Project Wrong Way 3 - Again, installing leaf springs on a FJ40 Toyota Landcruiser

[@kmfenno9012]

I originally found this video while looking for a solution to similar issues you’re having fitting your leaf springs, but on my rear leaf springs on my 2013 VDJ79R Cruiser. But I’ve had so many laughs (a lot of them over similar mistakes I’ve also made) that I now have to watch this entire build! 😂 Great entertainment and I’m also learning from some of your mistakes which is helping me, so thanks! Keep up the great work. You’ve found another subscriber in me. G’day from central west New South Wales, Australia 👍

[@projectwrongway9127]

Another Australian legend to add to my list of favorite viewers! Did you say, 2013 VDJ79R?! What a beast! Thanks for watching the show mate, it’s humbling. You Australians know the cruiser business better than most.

[@crossfitexan6747]

When you were fighting to get that spring in i was laughing so hard i started choking!! Awesome videos, keep them coming!!!

[@projectwrongway9127]

John Harvey a lot of that struggle was user error. I’d say %96.

[@RhettTrom1]

This is now, unequivocally, my favorite KZbin channel. Cannot wait for the next video upload notification! Keep recording, I’ll keep sharing.

[@projectwrongway9127]

Rhett Trom high praise Rhett! Thanks man. We had some medical issues between the camera man and myself, but new footage should be along!

[@RhettTrom1]

Project Wrong Way I hope all is well, and you both are healthy or on the road to recovery. You both have inspired me to pursue my own FJ40 restoration.

[@KerryCox1967]

Just found this channel. I am rebuilding a ‘77 FJ40. I have never restored a car or done much with cars, mostly an academic. But after selling my ‘69 about 20 years ago, I decided I would take the plunge and buy another and try restoring it. You give me hope!

[@projectwrongway9127]

Keep after it Kerry. If I can do it, Helen Keller could have done it better.

[@storm-aircorporation6540]

The best thing is that you will be an expert by the time it's finished and YOU built it. I'm already looking for an FJ40 to build. How hard can it be. I work on airplanes. :). Keep it up!

[@projectwrongway9127]

STORMY BRINSON thanks for the kind words!

[@pullyourownweight442]

I'm in the process of doing this myself, both Ubolt hangers had bent corners, I took out the other 3 nuts, slid the leaf spring out of the way and that allows you to move the plate up to get at that nut.

[@projectwrongway9127]

That sounds like a much easier way than mine!

[@landcrusher909]

Fantastic !

[@projectwrongway9127]

Thanks for checking it out man.

[@Av8ing12]

Thanks for another episode. Great stuff. I did all the same things with my IH Scout II project. Good times!

[@projectwrongway9127]

Av8ing12 it’s better to suffer together than alone! Thanks for watching man.

[@PERCORRENDOINDUE]

Mate, stefano here, Italian but now living in Australia since 10 y! I just got on your channel..😂😂😂hilarious! I’m restoring and FJ45 Arkana 1977!! I’ll start soon some video. Have a good one

[@projectwrongway9127]

An Italian in Australia?! Best of both worlds! Appreciated you watching mate. Seriously!

[@nathanratchford9996]

The steam coming off your head at about 17:00 is epic. Great vids! I’ve got a 77 that needs work someday...

[@projectwrongway9127]

Nathan Ratchford that’s real frustration leaving my body. Like a cartoon. Thanks for watching man. I’ll get it built some day, might as well dive in on your 77, no time like the present!

[@nathanratchford9996]

Project Wrong Way man you’ve got a great attitude! I’m loving your energy! You’re right though - I just need to dive in. I’m a little afraid of buying parts - seems like a lot of the parts for FJ’s are rare or made of gold! I wish mine was more complete. Keep up the good work!

[@dustinford5209]

I love it!

[@projectwrongway9127]

Dustin Ford your comment gives me strength.

[@jaker1997]

Love this series, wished I would have filmed my FJ40 build. Great work and keep it up

[@TRolla82]

the steam coming off you at the end was just too good :D

[@projectwrongway9127]

That’s how you know I was working hard! lol

[@raphhymus4530]

In the immortal words of Jeff Bradshaw at Elderly Iron, "Start them all before you tighten any!"

