2fpower
SILVER Star
For years, I have tried to find the right FJ45. I have stalked many builds, reading and dreaming of what I would build. @Waggoner5 build changed my toyota dreams and sealed my fate. He was kind enough to give me thoughts and feedback on his epic build. From that point on, I wanted a 80 series frame and running gear with a fj45 look. Given the 80 series width, I planned to widen the vehicle by about 3 inches like several folks have. I was also planning on cutting out the 80 firewall and putting it in the rig, so I could have all the setup for A/C and all the other nice things from an 80.
I acquired parts cars over the years to do the project. A couple 80 series rigs and also had a fj40 tub to make the cab and with the lack of FJ45 cabs in America. I found BMW m series convertible seats with integrated seatbelts, so I did not need a roll bar. I knew that I wanted to stretch the frame, and had the experience of how best to do it when I build @7powernerd UTE. We stretched it 9" and I wanted this one about 7". I was planning on a GM crate motor to have all the power I could want. After years of planning and acquiring parts, I was just about ready to start the project.
Then came the posting that @Tank5 was going to sell his fj45 project rig. Builds - Scraps, My Slow 45/80 Build
He already took a great rust free 80 frame and stretched the frame 7".... in fact, I used his pictures as a guide when I did the UTE lengthening. He found a Central American 45 tub, with steering on the right, but grabbed a dash panel for a left hand drive rig. He already fit the tub and entire front panels including widened fenders. He also purchased a 2uz motor, tranny/transfer from 100 series and wiring harness from a stock tundra.
After talking with Tank5 and several discussions with my wife, we struck a deal to purchase his project car. I loaded up with @StucknKS and borrowed a 36' trailer to go play in Colorado for a few days, then roll down to New Mexico to pick it up.
Given that the tub is on the frame already, I am not sure about widening the rig now. Also not going to do the firewall swap. Since I am 6'2", I will need to stretch the tub.
other links to reference...
V8 40th . . . 2UZ content.
For those that don't understand the title of this thread and name for this rig, you are not nearly the caliber of nerd that I am, nor a fan of the series Firefly and the legend that is Jane. Here is where the name comes from, go to 16:05 of this youtube link, in the "our Mrs. Reynolds episode"
I acquired parts cars over the years to do the project. A couple 80 series rigs and also had a fj40 tub to make the cab and with the lack of FJ45 cabs in America. I found BMW m series convertible seats with integrated seatbelts, so I did not need a roll bar. I knew that I wanted to stretch the frame, and had the experience of how best to do it when I build @7powernerd UTE. We stretched it 9" and I wanted this one about 7". I was planning on a GM crate motor to have all the power I could want. After years of planning and acquiring parts, I was just about ready to start the project.
Then came the posting that @Tank5 was going to sell his fj45 project rig. Builds - Scraps, My Slow 45/80 Build
He already took a great rust free 80 frame and stretched the frame 7".... in fact, I used his pictures as a guide when I did the UTE lengthening. He found a Central American 45 tub, with steering on the right, but grabbed a dash panel for a left hand drive rig. He already fit the tub and entire front panels including widened fenders. He also purchased a 2uz motor, tranny/transfer from 100 series and wiring harness from a stock tundra.
- 2uzfe pulled from running driving 2003 4runner with 163k on it. I purchased the correct 100 series 2 piece oil pan and pickup to make it fit in a land cruiser.
- 4 speed automatic transmission with t-case pulled from a 2000 100 series land cruiser with 161k, vehicle was wrecked after the owner slide off the road in a snow storm and side impacted a tree. I did not here this run. I have the floor shifters and trim pieces with this too.
- Complete wiring harness from a 2002 2wd Tundra 2uz with 4 speed automatic. This includes body and engine harness, with ecu and all the extra modules attached. This truck was a base model no extra power doors or seats so the harness is simpler. No 4wd means you control the t-case manually and it does not create any wiring complications.
- 2002 tundra steering column with key from same vehicle.
After talking with Tank5 and several discussions with my wife, we struck a deal to purchase his project car. I loaded up with @StucknKS and borrowed a 36' trailer to go play in Colorado for a few days, then roll down to New Mexico to pick it up.
Given that the tub is on the frame already, I am not sure about widening the rig now. Also not going to do the firewall swap. Since I am 6'2", I will need to stretch the tub.
other links to reference...
V8 40th . . . 2UZ content.
For those that don't understand the title of this thread and name for this rig, you are not nearly the caliber of nerd that I am, nor a fan of the series Firefly and the legend that is Jane. Here is where the name comes from, go to 16:05 of this youtube link, in the "our Mrs. Reynolds episode"
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