Builds 1985 FJ60 -> 6.0 Liter LS Swap Build Thread (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter MBurroughs
- Start date
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- build thread fj60 ls ls swap v8
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rover67
SILVER Star
I was talking about an Idle up for the motor, not necessarily the compressor kick on speed.
Also BTW HI!
And second BTW were headed to Crested Butte this weekend.... where we bumped into you guys years ago!
Also BTW HI!
And second BTW were headed to Crested Butte this weekend.... where we bumped into you guys years ago!
LoL..
My bad.. Hellos Marco..!!!
We been on the road for a few wks now... coming back home.. from BC...
Have fun on CB...
i miss riding those trails.......
rode some in Kamloops....
Safe travels buddy..!!!
My bad.. Hellos Marco..!!!
We been on the road for a few wks now... coming back home.. from BC...
Have fun on CB...
i miss riding those trails.......
rode some in Kamloops....
Safe travels buddy..!!!
workingdog
GOLD Star
Your information on the steam port and other little items is great.
200 to 210 degrees is not at all unusual for a modern vortec and totally within spec. I throw my 2 cents in that anything below about 190 is too cold for that engine.
200 to 210 degrees is not at all unusual for a modern vortec and totally within spec. I throw my 2 cents in that anything below about 190 is too cold for that engine.
- Thread starter
- #25
I think the biggest issue is that I've yet to find an agreed-upon temp for these motors. Some reliable sources say that the 180-200 range is where it should be, others say 200-220. I know i'm definitely in the cold right now. I'll be swapping thermostats soon now that I know my cooling system is up to the task.
Any chance you can show some pics of the radiator installed? I'm working on an LS swap on my 60 and haven't gotten to the radiator yet. I talked to the folks at Ron Davis and they make a nice unit but it's pricey. I was thinking of looking at universal solutions like this, but haven't gotten around to seeing how it's going to fit/mount. I live in CO so with high temps and thin air I want to make sure I have plenty of cooling capacity when crawling around up on the trails.
- Thread starter
- #27
Sure, I'd be happy to. I'll take some photos this afternoon.
Just got back from a shakedown trip up to Big Bear, and the truck did great. She's finally trail ready.
mattressking
10 digits to freedom
Truck looks good, you should bring it out sometime and hit some trails with us.
- Thread starter
- #29
I made a post on my website about my trip this past weekend, but I figure I should post my adventures in my build thread as well.
If you want to check out the site/post, you can do so here:
SWOffRoad - Our 6.0 LS-Swapped FJ60 Land Cruiser Heads To Big Bear, CA
It's been almost six months since I purchased my FJ60, following an accident that rendered my FJ62 Land Cruiser a total loss. I purchased this particular FJ60, bone stock, for two reasons: it's completely rust free, and it is, if you ask me, the best color the chassis ever came in. After all, there's a reason new Tacomas are offered in a similar hue. The past six months have been a long road with a number of hurdles, as I worked to transform the truck from an all-original but non-running example into the 6.0 LS-powered V8 trail truck it is today. And after a few false starts in the past weeks, this last weekend marked the first successful outing, and hopefully the first of countless more.
The journey itself, of course, began at the StanceWorks HQ here in Costa Mesa, but the drive to Big Bear isn't necessarily an exciting one, aside from the uphill, 7,000-foot climb that is sure to stress any cooling system - and that was very much part of the point for the weekend's trip. I've had the FJ60 running for going on a couple of months now, but I've hit my fair share of setbacks, working out all of the kinks that come with an engine swap. The final hurdle - one that caused me to miss a months-in-the-making trip to Colorado, was an upset cooling system that simply couldn't keep up. With the latest round of fixes though, I felt that the climb to Big Bear following a stretch through the Inland Empire was a perfect way to see if the truck is up to the task. That, and the fact that the weekend's high temp was 70 degrees, with a low of 49 at night.
The drive there was, of course, a beautiful one that meanders up the mountainside. Jeremy Whittle and his FJ62 joined me for a day on the trails, and although our trucks made vastly different paces up the hill - his truck, still 3FE-powered - we met not far from the trail head. With the Juniper Springs campground reserved and all to ourselves, we made a few last-minute checks on the trucks before hitting the trail to camp.
It took no time before the typical comments arose: "I can't believe this is just two hours from home." In Jeremy's truck, his girlfriend Alie, and our friend Josh, rode along. In my FJ60, it was the whole family: my girlfriend Emily and our German Shepherd, Chloe. With rabbits to chase and bugs to chop at, Chloe was clearly enjoying the trip just as much as we were, only minutes in.
