Countdown to diesel FJ60 - a thing of beauty

[DesertRose]

I forgot to ask -- will TLC take your converted Land Cruiser to
SEMA this November? They have shown their products there in
the past.

I believe we're taking it to SEMA, probably with ARB, which is a sponsor.

I haven't heard much about mud in the wheels - Scott had these on his Tacoma, I believe, and now on the Discovery, but we don't have a lot of mud here. I'll certainly let you know, if I can find any mud . . .

 

[DBS311]

I just mentioned in another thread that I saw your 60 when I was dropping mine off at TLC. That was about 3 weeks ago and I can't believe it is already running! It will be interesting to see how the 3.0 compares with the 2.8.

 

[Winky]

I am looking forward to a finished review on the logistics and reality of this build. What I mean is many (MOST) of us dream about a diesel swap but never end up pulling the trigger. I am looking forward to your analysis at the end to say if this is a realistic build or not. Will you be providing a price break down in OJ and tips for others considering this build?

The price of the build might negate any savings in fuel but I find the price of building a rig easier to swallow than then the price of filling it up on the road. The diesel powerplant will yield more benefits then just MPG.

Anyway you are going to end up with a rig that will be the envy of many of us. The U.S. cruiser is almost perfect.. except for the engine selection (fuel consumption). This has been my favorite build by far of any magazine. I can't wait for reviews and I'm planning for the same thing on an 80.

I admire your attempt to combine responsible consumption with vehicle based travel as it is something I have been fighting in my head. Keep it up and cheers!

Josh

 

[goodtimes]

. . . Of course, don't forget the discreet cheetah spot decals and zebra-print headrest covers . . . if I do that, Jonathan will never borrow it. :jump:

Yea, Jonathan *says* that....but it is just a ploy so you don't write the odometer reading down when you jet off to Africa....


:safari-rig:

 

[ChuckB]

You're building my dream 60... :beer:

 

[Schattenjager]

Once it is complete I think you should raffle it off to ExPo members to raise money for some worthy project. Like a clone of this rig!

:lurk:

 

[DesertRose]

Once it is complete I think you should raffle it off to ExPo members to raise money for some worthy project. Like a clone of this rig!

:lurk:

I may need to. I got "TLC fever" and kept saying things like "full new set of Old Man Emu? sure! new brakes (custom TLC)? sure!" and then comes the bill . . .

 

[DBS311]

Care to elaborate on the brakes?

 

[Mike S]

I may need to. I got "TLC fever" and kept saying things like "full new set of Old Man Emu? sure! new brakes (custom TLC)? sure!" and then comes the bill . . .

The OME stuff is worth the price after a few miles on corduroy roads.

I assume your mean a disk brake conversion?

Mike

 

[DesertRose]

These are upgrade disc brakes on the front - TLC does a nice job. If I get it back in time for the Fall issue of Overland Journal, there will be images and description in there.

 

[Hltoppr]

All the modifications done now will pay off greatly in the final product!

Can't wait to see it!

-H-

 

[BlueHZT60]

1984 FJ60 - Overland Journal official Conservation Project Vehicle - OME, long-range aux. fuel tank, stock engine to be converted to diesel . . . lots of stuff planned.

The only thing missing is that it isn't blue - if I remember correctly. McGrew Trail ride just had 3-diesel 60's, all blue all slightly different.

Mine is an 84 too, hz, aux, ome -and way more stuff in most all the right places + of course the Maggiolina home on top and a little TLC-H55 to make things go. It will be interesting to follow things as you get road tested. I get 17mpg as set up, not following the speed limits.

Bob

 

[DesertRose]

Frustrating news!

I won't be picking up my Land Cruiser this weekend.

Some issues that need to resolved regarding the tachometer and a noise that may be the throw-out bearing (or the fit between the engine and trans) - which will take some more time. This is a new fit for TLC so they need to get it all just perfect.

But that doesn't mean I'm not dying here!

 

[Hltoppr]

I know the feeling Roseann! It's good to know that you've got the work of professionals like TLC on the job; especially on a one-off conversion like this!

It'll happen!

-H-

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

The 2.5L version of this motor was used as the 300Tdi in LandRovers. A reliability problem was the use of a rubber timing belt; causing major destruction if it breaks (no use carrying a spare because your engine is thoroughly messed up if it breaks - valves, piston crowns).
Do you know if they replaced the belt with a timing chain? I've heard rumors of that possibility.

Charlie

Lots of engines have timing belts these days and unfortunately interferance engines are pretty much the norm because they are more efficient. The 1HZ also has a timing belt. The odds of it breaking even in really harsh conditions are not very high, you just have to do preventative maintenance at the spec, which is usually anywhere from 60-120k miles on average (most at about 75-90k miles). I wouldn't be overly concerned of it. Just look at it as an additional cost, much like a clutch, that must be addressed some time in that period. Tacomas, Volkswagen TDIs, a million other cars and trucks all have timing belts...