Is a FJ62 a bad idea as a “expedition” rig?

[LaOutbackTrail]

I really do not mind the ride of my old worn out leaf springs on the 62.

My wife actually enjoys the drive. She even wants me to get it on the road so she can drive it to work. I'm not opposed to that one bit. The more she likes it, the more she will be willing to further the build.

 

[Box Rocket]

I really do not mind the ride of my old worn out leaf springs on the 62.

My wife actually enjoys the drive. She even wants me to get it on the road so she can drive it to work. I'm not opposed to that one bit. The more she likes it, the more she will be willing to further the build.

do a SOA conversion on that thing with those "old worn out springs" and you'll love the ride even more. :victory:

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

do a SOA conversion on that thing with those "old worn out springs" and you'll love the ride even more. :victory:

Oh yeah? I've been going back and forth on that... Its a bit cheaper. But I really didnt want to go with tires bigger than 33.... And my welding skills arent the best.... Wish I knew someone in the area that might be able to help.

 

[esh]

How far away is Butch Lewis?

The way to do a low spring over is recessing the shackle hangers into the frame. 33s won't look too small.. 34s or 35s just right depending on a few things like shackle length and how flat the springs are.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

My wife has semi-approved at the 5speed conversion. Now to collect the parts and continue lying about the cost of it. I agree... it is slow, but it doesnt seem to lack power. Using the shifter can help with acceleration. I can actually merge onto the hwy this way.... instead of being the iron pig with flashers on. :elkgrin:

 

[jh504]

My 62 actually has plenty of power from my point of view. It is very torquey and reminds me alot of my XJ. It definitely isnt a sports car but I have been driving Toyotas for a long time and I guess I am just used to an under-powered rig.

 

[esh]

Before the swap, try using the engine in 3rd. It easily goes to 4k and I would go to 4300 before shifting. I would typically manually shift to 3rd to run up passes. With 33s, I could easily get to 65mph.

The 3FE is a different motor than the predecessors and like all of the line, it can take a little pushing without drama. Don't be afraid to rev.

 

[BCcamp]

Agree with esh; manually shift into 3rd to gain speed. The A440 likes to upshift quickly, so holding it in gear for hills, long grades, and acceleration helps a lot. I regularly use 3rd gear running up Donner Pass, and the truck easily maintains 60 mph (running 33s and stock gears).

I attribute a lot of that good performance to the recently rebuilt A440 in our FJ62. Freeway merges are no longer a scary proposition, and the truck easily keeps up with traffic. I think a strong 3FE and a healthy A440 is a good combination in these trucks.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Just out of curiosity, how much did it cost you to have the auto rebuilt?

 

[BCcamp]

The final cost will depend on the condition of your A440. If your tranny is in good, rebuildable condition and you have someone else do all the work, I would budget at least $4500 for the rebuild, including the torque converter and the transfer case (might as well do it while everything is apart). Make sure the shop that does the rebuild knows Cruisers. We had ours done by TLC (the sponsors of this forum). PM me if you want to discuss in more detail.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

The final cost will depend on the condition of your A440. If your tranny is in good, rebuildable condition and you have someone else do all the work, I would budget at least $4500 for the rebuild, including the torque converter and the transfer case (might as well do it while everything is apart). Make sure the shop that does the rebuild knows Cruisers. We had ours done by TLC (the sponsors of this forum). PM me if you want to discuss in more detail.

The cruiser will go to a junker before I pay $4500 for a tranny rebuild.:Wow1:

If that is the case, it will get a H55 or a full vortech swap. That is nuts how much a rebuild would cost.

 

[jh504]

^^^Yeah, thats what I am asking for my WHOLE FJ62. I would put a totally different trans in it. If they make an adapter for an AW4 that would be nice. I think they are pretty close to the same and you can pick up a used one for around $200.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

^^^Yeah, thats what I am asking for my WHOLE FJ62. I would put a totally different trans in it. If they make an adapter for an AW4 that would be nice. I think they are pretty close to the same and you can pick up a used one for around $200.

I paid $1500 for my 88, so far the only problem is the tranny. I could probably just swap in a 4 speed on the cheap, but the 5th gear would be nice.

What is the AW4 from?

Does anyone know, if I were to do the 4speed manual swap and then later come across the 5speed manual, would I be able to just swap out the two transmissions? From what I understand they are interchangeable, but having no first hand experience, I do no know.

 

[Patman]

Does anyone know, if I were to do the 4speed manual swap and then later come across the 5speed manual, would I be able to just swap out the two transmissions? From what I understand they are interchangeable, but having no first hand experience, I do no know.

The late model 4 speed and the h55 are a direct swap. The earlier 4 speed is shorter and requires a xmem and dshaft length change as far as I know.

$4500 is crazy, but not out of line with a tcase build, a 4bt/th400 or a vortech swap sure sound like a better investment though. Personally an h55 sure would be tempting if you had to do a trans.

 

[jh504]

I paid $1500 for my 88, so far the only problem is the tranny. I could probably just swap in a 4 speed on the cheap, but the 5th gear would be nice.

What is the AW4 from?

Does anyone know, if I were to do the 4speed manual swap and then later come across the 5speed manual, would I be able to just swap out the two transmissions? From what I understand they are interchangeable, but having no first hand experience, I do no know.

The AW4 is the auto in the XJ. It is tough and I think it is the same as an A340, which is similar to an A440. I dont have any realistic data though, someone with more knowledge would know how close they really are.