FJ 55 build

[renor27]

Hello
Right now my desert exploring truck is an 1989 Toyota Pick up ... a great rig and has served me well.
But Last night I was given 2 FJ55 not in bad shape one is running the other needs top end work or so I am told. So looks like time to start building new rigs.
What I am thinking is two full rebuilds over time ... one rig for a daily driving rig the other for desert exploring ( I am based out of Reno Nevada ).

My question is what retro fits would folks do ... engines tranys axels etc. I dont ahve to stay with toyota parts but what ever I do I need to be able to get replacement parts easy in small towns across Nevada and the west.
I do plan to follow Chris Scott's book Sahara Overland as far as setting up the interior of the desert rig.
David

 

[theside00]

For the expo rig I would throw a chevy 5.3 with the 4l60E auto behind it and a 4 speed split transfer case. You can get parts and any shop can work on those engines. I would also throw 60 series axles under it for strength and a wider stance.

I am doing a little variation to this but mine is going to be built more for wheeling and rock crawling.

The 55 is an awesome rig good luck with the builds.

 

[RMP&O]

For the expo rig I would throw a chevy 5.3 with the 4l60E auto behind it and a 4 speed split transfer case. You can get parts and any shop can work on those engines. I would also throw 60 series axles under it for strength and a wider stance.

I am doing a little variation to this but mine is going to be built more for wheeling and rock crawling.

The 55 is an awesome rig good luck with the builds.

x2, best way to go and biggest bang for the buck and easy to fix/find parts for. It just makes sense!

Cheers

 

[Rezarf <><]

Pics or it didn't happen!

 

[40tude]

I would not discount the original drivetrain once it has had a good tuneup

 

[Scrapdaddy]

Pretty much what I'm doing, but I'm useing a toyota 5 speed instead of an auto. Check it out, over on MUD. http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pig-preservation-society/569815-slow-71-a.html

Alot of good information on IH8MUD.COM

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I would not discount the original drivetrain once it has had a good tuneup

x2. Assuming it has a 2F->4Speed, it would be hard to install anything more reliable and any parts that could fail are easy enough to find around the globe. You don't exactly hear of many folks looking for odd Toyota parts in remote places, for a reason. I'm a total fan of clean GM conversions and have performed many and sell parts for countless but the stock drive train is almost always an easier setup to track down spares, issues, etc.