[@projectwrongway9127]

Not a bad motto. Mine would be tighten until it becomes loose, then back it off slightly.

[@brecklight203]

This is awesome. I was pumped when I saw there was a new episode out. I just picked up a 71 FJ40 and can't wait to get started. More episodes please!

[@projectwrongway9127]

Breck Light definitely more to come man, and nice snag on your 71’!

[@pjc4425]

In 1989 I did same job on my 78 FJ40 , a bad freaking memory well forgotten until viewing this video lol. Doing job was nightmare on many levels. Leaf knowledge lacked & parts were hard to find in my area. Rear sag was terrible as well , I had to add 5” shacks on back to correct sag which made me prime target for tickets from police. I loved my FJ40 anyway but suspension was pain.

[@projectwrongway9127]

Struggled so many times. And I hate to say it, but I’ll probably revisit the leafs again at some point...

[@chupaandcujo4123]

You got this brother!

[@projectwrongway9127]

Thank you for the motivation! I’ll soldier on.

[@Dragooadventuretales]

I'm sure you've figured this out by now, but you need as much slack in the entire leaf spring as possible. What you have done by first installing the rear mount and then the U bolts is to remove all chance of aligning the shackle holes. It's best to wait to tighten anything until all bolts are loosely installed. U bolts last so you can shift the spring sideways, twist it, etc. for shackle alignment. I feel your pain though...Just when I think I've done every wrong thing possible I seem to invent another one. Hang tough and keep the entertainment coming. By the way, that heavy thing with the wooden handle...it's for pounding on stuff. That soft thing on the end of your arm...that's for holding the heavy thing. Much less painful that way.

[@projectwrongway9127]

Good advice! I’m going to tighten u-bolts last this time, I’ll be keeping things loose.

[@kvanoort]

I'd also suggest doing both front leaf springs at the same time versus one leaf corner at a time. Start with Front Spring Hangers on both sides, then both front Shackles and finally U-bots to axle on both sides. By having one of the old springs still in place you are fighting different sized parts.

[@projectwrongway9127]

kvanoort that’s going to happen for episode 4 potentially, it’s the last logical way to do it lol. Thank you for the feedback!

[@RonDunnJr]

I recommend that you invest in a pry bar to use between the frame (shackle mount) and leaf spring to make the bolts go in easier.

[@mgordo72]

@PWW This is awesome and so glad you took the plunge. I've been a longtime FJ40 lover and hoping I will take the plunge on getting one this year. Your videos feel like a foreshadowing of what my restoration would look like as my mechanic skills aren't the best. I've learned a ton and I'm definitely subscribed for more to come. Keep it up and good luck.

[@projectwrongway9127]

mgordo72 thank you! Yeah, find one and take the plunge, the waters warm. Happy I can help show what not to do at times, and in the process figure out a way that works. Thanks so much for watching, we will keep at it.

[@strakill]

Excellent job!

[@546268]

To twist the leaf into place jam a bar into the space above the spring and pull/press the bar until the hole lines up

[@projectwrongway9127]

Sound advice man, thank you.

[@dandaman2753]

"I'm getting so much better at this... when you have to do it more than once." I started laughing at that point and kept going. I'm not laughing at you but we've all been there or at least I have. That's what makes it funny.

[@projectwrongway9127]

The show is all about where the great mechanics have been lol. I’m just at the very beginning of this journey where most are at the end!

[@RickMarshallMaps]

Great video. This is my life

[@projectwrongway9127]

A lot would agree with you. Probably more like us than pros out there...

[@lindamcfadden57]

This was really entertaining, Ben!

[@projectwrongway9127]

Thanks momma!

[@byrner1200]

Great videos. Keep them coming.

[@projectwrongway9127]

byrner1200 thanks for watching, seriously is awesome to get any positive feedback. We will keep at it, and refine as we go. Thanks again!

[@byrner1200]

@@projectwrongway9127 I'm starting the hunt for a bj/fj myself and I can't wait to get one. Hopefully I'll find the right one this year. Those leafsprings will be easy for me now ha ha. Your videos are a great inspiration and a lot of fun. Thank you sir. Jay.

