Ill be pulling the head off the engine for the overhaul.

Front Axle Rebuild

I have finished rebuilding the front axle and done with paint. I replaced the wheel bearings and rebuilt the knuckles with fresh bearings and seals. When I finished, I hit everything with a Matte Black.

Springs + Frame Reunite

So I ordered New bushings and pins and shackles for the 40. Went ahead and purchased the greasable kind from $OR because they were a bitch to get off, and figure that this would help in the future.  I have put the two front springs back on to check for fit, and currently I am working on rebuilding the axles and differentials. I ordered the parts from Marks Off Road, where Mark specializes in older Land-cruisers. Needless to say he is awesome. 

Frame Back from Powdercoat

So I got the frame back from APC and it turned out great! I highly recommend this place and it is very price competitive. Anyways Ill let the pictures speak for themselves.

Leaf Spring Renewal

So after I took everything off the frame, I sent it off to be powder coated, A place in phoenix called APC Powder coat. While that was gone for the week I sanded down the leaf springs and painted them with a anti rust coating, Rust bullet. The Stuff is Awesome. As a final coat I sprayed it with a flat rustoleum black. Turned out pretty well.

Pulling the Engine

So from here I went ahead and pulled the engine and transmission, they were designed to be pulled together. My buddy rebuilds old Willy's Jeeps and he is always commenting on how well the Japanese have thought everything out on the FJ's. And I always tell him, this is why i bought an FJ. haha

More Disassembly

Dis-Assembly

So after I checked compression, I had a few cylinders that were below recommended PSI and I made the decision to go ahead with a frame off restoration. The first step of this was to remove the back bumper. This was a huge pain, not as bad as the front though.

Lets Make Her Look Like an Fj

So the first thing I did was to get her running to check her compression, being from new mexico I have been finding clay and dirt in places I thought not possible. Also I got that front bumper cut off. Trying to get her to look less like an abomination.

And Thus It Begins

In July 2008 I purchased a 1966 Toyota Landcruiser from a guy in New Mexico and had it shipped to Arizona. Paid $1500.00 for her so this is where the journey begins. This is what she looked like when she was dropped off. Complete with Plow bumper. Since I have reached the turn around point in the build where I am starting to put her back together, I thought it was time to start a blog.