When i first started watching your channel i was serving in the egyptian army with my fj waiting for me half done, it was fully finished a week ago and I drove it 600 miles to it’s new home in sinai, amazing car and i love watching your content, keep up the amazing work!
So cool you got to bring your son! Must of been super rewarding after all the work to share that awesome time together! Thanks for sharing it with us as always
Dude, that was awesome! Long time coming. I got a 40 and found your channel right as you were getting started on your 40. Time flies and it looks amazing. I can’t believe it was on the Rubicon.
I can't either, I was hoping to just make it to the trail head. Then make it to the camp site. Then make it out, and then make it home lol... little victories!
Loved the sound of that engine. Sounded like a warthog. And clearly as an English major your use of metaphors, similes, exaggeration, along with a healthy dose of self deprecation was very entertaining. Kevin was telling me Marlin Crawler has some good options for steering and transfer case etc.
Yeah the exhaust does alright... I looked around for gearing right when I got home lol. I settled on an Orion case from Vally Hybrids. Georg is my homie, and he'll get me geared down for sure.
That’s one rocky trail! Well done! I had the same needs after my rock experience this year. Power steering is definitely in my future. Great to get to see how your rig did on the Rubicon.
Hello, greetings from Pontassieve, province of Florence, Italy. I have a Suzuki Jimmy 4x4 with a 1.3 litre M13A petrol engine, manufactured in 2001, all original, which I often use on dirt roads on rural farms and on dirt forest roads used by loggers to get wood from the forest. With forestry tractors, with skidders and forwarders, and with forestry trucks used to transport wood! And this is even though a 4x4 off-roader with original configuration behaves very well on this type of forest and rural dirt and gravel roads!
Such a great video man! Rubicon is addictive. Once you experience it you have to go back. I think about it all the time. Build the truck to make memories. This is the way.
Just wait till you finish the whole thing and you come right out to beautiful lake tahoe. We always go to sunnyside restaurant covered in dirt. @@projectwrongway9127
glad you had fun once my rig is done... also need a tcase.. and well the whole build put together ill take you up the rubicon... we can call it 3 days and 2 fjs.... mine being on the extreme side...
Brother, that looked awesome!!! Fj40’s are meant to be driven and look what it is capable of. With no power steering you got more than the tip. Cheers!
Dude, I had to skip ahead to episode 98 after it came out today. I started watching you 3 years ago and lost my way and have started watching you again in the last few months. I think I was on episode 52 when this came up. I have owned my 1972 FJ40 for 37 years. It was my first car that I purchased when I was 15 and 1/2 years old. It actually had a lot of work done on it back in George's first shop that he used to share with my brother and friends in Redwood City California. I just purchased a full rebuild transfer case kit from George recently before I did the Rubicon this summer. It is my third year doing it and it is absolutely amazing. My FJ is basically my first girlfriend in love and I will keep it forever. Wrench on it every weekend still and have to admit it is quite painful to watch some of your videos. But I love your enthusiasm and someday I hope to be able to meet you and do a little wheeling. Congratulations on your accomplishments and getting through the Rubicon part way. Keep it up. Can't wait to see where you go next!!!
I also bought a 1972 FJ40 as my first car. I purchased it in 1976. It was my second girlfriend (the first was a human) but this one never gave me trouble. I sold it in the South Bay near San Jose. Currently restoring a 1974 and sorry I got rid of it but back in the game. Was it green? I wonder if it was mine.
Man if you live close to the Rubicon I see no reason we couldn't go wheeling together. I still cringe at my videos, days after I make them lol. I am on instagram too, hit me up this spring, or winter, I am down. Would love to see what kind of upgrades you've done in the lifetime of owning your 40 series.
I love seeing the 40 out on the trail, especially my local trail! I think it’s hilarious that you had the same conversation with Georg that I have had more than once about how far do you want to take this?! The transfer case gears in my FJ60 have made the rubicon so much more enjoyable. I’m also dreaming and trying to save money for the Orion case in my 40. Can’t wait to see what you do next.
Man I hope to make the Rubicon a more frequent trip, it's a rad spot. Georg has probably had the same conversation with a lot of us lol, he's trying to help, I know it.
