62 V8 crawl box? - Page 2

brokenparts · 05-13-08, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicago

Sounds like the NP203, split t case with the 5.3 and 4l60 are going to be a pretty decent combo, correct?

Thanks again!
This has helped immensely!

Chicago

DOOOOOOO IT!!!!

sixty · 05-13-08, 04:18 PM

I'd be more inclined to go with the 6.0 (& even consider the 8.1), but they can be quite a bit more $$. keep your eyes open and you might be able to find a deal. Look on car-parts.com also & you could really score even with shipping involved.

Don't forget to look into the adapter for the 4l60e to the 203 as well as year compatability of the Vortec ECM to the chosen 4l60e. The early 4 bolt 700r4/4l60E pattern is pretty simple to adapt using GM parts but I have no idea whats available for the 6 bolt pattern (97-up I believe)

Mace · 05-13-08, 05:11 PM

8.1 would be cool, but I think you would want a 4l80E then..

Cruiserdrew · 05-13-08, 05:33 PM

Chicago-I would convert to a manual tranny, NP4500 if you have $$$ and SM465 if you don't. Then you have more crawl box options. Even a Toyota 4 speed with toybox and split case would be great. A Toyota H55f + Toybox + Split case would be a great set up.

If you want to swap the rear axle to a centered one, then SM465 + Atlas + Rear D60 would be bullet proof and dead simple. I've always kind of wanted an Atlas, but it requires a lot of mods to a land Cruiser.

You sure you want to go with a V-8? You are not building a race car.

CaliCruiser · 05-13-08, 06:34 PM

Yo Keith

I say go Vortec but consider a manual swap when you do the conversion. I haven't driven an auto/v8 combo, but I have driven a manual/toybox setup and it kicks ass. However, I imagine the auto would be nice for those long days on the trail when fatigue becomes an issue. Your welcome to drive my junk when we meet up for a day trip which is 225:1, won't be till the end-ish of May though.

Dylan

chicago · 05-13-08, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixty

I'd be more inclined to go with the 6.0 (& even consider the 8.1), but they can be quite a bit more $$. keep your eyes open and you might be able to find a deal. Look on car-parts.com also & you could really score even with shipping involved.

Don't forget to look into the adapter for the 4l60e to the 203 as well as year compatability of the Vortec ECM to the chosen 4l60e. The early 4 bolt 700r4/4l60E pattern is pretty simple to adapt using GM parts but I have no idea whats available for the 6 bolt pattern (97-up I believe)

Advance adapters has an adapter to make the 6 bolt pattern into the square pattern.
After I read your post, I was digging through the lit. and saw what you were talking about...

Thanks for the tip on Car-parts.com. I hadnt seen that one before.

Chicago

chicago · 05-13-08, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

Chicago-I would convert to a manual tranny, NP4500 if you have $$$ and SM465 if you don't. Then you have more crawl box options. Even a Toyota 4 speed with toybox and split case would be great. A Toyota H55f + Toybox + Split case would be a great set up.

If you want to swap the rear axle to a centered one, then SM465 + Atlas + Rear D60 would be bullet proof and dead simple. I've always kind of wanted an Atlas, but it requires a lot of mods to a land Cruiser.

You sure you want to go with a V-8? You are not building a race car.

Hey Andy,
Since Im up grading the HPs with the V8, Ill be sticking with the auto trans.
If I were gonna keep the F, then Id most likely swap the auto in for a manual.
As far as V8 swap is concerned...Its not something that I WANT to do necessarily, but the lack of power on the road is flat KILLING ME, and it limits the distances that Im willing to travel for runs in it.
Im not looking to go 100MPH, but I would like to do better than 35 MPH in 2nd gear revving 3.5-4K on the tach up a 6% grade.
Ive done EVERY MOD available to KILL the HP, I know...but now that its done it seems my only option from here is to keep building, or give up.
Seems that most people are very happy with their V8 conversions?
Just out of curosity, What is the reason for your skepticism?
Im open to ideas!