[@ivangonzalez-uf7iw]

Unbolt u bolts. Take all the weight off the leaf springs by raising the differential. Then you can raise the leaf spring into position on the front. Try using a brass hammer when hitting the pins or put a piece of wood so you dont damage the pins.

[@projectwrongway9127]

ivan gonzalez I will be doing this. I also forgot to unbolt the passenger side shock, which screwed up the angle. I’ll apply the advice Ivan, and thanks for watching!

[@elgenerz]

8:30.i think you should install half of the bushing after the spring is installed in the bracket through the large hole innthe bracket.

[@projectwrongway9127]

I’ll give it a go, thanks for the feedback man.

[@elgenerz]

@@projectwrongway9127 You're welcome. I'm restoring a 73 and that worked for me. Keep making videos!

[@gee7084]

You could have used your stock Jack between frame and leaf with bottom of Jack on leaf it works well

[@projectwrongway9127]

That ls not bad advice.

[@bmbrabus]

Nice engine and transmission combo. Looks really clean👍🏼

[@projectwrongway9127]

bmbrabus I seriously lucked out with it. Ben, the seller, was a great dude and hooked me up with extra parts too. His fj40 is getting the Cummins 2.8, and a 5spd, definitely an upgrade. But the 2F will fit mine perfect.

[@weldthatiron3683]

Put a scissor jack between the spring and chassis or frame as is called in usa and simply wind it up or down to get it in perfect position to get front shackle pin in or out.

[@projectwrongway9127]

Thanks Shaun, appreciate the info man.

[@rileypayne6162]

Thx dude I have one exactly like this and im doing this its so relatable haha. Awesome video!

[@projectwrongway9127]

Just remember it’s what not to do, lol.

[@EverydayOutdoor]

Good job brother!

[@projectwrongway9127]

Everyday Outdoor ha! Thanks man, I’ll be a leaf spring wizard when I get it. Hard to believe there more to do after the leafs lol.

[@EverydayOutdoor]

@@projectwrongway9127 You can do it man! I have faith in ya. I cant wait to get my hands on an old cruiser.

[@paulsthormes251]

I replaced my leaf springs a month ago took me an hour and a half wasn't too bad

[@NAB5803]

Very funny! The "easy my ass" and the "dislexia" part of it! lol!

[@projectwrongway9127]

Thanks man, appreciate you watching.

[@AKMer47]

I did a lot of trial and error when I installed new leafs and shocks in my 40, keep at it.

[@projectwrongway9127]

AKMer47 good advice man, thanks for watching m!

[@bogotstogoskiing]

The trick is to use ratchet straps to suspend the axle from the frame. You need to treat both sides as one. Remove the old springs entirely. Then you completely attach the new springs with the axle suspended above them. Rear front spring pivot and front shackles on both sides. Then you drop the axle into the springs once in place. You're going to need larger jack stands going forward. Takes me easily less than a day to install a complete suspension. Also, ih8mud > facebook whatever the f**k.

[@projectwrongway9127]

That’s a fantastic idea.

[@AaronBowendrummer]

Highlight of my week my dude.....even though it's only Monday lol. Also I'm gonna get you a hat, for your brothers sake lol

[@projectwrongway9127]

AaronBowendrummer thanks bro!

[@projectwrongway9127]

Aaron Draper “all that chrome, won’t get you home” I’ll powder up next time!

[@AaronBowendrummer]

@@projectwrongway9127 lol any time.

[@Mike-yq6jg]

brilliant

[@projectwrongway9127]

Thanks bro.

[@wyattscharff6596]

Good chance you're going to need a longer brake line. The center flex/soft line, front and rear. Hate to see you extend the suspension and lose your brakes. I have a 78 fj40 with a 4" lift, definitely needed longer lines. Keep going you're doing a great job. Why did you switch from anit-inversion to barbell shackles? Check your caster angle after your done as well before you cut the u-bolts off to make sure you won't be wandering all over the road. You may/will need tapered shims between the axle and springs. You started down an unending road of suspension...