The trail to camp was relatively uneventful: a half hour, give or take, from the nearest paved road. Surprisingly, parts of the trail held standing water, but overall, it was a simple climb. Camp itself sat around 7,500ft.
If you want to check out the site/post, you can do so here:
SWOffRoad - Our 6.0 LS-Swapped FJ60 Land Cruiser Heads To Big Bear, CA
It's been almost six months since I purchased my FJ60, following an accident that rendered my FJ62 Land Cruiser a total loss. I purchased this particular FJ60, bone stock, for two reasons: it's completely rust free, and it is, if you ask me, the best color the chassis ever came in. After all, there's a reason new Tacomas are offered in a similar hue. The past six months have been a long road with a number of hurdles, as I worked to transform the truck from an all-original but non-running example into the 6.0 LS-powered V8 trail truck it is today. And after a few false starts in the past weeks, this last weekend marked the first successful outing, and hopefully the first of countless more.
The journey itself, of course, began at the StanceWorks HQ here in Costa Mesa, but the drive to Big Bear isn't necessarily an exciting one, aside from the uphill, 7,000-foot climb that is sure to stress any cooling system - and that was very much part of the point for the weekend's trip. I've had the FJ60 running for going on a couple of months now, but I've hit my fair share of setbacks, working out all of the kinks that come with an engine swap. The final hurdle - one that caused me to miss a months-in-the-making trip to Colorado, was an upset cooling system that simply couldn't keep up. With the latest round of fixes though, I felt that the climb to Big Bear following a stretch through the Inland Empire was a perfect way to see if the truck is up to the task. That, and the fact that the weekend's high temp was 70 degrees, with a low of 49 at night.
The drive there was, of course, a beautiful one that meanders up the mountainside. Jeremy Whittle and his FJ62 joined me for a day on the trails, and although our trucks made vastly different paces up the hill - his truck, still 3FE-powered - we met not far from the trail head. With the Juniper Springs campground reserved and all to ourselves, we made a few last-minute checks on the trucks before hitting the trail to camp.
It took no time before the typical comments arose: "I can't believe this is just two hours from home." In Jeremy's truck, his girlfriend Alie, and our friend Josh, rode along. In my FJ60, it was the whole family: my girlfriend Emily and our German Shepherd, Chloe. With rabbits to chase and bugs to chop at, Chloe was clearly enjoying the trip just as much as we were, only minutes in.
The trail to camp was relatively uneventful: a half hour, give or take, from the nearest paved road. Surprisingly, parts of the trail held standing water, but overall, it was a simple climb. Camp itself sat around 7,500ft.
- Thread starter
- #30
Once at camp, we unloaded the trucks. Jeremy gave the FJ62 a quick coolant bleed following all of the climbing, to ensure everything was in order. The LS in my own Cruiser was as happy as ever. The abundance of torque made quick work of everything I had asked of it so far. The roof rack I built made carrying in everyone's gear a breeze, and allowed us to bring everything we needed, and then some. Camp was comfortable, to say the least. Chloe found a good spot in the dirt to park herself while we set up, but not without rooting around in the dirt a bit first.
With a few hours of light left, and the trucks emptied, we decided to hit the trail - in our case, an unmarked one that we eventually established links to other trails nearby. It was a step up in challenge from our trail into camp; a loose bed of rocks established a path up the hillside, thin in spots but entirely navigable. We worked our way up, eager to see the view that potentially awaited us.
In a clearing, we took some time to admire the scene, unsure of what was still ahead on the trail. We wondered how often the trail was used - not another truck was in sight as we continued away from Big Bear. Eventually though, the path yielded exciting fruits for our labor.
We eventually stumbled upon a cabin that had clearly seen better days. We're unsure of when it was built, with scribblings on the wall dating back as far as 32 years ago, but we assume it had been around a while before people began their scrawlings. We also wondered how it had been built; hauling the materials up the mountainside to build it was, no question, a serious endeavor.
With a few hours of light left, and the trucks emptied, we decided to hit the trail - in our case, an unmarked one that we eventually established links to other trails nearby. It was a step up in challenge from our trail into camp; a loose bed of rocks established a path up the hillside, thin in spots but entirely navigable. We worked our way up, eager to see the view that potentially awaited us.