I have the same gearing issues with my 1972 and 4 speed. I think the best bet for the money is an H55 five speed w/4:1 split case. That takes care of multiple issues! Cruiser Outfitters or George could surely hook you up! And a saginaw kit for PS
@@projectwrongway9127 Oh that should do it! I wonder what the cost difference would be between the combo I am looking at the one you are building? I love the idea of the 5 speed... but you should be deeper in gearing with your set up!
Bit more practise you be the one rescuing the Jeep's the 45s power steering is a little hard to find and can be expensive but the 60s power steering work's very well and cheaper since you said your going to use ford shock tower's they would work great with the 60s power steering box good show 👍👍👍👍
Before I see the whole episode, I'm going to guess you need lower gearing, power steering and or you're thinking about running a lower geared transfer case. Good job, I felt I had it easy in my 40 at Rubicon since it has an automatic transmission. Wow sausages and rainbow flames as I'm writing this comment! Lol
Hi Ben and Rachel i watching jour video s enjoy it at the moment i looking your trip whit he fj 60 mine daly driver is a hj60 1985 and have buy a bj40 1979 it will be mine project next year I must say that I learn from you thanks excuse from mine English greats Jan Jansen from Holland
Jan from Holland, thank you for watching buddy. Sounds like you’re hooked like I am on these landcruisers. Would love to snag a diesel one of these days. I’m heading back to Scotland in 2024, would love to get to Holland some day.
Honestly I think I see a spring over in your future. The ride stays good but it opens up so many more doors while still being street friendly. It would be a good episode, you got good people in the landcruiser family to help you through it brother....
I hear you, and I have thought about it. But I might try and see what I can get by with where its at... I really feel like lower gearing will help me out a ton, and add power steering, another big help. The main issue with the spring over is they need to be done right. Cut and turn, proper steering and shackle and leaf position, which I don't know how to do. But who knows, maybe in a year or so, this FJ40 will evolve more!
Lucky your forearms were so tired, im not sure your son would have enjoyed you beating your stem all night! Its so good seeing the 40 in action, you should be super proud of it. It definately looked as though the gearing was too high. Im not sure shock towers are going to help much with flex. Terrain Tamer has just released some parabolic leafs for 40 series which would definately flex better. Im not sure if you can get them in the States though. But that would mean swapping the leaves out again! Im not sure you will survive that again. Good to see that suicide jack in action! It didnt fail at the most crucial moment which suprised me. Maybe next time.
I’m wondering what I can do to get some more flex without doing a leaf over. That not the path time trying to go down at this point, so it’ll be trying everything but that.
That was my first visual of the Rubicon…. I have heard about it and seen it in magazines since the 1970’s. YOU did a fabulous job. The truck seems to have done all you’ve asked of it and your son had one of the more memorable events with dad… 100% win. So, where did I find what happened with the mixture ratio on the Sniper?
Yeah, I was thinking once I sort out the gearing I'll pull her into the shop, remove the fenders and front bib, then take a good hard look at my steering.
keep us informed on your power steering ideas. and your gearing. i have a stock 1970 FJ40, F engine. 33" tires. the trail looked fun, gnarly at times. whats to do if you pop a tire bead on the trail?
Run the spare if I can't get the bead back on. A jack and some maneuvers can help, but I kept around 12psi in to help prevent that. I'll be going with an H41 combo Orion case when the time comes, nice and low.
Sniper - set the closed loop at 1200 (it normally starts at idle). What you're doing is basically telling the system to stop trying to set the AFR levels below 1200 rpm. This problem is why I don't run the Sniper on my Corvette - I'd set the AFRs I wanted (and enrichment) then it would try to reset them to something else.... and always lean it out. Frustrating.
Gotta say, my fj60 with the 97 tbi 5.7 vortec is great also have a NV4500 5speed with it. Going LS3 next with the same trans. Seen a handful of fj40s with small block Chevys or LS’ in them and the NV4500 trans or NV3500 trans are 5speeds and cheap to buy, real granny first gear. They make an adaptor from the NV to the 2F and to the Toyota t-case.
My buddy Dave made it, I did an episode on it a while back man. You’ll get an idea of how to get one of your own if you want! And you saying I inspired you made my day bro, seriously. Would love to hear more about this 43 build?!
