Dear friends & fellows, as the rebuilding of our vehicles is nearing completion, @machine & I decided to give them a run slightly off the road to see how they perform in the real world and to fix the snags, if any...
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Primarily, we wanted to test @machine's BJ40 that went thru a total make-over including heart transplant to an original 3B diesel with a H55F (5 spd) gearbox.
On the ground, the vehicle's mechanicals performed flawlessly throughout the trip though it was put thru paces by @machine to check its traction on different surfaces, gearing, access angles and road speed. The only downside was the type of tires that were on the vehicle with a high pressure making them inappropriate to gain traction or even float.
They can be excellent sand tires with low pressure as the footprint is bigger being on 17" wheels and wider already. Shortcomings will be on steep & bumpy climbs where traction weighs more than momentum.
Overall, this vehicle stood upto the satisfactory mark as just being on its first drive out of the workshop.
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The grey FJ40 was with our friend Mr. Kamran who is maintaining this vehicle as his daily-drive & for occasional hunting. This vehicle boasts a 2F motor with all the necessary upgrades like, PS, locking hubs, A/C, heater, sound system and related stuff. This vehicle has a long history of multiple restorations and finally a very reliable & capable machine.
The vehicle is already due to receive a bit of lift by re-arching the leaf-springs & a set of M/Ts.
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I also wanted to test the modifications done on the suspension so it was a good opportunity trigger by brother @machine.
On the soft dry sand, the MTs were pleasing enough even @ 14psi (seemed as if 30 psi on standard tires). Could simply drive without 4x4 & momentum. (H)
On rocks (the egg shaped football sized), I had a bad experience....:-# Though it was not in my plans originally but temptation is a big curse.
A while back, I removed the traction bar from the rear and panhard bars from both ends to work out the articulation for shock mounts. The plan was to put an improved design of traction bar later and leave panhards aside for the moment. And my fellows know very well, traction bar is a MUST with SOA. And on this day, I totally forgot that traction bar is missing... :-!
So, while checking the approach angle and lowest crawl speed on the barrage slop of about 45 degrees of round rocks, I got TEMPTED. A few bounced of the rear tires due to axle wrap and loss of traction, the vehicle couldn't go further than its own length from the base. Secondly, one cross-joint on the rear shaft got damaged (couldn't break it though).
Overall a very happy day. Thanx to my buddies.
tareen
The Birthday Boy....1st Jan - 1st Drive - 1st Anniversary of project machine's BJ40 (https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/4x4-clubs-off-roaders-suv/166711-1967-toyota-o-o-fj40)
The guest of honor, Mr. Kamran FJ40 with 2F motor
The Crew....Banda-e-Na Cheez with a keen off-roading enthusiast https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/4x4-clubs-off-roaders-suv/172676-toyota-fj40-trail-cruiser-build-up
Above three pictures - Courtesy PakWheels Forums - View Profile: reezvaan