Chicago

Cruiserdrew · 05-14-08, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicago

, What is the reason for your skepticism?
Im open to ideas!

Chicago

Mainly because I see the cruisers as recreational vehicles, not daily drivers. You can put up with slowness in something you only drive on trips. The 3FE is a good motor, you already own it, and all of the tech for making it a manual with lots of low gearing options are already worked out and available. I'm sure you'll love the SBC, but it's tons of work and significant expense. I don't see your FJ62 being your commuter for the next 10 years. Like most of us, you'll go wheel it 5-10 times a year, and for the that, the 3FE works fine. How far are you really going to go? I go to Dusy in my 40 and its way, way slower than your FJ62. Moab is easily doable with what you have, and that's probably the limit of where you might take it. If you want to go faster, get an 80 or a 100.

Remember that H42s are basically free. Your motor, with an H42 and a Toybox, will take you anywhere within a 2 day drive with no problem at all. Then you can crawl with the best of them. Have you seen Brett's FJ62 in action? It works great with a 3FE, H42, and toybox. Really a nice machine.

Now if your 3FE is dead, then swapping to an SBC is probably makes sense. You won't go much faster though, since you are limited by a primitive chassis and you'll break more parts.

Anyway, what ever you do, remember it's a hobby and it's supposed to be fun. So if you like the challenge of a SBC swap, then go for it and don't look back. If it's simply about function, though, you already have what you need.

Mace · 05-14-08, 07:47 AM

I see the recreational fact as a reason to swap to a V8.

The manual and a toy box is a good option. But it is still pricy, and it still may leave Chicago wanting more.

V8 conversions are easy science now (unless you like to be difficult like me).

I would think that if you are only doing 5 to 10 trips a year in a rig you would want those trips to be as worthwile as possible.

GLTHFJ60 · 05-14-08, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliCruiser

Yo Keith

I say go Vortec but consider a manual swap when you do the conversion. I haven't driven an auto/v8 combo, but I have driven a manual/toybox setup and it kicks ass. However, I imagine the auto would be nice for those long days on the trail when fatigue becomes an issue. Your welcome to drive my junk when we meet up for a day trip which is 225:1, won't be till the end-ish of May though.

Dylan

Have you finished the toybox install on your H55 yet? If so, how is that on the trails?? The H55 has the lower first just the same as the H41 and it's got overdrive for highway travel.

Chicago, an H55 / toybox setup sounds like it would suit your needs without swapping the engine: costs less and gives a better final drive. That's gonna be the setup I'm shooting for, but I don't have as many places to crawl in the northeast as you guys do.

chicago · 05-14-08, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

Mainly because I see the cruisers as recreational vehicles, not daily drivers. You can put up with slowness in something you only drive on trips. The 3FE is a good motor, you already own it, and all of the tech for making it a manual with lots of low gearing options are already worked out and available. I'm sure you'll love the SBC, but it's tons of work and significant expense. I don't see your FJ62 being your commuter for the next 10 years. Like most of us, you'll go wheel it 5-10 times a year, and for the that, the 3FE works fine. How far are you really going to go? I go to Dusy in my 40 and its way, way slower than your FJ62. Moab is easily doable with what you have, and that's probably the limit of where you might take it. If you want to go faster, get an 80 or a 100.

Remember that H42s are basically free. Your motor, with an H42 and a Toybox, will take you anywhere within a 2 day drive with no problem at all. Then you can crawl with the best of them. Have you seen Brett's FJ62 in action? It works great with a 3FE, H42, and toybox. Really a nice machine.

Now if your 3FE is dead, then swapping to an SBC is probably makes sense. You won't go much faster though, since you are limited by a primitive chassis and you'll break more parts.

Anyway, what ever you do, remember it's a hobby and it's supposed to be fun. So if you like the challenge of a SBC swap, then go for it and don't look back. If it's simply about function, though, you already have what you need.

