1985 3FE Swapped FJ60, a Refresh

[Michael Hanson]

Looks good,I’ve found after taking the engines out it shakes a lot of rust etc. in the water jackets loose. I always instal a Gano filter in the upper radiator hose when starting up. It catches quite a bit of old material before it goes in the radiator.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

Engine being in place I’m now working on reconnecting everything, starting with the transfer case/ everything underneath the truck. Transfer case linkage was rebuilt using OEM components. Diagram stolen from elsewhere on here.

 

[Gimme a 60]

Engine being in place I’m now working on reconnecting everything, starting with the transfer case/ everything underneath the truck. Transfer case linkage was rebuilt using OEM components. Diagram stolen from elsewhere on here.View attachment 3357837

Good on you.

I abandoned all of that linkage. It all seized - and went with the factory twin stick.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

Replaced the bushings in the “new” (to me) rear Bilstein’s that came from @Godwin 60 with Energy Suspension. Thanks @cruisermatt for giving me the correct part number.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

I reinstalled the PS pump with one from the parts stash since mine was leaking a lot.

The pump in the middle is the one I removed, the one one the left is it’s replacement, and the one on the right is from an FJ80 3FE. The 80 series pump would have worked but I decided not to use it.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

With the smog pump gone a lot of room is freed up above the alternator, and it removed a failure point.

I used a Gates Green Stripe TR22525 as the desmog belt, a Dayco 22528 also works according to the desmog threads.

I believe an OE PS belt from a non-US 3F would work as well but I have not been able to find a PN for it that’s available from US Toyota dealers, only through Partsouq and Amayama I believe.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

New Denso A/C compressor installed today.

It’s really close to being ready to start again, hopefully next weekend.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

Buttoned up the cooling system today. I had put a heater pipe on off a 3FE from an FJ80 only to find out that it’s different from an FJ62 heater pipe. Took it back off and put the correct one on.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

I still have not started it. Next weekend will be repairing the connector for the coolant temperature sensor and installing the oil level sending unit.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

What I actually did accomplish this weekend.
I installed a new Aisin 4Runner master cylinder, installed Bilsteins on the rear, and finally installed an 80 series steering box.

I had to cut my inner fender to get it installed, allegedly it’s possible without trimming, but I was out of patience. The 80 series box is very close to the alternator on the 3FE, to the point we thought there might be interference, but it clears it by about an inch. Cutting is a small price to pay to have a box that doesn’t leak. @Godwin also trimmed his fender when he installed an 80 box on his 60. @HemiAlex did you have to trim?

 

[HemiAlex]

I did have to trim. But my tilt column clamshell for the u joint didn’t fit.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

I did have to trim. But my tilt column clamshell for the u joint didn’t fit.

Was it to small to slide onto the box?

 

[HemiAlex]

I think so. I just remember fighting and leaving it off.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

Bilsteins are now on all four corners and new Energy Suspension extended sway bar links are installed.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

The hood has been reinstalled. Still needs exhaust and to adjust the valves, the we should be rolling again.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

I also replaced the bushings on the pivot point of the parking brake cable.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

I've been researching and thinking about tires since my KM3s are pretty worn. The current size on the truck is 33x10.50r15, they measure to about 31.5" tall. My idea is to move to a 16" wheel and most likely go with 235/85r16 (32x9.25") pizza cutters. This would put the tire height about the same as it is now or possibly slightly taller. My dad's 60 runs 2500 RPM at 70 in 5th gear with 4:11s and 255/85r16. I believe with a 235/85 in 5th with 4:11s my 3FE would be spinning at about 2700 RPM at 70. The 235/85r16 in an A/T may lead to slightly better MPGs as well, due to less unsprung weight and a less aggressive tread. Also with a 235 there would be less drag due to the narrower width (as if that matters on a 60). Everyone who runs 235/85r16 seems to really like the size, but can anyone weigh in on it?

