Topic: Newbie with Questions?

[72fj40]

New to this board and find the information and sharing to be a nice change from some of the other boards, so here goes - I apologize in advance for some of the simple questions, but I do think the only dumb questions and the ones you don't ask.

I have a 72 FJ40 - rebuilt F engine with 60 hours on it, 3 speed on the floor, 38mm weber, hi-output dist., headers, 3 inch suspension lift and currently running 31 x 10.5.  No rust anywhere.  Intended use :mostly for rock crawling but I need to drive it there and back.

I want to move to 33 x 12.5 and want some advice on wheels - 15 x 8?  aluminum or steel? and what about back spacing?  And any suggestions where to get them, I live in San Diego area.

I want to add lockers and am thinking of ARB just because of their flexibility.  Any advice?

I think the stock 72 came with 4.11 gears and I find myself having to ride the most excellent brakes to not run over the vehicle in front of me when crawling downhill.  I want to lower the gear ratio, am somewhat confused over lowering the gears and the compromise of getting more low end and suffering the already painful top end.  Dual cases?

Hope that is not too much for one post and I am sure I will have other questions and thanks in advance for any info you might share.

Bob

[Paul_Elbisser]

I'm a mini truck guy, but here is what I think.

First swap the trans to a SM420, or SM465. This will get you a low 1st gear, and still keep the 1:1 3rd gear that you have now. this will help you crawl.

If you do this you will need an adapter for the T case, so you may want to concider a dual case at the same time.

I run steel wheels on rocks. They will get hit and scratched and dented. So steel is cheeper. I also run 10" for the wider track. Not sure whet offset you should run since I got a mini. But you may need to trim the fender for turning.

[hawaii500_1999]

you can get white spoke steel rims from different places,(like america's tires)  for cheap.  i never have seen the advantage to aluminum rims except for looks.

[72fj40 [OP]]

Thanks - wheels are taken care of, tires also.

I appreciate your help.

_____________________________________
Necessity is the mother of invention........

[cruzila]

Right now the move has been to  take out the Toyota transmission and replace with an SM420/465, so I bet a stock 4 speed could be found at a good price. Couple that with a dual Toybox to 3 speed t-case and you are set.

[72fj40 [OP]]

Thanks for that combo - from all I have tried to digest that sounds like a great solution.