Does a 1981 FJ40 body fit a 1979 frame?

[Kanda]

The Land Cruiser experts tell me that my old 1981 should fit a 1979 frame but i am starting to find out otherwise. I purchased a 1981 FJ40 and am doing a full restoration. The frame was rusted out so based on advice I purchased a good 1979 frame from Classic Cruiser in Colorado. I understood that '79 through '83 frames are the same. I have since discovered the following:

• The cross member that supports the gearbox on he '81 is non-existent on the'79. I have to weld/bolt the cross member from the '81 to the '79 frame. Kind of a shame as I have already sand blasted and powder coated the frame.
• The springs are different in that the shackle bush "eyes" in the '79 are 25mm whereas on the '81 the are 35mm. The springs are 35mm too.
• I hear the gas tank fittings are different as is the hand brake.
• And worse, i now understand that the body will not fit - but when I look at the two frames side by side all the body mount looks exactly the same and measure the same.

I was told that late model '78 Land Cruiser were registered as '79s in early '79 and that more than likely I have a '78 frame. I am not sure what to believe at this point. Does anyone have any advise or experience with these year models FJ40s?


I believe I can take care of the cross member for the gear box and with the Old Man Emu springs I have I will be able to work around the shackle difference....but is there anything else?


Thanks for your input!

 

[pbgbottle]

Normally a 79 frame would fit your body.

But it may be a early 79 frame post a pic guys on here will know right away

Sent from iPhone

 

[brian]

sounds like while you might have bought and paid for a 1979 frame, you did not receive a 1979 frame.

they should have been the same. while the 78 and earlier would have been much different.

 

[bikersmurf]

Does your new frame have provisions for the under body fuel tank? The minor things you've mentioned shouldn't be too hard to overcome.

Mudders have installed early 70s bodies on 79+ frames... an 81 body on a 79 frame is workable.

 

[Kanda]

Thanks for the replies. I do not see provisions for the the fuel tank on the '79. Here are some detailed pics of what I have described. I have heard that that the '78 and earlier model frames are varstly different to '79 to '83. I think I can overcome the gearbox cross member issue and spring differences, but what I am worried about it what I don't know. What other issues can i expect if I keep this frame.

 

[Kanda]

More pics

Here are a few more pics. Being the novice is there a way to add these as attachments or a better way to upload photos?

Thanks!

 

[brian]

now that i think about it. the 79-80 frames had some differences from the 81-83 frames.
81-83 40s used the same bushings and springs as the 60 series....which was larger than the previous 40 series stuff.
also seem to think the 79-80 still used the 4 motor mounts vs the 2 motor 1 tranny mount of the later stuff.

the body should fit the early frame just fine however. just order the suspension pinnings for the earlier frame.

 

[Bear]

Much of the info you were told in your first post is correct.

With careful measurements, you should be able to position the later transmission cradle and drill and bolt it to the frame keeping your powder coating. The hot rivets holding the un-needed right side rear motor mount ear on the '79 frame can be ground and the ear removed. Need a bit of touch up paint to the frame.

If your truck was originally a North American import, the parking brake actuated the brakes on the rear axle, so you should be able to use what you already have.

There are various bushing options from OldManEmu, and several vendors on this web site can advise you.

Gas tanks from 1/79 up bolt to the underside of the cab, so you should also be okay there.

You already knew to expect a little fiddling, brackets, and adjustments when using different year frames and bodies--welcome to Mud !

 

[esh]

Guessing that the split case coming in '81 is why the cross member changed.

The shackle change is here: http://www.cruiserfaq.com/15-01.php

 

[Splangy]

Your 81 body will bolt right up to a '79 frame. I believe SOR sells spring bushings that will work with your frame/spring combo.

The crossmember is an easy fix. Just drill 4 holes on each side of the inner frame rail and bolt up the crossmember.

 

[Kanda]

Thanks

This is great information. Thanks to you all for your advise - this is exactly what I needed to know - I am certainly relieved that I do not need to go tracking down another frame and the '79 will work. Cheers...

 

[BDSeff1fitty]

Does SOR have a chart w/ Vin's and month/year it was built? you could narrow down to when that frame was made if you are curious.

 

[Kanda]

With careful measurements, you should be able to position the later transmission cradle and drill and bolt it to the frame keeping your powder coating. The hot rivets holding the un-needed right side rear motor mount ear on the '79 frame can be ground and the ear removed. Need a bit of touch up paint to the frame.

Thanks again - any ideas on how to accurate measure the holes.

 

[Splangy]

Thanks again - any ideas on how to accurate measure the holes.

Bolt the engine down to the front mounts and the crossmember will find itself in the correct position.

 

[Kenobi]

Thanks again - any ideas on how to accurate measure the holes.

Kanda, Did you get your 1979/1981 FJ40 frame issues sorted out? I am in the exact same situation and was looking for any advice you can offer. Thanks

 

[shelfboy1]

i have owned several 79s some had the tank under the seat and floor mounted e brake and others did not ,some had the square bezel and some the round + other differences ,the good news is all this stuff can be fixed using factory parts

 

[gcrump01]

Here are a few of my frame. A 1980 (Dec 1979 build date) Appears to be the same as the 79 frame you have above.