I see your point and appreciate the input.
Ive considered the swap that Brett had done after following him through Rubicon last fall. It is an amazing vehicle under the control of an amazing driver.
Here is my rationale:
I havent done a compression test on my 3FE, but it does have 230K on the clock, and Im of the opinion that it is TIRED to say the least. So taking that fact into consideration Id at lest be looking at a rebuild of my 3FE and or doing a 2FE conversion PLUS the 4/5 speed conversion to gain a lil extra HP....I guess that would be do able and for, marginally, less than what Im looking at spending for the V8 swap....
My ultimate goal is to be able to run a grade on the road at, at least 55 MPH without rapping the RPMs up to the point that Im scared...Actually, im VERY happy with its performance off road. Even on the Rubicon the ONE time that I did it, as it sits, I didnt really have TOO MUCH issue, at least nothing that a front locker wouldnt have solved.
My ONLY deterrent to doing the V8 conversion is the COST!
My wife has been VERY understanding of this lil obsession of mine, but when I start looking at this expense Im considering...I want to kick MY OWN ASS for considering it. If cost wasnt an option...Id LOVE to take on the challenge.

With that being said...Do you all think that a re build plus the manual swap would make the rig a little more pleasant (55 MPH) up a grade getting to and from the trails?

I am NOT rich. I make decent money and have enough to live comfortably, save and play a little with my Landcruiser as most of us do. With that in mind...what would you all do?

Again...My one and only complaint is ON ROAD power UP A GRADE and lack of gearing options for my play toy. Otherwise, Im totally happy with the set up of my rig barring a front open diff.

Thanks for you input!

Chicago

boots4 · 05-14-08, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicago

My ONLY deterrent to doing the V8 conversion is the COST!
...
With that being said...Do you all think that a re build plus the manual swap would make the rig a little more pleasant (55 MPH) up a grade getting to and from the trails?

Cost, Ha Ha, try a diesel swap!

Seriously, having the same or better mileage and a ton more power seems like a win situation to me. If you are counting on a rebuild then you might as well just swap in something bigger. If I hadn't been infected with the diesel bug then a V8 would've been my top choice. The only part of the swap that would be complicated would be the wiring and they have pre-made looms for that now. There is a ton of support for the V8 swap so most questions and issues have been solved.

Why settle with just a little more pleasant?

If you do keep the 3FE have you considered a turbo?

sixty · 05-14-08, 03:05 PM

Before you drop the coin on the AA adaper, you might want to look into using the factory 6-bolt to nv241 adapter (if it exists). Then all you need to do is redrill the face of the 203 to match the pattern and you would have the added benefit of the 6-bolt pattern on the 4l60e, which is a weak point of the 4 bolt pattern transmissions.

I drove a built, cam'd 2f'd fj60 daily for a few years. Going up to an EFI 350 was a night and day difference and similar to wheeling pre SOA and post. There were many times on hill climbs & deep snow where the 2f would not have made it no matter how I finessed it. There were also a few times when more HP would have gotten me farther, hence the new stroker. I would never go back to manual transmission either, unless I neede the reliability.

iaintscared1969 · 05-14-08, 07:19 PM

You know how I feel on this...2F and 3FE are great engines for what they were built for. Times change, People have personal driving styles that these engines don't keep up with. I like the V-8's for the available power, aftermarket support for add on goodies. Why go through the headache to turn a 2f fuel injected, make a 3FE turbo? You still wind up with the same end result...Less smiles per mile!

I have seen all the work you have done to that truck so I don't think you will be trying to recoup your cost in the end. It is a hobby and the result is hobbies cost money...But you get to enjoy it.

chicago · 05-14-08, 09:22 PM

I have seen all the work you have done to that truck so I don't think you will be trying to recoup your cost in the end. It is a hobby and the result is hobbies cost money...But you get to enjoy it.[/quote]

This last statment made me chuckle!
Any ideas Ive had about trying to re coup anything I have into it went out the window with the SOA!
Its worth a FORTUNE to me!

Chicago

iaintscared1969 · 05-14-08, 09:39 PM

Lucky for some of us our better half's keep us grounded. Otherwise we would be homeless, and broke living out of our fully blown SOA mud slilning 60's!