In a clearing, we took some time to admire the scene, unsure of what was still ahead on the trail. We wondered how often the trail was used - not another truck was in sight as we continued away from Big Bear. Eventually though, the path yielded exciting fruits for our labor.
We eventually stumbled upon a cabin that had clearly seen better days. We're unsure of when it was built, with scribblings on the wall dating back as far as 32 years ago, but we assume it had been around a while before people began their scrawlings. We also wondered how it had been built; hauling the materials up the mountainside to build it was, no question, a serious endeavor.
- Thread starter
- #31
Inside, it was largely dilapidated. A few supplies, like condiments, old water, and a partial first-aid kit gave some semblance of use, but the most recent expiration dates were years old. Writings on the wall ranged from lovely notes of family trips and efforts to care for the cabin, while others delved into depravity and profanity. It's not a place I'd be quick to stay, but it was a wonderful find nevertheless. A few guest books sat on the table. We left our mark on the only empty page we could find, and enjoyed the setting and view. We were now somewhere around 8,000 ft.
We continued up the trial a bit more, eventually settling in a clearing atop a mountain peak. 8,200ft on the altimeter put us a good bit above the town of big bear, and the view was a welcome reward for the drive. In one direction was Big Bear Lake. In the other, the Mojave desert, and we could see for what seemed like a million miles.
We continued up the trial a bit more, eventually settling in a clearing atop a mountain peak. 8,200ft on the altimeter put us a good bit above the town of big bear, and the view was a welcome reward for the drive. In one direction was Big Bear Lake. In the other, the Mojave desert, and we could see for what seemed like a million miles.
- Thread starter
- #32
We enjoyed the setting sun, and of course, I couldn't help but snap some photos of the Land Cruisers at the peak. Both trucks made the climb with little effort - the V8 gave me more than enough torque to make the climb in 2WD, and despite a short bout in 4-LO, the FJ62 hung right on my bumper. Both trucks are equipped with Nitto's Trail Grappler: 33" tires on Jeremy's white 62, and 34s on mine. Having had so much luck with them on my own FJ62, and having sold the wheel and tire setup to Jeremy last year, I was quick to opt for them once more. Their traction is incredible, with tread blocks rolling over the sidewalls of the tire, moving limits of the truck to drivelines and differential setups instead of grip, where it counts. Needless to say, they make the trucks look great too.
With the sun capping the mountains, trees, and the tallest blades of grass, we made an effort to get back to camp before we lost our available light. We snaked our way back down, putting our brakes and tires to the test once more, trusting them not to let go underneath us in the steeper sections. Careening off the trail wasn't in the cards.
With the sun capping the mountains, trees, and the tallest blades of grass, we made an effort to get back to camp before we lost our available light. We snaked our way back down, putting our brakes and tires to the test once more, trusting them not to let go underneath us in the steeper sections. Careening off the trail wasn't in the cards.
- Thread starter
- #33
Once back at camp, I selfishly took the chance to snap some photos of my truck with the setting sun. Having been so hard at work to finish it, it was my first chance to admire it. The ARB front bumper, pulled from my old FJ62, looked right at home, finishing off the "face" of the truck. The IPF lights play well with the round headlamps, and throw an enormous amount of light when fired up.
One of the parts I'm most excited about on the truck is the wheels. The Trail Grapplers wrap a set of forged Fifteen52 Turbomac HDs finished in a textured bronze. After dreaming for what seemed like an eon, the wheels were finally delivered, and suit the truck perfectly for what I had in mind. Measuring out to 17x8 et+10, they fit perfectly too. The stepped lip and small center keep the 17s from feeling too large, aesthetically, making for a wheel-and-tire package I've been anticipating for years.
At the back of the truck, I mounted the rear bumper from my FJ62 as well, sporting a matching spare Fifteen52. With as happy as I was with the Old Man Emu lift on my FJ62, it was an obvious choice for the FJ60 as well. The OME lift gives the truck the height needed to fit the wheel and tire package, and gives it the clearance to tackle the types of trails I'm after, too. It also rides well, needless to say. There's still more on the to-do list, of course, but the truck is really coming along - it's everything I had wanted from my FJ62, and then some.
While Josh set up his tent, I set up camp for Emily, Chloe, and I in the truck. Over the past couple of weeks, I worked with a friend to build a foldable sleeping platform/storage system. Topped with a 3" memory foam mattress, it made for the best night of sleep I've ever had while camping. Underneath, in the drawer and storage compartments, I keep a slew of recovery and camping gear, which made access and setting up camp a breeze.
