RicardoJM
Hard Core 4+
The final day's work is done. George got his inner axle seals replaced and no longer has soup on the passenger side. We also removed a broken stud on the hub lock outs and replaced it with a new one.
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MARCH 2026 CLUB MEETING
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2012 CM Wrenching Sessions
- Thread starter RicardoJM
- Start date
RicardoJM
Hard Core 4+
Wow, 4 weekends over 4 months and the results are impressive - 20 rigs are better off than they were before coming to the sessions. The work performed coverd a wide range from basic fluid changes/tuneups to connecting rod bearing replacements. The shop has been very busy. This is a fine organization with a wide breadth of knowlege and very genorous spirit to help each other.
A real big thank you to everyon who helped make these sessions a success - something this big does not happen without a bunch of people pitching in.
Here is a recap of the work compiled from the posts in this thread:
BGOODHEART
• Front end clunk diagnosis; inspected the front end no issues found that would account for the intermittent clunk.
• Removed splash guards front and rear
• We had planned to extend tail pile hanger as current position would be hit by rear spring at full flex. Upon closer examination, determined that suspension flexes a long way and there is not enough play in the pipes to extend the hanger far enough. After considering the options, we resolved the issue by cutting the tail pipe to clear the springs all together.
• Welded four bracket assemblies to a hold high lift jack. The brackets can also be used to support a platform shelf.
Bigcity25
• Engine compression check; cylinder 3 is at 115 (not terrible considering it recently ingested a nut) and all the rest 135-139.
• Checked timing, found it to be less than 7. Reset to 12 degrees BTDC.
• Fabricated a stud to hold the air cleaner cover to the carburetor.
• Inspected rear driveshaft and pinions, found pinion nut and parking brake drum nut to be finger tight. Tightened them up and rtv'd the splines coming out the back of the t-case.
• "Loose steering" diagnosis; inspected the front end and found alignment was toed out. We adjusted the alignment to .25" tow in.
surffj62
• Oil change and sea foam
• Welded a bracket which keeps the bumper from opening far enough to bump the tail lights. Eliminated free play at the latch when bumper halves are closed.
• Rotated the tires
• Inspected the brakes, found front pads to be in need of replacement - replaced them
• Bled the brakes
• Inspected the front end alignment; found it to be equal distance both front and rear; adjusted alignment to .25" tow in.
nattybumpo
• Built up a 4.11 third with an ARB
• H55F install into his FJ60
• ARB Installation
• 4.11 Gear installation
RicardoJM
• Oil change
AirRandy
• Installed an air hose reel
• Painted Dee's race car
ScaldedDog
• converted his V6 ARB diff to HP with the same ARB
• Installed new 5.29 gears into above diff
• Installed new 5.29 gears into another diff with a Detroit locker
Twmatheson
• Full front axle service, trunions and all
TonkaToy
• Straight 6 tune up
• Compression check
• Timing & carb adjust
• Diagnosed a faulty heater motor
Brugee
• Timing & Carb adjustment
• Valve adjustment
Jaderunner
• 4runner bumper work
Old40Dog
• Front wheel bearing packing
• Front diff flushing
FJBrady
• Diff fluid change
• Overall visual inspection
• CB Tuning
73COCruiser
• FJ40 w/ V8 tuning
• Diagnosed engine noise - old fuel pump that needs removed
DrSchlegs
• Replaced ARB seal
Rising Sun CM Trailer
• Axles
• Lights
Clay
• Diff fluids
Cheeseman
• Pilot Bearing replacement
OldTan40
• New connecting rod bearings and the associated oil change
Cajunrock
• Front wheel bearing packing
• Repaired broken stud on hub lockouts
A real big thank you to everyon who helped make these sessions a success - something this big does not happen without a bunch of people pitching in.
Here is a recap of the work compiled from the posts in this thread:
BGOODHEART
• Front end clunk diagnosis; inspected the front end no issues found that would account for the intermittent clunk.
• Removed splash guards front and rear
• We had planned to extend tail pile hanger as current position would be hit by rear spring at full flex. Upon closer examination, determined that suspension flexes a long way and there is not enough play in the pipes to extend the hanger far enough. After considering the options, we resolved the issue by cutting the tail pipe to clear the springs all together.
• Welded four bracket assemblies to a hold high lift jack. The brackets can also be used to support a platform shelf.
Bigcity25
• Engine compression check; cylinder 3 is at 115 (not terrible considering it recently ingested a nut) and all the rest 135-139.
• Checked timing, found it to be less than 7. Reset to 12 degrees BTDC.
• Fabricated a stud to hold the air cleaner cover to the carburetor.
• Inspected rear driveshaft and pinions, found pinion nut and parking brake drum nut to be finger tight. Tightened them up and rtv'd the splines coming out the back of the t-case.
• "Loose steering" diagnosis; inspected the front end and found alignment was toed out. We adjusted the alignment to .25" tow in.
surffj62
• Oil change and sea foam
• Welded a bracket which keeps the bumper from opening far enough to bump the tail lights. Eliminated free play at the latch when bumper halves are closed.
• Rotated the tires
• Inspected the brakes, found front pads to be in need of replacement - replaced them
• Bled the brakes
• Inspected the front end alignment; found it to be equal distance both front and rear; adjusted alignment to .25" tow in.
nattybumpo
• Built up a 4.11 third with an ARB
• H55F install into his FJ60
• ARB Installation
• 4.11 Gear installation
RicardoJM
• Oil change
AirRandy
• Installed an air hose reel
• Painted Dee's race car
ScaldedDog
• converted his V6 ARB diff to HP with the same ARB
• Installed new 5.29 gears into above diff
• Installed new 5.29 gears into another diff with a Detroit locker
Twmatheson
• Full front axle service, trunions and all
TonkaToy
• Straight 6 tune up
• Compression check
• Timing & carb adjust
• Diagnosed a faulty heater motor
Brugee
• Timing & Carb adjustment
• Valve adjustment
Jaderunner
• 4runner bumper work
Old40Dog
• Front wheel bearing packing
• Front diff flushing
FJBrady
• Diff fluid change
• Overall visual inspection
• CB Tuning
73COCruiser
• FJ40 w/ V8 tuning
• Diagnosed engine noise - old fuel pump that needs removed
DrSchlegs
• Replaced ARB seal
Rising Sun CM Trailer
• Axles
• Lights
Clay
• Diff fluids
Cheeseman
• Pilot Bearing replacement
OldTan40
• New connecting rod bearings and the associated oil change
Cajunrock
• Front wheel bearing packing
• Repaired broken stud on hub lockouts
ScaldedDog
Hard Core 4+
This is really impressive. Randy and Ricardo, many thanks for making these happen!! 
Mark
Mark
Caribou Sandstorm
Hard Core 4+
That is an impressive amount of work!
Air Randy
Hard Core 4+
Thanks to the club for funding the pizza and soft drinks. It was really enjoyable to meet a lot of new folks and get to help them learn how to fix their cruisers. Now it's time for some fun, c'mon Moab!
Randy and Richardo, I posted up in the wrenching session#4 and needed to say thanks here too. I had a really good time and put a lot of knowledge in the back of my brain! Now, can I retrieve any of it when I need it?!?!?
Looking forward for more RS events!
George( cajunrock)
Looking forward for more RS events!
George( cajunrock)
RicardoJM
Hard Core 4+
I believe you'll do just fine
. It will be good to see you some more, perhaps even change the color of your FJ40 to mustard yellow.