I wouldn't see anything wrong with that. But atleast she understands my addiction and supports me with an allowance.

lowtideride · 05-15-08, 08:12 AM

Hey chicago,

I ended up getting a 350 TPI as well, not so much becuase of the power but becuase it weighs 250 lbs less. And for me building a crawler, lighter is better... I never thought I would be one to give up my 2f but a deal came about where I traded it straight up for a low milage 350. I always loved the low end grunt the 2f gave, I hope the 350 will live up to the 2f.

Ill let you know how the toybox works behind my 350. I am running an h41/toybox/split case/1 tons...in a much much lighter body.

I havnt really looked into adapters yet to run my cruiser tranny (h41) behind the 92 350 TPI but I am sure they are pricey.

Glad to see your still pluggin away at your rig. If you plan on 37s under a heavy wag, and really plan on wheeling it hard in the rocks I might look into a different rear axle and I dont mean polys(14 bolt/D60/9).

Hasta,
-Al

NocalFJ60 · 05-15-08, 01:52 PM

I am happy with the H55F and toybox after its first long roadtrip to Moab. The only complaint is more horsepower to get up the hills with a loaded down cruiser. But if it is relatively flat I could cruiser at 70mph at about 2400 rpms. I used just the low on the toybox a lot on the trails and then used the transmission gears to vary my speed.

blackandbluefj · 05-15-08, 07:16 PM

just swapped a tbi 350 into my 87 fj60 and wheeled it first time last weekend and god it was night and day from before. needless to say the sbc has a torquer cam and dish top pistons and 305 heads. needless to say much lowend grunt. wheeled most the time probably from idle to 2500 rpm through mudholes and hill climbs. looking now to double it up though i just want a little lower crawl and the 4.11 work just fine with the ranger overdrive for on road gas mileage. as for your big worry of cost my motor/donor vehicle was free, 1000 for rebuild, 800 for adapter used, and probably another 800 or so in the little things. I love every minute of it. Good luck

Bryon

chappysfj40 · 05-15-08, 07:36 PM

my 2 cents would stay with the 3fe and you need a rebuild rebuild it or find anther one with lower miles, swap it in r rebuild it. T ake this extre time saved and do the toy box or 203. Plus there is money saved and more important to me these days is time saved and not doing a conversion at the begining of the wheeling season, just how i am thinking because i will be gone next season. again my 2 cents
cheers and happy wrenching

chicago · 05-16-08, 11:30 AM

So I sat down and ran some numbers...
It would actually be right around the same price to do the V8 swap with the vortec and a 4l60 tranny, marlin box, all the wiring, shafts etc (Based on Iaintscared's list) as it would to do a used 4 speed, marlin box, shafts, engine re build etc. manual conversion.
I CAN NOT believe that a master rebuild kit is 1500.00!!!!
Youve gotta be fricking KIDDING ME!
I havent called Marlin on this, but it would seem that I could run the 4.7 box behind a 700R tranny and eliminate 2 adapters and mate the tranny, marlin box and split case all together...
Im thinkin im just gonna do the V8 swap, and get stuff as I can afford it.
The tired old motor is what is forcing a decision as it boost the cost to make it a wash either way.

Chicago

CaliCruiser · 05-16-08, 11:56 AM

Should be a sweet conversion which ever way you decide to go. If you are a bit concerned with the Marlin strength, switch it out for a NP203 low range box. Vortec/4l60e/203/split case would be a killer combo!

Dylan

chappysfj40 · 05-16-08, 04:21 PM

i have the 203/to the 3spd landcruiser case and a 700r to a v-8, i have yet to take it off road, but so far i love it.