One of the parts I'm most excited about on the truck is the wheels. The Trail Grapplers wrap a set of forged Fifteen52 Turbomac HDs finished in a textured bronze. After dreaming for what seemed like an eon, the wheels were finally delivered, and suit the truck perfectly for what I had in mind. Measuring out to 17x8 et+10, they fit perfectly too. The stepped lip and small center keep the 17s from feeling too large, aesthetically, making for a wheel-and-tire package I've been anticipating for years.
At the back of the truck, I mounted the rear bumper from my FJ62 as well, sporting a matching spare Fifteen52. With as happy as I was with the Old Man Emu lift on my FJ62, it was an obvious choice for the FJ60 as well. The OME lift gives the truck the height needed to fit the wheel and tire package, and gives it the clearance to tackle the types of trails I'm after, too. It also rides well, needless to say. There's still more on the to-do list, of course, but the truck is really coming along - it's everything I had wanted from my FJ62, and then some.
While Josh set up his tent, I set up camp for Emily, Chloe, and I in the truck. Over the past couple of weeks, I worked with a friend to build a foldable sleeping platform/storage system. Topped with a 3" memory foam mattress, it made for the best night of sleep I've ever had while camping. Underneath, in the drawer and storage compartments, I keep a slew of recovery and camping gear, which made access and setting up camp a breeze.
- Thread starter
- #34
As the sun disappeared, I put away the camera and enjoyed time with friends. I made a jaunt back to the trailhead to pick up Cory and his brother Isaac, both joining us for the night. Shortly after, Jeremy, Alie, and the white FJ62 made their way home, leaving us to settle in and enjoy the cool night ahead. It was just 6:30 when I woke up, the sun high in the sky already. A faint morning fog had rolled into our clearing, m
Josh re-ignited the fire we had built the night before, and I pulled out the fixing for a breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes and hot sausage patties. We spent the morning relaxing, followed by a hike up a nearby hill to enjoy more views. We did a bit more trail driving before packing up. Way too quickly, the weekend was already coming to a close - and Game of Thrones was waiting for us at home.
Although the trip was a short one, it served an important purpose: it proved the FJ60 is ready for action, and I'm finally... finally back in a truck of my own. Camping season is upon us, and I hope my spare weekend are spent on the trial as winter approaches. So stay tuned, because there's bound to be more SWOffRoad content coming soon.
Josh re-ignited the fire we had built the night before, and I pulled out the fixing for a breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes and hot sausage patties. We spent the morning relaxing, followed by a hike up a nearby hill to enjoy more views. We did a bit more trail driving before packing up. Way too quickly, the weekend was already coming to a close - and Game of Thrones was waiting for us at home.
Although the trip was a short one, it served an important purpose: it proved the FJ60 is ready for action, and I'm finally... finally back in a truck of my own. Camping season is upon us, and I hope my spare weekend are spent on the trial as winter approaches. So stay tuned, because there's bound to be more SWOffRoad content coming soon.
The temp is the range of the thermostat (OEM GM) for the 5.3 or 6.0, which I think is around 188F, (I'm not specifically sure of the exact temp) but nevertheless the GM OEM thermostat is the one to use and that's your normal op temp. The engine should run around +_ 5 degrees of that in normal operation.
You generally can see the temp stamped on one side of the thermostat, modern ones I believe are Celsius but you and do the math to convert.
great pics and good details. The more details and stuff people post up about how they are dealing with or have solved issues helps the community. Common questions I recall are (1) Cooling (2) specific details on how to integrate the alternator (3) integration of the GM compressor with the truck A/C components (4) power steering lines/cooler setup (5) engine harness / computer tuning / sources (5) fuel setup (6) exhaust manifolds (7) auto or manual transmission and which one and what transfer case / adapters... in play.
Congrats on completing the swap and working out the kinks. It's very easy to underestimate how much work is actually involved in a swap after that first start up. This is a lesson still fresh in my mind.
Your truck looks amazing! Dune beige is the ultimate cruiser color (white being a close second). Nice job on the photos too, very classy.
Cheers!
-Ed
Your truck looks amazing! Dune beige is the ultimate cruiser color (white being a close second). Nice job on the photos too, very classy.
Cheers!
-Ed
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Stellar writeup @MBurroughs! You've made Big Bear more appealing than ever.
