FE145C build

[pugslyyy]

Yesterday I completed my search for the base vehicle for a build.

2007 Fuso FE145 crew cab with just under 200k miles.

Doesn't appear to be anything offensively wrong with it. Guy I had pick the truck up for me was able to drive it 600 miles with no issues (other than the incredibly rough ride because of no weight on the rear axle). Some light rust that I will have to fix, and one nickel-sized rust hole on the rear above the battery box.

 

[mog]

I sure am looking forward to your build and conversion.
It should be very interesting and informative given your background as a builder.
BTW if you need any 'FG' photos or measurements, just let me know.

 

[pugslyyy]

Thanks mog. One thing I noted (before we picked the truck up) is that the rear shock mount tube had broken, but I've seen others note that this is something that does happen. Anything else I should be looking for as I go over the truck?

re: the camper. At some point I want to do a custom box but the first incarnation is likely to be a truck camper.

 

[mog]

Thanks mog. One thing I noted (before we picked the truck up) is that the rear shock mount tube had broken,

I can't find the thread, but I seem to remember that this was a 'problem' when dhackney did his "fuso mechanic interview" (I just can't find that thread). They were replacing them with cast ones off FEs I believe?
Try this thread for other stuff http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/36842-What-kind-of-problems-have-you-had-with-your-Fuso?highlight=fuso%2Bshock

 

[whatcharterboat]

I can't find the thread, but I seem to remember that this was a 'problem' when dhackney did his "fuso mechanic interview" (I just can't find that thread). They were replacing them with cast ones off FEs I believe?
Try this thread for other stuff http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/36842-What-kind-of-problems-have-you-had-with-your-Fuso?highlight=fuso%2Bshock

Nah, it wasn't Doug ... It was one of my old posts ...must be at least 4 years back....maybe it was called "fleet mechanic interview"???......But from memory, to paraphrase the interview >>> the guys who operate permanently on the beach or in a corrosive environment tend to have problems that may not necessarily apply to others ...one of those issues was the top shock mount tube cracking.......If you are intending to run heavier shocks this would be even more applicable and the simple solution for that mechanic interviewed was to remove the tube when new and to weld some heavy walled pipe inside the FUSO tube.........

The comment made about the FEs was relating to the rear spring hangers which are heavy cast on the FE as opposed to folded/welded construction on the FG. ...and I would add that interview was not in any way suggesting that the FG part was inferior but only that the thicker and heavier cast parts will last longer in those extreme conditions...remember this is an extreme environment that will reduce a Landcruiser to a pile of rust in 5 years with 3 years being an average service life.

Regards john

 

[whatcharterboat]

pugslyyy

Very keen to follow your thread.... an FE to FG conversion is something I have always wanted to have a go at myself but never had the opportunity (that is the plan isn't it?).....I recently spent a weekend driving around in an Auto FE84 ( should be similar to yours) and was very impressed, very impressed. Please PM me if you need anything.......a 2nd hand FG 649 or 140 front diff would make life easy!!!...but a Dana front and rear diff would be pretty cool...if not challenging.

Regards John

 

[pugslyyy]

pugslyyy

Very keen to follow your thread.... an FE to FG conversion is something I have always wanted to have a go at myself but never had the opportunity (that is the plan isn't it?).....I recently spent a weekend driving around in an Auto FE84 ( should be similar to yours) and was very impressed, very impressed. Please PM me if you need anything.

Regards John

Thanks! I am sure that I will take you (and everyone else) up on offers for their help, this is definitely a new adventure for us. The whole idea is go in cheap and learn. That's why we bought a fairly beat FE145C with 200k on the clock instead of going for a cleaner/lower mileage one. Also figuring most of the wear surfaces, cab, etc end up getting redone so no sense in buying nice and ripping it out.

 

[mog]

Nah, it wasn't Doug ... It was one of my old posts ...must be at least 4 years back....maybe it was called "fleet mechanic interview"???

John, thanks for the memory jog.
Here is the link to that: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/19067-FG-fleet-mechanic-interview?highlight=fleet%2Bmechanic

 

[kerry]

Where'd you find it? What was it used for in its prior life?

 

[PKDreamers]

Found it for you i read it time to time.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...t-mechanic-interview?highlight=Fleet mechanic

 

[pugslyyy]

Found it for you i read it time to time.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...t-mechanic-interview?highlight=Fleet mechanic

thanks!