Hi everyone,
I have finally decided to document my 40 series cruiser project. I've been lurking around the site for several years, but haven't contributed much. This will be my first build thread.
The original plan was a stock restoration, but as I started tearing down the rig it became clear that a full stock restoration would cost more than I was willing to spend and just wouldn't give me the performance I was after. I really wanted a V8! That being said, keeping the engine and drivetrain Toyota was top priority. Also, the rig had to have a manual transmission. No compromises here.
Up until 6 months ago, it had been sitting collecting rust, dust and spiders for several years. But with a sudden surge of interest and financial means to move forward, the progress has continued.
It all starts with a beat up 1971 FJ40 that spent decades in the Chihuahuan desert of Mexico. Overall, the cruiser was in pretty poor shape. The body showed evidence of at least two collisions and had quite a bit of rust. The frame was found to be in "fair" shape, with the exception of slightly bent front frame rails due to a front end collision at some point in the past.
The original F engine was scrapped in favor of a 4.7L 2UZFE from a wrecked Sequoia. Not wanting to use the original slush box behind the 2UZ, I began investigating the possibility of fitting an original H series Landcruiser manual transmission. When all was said and done, I decided on the H151f transmission. This transmission was chosen largely because of the stock toyota parts available for the conversion and its robust construction.
Since no USA vehicle ever came with a manual transmission mated to the 2UZ, the task of sourcing parts from overseas began.
The original 40 series axles will be retained and upgraded with larger gears and ARB lockers when ca$h is available.
More to to follow...
I have finally decided to document my 40 series cruiser project. I've been lurking around the site for several years, but haven't contributed much. This will be my first build thread.
The original plan was a stock restoration, but as I started tearing down the rig it became clear that a full stock restoration would cost more than I was willing to spend and just wouldn't give me the performance I was after. I really wanted a V8! That being said, keeping the engine and drivetrain Toyota was top priority. Also, the rig had to have a manual transmission. No compromises here.
Up until 6 months ago, it had been sitting collecting rust, dust and spiders for several years. But with a sudden surge of interest and financial means to move forward, the progress has continued.
It all starts with a beat up 1971 FJ40 that spent decades in the Chihuahuan desert of Mexico. Overall, the cruiser was in pretty poor shape. The body showed evidence of at least two collisions and had quite a bit of rust. The frame was found to be in "fair" shape, with the exception of slightly bent front frame rails due to a front end collision at some point in the past.
The original F engine was scrapped in favor of a 4.7L 2UZFE from a wrecked Sequoia. Not wanting to use the original slush box behind the 2UZ, I began investigating the possibility of fitting an original H series Landcruiser manual transmission. When all was said and done, I decided on the H151f transmission. This transmission was chosen largely because of the stock toyota parts available for the conversion and its robust construction.
Since no USA vehicle ever came with a manual transmission mated to the 2UZ, the task of sourcing parts from overseas began.
The original 40 series axles will be retained and upgraded with larger gears and ARB lockers when ca$h is available.
More to to follow...