CruisinFJ60 · 05-16-08, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mace

203 is 2:1

Bob is running a C6/203/splittcase

Marlins boxes are pretty strong. I am running dual cases in my 40 and beat the tar out of it with 40's and almost 200:1

If you start shattering axles, go from there. There is a good chance you won't. If you do, there are poly performance options or just pony up for a 35/40 spline 9".

i have already busted 2 rear axles... and now keep a long and short at the house. SOA and 37's are in my future soon if i dont do a 383 and a 150 shot in the camaro

05-13-08, 05:11 PM	#33
Mace what he said Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 10,873	8.1 would be cool, but I think you would want a 4l80E then.. __________________ I am kinda gay....... My Myspace http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endid=75712409 "Mary Poppins: In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and - SNAP - the job's a game."

05-13-08, 05:33 PM	#34
Cruiserdrew KI6MIE Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA TLCA# 11734 Posts: 6,766	Chicago-I would convert to a manual tranny, NP4500 if you have $$$ and SM465 if you don't. Then you have more crawl box options. Even a Toyota 4 speed with toybox and split case would be great. A Toyota H55f + Toybox + Split case would be a great set up. If you want to swap the rear axle to a centered one, then SM465 + Atlas + Rear D60 would be bullet proof and dead simple. I've always kind of wanted an Atlas, but it requires a lot of mods to a land Cruiser. You sure you want to go with a V-8? You are not building a race car. __________________ Andrew 1971 FJ-40 Rubicon tested, 2F powered, some mods 1976 FJ40 Rusting slowly in the back yard 1984 FJ-60 H55f, 4.11, OME, Daily Driver 1989 FJ-62 117k-son's driver for now-low and slow 1997 FZJ-80 Driveway queen

05-13-08, 06:34 PM	#35
CaliCruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pine Grove, Ca TLCA# 15987 Posts: 1,791	Yo Keith I say go Vortec but consider a manual swap when you do the conversion. I haven't driven an auto/v8 combo, but I have driven a manual/toybox setup and it kicks ass. However, I imagine the auto would be nice for those long days on the trail when fatigue becomes an issue. Your welcome to drive my junk when we meet up for a day trip which is 225:1, won't be till the end-ish of May though. Dylan __________________ ROTW '85 FJ60 \| SOA \| ARB \| M8274-50 \| Sliders \| Aussie'd \| H55F \| 4.7 Toybox \| 4.88s \| Custom Crap

05-14-08, 07:47 AM	#39
Mace what he said Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 10,873	I see the recreational fact as a reason to swap to a V8. The manual and a toy box is a good option. But it is still pricy, and it still may leave Chicago wanting more. V8 conversions are easy science now (unless you like to be difficult like me). I would think that if you are only doing 5 to 10 trips a year in a rig you would want those trips to be as worthwile as possible. __________________ I am kinda gay....... My Myspace http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endid=75712409 "Mary Poppins: In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and - SNAP - the job's a game."

05-14-08, 07:19 PM	#44
iaintscared1969 RT Customs Vortec Junky Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Irving, Tx. TLCA# 17528 Posts: 1,662	You know how I feel on this...2F and 3FE are great engines for what they were built for. Times change, People have personal driving styles that these engines don't keep up with. I like the V-8's for the available power, aftermarket support for add on goodies. Why go through the headache to turn a 2f fuel injected, make a 3FE turbo? You still wind up with the same end result...Less smiles per mile! I have seen all the work you have done to that truck so I don't think you will be trying to recoup your cost in the end. It is a hobby and the result is hobbies cost money...But you get to enjoy it. __________________ Cool place to get all the cruiser crap you could want! http://cruisercrap.com 1989 FJ 62 4" Hell Creek Suspension, Bridgestone Duellers 33X12.50, Hummer sliders modified of course, HI-Lift Jack, Pioneer Equipment Rack, HFS 2.5 Shackles, Defender Light rack, 4 KC Rally 800 series lights, All new steering components,First responder kit, and a whole lotta stickers! Member: LSLC, DFW and Austin, BSLCA

05-13-08, 04:18 PM	#32
sixty IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Back in Vegas Posts: 565	I'd be more inclined to go with the 6.0 (& even consider the 8.1), but they can be quite a bit more $$. keep your eyes open and you might be able to find a deal. Look on car-parts.com also & you could really score even with shipping involved. Don't forget to look into the adapter for the 4l60e to the 203 as well as year compatability of the Vortec ECM to the chosen 4l60e. The early 4 bolt 700r4/4l60E pattern is pretty simple to adapt using GM parts but I have no idea whats available for the 6 bolt pattern (97-up I believe)