 

[toy_tek]

I've been researching and thinking about tires since my KM3s are pretty worn. The current size on the truck is 33x10.50r15, they measure to about 31.5" tall. My idea is to move to a 16" wheel and most likely go with 235/85r16 (32x9.25") pizza cutters. This would put the tire height about the same as it is now or possibly slightly taller. My dad's 60 runs 2500 RPM at 70 in 5th gear with 4:11s and 255/85r16. I believe with a 235/85 in 5th with 4:11s my 3FE would be spinning at about 2700 RPM at 70. The 235/85r16 in an A/T may lead to slightly better MPGs as well, due to less unsprung weight and a less aggressive tread. Also with a 235 there would be less drag due to the narrower width (as if that matters on a 60). Everyone who runs 235/85r16 seems to really like the size, but can anyone weigh in on it?

I've got 235/85/16 BFG KO2s on my 62 now, They measure 31" high exactly. Don't think I'll ever run an MT again. I really loved that exact same tire on my 97 4R, never had a traction or clearance issue, and the BFG's just seem to wear really well. I have 235's on my F250 as well. The only negative I can think of is they're usually E rated as opposed to C, but thats a minor negative.

Can't make a apples to apples comment on the RPM since I still have the auto trans installed (although not for long), but I do think the H55 will make an improvement for me in 5th vs. the auto... right now I think my cruise RPM in 4th is a little low. I guess I'm saying that I think the combination of 3FE, H55, 235/85 and 4.11 should be pretty sweet. But I know others have reported that elsewhere on Mud.

One other minor benefit of the skinnier tire is the spare just takes up less space... if it's inside, bonus. If it's underneath, bonus.

Lastly (but lets be real, most importantly ) I think the side profile of the 235 is about as perfect as possible with this truck - looks a lot better than the 31/10.50/15 I had for the last 5 years. Not gonna clog your thread w a pic of my truck with 235's, but it's >here<.

 

[Gimme a 60]

I’m running 33” tires, and I have a H55F with 4:10s

My highway speed is 60Mph at 2500RPM.


I think downsizing the tires is the wrong direction. If anything I would get a good set of KO2s 33” x10.5. - you also have a 80 series steering box right - so it would be even better.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

I've got 235/85/16 BFG KO2s on my 62 now, They measure 31" high exactly. Don't think I'll ever run an MT again. I really loved that exact same tire on my 97 4R, never had a traction or clearance issue, and the BFG's just seem to wear really well. I have 235's on my F250 as well. The only negative I can think of is they're usually E rated as opposed to C, but thats a minor negative.

Can't make a apples to apples comment on the RPM since I still have the auto trans installed (although not for long), but I do think the H55 will make an improvement for me in 5th vs. the auto... right now I think my cruise RPM in 4th is a little low. I guess I'm saying that I think the combination of 3FE, H55, 235/85 and 4.11 should be pretty sweet. But I know others have reported that elsewhere on Mud.

One other minor benefit of the skinnier tire is the spare just takes up less space... if it's inside, bonus. If it's underneath, bonus.

Lastly (but lets be real, most importantly ) I think the side profile of the 235 is about as perfect as possible with this truck - looks a lot better than the 31/10.50/15 I had for the last 5 years. Not gonna clog your thread w a pic of my truck with 235's, but it's >here<.

Please feel free to clog it away, I’d love to see more pictures of Clark.

@johnnyshaner Has 235/85 Geolanders on his 60, which look’s pretty great.

As well as @Ian Crawford with KO2s.

My understanding is also that since BFGs run small a non-BFG 235/85 would probably be a bit taller.

Another thing is that 235/85s are a lot easier to find than a 33x10.50, and they’re less expensive. I believe probably the best tire for these trucks is the 255/85r16. However, those are more expensive, and basically only available in a mud terrain.
There’s also very limited options for the 33x10.50 at this point.

My only slight hesitation is that, as @gimme a 60 point out, it would be a downsize, on paper anyway. But since my KM3 33s only measure 31.5” tall, I don’t think I will really lose height.