Well, I did something dumb over the weekend.......

[Waterjunky]

I ended up buying this thing.

Not sure it was smart.
Guarantee it will be fun.

It was professionally built, very low hour, and has been parked for four years. Needs some odds and ends due to its hibernation.

 

[sintax]

looks fun to me.

seems well built, with some good parts.

whats it running for a transmission? Love the full width axles on there, what size rubber?

 

[Bpracing1127]

Looks fun, I would get rid of all the ball joints and go with spherical ends

 

[RitcheyRch]

Looks fun and expensive.

 

[evantwheeler]

I ended up buying this thing.

Not sure it was smart.
Guarantee it will be fun.

It was professionally built, very low hour, and has been parked for four years. Needs some odds and ends due to its hibernation.

Don at FC Fab is the FJ40 master. No one else I'd rather have build me a landcruiser for wheeling (if I could afford to pay other people to work on my junk)..

 

[Waterjunky]

Don at FC Fab is the FJ40 master. No one else I'd rather have build me a landcruiser for wheeling (if I could afford to pay other people to work on my junk)..

I believe that's who built it. I need to look it up again to be sure.

 

[evantwheeler]

I believe that's who built it. I need to look it up again to be sure.

It is for sure. His tube work is unmistakable, and the upper link mount on rear axle has letters FC. I'm pretty sure there is a build thread for this truck on Pirate4x4. Don shares shop space with Valley Hybrids/Cruiser Brothers in Stockton, Ca.

 

[TBulger]

Doesn’t get much nicer.

 

[FCT]

Fun things usually aren’t smart. Bad ass enjoy it! You only live once!

 

[Riverryder]

Looks fun, I would get rid of all the ball joints and go with spherical ends

gotta love rdp! someone will instantly burst your bubble with what you need haha. you missed telling him he needs rigids or baja designs!


congrats on the purchase hope looks like it will be alot of fun! is it meant to go up rock faces?

 

[monkeyswrench]

That looks like a great way to have fun! Always wanted a crawler, but never been crawling. Thought something like that, plated out here, would be a great all-around dirt toy, mud, dirt and rocks, fun

 

[CANUCK007]

was this parked in havasu springs rv resort? if so,looks a lot better cleaned up

 

[Shlbyntro]

I ended up buying this thing.

Not sure it was smart.
Guarantee it will be fun.

It was professionally built, very low hour, and has been parked for four years. Needs some odds and ends due to its hibernation. View attachment 1112691 View attachment 1112692 View attachment 1112693 View attachment 1112694 View attachment 1112695 View attachment 1112696 View attachment 1112697 View attachment 1112698 View attachment 1112699 View attachment 1112700

Now youve done it! Youre going to have to change your name to Dirtjunky now

 

[rivrrts429]

Bad ass jeep. Fuck the miles per gallon. That thing is going to be smiles per gallon.

 

[Go-Fly]

Is that Daves new trailer?

 

[DLC]

That is bad ass!
oh What I actually mean is what a HUGE mistake !

your going to shoot your eye out
its a big ol money pit
your never going to get it running, motor is probably blown up
that doesn’t look comfortable

Chicks don’t dig that!


I’ll be happy to take that mistake off your hands, to save you some embarrassment! You know inmates helping inmates!
I’d go with Ridged LED light bars! Don’t forget rock lights!

I dig the colors and think it really SWEET!
what a cool find.

Congratulations

 

[DLC]

What year is it registered as?

that would be a blast in Johnson valley, Moab, Rubicon even great wheeling out side of Parker

 

[Waterjunky]

A few answers.....
Trans is a full manual shift 400\
Tires are 42"
It has current plates.
Those aren't standard ball joints, within reason they won't break and they are rebuildable on the trail in minutes. All are the same internally and just have different externals for specific tasks.
Built specifically for hard rock. That said it runs trails quite impressively and with about 525hp, it will hold its own in sand. The one thing that it doesn't like is mud. Actually it is okay in mud but you are not happy in it in mud due to tire locations and a lack of fenders........

I have a lot of hours on ATV's (thousands and thousands - literally) but only modest in vehicles and fewer yet in crawling. This is going to be an adventure and a learning experience. The big thing in the family can do it together, I have the back seat that was built for it. Probably going to need a roof rack when I pull the box and put the seat in.

 

[Waterjunky]

There was a build on Pirate on this thing. It came out of Corcoran, my cousin had it built. Lots of little things to do and customize on it but the only major thing I would even consider would be losing the leaves up front for a 4 link. Due to cost and how well it is supposed to work already not sure that is at all a real consideration.

 

[rivermobster]

NOT a rubber band car...

Congrats! That thing looks bad azz!!!

 

[Riverryder]

The big thing in the family can do it together, I have the back seat that was built for it. Probably going to need a roof rack when I pull the box and put the seat in.

this is all that matters!!! hope you share some of the adventures you go on!!

 

[LazyLavey]

I am envious of your dumbness..

 

[Waterjunky]

NOT a rubber band car...

Congrats! That thing looks bad azz!!!