@projectwrongway9127 yeah man I'm currently in the process of swapping a sbc into it, the f motor in it before was ruined beyond repair by the prior owner unfortunately
Nice job! The throttle issue would terrify me. In fact when my cruiser did it, it did. Sticky situation where you're having to get off the brake really fast, engage the clutch and accelerate... oof. If the throttle stutters at all that could lead to bad things. I thought the Sniper was supposed to figure it all out on its own? Could it be a bad O2 sensor?
I still blame myself for the sniper issues. I might try and find a local tuner and see about getting a pro to look at it. Figure out if I did something wrong or the sniper.
Live through me then! lol, the Bilsteins did fine, really didn't notice much from them compared to the lack of power steering and gearing. Maybe once I get that sorted I'll feel them more?
I commented about him using the NV4500 or NV3500 5speed. Advanced Adapters makes it bolt up to the 2F and yota t-case and that trans is already setup for a Gm small block v8 or LS if he goes that way in the future
@@projectwrongway9127 Nice! I originally looked for a h41, but went with the h42 due to cost and availability. If I were doing it again, I’d go sm420/465 route.
Won’t forget that trip for a long time, kid won’t either. I’d say the memories you make in these rides are all you get to take with you. This one was never a show queen. Meant to drive it.
When i first started watching your channel i was serving in the egyptian army with my fj waiting for me half done, it was fully finished a week ago and I drove it 600 miles to it’s new home in sinai, amazing car and i love watching your content, keep up the amazing work!
Egyptian army? How was that man? Also, how’s the progress going with your cruiser?
So cool you got to bring your son! Must of been super rewarding after all the work to share that awesome time together! Thanks for sharing it with us as always
It was the best part, I imagined the adventures with the kid, but actually doing it was awesome. It's the correct way to spend our time bro.
It looked like a great father son toy trip with another cruiser. Thx for sharing.
It was the best. Glad I could share it.
Honestly one of my favorite videos so far cousin! So cool that Boston got to experience that with you
It was my favorite one to make cuz. Good memories.
Dude, that was awesome! Long time coming. I got a 40 and found your channel right as you were getting started on your 40. Time flies and it looks amazing. I can’t believe it was on the Rubicon.
I can't either, I was hoping to just make it to the trail head. Then make it to the camp site. Then make it out, and then make it home lol... little victories!
Looks like your guys had a awesome time in the trail.
An epic adventure mate, It was perfect.
This is great. So happy for you. It’s been a longtime coming but you got on the trails. Cheers to many more wheeling adventures.
Man it was so good to finally do a trail like this. Found a lot of holes I need to fill, but it was such a good shakedown.
Loved the sound of that engine. Sounded like a warthog. And clearly as an English major your use of metaphors, similes, exaggeration, along with a healthy dose of self deprecation was very entertaining. Kevin was telling me Marlin Crawler has some good options for steering and transfer case etc.
Yeah the exhaust does alright... I looked around for gearing right when I got home lol. I settled on an Orion case from Vally Hybrids. Georg is my homie, and he'll get me geared down for sure.
Great work Ben!
Thanks bro, you always have been a big support!
Very interesting, the Rubicon is relentless but kudos you conquered it. I've done it once in a JK on 35's and that was enough for me.
It was only a small taste, but it was enough to make me immediately want to go back. It’s a grand place. Next is Moab…
That’s one rocky trail! Well done! I had the same needs after my rock experience this year. Power steering is definitely in my future. Great to get to see how your rig did on the Rubicon.
Already planning a return! Even though I only did a small part, I’m eager to see what else can be done. Gearing and power steering for sure.
Hello, greetings from Pontassieve, province of Florence, Italy. I have a Suzuki Jimmy 4x4 with a 1.3 litre M13A petrol engine, manufactured in 2001, all original, which I often use on dirt roads on rural farms and on dirt forest roads used by loggers to get wood from the forest. With forestry tractors, with skidders and forwarders, and with forestry trucks used to transport wood! And this is even though a 4x4 off-roader with original configuration behaves very well on this type of forest and rural dirt and gravel roads!
Such a great video man! Rubicon is addictive. Once you experience it you have to go back. I think about it all the time. Build the truck to make memories. This is the way.
Exactly, I built it to do this kind of thing. And the Rubicon is addictive. The second we left I was already planning on how to get back.
