My 2F is tired.......consider my options for me.

SDFJ60JFK · 07-03-09, 11:47 PM

Grab a drink this is long winded........................

My 86 FJ 60 has 235,000 miles on it and is getting tired,
carb needs rebuilt,
using 1 quart of oil every 450 miles,
The bottom of the motor has a little oil here and there but no major leaks, never leave a drop on the ground.
It could use a proper desmog,
Compression is 134-145 which doesn't seem to bad, I have been told that I could have a broken oil ring or two.
My gas mileage is very bad less than 10 mpg.
My plugs are fouled in less than 1000 miles
Power is very bad.
I drive this truck daily and briskly to say the least.

So the obvious thing to do is put a V8 in it. My local mechanic has a wrecked 98 suburban 350 700R4 that I can have for a $1000. Runs great rebuilt transmission. Etc.........

I figure that for $5000 or so I can do this swap. Is that realistic if do most of the work my self, I have the skills if I hire out any welding and the exhaust work. I would like to do it in a way that would avoid the year plus build and trouble shooting process.

See this thread,
http://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wa...p-86-fj60.html

This thread is what I would like to have when I am done. I will have the auto trans.

After the long winded intro here are my questions.

What is the purpose of re-flashing the computer? If I use all of the sensors etc... does this still have to be done?

What is the way to handle the wiring harness. I can mate them into one with the Chevy and Toyota schematics. If I buy a wiring harness is it plug and play or do I still need to integrate the Toy to Chevy harnesses?

What are the options of dealing with the auto transmission shifter vs the 4 speed setup?

What if I want to keep the 4 speed? Does this make it more complex because of the computer wanting to talk to the 700 R4? or does the re-flash take care of that problem.

I like the idea of the V8 power and mileage but I would keep the 2f or at least a rebuilt one If that solution is is the way to go. I like the idea of putting a rebuilt hopped up 2F also........

There is no option that includes getting rid of this truck,

As you can see there is a lot to think about. What was the deciding factor for those of you that went V8 over the 2f and vice versa.....

Please let me know what you think.

Thanks John

orangefj45 · 07-04-09, 08:55 AM

the first thing i would suggest doing is to come up with a complete parts list and then see if that will work with your budget.

start here:
engine
wiring harness
computer reflash
throttle linkage
transmission shifter
transmission to tc adapter
transmission cooler and lines
transmission fluid
vss
fuel pump
fuel filter
fuel lines and fittings
radiator
radiator hoses
air cleaner
misc engine parts ( cap, rotor, wires, plugs, fittings, hoses, oil filter....)
fluids ( coolant, engine oil, ps fluid,.....)
ps lines
possibly a different ps pump due to clearance issues although you should be ok
exhaust mainfolds
mufflers
O2 sensors
cats if required
engine mounts

you will need to run your existing harness in conjunction with the harness for the engine. i like using the howell engineering harnesses because they're truly plug-n-play. they also have a great tech department, they reflash the computers in house and their harnesses, unlike some others, come completely loomed.
you could run the stock 4spd but you'd need a bell housing adapter. no big deal. the computer would need to be reflashed to get rid of the auto portion of the programming.
you can use a number of different aftermarket shifters. most guys end up going with lokar or art carr type shifters.

of course you culd rebuild the 2f but then you'd be right back where you started. slow, little power, bad fuel economy yet great reliability. the price tag for rebuilding the 2f along with the carb will be up there as well.

hth

georg @ valley hybrids

rdublt1 · 07-04-09, 09:01 AM

Just go for it

http://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wa...ore-power.html

SDFJ60JFK · 07-04-09, 09:22 AM

Georg,Excellent stuff. I am looking for this kind of info. I am committed to about $5000 or so to do this.

I am all for using the four speed and putting the 3.70 gears back in to compensate for not having OD.

Does re- flashing enable you to take out the particular items you are not using like the tranny and such I believe the engine I am looking at has 4 o2 sensors is it possible to reduce that number?

I am going to order the downey swap manual and hopefully that will answer many of my quetions.

Is it possible to use an FJ 62 shifter to keep that stock feel or are they incompatible.

I would also like to use the pedal assembly out a 62 which I have already.

Decisions decisions...............

John

orangefj45 · 07-04-09, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDFJ60JFK

Georg,Excellent stuff. I am looking for this kind of info. I am committed to about $5000 or so to do this.

I am all for using the four speed and putting the 3.70 gears back in to compensate for not having OD.

that would work. sell the 4l60e to recoup some of your initial investment. it will also make for a simpler swap if you go with the stock 4sdp and they hold up well.

Does re- flashing enable you to take out the particular items you are not using like the tranny and such I believe the engine I am looking at has 4 o2 sensors is it possible to reduce that number?

yes, you can reduce the O2s from 4 to 2.

I am going to order the downey swap manual and hopefully that will answer many of my quetions.

jim at downey is one of the most helpful and under-rated peopl in our little community. i have a ton of respect for him and his products. just one of the reasons why i like to use them.

Is it possible to use an FJ 62 shifter to keep that stock feel or are they incompatible.

i don't see why not if you're going to swap the auto in there. the trans tunnel cover for the 62 is different than the one on a 60.

I would also like to use the pedal assembly out a 62 which I have already.

just change out the brake pedal and remove the clutch pedal. switching out the entire pedal bucket is a royal pita. ask me how i know......

Decisions decisions...............

yup, exactly. start compiling your list and put some prices with the according parts. that'll help you make your choice.
there is plenty of info on this board about the type of swap you're considering. there are also quite a few members on here like myself who have successfully completed vortec swaps so info will not be hard to come by. there's also a yahoo newsgroup that deals specifically with cruiser vortec swaps.

hth

georg @ valley hybrids

ps: seems i can figure out a vortec swap in my sleep but i'm not that great with the "multi quote" setup and whatnot. so make sure you read the entire reply as some of my answers are included in your quote......

SDFJ60JFK · 07-04-09, 02:36 PM

I have contacted downey and will get the swap manual. It seems that i should be leaning towards keeping the 4 speed and adding a five speed later, easy to d for me as I have a late FJ 60 with the spacer on the transmission.

Define plug and play on the Howell Engineering harness, Where does this harness locate the ECU?

Thanks Georg you are helping me get my thoughts in order.

John

IrollwithTojo · 07-04-09, 03:47 PM

Throw in an LQ9 and call it good.

-Carl

orangefj45 · 07-04-09, 10:35 PM

you can mount the computer anywhere you want. most of the time we try to mount them in the cab of the vehicle to prevent any possible direct contact with water. in or near the glove box is a popular location. if you do decide to mount it in the cab, then tell howell you want a harness long enugh to allow you to do so.
you could also mount it in the engine bay, on top of one of the fenders. the driver side is a good spot for it.

hth

georg @ valley hybrids