That was a real consideration..... I was looking at UTV's also and realized I would have more into that new than I would this. Which in five years is going to still be worth something? Which is a better built machine? Which is street legal in Ca?

These and more said this was really the way to go...

Nothing wrong with UTV's, just for my situation, this made more sense.

 

[SBMech]

That is a wicked FJ40 man! Congrats!

I see a ton of fun in your future...

 

[Waterjunky]

That is a wicked FJ40 man! Congrats!

I see a ton of fun in your future...

Land cruiser......

 

[Waterjunky]

What are some decent forums for crawling? Pirates is surprisingly quiet.....

What's out there? Anyone's favorites?

 

[SBMech]

Land cruiser......

Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser​

Restored FJ40 Land Cruisers - The FJ Company

The FJ Company is the premier restorer of Toyota FJ40 Land Cruisers. Work with us to design your own custom Land Cruiser, or select a vehicle from our inventory of FJ40 for sale.

www.fj.co

Uhh..yea.....

 

[Waterjunky]

< Historically not a toyota guy. Still not one really. about the only toyota left on this is about 5' of frame, the firewall and the hood.

Stand corrected.

 

[rivermobster]

< Historically not a toyota guy. Still not one really. about the only toyota left on this is about 5' of frame, the firewall and the hood.

Stand corrected.

It's like when you are watching the top fuel cars at the drags, and they call the car a Chebby or a Ford...

Yeah right!

 

[Travmon]

You said “ did something stupid “ thought for sure you got married or remarried! Kidding aside i see nothing stupid about that purchase ( unless you put it on a credit card) quite the opposite, its a toy like that , that will create nothing but memories. ENJOY

 

[Flying_Lavey]

There was a build on Pirate on this thing. It came out of Corcoran, my cousin had it built. Lots of little things to do and customize on it but the only major thing I would even consider would be losing the leaves up front for a 4 link. Due to cost and how well it is supposed to work already not sure that is at all a real consideration.

Precisely the only thing I saw as well. Such a bad ass machine and leaves up front with front shackles even just looked weird. lol!

 

[Spectra18]

Thought you were gonna say “ I GOT MARRIED ! “

 

[Waterjunky]

Thought you were gonna say “ I GOT MARRIED ! “

I fell for that one 13 year ago this last Monday.

So does that make this an anniversary present????? !!!!!!

It is for the family after all!

 

[Waterjunky]

It's like when you are watching the top fuel cars at the drags, and they call the car a Chebby or a Ford...

Yeah right!

Yep, exactly like that.....

 

[evantwheeler]

What are some decent forums for crawling? Pirates is surprisingly quiet.....

What's out there? Anyone's favorites?

Pirate is still my go to for real good tech, but only by searching old threads. I dont actively participate there. Alot of people migrated to Irate4x4.com after pirate went downhill fast once lance and camo sold (yes its a play on pirate’s name). I think social media has also taken people away from forums. I spend too much time on Ih8mud.com, its a Toyota Landcruiser forum (all models from early to current have their own subforums) but since you dont really have a landcruiser other than some sheet metal, i dont think youll find it very useful.

If you were in SoCal, Id say lets go wheelin!

I have an FJ40 problem.....currently 4 in the stable, these are my crawlers/wheelers. Built the red one, bought the orange one (350/auto/atlas, linked in rear on toyota axles).

That truck you bought will take you pretty much anywhere you point it! Keep us posted on your off-road adventures.

 

[MissB]

Not dumb, so rad, enjoy your wife's new Jeep. and happy anniversary!

 

[Waterjunky]

Pirate is still my go to for real good tech, but only by searching old threads. I dont actively participate there. Alot of people migrated to Irate4x4.com after pirate went downhill fast once lance and camo sold (yes its a play on pirate’s name). I think social media has also taken people away from forums. I spend too much time on Ih8mud.com, its a Toyota Landcruiser forum (all models from early to current have their own subforums) but since you dont really have a landcruiser other than some sheet metal, i dont think youll find it very useful.

If you were in SoCal, Id say lets go wheelin!

I have an FJ40 problem.....currently 4 in the stable, these are my crawlers/wheelers. Built the red one, bought the orange one (350/auto/atlas, linked in rear on toyota axles).

That truck you bought will take you pretty much anywhere you point it! Keep us posted on your off-road adventures.

View attachment 1112966 View attachment 1112967

I still say we could get together and go wheeling. Any time you make it into the valley we can go. Likewise, it came with the trailer and I will be dragging it all over the place behind the RV. SoCal is not that far in the big picture. This fall/winter I am thinking I will need to go south. It looks like a damm cold ride in the snow. South to the desert sounds like an idea. What area are you out of?

 

[evantwheeler]

I still say we could get together and go wheeling. Any time you make it into the valley we can go. Likewise, it came with the trailer and I will be dragging it all over the place behind the RV. SoCal is not that far in the big picture. This fall/winter I am thinking I will need to go south. It looks like a damm cold ride in the snow. South to the desert sounds like an idea. What area are you out of?