[@projectwrongway9127]

Hey! I switched from the anti inversion to the barbell only because the barbell appeared to be very stout. I might switch back seeing as how I’m doing suspension stuff for ever. I hear you on the brake lines, it’s like a looming black cloud. I know it needs to be done, but I’m putting it off until I get the leafs ironed out. I’m looking into the caster issues, I know the HFS leafs have an insert in the pass rear leaf for the lean issues, but I also know other things come up so the tapered shims will be on order just in case. Thanks for the feedback man, it’s a uphill battle with a brain like mine. So any advice helps!

[@jorgemorales2925]

Sólo se debe aplicar grasa antes de colocar el silinblock en el tornillo

[@McHumaty]

Did the gearbox and engine belong to the same vehicle ?! What was the model of the vehicle? year?

[@projectwrongway9127]

The donor engine and trans/transfer case came from a 78’

[@projectwrongway9127]

FJ40

[@McHumaty]

@@projectwrongway9127 nice... I thought it was a Hilux engine.

[@projectwrongway9127]

Marcelo João that’d be killer! I’ll settle for the tractor cruiser motor

[@546268]

I hate to say this at this point, but I would clean and paint those axle pads. The key with bushes is soap, lots of soap!!

[@markedturnip7914]

*Bolt doesn’t fit in front shackle* *LABOURED BREATHING INTENSIFIES*

[@whitieford_rc948]

Never hit a bot with out a nut on the end otherwise you wreck your threads

[@projectwrongway9127]

Now you tell me! Lol, I’m getting the hang of not beating on everything.

[@mikez4528]

Great video. I enjoyed watching it. Doing a great job. I did a few videos myself of my '72 fj40. Let me know I can help out.

[@projectwrongway9127]

Thanks Partyof5, I’m pretty sure I know what to do to beat the leaf springs this next attempt. But thank you for the offer, and if you see anything feel free to comment on it. Lots, wait, all of my learning is hindsight lol.

[@mineshkatwaroo9495]

Wel am sure with all the hitting u damage the grease pin hole

[@projectwrongway9127]

It actually did alright!

[@adeanggungunawan6166]

Dont apply a job to FJ company, You'll get rejected...I really enjoyed the video.. keep the good work👍

[@projectwrongway9127]

FJ Co. makes some seriously beautiful stuff! I agree, I’d only make things worse with my current skill set. Give me 25 years, then I’ll at least be capable enough to change the oil... maybe a filter here and there.

[@chrishollingworth6385]

Anti seize?

[@weldthatiron3683]

Do not put your legs under that landcruiser 'I've seen you take an engine out.😂🤣

[@projectwrongway9127]

Shaun Fletcher that’s pre engine removal, I didn’t know any better brother!

[@546268]

Not a landcruiser suspension but this vid of me reassembling the rear suspension on my Triumph Vitesse offers some other solutions to problems kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWebepJjq61naZo

[@546268]

Not as good as your vids ;o)

[@projectwrongway9127]

Brother I could listen to you doing anything, that accent man. It’s great when it comes to videos explaining something!

[@546268]

😂 thanks, not as funny as yours though. You and your missus make a great double act. I get the impression your house is a fun place to be, your kids are very lucky 👍

[@projectwrongway9127]

It’s a barrel of laughs over here man! There’s always good, and bad too. I am incredibly blessed with my wife and kiddos though. Keep up the videos on your end, it’s good stuff.

[@JohnSmith-dj5gf]

You need knee pads.....I know, that’s what she said!!!

[@projectwrongway9127]

I actually got some hahaha

[@thszntatst]

iT JUST DOESN'T SEEM POSSIBLE

[@projectwrongway9127]

Spoken like me, whenever I try to fix this damn thing hahah

[@drewschumann1]

Never put GM engines in FJ40s.

[@projectwrongway9127]

Not now, not never!

[@drewschumann1]

@@projectwrongway9127 It's not just purism, it's the fact that the torque is delivered in exactly the right rpm with the F engines and the F engine is exactly the right length for proper cooling and Center of Gravity.

[@projectwrongway9127]

@@drewschumann1 I don’t doubt that. For me, it’s the engine. I just love the inline 6.