My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

Been tinkering around with this off and on, so I thought it might be time to start up a thread for it.

I'm going for a new-ish, "restored" look rather than the weathered look, and this is my direction.
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps4efak7zl.png
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/a...psjdbfgq2f.png


I had some parts laying around for the G2 so I picked up a chassis set from RPP, and then snagged the body set when they were available.

Taking Q's from some of the masters that built these already, I started figuring out a way to convert it to leaf springs. I also created some parts for the rear bumper.
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps6t5qonvj.jpg
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/a...psguvm5j7s.jpg

I am currently making the exterior of the body a bit more detailed for my taste. I'm adding real hood/windshield catches rather than the molded-in catches. Also, a swing out tire carrier, license plate bracket and rear tailgate latches. This is what I have so far.
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/a...psiicjoxyn.jpg
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/a...psa6phjz3w.jpg


Has anyone determined what year this is supposed to be modeled after? After spending many hours in the Google images, it seems to be narrowed down to a 1973. The interior seems to be a mixture of 70, 73, and 83. I think I may create a completely new dash to coincide with the exterior, with the detail I like.

Progressing slowly.

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

Good jerb leaf springing it. Is it a difficult conversion? I can't decide whether or not to leave mine alone, or leaf it like a tree...

I also love the Nebula (niagara) green. Thought about painting my Cruiser Spring Green, but may go with Dione Blue because it's what I already have...

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

Thanks. Not difficult to do the springs but you will need to drill the frame. Start by attaching the springs to your axle with the mounts in place on the springs. Set the position at the rear by setting the body in place, mark for the holes and drill them out. This needs to be done carefully so the tire is in the wheel well correctly, on both sides. Once my marks were in place, I took the frame apart and bolted the 2 side rails together and drilled the necessary holes.
[IMG]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/a...psdvpyil1w.jpg[/IMG]

Do the front the same way, but the forward spring mount needs to be engineered to fit the chassis. I chose to notch the spring mount to fit the frame cross member and drilled the extra hole to complete the mount.
[IMG]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/a...psywop3wgf.jpg[/IMG]

I like this color for looking old school and different from everyone else. I'd like to see the blue. I don't think anybody has done one of these in blue yet. I might be wrong.

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

Thank you for posting those pictures and explaining how you did it! That helps out quite a bit!

I hope to lay some paint down on mine this weekend. I think that pretty much seals the deal on these little rigs...

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

like the spring conversion. What brand did you end up using?
Also sent you a PM.
Keep up the good work!

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

Didn't see your pm, but to answer your question, these were the same springs used for TF2, with some Tamiya hangers and such.

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

Thanks.
Looks like I sent it into oblivion.
I will re-send PM.

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

Very nice job! I am planning a Gelande II Cruiser build and the leaf spring conversion you did looks awesome! I have TF2 shackle mounts and leafs coming and hope to mount them like you did. How strong are the front mounts with that notch? It sure beats hacking the cross member, eh? This is the scariest part for me, figuring out how to mount the front bits. :) Great job!

Oh what length are your shocks front and rear? are they the same?

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

The strength up front might be compromised a little but these are a one piece unit so I think they'll be fine. Try to make your notch as tight to cross member as you can, to help with strength.

Shocks are eye-to-eye: 80mm front and 70mm rear.

Thanks for looking.

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

I have to order me some of those Old Man Emu's!! I love the looks, too bad you have to pay extra for boots!! It is tough being in Canada now with a super weak dollar. Parts cost a fortune! I have to have the good stuff though...hehehe.

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

Did you use 3mm spacers for the leafs to mount onto the axles? Just curious. :) Thanks for any further info.

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

Your leaf conversion is super clean. Bumperettes look awesome!

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

Thanks guys. The spacers I used were either 2 and 3mm or 3 and 4mm. This creates a slight offset on the axle that helps to keep the camber right.

The bumperettes were actually difficult to get just right...these are my 3rd attempt. You can buy them now from CChand."thumbsup"

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

Thanks man! Yeah I bought the CChand newer bumper, bumperettes & even the fancy tire carrier for mine!! I am nuts!! :) It's only money!! LOL Yikes!! Loads of it!!

So on the rear would the taller spacer be towards the back end, and on the front it would be at the front end? I am trying to figure the tilt angle. I guess that would make sense?

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

You had me scratching my head, so I went and looked at it again. They are the same on the front and rear axles. The larger spacer towards the front on the rear axle will angle it up toward the trans. On the front, the spacer positioned up front, gives it a more reasonable caster angle.


Thank you. Just waiting for a little warmer weather and a slow down from work, to get back into it.

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

Just an update on my side here. I got a bunch of spacers from RC4WD today. I am going with the 3mm & 2mm combo. It keeps the leaf as flat to the axle as possible. I will also go with your recommendation for placement. On rear axle the 3mm will be on rear side and the 2mm on the front side of axle. Front end same as you say. I know it is a mind bender..lol.

I think I have to wait and get Gmade Sawback shackle mount. I am not liking the RC4WD TF2 ones. I am confused on the mounting! I am thinking why can't the sawback hangers that clamp over the frame work for the front? Is it due to positioning? I was hoping to not have to cut any frame or hangers. I ordered a set of shackles with the white plastic tire rims so I can mess around a bit. Waiting game is still on. Sorry if I am hijacking your thread. I might have to start a new one I guess. I am calling my build project DreamLand! :D

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

Are the upper shock mounts on the rear easy? Did you have to drill them or were they there? I have not looked at my kit in so long. I was waiting for parts and time just flew by.
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/a...psguvm5j7s.jpg

Re: My Gelande 2 Land Cruiser FJ40
 

I guess I will try and figure out how to mount the shocks when I get to that point. I looks like new holes had to be drilled and tapped. :) I don't really want to cut that plate off and have no place for my electronics. I have to get going on my project soon.......lol

I am super slow.