Temecula. Johnson Valley is rad, there is also some really good wheeling in Parker/Havasu, but would need someone local to guide, its been a long time since I was out there. You'll not have issues with the front leaf springs, just make sure you are cautious not to run the front of those leafs into a rock as you can bend a leaf spring pretty easily. That truck will be super capable with leafs up front, probably more capable than you're comfortable driving it seeing as this is your first crawler - I mean no offense by that. It would be like me getting into a 1000hp v-drive, I wouldn't have the skills to drive it like it could be driven in fear of wrecking it or worse, wrecking and injuring/killing myself.

You have the Rubicon and Fordyce close, both great trails. I've only wheeled the Rubicon, and it was more like trail driving than my idea of off-roading, but it was breathtakingly beautiful.

 

[Waterjunky]

Dozens and dozens of stunning trails up here in the sierras. Near as I can tell, Moab is one of the only places competitive with it. Completely different looks and terrain but both are truly icons of this type of off-roading. Other areas are also quite impressive but just due to sheer volume of trails, beauty, variety, and challenge level it looks hard to beat these area.

Yup, I have a real learning curve in front of me. One of the reasons I bought it was to simply run the roads and trails that lead to interesting places. Many of them are technically passible by fairly stock vehicles. That said technical stuff like four dice is high on the list also.

 

[evantwheeler]

Dozens and dozens of stunning trails up here in the sierras. Near as I can tell, Moab is one of the only places competitive with it. Completely different looks and terrain but both are truly icons of this type of off-roading. Other areas are also quite impressive but just due to sheer volume of trails, beauty, variety, and challenge level it looks hard to beat these area.

Yup, I have a real learning curve in front of me. One of the reasons I bought it was to simply run the roads and trails that lead to interesting places. Many of them are technically passible by fairly stock vehicles. That said technical stuff like four dice is high on the list also.

Sand Hollow outside of Hurricane, UT (east of St. George) has some REALLY bad ass crawling that is right up this things alley. Lots closer than Moab. Moab is cool and beautiful!

 

[jeepdog]

Bad fuckin ass...

 

[Dana757]

I’d do a front dig right off the bat just because I could. Very cool rig!

 

[Matt Mead]

Looks fun and expensive.

The only thing that compares to the cost of boating is taking stuff offroad. I was pit crew on a few teams over the years and tried building a few prerunners. Offroad terrain is unrelenting on parts. So basically I came here to say the same thing, lol.

 

[evantwheeler]

I ended up buying this thing.

Not sure it was smart.
Guarantee it will be fun.

It was professionally built, very low hour, and has been parked for four years. Needs some odds and ends due to its hibernation. View attachment 1112691 View attachment 1112692 View attachment 1112693 View attachment 1112694 View attachment 1112695 View attachment 1112696 View attachment 1112697 View attachment 1112698 View attachment 1112699 View attachment 1112700

Did it come with a windshield frame? If not, I think you'll want to find one. Also looks like you may be missing the rubber bumpers and hold down hooks on the hood to secure the windshield in the down position.

https://www.coolcruisers.com/howihokitwpa.html

 

[OCMerrill]

Mud in south so cal deserts is seriously corrosive. I've learned a lesson big time not getting that shit off good enough and loosing some fox shocks to severe pitting as well as other damage. Mud is just a ton of work I strive to avoid these days.

Crawl and bomb around. That thing looks like serious fun.

 

[Waterjunky]

Did it come with a windshield frame? If not, I think you'll want to find one. Also looks like you may be missing the rubber bumpers and hold down hooks on the hood to secure the windshield in the down position.

https://www.coolcruisers.com/howihokitwpa.html

Yup, no windshield or hardware. I will be changing that in the near future. One of my objectives is to get it to a point I could drive it on the road a mile or two back to camp and not have any issues. It is plated and current, I just need a few things like removeable mud flaps and the folding windshield. There are already brake lights and turn signals. I'm just looking to survive the quick once over not the full inspection.

 

[evantwheeler]

I ended up buying this thing.

Not sure it was smart.
Guarantee it will be fun.

It was professionally built, very low hour, and has been parked for four years. Needs some odds and ends due to its hibernation. View attachment 1112691 View attachment 1112692 View attachment 1112693 View attachment 1112694 View attachment 1112695 View attachment 1112696 View attachment 1112697 View attachment 1112698 View attachment 1112699 View attachment 1112700

Bump. You been using this thing at all?

 

[Waterjunky]

Not as much as I would like.....

This winter I have not taken it out much at all. I had plans about a month ago to spend the weekend in Holister with it but we got rained out. Between rain and all the health issues with my wife, it just hasn't been in the cards over winter.

This weekend I will be taking over to a big ranch I have access to west of Calistoga.

 

[evantwheeler]

Not as much as I would like.....

This winter I have not taken it out much at all. I had plans about a month ago to spend the weekend in Holister with it but we got rained out. Between rain and all the health issues with my wife, it just hasn't been in the cards over winter.

This weekend I will be taking over to a big ranch I have access to west of Calistoga.

Sold the boat and am foolishly looking for an FJ based buggy so I figured I would pop in and see if you're over it or not. Have fun this weekend!

 

[Waterjunky]

Nope!