It's done! 3.0-liter turbo-diesel FJ60 from TLC

[DesertRose]

Wow, I like it! I am doing a similar build up, in stages. My write up is on here as well, but a 62. I went H55F too, and OME heavy lift. How do you like the H55F overall? I am about a few weeks from picking mine up! Can't wait to see yours painted, GREAT COLOR!
I will look in the Journal as well for info, Thanks.

Thanks - you'll like the H55F. Keep the stock gearing if you want easier highway driving. The OME is fantastic - better than I'd hoped. I love the way it rides. Surprisingly nimble.

Gotta wait a while on painting unless I can get a real deal - out of cash!

I sold my Tacoma within a few days for a good price, then on the way to hand it over, the check engine light came on and it cost me $400 to have that little error fixed. urk.

 

[tacollie]

You guys are making my decision to sell the taco and dump the money into the pig much more tempting. I like the build and your attitude towards it.

 

[gilghana]

Power and torque?

I would be really interested to know these figures for this engine? Looks and sounds like you are well pleased! Congrats.
Gil

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

Gil, depending on how it's set up, the 3.0 produces 140 to 185 horsepower and 251 to 325 lb. ft. of torque. We actually don't yet know where in that range this one is set, except that it's clearly well beyond the 2F's 135 horsepower and 210 lb ft.

 

[lathamb]

My opinion is that TLC won't have trouble selling these once a "kit" is available. This is exactly what I have been wanting to do. To me its the best of both worlds...Diesel power, efficiency, and durability combined with the utility and ease of modification of an FJ60. Since Toyota or any of the other manufacturers will not sell us anything comparable in the states, I'd not even think about converting a 60- series over purchasing a new gasoline rig, assuming similar pricing.

Please keep us posted as to the progress and final pricing of the "kit"!! I've already started saving. ...And nice work.

 

[AndrewP]

Definitely interesting IF the California ARB signs off on this in an official way. I will look forward to a final price, as this is a great option at $10,000 and a not so great one at $30,000, unless it comes in a completely restored FJ60.

Looks like a nice job and a nice truck. BTW-I ended up with the old 2F. Not installed yet, but it will repower my FJ40 this winter.

 

[grahamfitter]

I'm just jealous that you live where a vehicle's drive-train has the opportunity to wear out before its body rusts away! Nice truck

Cheers,
Graham

 

[DesertRose]

I'm just jealous that you live where a vehicle's drive-train has the opportunity to wear out before its body rusts away! Nice truck

Cheers,
Graham

I'm always aware of that, no kidding! The underside of this truck is so clean.

I'm really, really loving having a brand new and very modern engine and drivetrain and suspension all tucked up in a cool retro package. It's exactly what I'd hoped - actually, better. The power is a silly bonus I'm loving!

 

[DesertRose]

Definitely interesting IF the California ARB signs off on this in an official way. I will look forward to a final price, as this is a great option at $10,000 and a not so great one at $30,000, unless it comes in a completely restored FJ60.

Looks like a nice job and a nice truck. BTW-I ended up with the old 2F. Not installed yet, but it will repower my FJ40 this winter.

That's so great - I love the recyling angle of this. Will you send pictures so I can include in a future article? The conservation angles on this are many - recycling, reducing, reusing. Very nice.

$30,000 won't get you a completely restored 60. However, if you start with a very clean one like I did, you won't have to do much. Some paint and this one will be nearly restored cosmetically and with the new engine / trans / suspension, it's really quite a truck.

 

[Redline]

1st gear

Is first a non-synchronized gear?

Does it help to 'preload' the tranny by putting it into another gear before selecting first?

So far the H55 is working very well. It's great to have a lower first gear plus an overdrive. It's surprisingly reluctant to engage first at times at a stop, something I hope will diminish with use.

 

[AndrewP]

Is first a non-synchronized gear?

Does it help to 'preload' the tranny by putting it into another gear before selecting first?

No. The H55f is syncronized in every gear except reverse. They can be a bit notchy at first. Mine has improved over time, especially the trace of 3 gear notch will is now gone. It basically shifts like a tighter version of the H42.

 

[4Rescue]

I'm really, really loving having a brand new and very modern engine and drivetrain and suspension all tucked up in a cool retro package. It's exactly what I'd hoped - actually, better. The power is a silly bonus I'm loving!

That's exactly my view. Awsome build and being a HUGE diesel proponent this is right up my alley. Well done mate and now get us some dirty pictures of her eh!

Cheers

Dave

 

[haven]

Here's a starter vehicle for someone interested in duplicating
Roseann's project. --Chip Haven


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=249938245

1990 Land Cruiser FJ62 in Tucson AZ
220K miles, $7,250

Excellent Mechanical and Physical Condition
No Accidents, No Rust
2nd Owner since purchase from retired couple in 2000 at ~175K miles

4.0 EFI 6 Cylinder with A/T
Electronic Transfer Case, Aisin Locking Hubs
15 x 6 Stock Chrome Rims 31 x 10.5 - R15 BFGs
PS. PB, AC, PW, PDL
Original White Paint / Tan Interior

All Scheduled Maintenance, All Records Available

Mobil-1 Full Synthetic Every 2500 Miles,
Full Synthetic Oil in Differentials and Transfer-Case

Recent repairs include
Front Wheel Bearings (187K);
Fuel Pump, Filters, and Relays (198K);
Front / Rear Brakes / Rotors / Seals (210K);
Complete Exhaust / Tailpipe (210K);
Water Pump / Radiator / Belts (215K);
Starter and Battery (220K);
Looks & Runs Great

Most 1982 to 1990 FJ60/62 models listed on AutoTrader.com today
cost about $5000. This particular car struck me as being well
maintained, and offered by an honest person. So I'd be willing to
pay a little more.

If the above vehicle is too expensive, I did see one
1990 FJ62 in New Mexico with a seized motor for $800:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=252286782

 

[haven]

I took a look at the EPA mileage ratings for 2009 SUVs, and posted the results here
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=286205

Conclusion: The 25-26 mpg Roseann reports is 30% to 60% more fuel efficient than
any similar-size expedition vehicle today. And it's more capable off-road.

A few examples, using EPA's combined city/highway mpg rating

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L V6 diesel 4WD........19 mpg
2009 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L 4WD........19 mpg
2009 Jeep Wrangler V6 4WD........16 mpg
2009 Toyota Land Cruiser V8.........15 mpg

 

[Sloan]

You wouldn't by any chance have a couple of shots of the truck looking straight on from the front and back would you? I am thinking about running that tire or a on my FJ60 and am just trying to see how it is going to look. I'm glad to see that the truck turned out so well and that you're happy with it.