80 Series V8 conversion.

[redthies]

So I am looking for an 80 to use as a tow/trail rig. I tow a starcraft 14RT pop-up toy hauler. (4000lbs +/-) I am thinking it will be a bit of a long term project putting the V8 in but wonder what is the easiest variant of the 80 to start with. I would assume the earlier 4.0 over the 4.5 for less electrical work? Is there any other factors you guys would consider? I am not worried about lockers as I would just put in some ARB's. Is there much difference in tranny strength between the various years? Anyone done a part time kit? I will keep my eyes open for a well executed V8 80 to buy in the first place but won't hold my breath. Thanks for any input...

 

[ChuckB]

I asked a similar question see link V8 manual 80

 

[bahndo]

I believe the earlier fj80's ('91-'92) are going to be easier because the tranny is not electrically controlled. That said the '93-'94's have a separate TCU so the engine computer can be removed and the tranny will still operate just fine. If I was going to go this route I would look into swapping in a V8 with a 700R4 tranny mated to a fj6x split case and then installing selectable hubs. You could also go the manual trans. route using an NV4500 in the same setup. I personally feel that it is probably easiest to swap the engine and the tranny together in an 80 but that's just me. Another good option (if the trailer isn't too heavy) would be to turbo the 1fz-fe. I have thought about turbo'ing my 80 but I am a diesel guy and when the time comes I will swap in a diesel, but that's a whole nother story.

 

[redthies]

I agree on the diesel thing 100% but I am a little bit wary of the JDM 80s. The bearing issues and righthand drive are not things I am thrilled with. I have driven rhd in oz etc but this rig will tow to Mexico where being on the right side might be a bit unpleasant. (Read: not a chance will my girl sit on the centerline as a passenger down there!) Is the turbo for the 93-94 an easy addition? ie: are there manifolds around for this? I have a Volvo 745ti that is my autocross project so I have a love of turbos on anything... I have seen people trying to sell turbos that go inline further down the exhaust but running that set-up on a truck that will see trail use seems nuts.

 

[bahndo]

For my diesel swap I am definitely a fan of the cummins engines, 4bt for my 60, and if i get to it a 6bt for the 80.
There are turbo manifolds available, do a search on MUD and you'll find tons of info. I think that most install the turbo upstream of the mass air flow sensor so they don't have to mess with too much wiring/fuel mapping, I personally would go with a '93-'94 and yank the whole ECU and run a mega squirt with a wide band 02 sensor so you can really dial it in and run more boost. I think a really sweet setup would be to swap in a SBC and run twins but hey, that's a hell of an ambitious project!

 

[Mike S]

I've had an 80 for several years and have driven turbo'd 80s. I also have a 24' Airstream that weighs 3500 empty, and about 4500 to 5000 loaded. I would not even attempt to tow it with the 80 unless it had a V8 and airbags - the stock 80 (or even turbo'd) just doesn't have enough power to tow a mid range trailer.

 

[redthies]

Mike, What year is your 80? What engine? I have a 92 F350 crew that is spotless to tow with, but the problem is when you get to the fun spot, that thing is just too big for play. I had an 03 Tundra with 4.7, 6"RCD kit, 35" mts and f+r arbs. Great when you get there, but a bit light for the long tows. I see lots of people towing huge rigs with these trucks, but I also see quite a few of them all messed-up on the side of the road from a jack-knife etc. We lost a wheel off the tundra in the redwoods last year ( STAY AWAY FROM DESTINATION TOYOTA IN VANCOUVER!!!!!!!!) and that was enough to prompt the bigger tow rig. Gotta talk the wife into driving the trail rig while I tow I guess.

 

[mor4wd]

Keep in mind that the 93+ have the better brakes as well.

 

[BiG BoB]

This may help, the site looks a bit amature but these guys have been around for a while.

http://www.marks4wd.com/products/engine-trans-conversions/toyota/lc-80seriesindex.html

Goodluck with the project!

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Lots of coverage on this already, one thing I didn't see is the full-float rear axle & rear discs on the ~94' & later FZJ's too. If not something to buy a Cruiser for, something to search for to put on an earlier Cruiser imo.

 

[Mike S]

Mike, What year is your 80? What engine? I have a 92 F350 crew that is spotless to tow with, but the problem is when you get to the fun spot, that thing is just too big for play. I had an 03 Tundra with 4.7, 6"RCD kit, 35" mts and f+r arbs. Great when you get there, but a bit light for the long tows. I see lots of people towing huge rigs with these trucks, but I also see quite a few of them all messed-up on the side of the road from a jack-knife etc. We lost a wheel off the tundra in the redwoods last year ( STAY AWAY FROM DESTINATION TOYOTA IN VANCOUVER!!!!!!!!) and that was enough to prompt the bigger tow rig. Gotta talk the wife into driving the trail rig while I tow I guess.

My TLC is a 1996 FZJ with stock US engine. The 4.5L fuel injected engine has a lot of low gear power, but comes up short towing on the highway, expecially when you are driving in mountainous country. I had situations when I lacked adequate power when towing my loaded OR trailer - at about 1500 lbs. never failed to proceed, but sometimes I wished for that V8.

For the Airstream I use a Ford Expedition, and am planning to buy a diesel PU in the next year or so.

 

[ChuckB]

Lots of coverage on this already, one thing I didn't see is the full-float rear axle & rear discs on the ~94' & later FZJ's too. If not something to buy a Cruiser for, something to search for to put on an earlier Cruiser imo.

Kurt,

Is it a bolt-on affair to add 93+ axles to a 91-92 FJ80. A 2UZ or 350 in a FJ80 is tempting and having 4-wheel discs in an FJ80 would be nice.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

HERE is some good info on a Toyota 4.7 in an 80. Kinda, Not a 80 body anymore but still an 80 frame. Very nice build never the less.....

 

[ChuckB]

HERE is some good info on a Toyota 4.7 in an 80. Kinda, Not a 80 body anymore but still an 80 frame. Very nice build never the less.....

I just subscribed to that thread. His FZJ45 is one sweet rig. I had seen it before with the 1FZ.

That fact that Slee is putting a 2UZ in an 80 down right makes me giddy... I can't wait to see that!!

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

I've installed a Vortec into a FJ80 before. It was a nightmare and I wouldn't recommend it without completely replacing the transmission as well. The A440F (stock '88-92 Land Cruiser trans) is a really old school style power sucking trans and it is not particularly strong (at least for towing with a V8). I'd say the same goes for a Cummins too. Specter sells the parts to bolt in the clutch pedal conversion if going to manual trans.