Mercedes diesel into FJ40 ?

[762X39]

We may be getting a nice mid 70's FJ40 as our new tow vehicle/overlander.It is in almost showroom condition and has been stored for most of it's life in between trips.I was the last person to drive it before it got put away the last time. Is there a kit or has anyone done a 5 cylinder Mercedes turbodiesel conversion on these? I am Not interested in a V8 conversion or a Cummins conversion.

 

[PAToyota]

After working on it for years, 4x4Labs finally introduced their kit the beginning of the year.

 

[Bear]

Mercedes diesel

You know in Brazil, Toyota used to put Mercedes diesels into their FJ40 variants, so there likely is a bellhousing, etc, that might help you.

 

[lostworldexpedition]

After working on it for years, 4x4Labs finally introduced their kit the beginning of the year.

Yep, I do not know if Luke sells the only kit out there, but he did the conversion on his own green 40. It is definitely trail proven. Give him a call at 4x4Labs he is really easy to talk to and always eager to help (even if you do not go with his kit).

 

[PAToyota]

I've seen a couple other conversions, but to the best of my knowledge Luke is the only one doing anything close to a "kit" of any sort. All the other ones have had custom machined one-off adapters and such.

 

[berg]

I have a low mile 15K OM 617 turbo diesel motor and have been thinking about this swap for a long time.
I now think a 700r4 would be the best fit for my purpose and move my rear axle back 4" for a longer driveshaft.
I have been in touch with these guys and they will sell the kit for $200 less and not supply the starter and flexplate if you want to go manual trans. They emphasized that I'd be on my own with no support.
I think I might go auto and be done... seems like simple swap .............

http://www.transmissionadapters.com/Mercedes diesel.htm

 

[nickw]

Merc

How do you plan on using the rig? Tire size, load, lift, etc?

Reason for asking is I think the engine can work within a very narrow window of use. If you planning on 35's, 1000 lbs of armour and high altitude driving I don't think it will work well.

If its a 'light' wheeler/overlander, 7.50R16's, minimal lift, minimal gear, etc. I can see the engine doing well. It would do alot better with a 'close' ratio tranny like a H42 rather than a SM465/420 as a driver.

Not sure about that auto tranny. It was designed for large displacement V6's/v8's and built to handling double the OM's power signature. I would think it would sap the life out of the OM, but YMMV.

I know MercedesRover had good luck with a NP435/OM combo, pretty sim. trans to the SM series.