F --> 2F and other misc FJ55 Ramblings...

[Pokey]

For another cheap upgrade thats fairly noticable- look into replacing the rubber body mounts with aftermarket polyurethane ones. I got the kit from Man-it-aint-Fre and was surprised how much of a difference i felt on turns(diving) with the ol'55.

shocks - and springs are another big difference.....although a nice set of OME springs can set you back $$$. Things like sloppy steering fixes- seatcovers-radio-speakers- and soundproofing all really start to add up as fairly cheapo fixes that can enhance quality of driving life.

 

[ChuckB]

Pokey,

Those are all good points and things that I'm looking to do. In fact my friend was watching me drive around a roundabout the other day and was laughing at me because the pig was leaning so hard. I think he was hoping I would fall out!
Also, sound deadening material is high on my list as well. I need to start researching the different brands.
steering sloppy = yes.

 

[Hltoppr]

Chuck...I'll start a "sound deadening" post in the general mods section...It's something I'm dealing with too...:REOutArchery02:

-H-

 

[laurie-the-lorry]

Keep the piggy, it will go up in value, look at IH8mud forum for some sound restoration advice.

For what its worth if you are planning on waiting for the Saab and the 2f to die. be prepared for them to out-live you. Both are well engineered and with oil and routine maintenance will cover millage beyond reason.

But if you want to make a rock solid expedition vehicle of your creation the 55 is a fantastic base, 20k for a diesel transplant is way too high. And doubling that figure into the land of make-believe.

I am unsure as to your naval occupation, but you certainly have a talent for picking interesting reliable motors. Next year when you get out, take some time to yourself, make it how you want it with advice but by yourself. And enjoy expeditions

Half the fun is in the building and planning

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Chuck thanks for the great replies... Yes its been a couple months unfortunately (really busy summer, I'm working on the truck this weekend for the first time in a couple months) and hope to be back at it... Kudos for your enthusiasm and picking up a great old truck. In my opinion it takes a lot to sell a nice truck and if invested in properly (again that slow route and little things, as mentioned by Pokey) they can actually be an investment... More often then not I've made money on them, but not including the sometimes unreal amount of labor I've put into them...

Anyway when you do the Power Steering swap, this will be one of the biggest changes. Not really sure what to mention about the steering and body roll other than to maybe inspect things underneath as it can be controlled. Stiffer shocks, better suspension, sway bar bushings in tact.. Also eventually learn to be creative with bushings etc, not order the expensive FJ55 specific parts from Specter. These things eat you alive. For example you can use leftover shick bushnigs sometimes in place of OEM sway bar bushings. Or beef up the suspension to not need swaybars at all and use softer shocks... But this takes a little engineering and experimentation... But again move slow especially with shipping costs out there!

I forgot about the Scout box. The Scout and FJ60 box are laid out the same, but the Scout is actually a powerful saginaw-manufactured steering box. It will tighten up your steering considerably and it also gets rid of a linkage, an extra steering box, and 3 tie rod ends aka also simplifies things up considerably.. When you get there you'll know what I mean That or a FJ60 box, they are both good options... It will be nice to have nice assisted steering...

And I do agree about that little things comment strongly. I am guilty more often then not of avoiding this. For example I waited 6 months and a winter to do 5 minutes of installing weather stripping I already had. Night and day. RE sound deadener, the breakthrough website I saw that really does a good job summing them all up is http://www.sounddeadenershowdown.com/

Cheers!
Andre

 

[DaveInDenver]

I'll say this much, I would absolutely love to find an old Pig in more or less original condition. If it was me, I would keep it more or less stock and just drive it. I'd personally keep the F/J30 combo and maybe put in a Ranger overdrive. That's about it... Shrug.

 

[blupaddler]

This is great information.
Thanks Chuck for starting this thread.
Good luck with your research.




I don't own a pig...yet.
But this is great information for when I do.

Also, for major drool factor check out Cruiser Guy's 55 with the 3BT!
And I can't wait for Andre to be finished either.
:arabia:

 

[ChuckB]

ALL,

My wife and I took a short trip to Kaua'i this weekend and I'm just getting back to the thread now. Enjoyed some empty surf and some relaxing days!!!

I REALLY appreciate all the comments. You have really given me a lot to think about. I am also very glad that this thread is providing useful info to other board members.

I'm pretty set on keeping this 55 going with Toyota specifc parts (meaning the engine/drivetrain). So whether if be an F, 2F, 3FE, 1FZ, Taco V6 or (in my dreams) 1HZ-T it will have a toyota heart!

I have decided from your advice to take it slow and at least attempt to do many of the mods myself. I have been looking for an opportunity to improve my mechanical skills and this looks like it.

For the next 12-18 months, I'm probably not going to make any many changes. I'm just going to drive and enjoy. We are moving back to the mainland in approx 11 months and I'm going to need some time to get adjusted to my new surroundings and I can't honestly say where that is going to be yet. I'm also going to get a DD before I potentially immobilize the 55... I'm currently thinking about an Audi B5 S4, but that is for another thread .
In the meantime, I'm going to start collecting weather stripping and researching sound deadoning material.

You all are the reason why this forum is so AWESOME!!

 

[tacollie]

Glad you are keeping the pig. It sounds like you have good direction. This thread has helped me as well so thanks for starting. Unfortunately my pig probably won't have a toyota heart, at least for now.

 

[ChuckB]

Glad you are keeping the pig. It sounds like you have good direction. This thread has helped me as well so thanks for starting. Unfortunately my pig probably won't have a toyota heart, at least for now.

That's ok, just keeping it going is honorable enough!!!!

 

[tacollie]

I won't lie, even if I had the money it probably would end up with a cummins. If I was filthy rich then maybe a yota motor. We have one of the 1st dodge trucks with a cummins from the early 90's with 650000 miles that still runs beautifully.

 

[ChuckB]

I won't lie either, (thanks to Andre) I would like a Cummings too. The only thing I'm not sure about it the SOA. Only 51% of me wants to keep it Toyota, the other 49% would be happy with Cummings or Isuzu diesel!! Of course, this is all if money were no object...

 

[tacollie]

True that on the empty pocket road block. Doesn't Isuzu make Toyotas diesels for them and doesn't Toyota own part of them to? I am ok with the SOA, I am just holding off on it until I can take the time to perfect the suspension.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

The Cummins is loud and deep unfortunately, but it is tough as nails. Again my Cummins has 186K and is in perfect mechanical shape including comprssion.. Tacollie, you are thinking of Hino which is mostly owned by Toyota. Toyota does own 5 or 10% of Isuzu though but there is hardly a partnership. Isuzu actually makes more engines for GM than anywhere else including the currently available Duramax diesels (future Duramax are made inhouse by GM). Both are awesome manufacturers. Most of the Toyota diesels are Hino design/manufactured. Toyota had a new Tundra with a Hino 8L diesel in it at SEMA due to this relationship...