Cookie Cutter 5.3 Swap Into 62 (1 Viewer)

[Dubs2017]

Finally decided to dive in on a 5.3 swap on my 62. I have been plotting this for a few years, and have been taking notes from many of the valuable threads here.

My goal is to make this swap as straightforward as possible. To that end, I will be blatantly copying what many folks here have painfully figured out already. Thank you for the hard work, and for taking the time to post about it. @dbbowen 's driveway swap thread was incredibly valuable, as were many others that are listed in my notes below.

As you all know, many folks here like @cruisermatt and @FJ60Cam have spent a lot of time to offer parts that make this job much more straightforward. Matt's motor mounts, t-case shifter bracket, and transmission harness along with Mosley Motors's PS line, AC lines, and one stop shopping for the AA adaptor should give my marriage a fighting chance through this process.

I have never done a motor swap before, but have spent many useless conference calls reading build threads and taking notes. I have basic hand tools (no air), and a 140amp harbor freight welder that I bought to fix my rusted roof.

So, if you are looking for ingenious fabrication, amazing craftsmanship, and mechanical artistry, this is not the thread for you.

However, if you are looking for a cookie cutter swap, utilizing as many known solutions as possible, then I'm your guy.

THIS is my budget and notes doc. I will continue to update it as I progress. Hopefully it can be helpful to anyone planning a similar swap. If anyone sees any glaring mistakes or omissions, please let me know. It is more likely an oversight on my part than me knowing something that you don't.



Vehicle
1989 FJ62, 232k miles.
Purchased bone stock in 2017 on the side of the road in Bishop, CA while on a trip to Tahoe. Rust free with the exception of a couple of spots on the roof, which are now fixed.

Donor Motor/Transmission
LM7 out of 2001 Tahoe with 119k miles (gen iii, DBC)
4l60e 127k miles (from different vehicle)

Luckily garage is deep enough for everything.

Teardown begins (cold day in the driveway)

Lots of wiring to clean up....

Timelapse of 3FE and transmission coming out with an assist from my brother in law @Drewbie

 

[Dubs2017]

Drivetrain out.

Started by getting the LM7 disassembled for the new manifolds, oil pan, plugs & wires, etc.

Only had 3 broken manifold bolts, and two of them I was able to get out with vice grips.

The third...

Bottom end looked clean to me. Anyone see anything concerning here?

 

[Dubs2017]

3FE Getting ready to head down to fastenall.

Picked up the notched Novak transmission pan.

And got the very dirty transfercase broken down for bead blasting.

 

[GarrettS]

Looks awesome! I bet you’ll have this done in no time working with pre-fabbed parts.

Good luck!

 

[Dubs2017]

Couple of the parts that went onto the LM7:
Mark's 4wd oil pressure and water temp adaptors

Oil Pan (GM Performance Parts 19212593)

My motor had the "EVO" (electronic variable orifice) pump on it. So used a FlowOne reducer in order to get Mosley Motors PS line to work. Further reading on the reducer here by @TRAIL TAILOR.

 

[cruisermatt]

I like to use a NPT adapter and go straight to the block with the Toyota oil pressure sensor since there’s no need for the GM one. Less potential leak points and cleaner look.

You’ll have this done in no time!

 

[Dubs2017]

Reducing Valve:

I've got the t-case adaptor mocked up. Just need to cut the 4l60 output shaft and try to follow the famously terrible instructions.

Also got the engine bay ready for pressure washing. Hoping to get that banged out this weekend.

 

[Dubs2017]

I like to use a NPT adapter and go straight to the block with the Toyota oil pressure sensor since there’s no need for the GM one. Less potential leak points and cleaner look.

You’ll have this done in no time!

Thanks. Live and learn.

Appreciate all of your help so far, Matt.

 

[cruisermatt]

Make sure to drill and tap the adapter for the FJ62 mount before it goes under the truck, much easier out of the vehicle then under it!

 

[Dubs2017]

Make sure to drill and tap the adapter for the FJ62 mount before it goes under the truck, much easier out of the vehicle then under it!

Good looking out. I have in my notes to "remove the torque converter, connect the engine and tranny, and place on the motor mounts" to get the correct transmission mount placement for drilling and tapping the adapter.

Is there an easier way? Or is that your go-to method?

 

[cruisermatt]

Good looking out. I have in my notes to "remove the torque converter, connect the engine and tranny, and place on the motor mounts" to get the correct transmission mount placement for drilling and tapping the adapter.

Is there an easier way? Or is that your go-to method?

We drill and tap the adapter, bolt the FJ62/auto mount to it, bolt that to the original crossmember/frame, then use that to locate the engine mounts. The engine will be perfectly located 1" off the firewall.

If only AA would listen to my suggestions and put both hole patterns in the adapter... the original crossmember location works out perfectly other then having to make 1/4" shims between it and the frame to account for the height of the adapter.

 

[Dubs2017]

Thanks Matt. Does it go as close to center as possible? Or cheated forward/backwards at all?

Sorry to hear that AA won't take input. Your suggestion make this much more straightforward.

Interestingly, I picked up a 60 series mount from Cruiser Outfitters just to have on hand, and the holes don't even line up. Would take some reaming out of the mount to get it to bolt up.

62 crossmember with 60 mount:

 

[GarrettS]

I think it’s because you have an automatic transmission.
The mount for the autos is harder to come across and it’s definitely narrower and smaller than the manual transmissions.

I’m sorry, I wish I had a part number or something to share

 

[adman02]

Subscribed. I’m a few months behind you - planning a similarly unremarkable LS swap.

 

[dbbowen]

Aw man you’re going to love it. Already making a ton of headway! Killing it

 

[cruisermatt]

Thanks Matt. Does it go as close to center as possible? Or cheated forward/backwards at all?

Sorry to hear that AA won't take input. Your suggestion make this much more straightforward.

Measure off the A440f and match that.

 

[JDUB fab]

Love the progress bud!

 

[Dubs2017]

I think it’s because you have an automatic transmission.
The mount for the autos is harder to come across and it’s definitely narrower and smaller than the manual transmissions.

I’m sorry, I wish I had a part number or something to share

Thanks Garret. Appreciate the input. I picked up the 60 mount simply to have on hand in case I needed it. I am in UT, so can take it back to Cruiser Outfitters easily. I was buying a handful of parts, and figured it wouldn't hurt to have on hand.

For reference, 62 mount PN is 12371-61041 (NLA), and this is a pretty good description with pics of the two mounts (and aftermarket).

If anyone knows of a replacement PN or a NOS stash of these, let me know.

 

[Dubs2017]

Measure off the A440f and match that.

Ah, makes sense. Do you go off of the bell housing, T-case pivot (using your bracket), or the rear of the tranny? Or another fixed point?

Sorry if it's an obvious answer, but trying to wrap my head around where a consistent point exists between the two setups.

 

[Dubs2017]

Subscribed. I’m a few months behind you - planning a similarly unremarkable LS swap.

Nice. My budget doc linked in my first post has the majority of parts with costs and links. Feel free to use if it is helpful.