I always can't wait to go back. And then when I get there I tell myself "what the fuck are you doing?" 😆@@projectwrongway9127
Just wait till you finish the whole thing and you come right out to beautiful lake tahoe. We always go to sunnyside restaurant covered in dirt. @@projectwrongway9127
That’s a solid plan some day! I need that gearing first, and the power steering… and a bunch of other shit 😆
Fun video with lots of action.
New subscriber!
glad you had fun once my rig is done... also need a tcase.. and well the whole build put together ill take you up the rubicon... we can call it 3 days and 2 fjs.... mine being on the extreme side...
Deal. I always like having a buddy with a more capable ride, so I know I can get home lol
Brother, that looked awesome!!! Fj40’s are meant to be driven and look what it is capable of. With no power steering you got more than the tip. Cheers!
Gearing and PS will open a few more doors for sure. Georg is right though, I am going down a slippery slope...
Dude, I had to skip ahead to episode 98 after it came out today. I started watching you 3 years ago and lost my way and have started watching you again in the last few months. I think I was on episode 52 when this came up. I have owned my 1972 FJ40 for 37 years. It was my first car that I purchased when I was 15 and 1/2 years old. It actually had a lot of work done on it back in George's first shop that he used to share with my brother and friends in Redwood City California. I just purchased a full rebuild transfer case kit from George recently before I did the Rubicon this summer. It is my third year doing it and it is absolutely amazing. My FJ is basically my first girlfriend in love and I will keep it forever. Wrench on it every weekend still and have to admit it is quite painful to watch some of your videos. But I love your enthusiasm and someday I hope to be able to meet you and do a little wheeling. Congratulations on your accomplishments and getting through the Rubicon part way. Keep it up. Can't wait to see where you go next!!!
I also bought a 1972 FJ40 as my first car. I purchased it in 1976. It was my second girlfriend (the first was a human) but this one never gave me trouble. I sold it in the South Bay near San Jose. Currently restoring a 1974 and sorry I got rid of it but back in the game. Was it green? I wonder if it was mine.
Man if you live close to the Rubicon I see no reason we couldn't go wheeling together. I still cringe at my videos, days after I make them lol. I am on instagram too, hit me up this spring, or winter, I am down. Would love to see what kind of upgrades you've done in the lifetime of owning your 40 series.
Back in the game is a good thing.
I love seeing the 40 out on the trail, especially my local trail!
I think it’s hilarious that you had the same conversation with Georg that I have had more than once about how far do you want to take this?!
The transfer case gears in my FJ60 have made the rubicon so much more enjoyable.
I’m also dreaming and trying to save money for the Orion case in my 40.
Can’t wait to see what you do next.
Man I hope to make the Rubicon a more frequent trip, it's a rad spot. Georg has probably had the same conversation with a lot of us lol, he's trying to help, I know it.
Good to see you back lately. I think it might be time for some nice low crawl gears in that case!
Knee surgery definitely kept me out of things for a minute. Always glad to be putting something out there.
Good job son!! Love the Trasheroo. Trasheroos are awesome. Also, good job Chef Rachael! 👩🍳
I even gave away one of the burritos! It was the best trip man.
I have the same gearing issues with my 1972 and 4 speed. I think the best bet for the money is an H55 five speed w/4:1 split case. That takes care of multiple issues! Cruiser Outfitters or George could surely hook you up! And a saginaw kit for PS
Georg and I are already building up a combo! It’s looking like a diesel spec H41 and an Orion… which should get me pretty low 😆
@@projectwrongway9127 Oh that should do it! I wonder what the cost difference would be between the combo I am looking at the one you are building? I love the idea of the 5 speed... but you should be deeper in gearing with your set up!
Okay after checking the cost on H55 with 4:1 case... I like the Orion for my 4 speed! 🙂
I’ll try and show the process of getting an Orion in here.
Research FJ60 power steering conversions. This was the best modification I have done to my 40 so far. Makes it so much more enjoyable to drive. 👍
Doing the research, between the 60 series and saginaw.
Bit more practise you be the one rescuing the Jeep's the 45s power steering is a little hard to find and can be expensive but the 60s power steering work's very well and cheaper since you said your going to use ford shock tower's they would work great with the 60s power steering box good show 👍👍👍👍
Just the planning stages at the moment, but good advice here. I like the saginaw box but I'm worried it won't clear my winch and bumper...
