First, if you couldn't see by my avatar, this is my first post to this forum. I apologize if I break any rules, and I am SURE this question has been asked before, but I couldn't find it. If you have links I would be grateful.
Next, for introductions, I bought a 1966 FJ40 last year. My first FJ, as I have been a Jeep guy until now. It had been a bit modded (poorly) with the V8 conversion done (poorly), a rear gas tank installed (poorly), new suspension installed (poorly... noticing a pattern?) etc. Basically the whole thing screams bubblegum, duct tape, and bailing wire, but it ran and it was rust free, and was inexpensive as FJs go. I plan to clean it up as I go. Drivetrain and wiring first. So there is the start of my story.
My question starts here : the drivetrain mostly comes from an 80s Chevy Blazer, as far as I can tell from part numbers. A V8 350 (I don't think this came from the Blazer) with a th350 automatic transmission (Blazer), and a Chevy transfer case (Blazer). I have 2 major issues moving forward:
1. The rear drive line in the rear is at a significant angle lining up the Chevy transfer case with the Toyota rear axel. It runs fine on the road, but that is not the goal for this truck (not a rock crawler, but not a trailer queen either). I am told this is a risk, that with any torque this can break in unexpected ways, so I should swap out the Chevy transfer case with a Toyota one and get parts from Advanced Adapters to make it work. However, talking with AA, apparently there is extensive tranny mods necessary to make this work. Makes sense. Sounds expensive.
2. The front drive line does not reach the front axel. Yes, I bought a 2WD FJ40. It's my first one and like I said, the price was right to get my foot in the door. Go ahead and laugh. Did I mention it is bright yellow (with tons of overspray of course)?
My question for the collective mind here is, what are my drivetrain options for transmission and transfer case? I called Advanced Adapters and they want my to buy a new/used 1986+ Toyota tranny and transfer case and hook that up to the V8. I am open to this but I have to imagine there are ways to make the Chevy parts work. I am not really excited about having an AT but I am on a bit of a budget, and just want to get this thing up on some light trails by next summer, maybe getting over a log or 3. Any suggestions for getting this thing back on the road, and 4WD on the cheaper/easier side?
Next, for introductions, I bought a 1966 FJ40 last year. My first FJ, as I have been a Jeep guy until now. It had been a bit modded (poorly) with the V8 conversion done (poorly), a rear gas tank installed (poorly), new suspension installed (poorly... noticing a pattern?) etc. Basically the whole thing screams bubblegum, duct tape, and bailing wire, but it ran and it was rust free, and was inexpensive as FJs go. I plan to clean it up as I go. Drivetrain and wiring first. So there is the start of my story.
My question starts here : the drivetrain mostly comes from an 80s Chevy Blazer, as far as I can tell from part numbers. A V8 350 (I don't think this came from the Blazer) with a th350 automatic transmission (Blazer), and a Chevy transfer case (Blazer). I have 2 major issues moving forward:
1. The rear drive line in the rear is at a significant angle lining up the Chevy transfer case with the Toyota rear axel. It runs fine on the road, but that is not the goal for this truck (not a rock crawler, but not a trailer queen either). I am told this is a risk, that with any torque this can break in unexpected ways, so I should swap out the Chevy transfer case with a Toyota one and get parts from Advanced Adapters to make it work. However, talking with AA, apparently there is extensive tranny mods necessary to make this work. Makes sense. Sounds expensive.
2. The front drive line does not reach the front axel. Yes, I bought a 2WD FJ40. It's my first one and like I said, the price was right to get my foot in the door. Go ahead and laugh. Did I mention it is bright yellow (with tons of overspray of course)?
My question for the collective mind here is, what are my drivetrain options for transmission and transfer case? I called Advanced Adapters and they want my to buy a new/used 1986+ Toyota tranny and transfer case and hook that up to the V8. I am open to this but I have to imagine there are ways to make the Chevy parts work. I am not really excited about having an AT but I am on a bit of a budget, and just want to get this thing up on some light trails by next summer, maybe getting over a log or 3. Any suggestions for getting this thing back on the road, and 4WD on the cheaper/easier side?