05-14-08, 03:05 PM	#43
sixty IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Back in Vegas Posts: 565	Before you drop the coin on the AA adaper, you might want to look into using the factory 6-bolt to nv241 adapter (if it exists). Then all you need to do is redrill the face of the 203 to match the pattern and you would have the added benefit of the 6-bolt pattern on the 4l60e, which is a weak point of the 4 bolt pattern transmissions. I drove a built, cam'd 2f'd fj60 daily for a few years. Going up to an EFI 350 was a night and day difference and similar to wheeling pre SOA and post. There were many times on hill climbs & deep snow where the 2f would not have made it no matter how I finessed it. There were also a few times when more HP would have gotten me farther, hence the new stroker. I would never go back to manual transmission either, unless I neede the reliability.

05-14-08, 09:22 PM	#45
chicago IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Reno, Nevada Posts: 3,032	I have seen all the work you have done to that truck so I don't think you will be trying to recoup your cost in the end. It is a hobby and the result is hobbies cost money...But you get to enjoy it.[/quote] This last statment made me chuckle! Any ideas Ive had about trying to re coup anything I have into it went out the window with the SOA! Its worth a FORTUNE to me! Chicago __________________ TLCA#16202, KE7VAT Toyota family: 88 FJ62 (Fairly built) 06 4runner...wifes rig! 06 Tacoma, DD, BONE STOCK and staying that way! PROUD member of the WEST COAST BLOTCHERS and the Battle Born Cruisers of Northern Nevada! GO CUBS!!!!!!!!!!!

05-14-08, 09:39 PM	#46
iaintscared1969 RT Customs Vortec Junky Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Irving, Tx. TLCA# 17528 Posts: 1,662	Lucky for some of us our better half's keep us grounded. Otherwise we would be homeless, and broke living out of our fully blown SOA mud slilning 60's! I wouldn't see anything wrong with that. But atleast she understands my addiction and supports me with an allowance. __________________ Cool place to get all the cruiser crap you could want! http://cruisercrap.com 1989 FJ 62 4" Hell Creek Suspension, Bridgestone Duellers 33X12.50, Hummer sliders modified of course, HI-Lift Jack, Pioneer Equipment Rack, HFS 2.5 Shackles, Defender Light rack, 4 KC Rally 800 series lights, All new steering components,First responder kit, and a whole lotta stickers! Member: LSLC, DFW and Austin, BSLCA

05-15-08, 08:12 AM	#47
lowtideride Ride On... Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Florida TLCA# 14891 Posts: 7,057	Hey chicago, I ended up getting a 350 TPI as well, not so much becuase of the power but becuase it weighs 250 lbs less. And for me building a crawler, lighter is better... I never thought I would be one to give up my 2f but a deal came about where I traded it straight up for a low milage 350. I always loved the low end grunt the 2f gave, I hope the 350 will live up to the 2f. Ill let you know how the toybox works behind my 350. I am running an h41/toybox/split case/1 tons...in a much much lighter body. I havnt really looked into adapters yet to run my cruiser tranny (h41) behind the 92 350 TPI but I am sure they are pricey. Glad to see your still pluggin away at your rig. If you plan on 37s under a heavy wag, and really plan on wheeling it hard in the rocks I might look into a different rear axle and I dont mean polys(14 bolt/D60/9). Hasta, -Al __________________ www.NFCruiserheads.org FJ45 Crawler and a 1983 Hilux... has had no peers for 50 years...

05-15-08, 01:52 PM	#48
NocalFJ60 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 2,672	I am happy with the H55F and toybox after its first long roadtrip to Moab. The only complaint is more horsepower to get up the hills with a loaded down cruiser. But if it is relatively flat I could cruiser at 70mph at about 2400 rpms. I used just the low on the toybox a lot on the trails and then used the transmission gears to vary my speed. __________________ Kevin 1982 FJ60 Northern California SF Bay Area TLCA/PMC Member "He who throws mud only loses ground."