Do you have a sticker that someone can purchase..I love this channel..takes me back to when I was younger….lol
Send me your address and I’ll get some stickers heading your way, hilldown@gmail.com
Very cool!
Just a straight up adventure man!
Before I see the whole episode, I'm going to guess you need lower gearing, power steering and or you're thinking about running a lower geared transfer case. Good job, I felt I had it easy in my 40 at Rubicon since it has an automatic transmission.
Wow sausages and rainbow flames as I'm writing this comment! Lol
I can imagine an auto trans would be a huge benefit lol
Hi Ben and Rachel i watching jour video s enjoy it at the moment i looking your trip whit he fj 60 mine daly driver is a hj60 1985 and have buy a bj40 1979 it will be mine project next year I must say that I learn from you thanks excuse from mine English greats Jan Jansen from Holland
Jan from Holland, thank you for watching buddy. Sounds like you’re hooked like I am on these landcruisers. Would love to snag a diesel one of these days. I’m heading back to Scotland in 2024, would love to get to Holland some day.
If you are, you’re welcome to stay with us! @@projectwrongway9127
@jansen7869 perfect! That’s how we made out Scotland buddies, send me a message on Instagram if you’re on there! @1projectwrongway
@@jansen7869 I’m genuinely interested!
Honestly I think I see a spring over in your future. The ride stays good but it opens up so many more doors while still being street friendly. It would be a good episode, you got good people in the landcruiser family to help you through it brother....
I hear you, and I have thought about it. But I might try and see what I can get by with where its at... I really feel like lower gearing will help me out a ton, and add power steering, another big help. The main issue with the spring over is they need to be done right. Cut and turn, proper steering and shackle and leaf position, which I don't know how to do. But who knows, maybe in a year or so, this FJ40 will evolve more!
Lucky your forearms were so tired, im not sure your son would have enjoyed you beating your stem all night!
Its so good seeing the 40 in action, you should be super proud of it.
It definately looked as though the gearing was too high.
Im not sure shock towers are going to help much with flex.
Terrain Tamer has just released some parabolic leafs for 40 series which would definately flex better. Im not sure if you can get them in the States though.
But that would mean swapping the leaves out again!
Im not sure you will survive that again.
Good to see that suicide jack in action! It didnt fail at the most crucial moment which suprised me. Maybe next time.
I’m wondering what I can do to get some more flex without doing a leaf over. That not the path time trying to go down at this point, so it’ll be trying everything but that.
That was my first visual of the Rubicon…. I have heard about it and seen it in magazines since the 1970’s. YOU did a fabulous job. The truck seems to have done all you’ve asked of it and your son had one of the more memorable events with dad… 100% win. So, where did I find what happened with the mixture ratio on the Sniper?
I was extremely nervous, but it ended up being a wonderful trip. Thank you for the feedback, truly appreciate it:
Great trip and driving. Where did you get the dashpad from. Looks great
Can you put an FJ60 power steering unit in a 40. I out one in my FJ55 and it is great. Looked like a great trip on the tip of the Rubicon!
I think I can, pretty sure anyway, but I'm probably going the saginaw route...
I did saginaw PS on my 40. It wasn't too difficult, works awesome.
I actually have a ton of the parts to do it, I just need some winter down time I guess.
Good winter project!
Yeah, I was thinking once I sort out the gearing I'll pull her into the shop, remove the fenders and front bib, then take a good hard look at my steering.
You’ll have to get another cruiser to be your driving cruiser, as you turn one into a trail rig!!!
Ive been looking lol, but I should be doing the best with what I have! I need to keep the look and increase the ability.
keep us informed on your power steering ideas. and your gearing. i have a stock 1970 FJ40, F engine. 33" tires. the trail looked fun, gnarly at times. whats to do if you pop a tire bead on the trail?
Run the spare if I can't get the bead back on. A jack and some maneuvers can help, but I kept around 12psi in to help prevent that. I'll be going with an H41 combo Orion case when the time comes, nice and low.
Sniper - set the closed loop at 1200 (it normally starts at idle). What you're doing is basically telling the system to stop trying to set the AFR levels below 1200 rpm. This problem is why I don't run the Sniper on my Corvette - I'd set the AFRs I wanted (and enrichment) then it would try to reset them to something else.... and always lean it out. Frustrating.
