skippythedog
Observer
Howdy Y'all, new member in Seattle (please let me know if I'm doing this right)...Just bought me a 2007 Jupiter Green Fuso FG140 w/ 59k miles, short (109" wheelbase). This rig saw very light duty in the area and is equipped w/ a straight bed w/ a dump cylinder. I'm not a rich guy building an adventure camper. I'm a poor guy replacing a Toyota Tundra. After discovering that a new starter or a new water pump for my Tundra ran about $1500 each, I decided I could keep a commercial rig running for that kind of money. I vacillated between a Unimog and FG and decided on the FG as 95% of my driving will be on road.
Needless to say, the ride was unbearable so I perused the sites and decided to try the cheap route first.... I installed Rancho 9000 series all around (999117 front and 999113 rear) with a set of new Timbren bump stops up front. I'm very happy with the results. It's made the ride much more tolerable. I'm running the adjustable Ranchos on click number 2 (of 9) and it provides just enough damping to keep the springs tamed (my truck weighs 8600#). I tried running them at midpoint (too stiff) and a the softest setting, which still let the springs try to catapult you through the roof. The shocks have also reduced the tendency to start an oscillation, though that may just be my imagination as I simply haven't encountered this situation since the new parts, and it's a result of many factors. I found only one other instance of the Rancho installation on a 2003. I cross referenced the stock part numbers on the 03 and 07 and extrapolated that these 2 sets would fit.
I also tinted all the windows including the windshield with ceramic window film.....made a huge difference in reduction of solar gain...not so much like a greenhouse anymore
I'd like to explore the idea of set of single wheels but the guys at Stockton wheels are not very helpful. Are there specs ( copies of the Aussie) wheels available? Someone suggested having them cut the centers out of my wheels to build off of....
Another thing sorely lacking is interior nooks and storage in the cab. I have mounted single stud RAM mount balls on all of my grab handle screws to mount GPS, Phone, drink holders etc. Another idea I have is to mount an aluminum bar between the grab handles, about 3" above the dash (the full width of the cab) to mount some goodies, maybe even build a nice console on that.....Sure would be nice if someone built an overhead console...seems like there is plenty of room for that.
The ultimate goal is to simply make the truck as versatile as possible. So, with the dump cylinder and flat deck, I am adding a set of stakes and bows to the short, wood sides so I can run a custom made tarp/canopy (like an army truck). The bows will be strong and incorporate a few sets of pins that can be dropped in to help secure a canoe, pipe, lumber etc (with the tarp off)...A small 2000lb capacity hand winch crane will be mounted in the corner.
I was wondering if anyone could tell me how much usable fuel is in the 33 gallon tank? I suspect 28 would be safe but hoping someone will say it's 30.
Needless to say, the ride was unbearable so I perused the sites and decided to try the cheap route first.... I installed Rancho 9000 series all around (999117 front and 999113 rear) with a set of new Timbren bump stops up front. I'm very happy with the results. It's made the ride much more tolerable. I'm running the adjustable Ranchos on click number 2 (of 9) and it provides just enough damping to keep the springs tamed (my truck weighs 8600#). I tried running them at midpoint (too stiff) and a the softest setting, which still let the springs try to catapult you through the roof. The shocks have also reduced the tendency to start an oscillation, though that may just be my imagination as I simply haven't encountered this situation since the new parts, and it's a result of many factors. I found only one other instance of the Rancho installation on a 2003. I cross referenced the stock part numbers on the 03 and 07 and extrapolated that these 2 sets would fit.
I also tinted all the windows including the windshield with ceramic window film.....made a huge difference in reduction of solar gain...not so much like a greenhouse anymore
I'd like to explore the idea of set of single wheels but the guys at Stockton wheels are not very helpful. Are there specs ( copies of the Aussie) wheels available? Someone suggested having them cut the centers out of my wheels to build off of....
Another thing sorely lacking is interior nooks and storage in the cab. I have mounted single stud RAM mount balls on all of my grab handle screws to mount GPS, Phone, drink holders etc. Another idea I have is to mount an aluminum bar between the grab handles, about 3" above the dash (the full width of the cab) to mount some goodies, maybe even build a nice console on that.....Sure would be nice if someone built an overhead console...seems like there is plenty of room for that.
The ultimate goal is to simply make the truck as versatile as possible. So, with the dump cylinder and flat deck, I am adding a set of stakes and bows to the short, wood sides so I can run a custom made tarp/canopy (like an army truck). The bows will be strong and incorporate a few sets of pins that can be dropped in to help secure a canoe, pipe, lumber etc (with the tarp off)...A small 2000lb capacity hand winch crane will be mounted in the corner.
I was wondering if anyone could tell me how much usable fuel is in the 33 gallon tank? I suspect 28 would be safe but hoping someone will say it's 30.