05-15-08, 07:16 PM	#49
blackandbluefj IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: shrewsbury, pa Posts: 208	just swapped a tbi 350 into my 87 fj60 and wheeled it first time last weekend and god it was night and day from before. needless to say the sbc has a torquer cam and dish top pistons and 305 heads. needless to say much lowend grunt. wheeled most the time probably from idle to 2500 rpm through mudholes and hill climbs. looking now to double it up though i just want a little lower crawl and the 4.11 work just fine with the ranger overdrive for on road gas mileage. as for your big worry of cost my motor/donor vehicle was free, 1000 for rebuild, 800 for adapter used, and probably another 800 or so in the little things. I love every minute of it. Good luck Bryon

05-15-08, 07:36 PM	#50
chappysfj40 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: PORT HUENEME , CA TLCA# 9188 Posts: 482	my 2 cents would stay with the 3fe and you need a rebuild rebuild it or find anther one with lower miles, swap it in r rebuild it. T ake this extre time saved and do the toy box or 203. Plus there is money saved and more important to me these days is time saved and not doing a conversion at the begining of the wheeling season, just how i am thinking because i will be gone next season. again my 2 cents cheers and happy wrenching __________________ - Iam home now from the SUCK !!!!!!! VJ60 700R4 33's 203 doubler, ARB's 4.56, OME and just a awesome truck!!!!!!!!!! - RUBITHON 2008 TESTED GOD ASKED FOR 10 DAYS TO CREATE EARTH, CHUCK NORRIS GAVE HIM 7..

05-16-08, 11:30 AM	#51
chicago IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Reno, Nevada Posts: 3,032	So I sat down and ran some numbers... It would actually be right around the same price to do the V8 swap with the vortec and a 4l60 tranny, marlin box, all the wiring, shafts etc (Based on Iaintscared's list) as it would to do a used 4 speed, marlin box, shafts, engine re build etc. manual conversion. I CAN NOT believe that a master rebuild kit is 1500.00!!!! Youve gotta be fricking KIDDING ME! I havent called Marlin on this, but it would seem that I could run the 4.7 box behind a 700R tranny and eliminate 2 adapters and mate the tranny, marlin box and split case all together... Im thinkin im just gonna do the V8 swap, and get stuff as I can afford it. The tired old motor is what is forcing a decision as it boost the cost to make it a wash either way. Chicago __________________ TLCA#16202, KE7VAT Toyota family: 88 FJ62 (Fairly built) 06 4runner...wifes rig! 06 Tacoma, DD, BONE STOCK and staying that way! PROUD member of the WEST COAST BLOTCHERS and the Battle Born Cruisers of Northern Nevada! GO CUBS!!!!!!!!!!!

05-16-08, 11:56 AM	#52
CaliCruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pine Grove, Ca TLCA# 15987 Posts: 1,791	Should be a sweet conversion which ever way you decide to go. If you are a bit concerned with the Marlin strength, switch it out for a NP203 low range box. Vortec/4l60e/203/split case would be a killer combo! Dylan __________________ ROTW '85 FJ60 \| SOA \| ARB \| M8274-50 \| Sliders \| Aussie'd \| H55F \| 4.7 Toybox \| 4.88s \| Custom Crap

05-16-08, 04:21 PM	#53
chappysfj40 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: PORT HUENEME , CA TLCA# 9188 Posts: 482	i have the 203/to the 3spd landcruiser case and a 700r to a v-8, i have yet to take it off road, but so far i love it. __________________ - Iam home now from the SUCK !!!!!!! VJ60 700R4 33's 203 doubler, ARB's 4.56, OME and just a awesome truck!!!!!!!!!! - RUBITHON 2008 TESTED GOD ASKED FOR 10 DAYS TO CREATE EARTH, CHUCK NORRIS GAVE HIM 7..