Yeah, it's a little more than "set it and forget it" I am realizing.
Gotta say, my fj60 with the 97 tbi 5.7 vortec is great also have a NV4500 5speed with it. Going LS3 next with the same trans. Seen a handful of fj40s with small block Chevys or LS’ in them and the NV4500 trans or NV3500 trans are 5speeds and cheap to buy, real granny first gear. They make an adaptor from the NV to the 2F and to the Toyota t-case.
I know it sounds crazy... but if this inline 6 dies on me, I'd like to have. a try at the 1.9 ALH TDI Diesel (VW).
@@projectwrongway9127 that’d be a good swap, they also make the 3.0 Cummins made specifically for swaps
@@RamJamOverland yeah, that TDI is tempting, but I don’t have a reason yet.
Really enjoying the build, what did you use to mount the Sniper controller?
I can’t post the links on here, you on the Instagram?
Just wanted to say that you've inspired me to keep pushing on my fj43 build. I have to ask, what is that dashpad/cupholder/lockbox you have there?
My buddy Dave made it, I did an episode on it a while back man. You’ll get an idea of how to get one of your own if you want! And you saying I inspired you made my day bro, seriously. Would love to hear more about this 43 build?!
@projectwrongway9127 yeah man I'm currently in the process of swapping a sbc into it, the f motor in it before was ruined beyond repair by the prior owner unfortunately
Smart move! That’ll be a fine machine with that powerhouse.
Do a split case and a H55. 3:1 in the split case. I regret not putting the 3:1 gears in mine.
and middle ground, do SAS next year.
Orion is in my future, paired with an H41 I reckon…
You need to get an Orion 4:1 Tcase!
you read my mind...
Nice job! The throttle issue would terrify me. In fact when my cruiser did it, it did. Sticky situation where you're having to get off the brake really fast, engage the clutch and accelerate... oof. If the throttle stutters at all that could lead to bad things. I thought the Sniper was supposed to figure it all out on its own? Could it be a bad O2 sensor?
I still blame myself for the sniper issues. I might try and find a local tuner and see about getting a pro to look at it. Figure out if I did something wrong or the sniper.
Just keep the stock steering. You'll have Popeye forearms in no time.
Freaking tendonitis... lol
We are lucky in Australia no grisly bears. Just a rogue koala every now and then
Drop bears... just as lethal. And with chlamydia!
4x4 labs. saginaw mount. Orion from Georg. And spring over. on 35 s. and you are set .
I’m getting close to this shopping list, I’ll do some of these upgrades this winter. Then have another go this spring!
With my FJ40....absolutely HeLL NO! How did the Bilsteins do?
Live through me then! lol, the Bilsteins did fine, really didn't notice much from them compared to the lack of power steering and gearing. Maybe once I get that sorted I'll feel them more?
Awesome video! 4 speed or 5 speed?
I commented about him using the NV4500 or NV3500 5speed. Advanced Adapters makes it bolt up to the 2F and yota t-case and that trans is already setup for a Gm small block v8 or LS if he goes that way in the future
H42 4 Speed for now, looking at H41 (Diesel) and Orion for the future.
Not a bad idea.
Think about electric power steering from cityracer
That kit is awesome, but I might need a bit stronger duty for what I have planned.
Are you going saginaw or staying toyota? Also I just built an Orion, definitely worth it, everything is stronger.
Good to hear! What trans you running with the Orion? And I’m thinking Saginaw PS.
@@projectwrongway9127 H42 trans,so with stock axle gears about 58:1, could also do 4:88 gears for lower
I’ll be doing an H41…
@@projectwrongway9127 Nice! I originally looked for a h41, but went with the h42 due to cost and availability. If I were doing it again, I’d go sm420/465 route.
@@mwil8209 that’s a smart route, I’m a sucker for the difficult path.
Again, another great clip of the area that you live in and what your 40 can do. I really loved the use of pronouns. Hahaha
Thanks for watching Dave, always enjoy your feedback.
Man, putting your FJ through that and sustaining the damage is...less than... worth it??? To each their own but somewhat painful to watch.
ouch.
Won’t forget that trip for a long time, kid won’t either. I’d say the memories you make in these rides are all you get to take with you. This one was never a show queen. Meant to drive it.
Makes your fire have pronouns lol
Got to tread carefully there lol