Builds 1985 FJ60 -> 6.0 Liter LS Swap Build Thread

[FJ60 guy]

Awesome build. I am in the middle of an 83 FJ60 rebuild. May need some tips as I go along. I'm using an 07 Avalanche 5.3 with modified cam to give 100hp boost to stock. Looking to see if I can use Avalanche condenser on the AC but I think it is too big to incorporate. Glad to see you were able to make stock condenser work.

1983 FJ60 Land Cruiser rebuild and upgrade

I am refurbishing and upgrading a 1983 Toyota FJ60 Land Cruiser that my daughter was using for the last 7 years to run around Wyoming. I am going to replace the stock engine with a 5.3L Vortec with custom cam and timing chain, replace the 4 speed trans with a 5 speed, new clutch and flywheel...

expeditionportal.com

 

[MBurroughs]

What OME lift do you have? Do the 34's rub when flexed? Love the look and stance!

I have the OME HD lift and CCOT lift shackles. I had to cut the fronts of my front fenders for clearance but otherwise, no. Thanks!

Awesome build. I am in the middle of an 83 FJ60 rebuild. May need some tips as I go along. I'm using an 07 Avalanche 5.3 with modified cam to give 100hp boost to stock. Looking to see if I can use Avalanche condenser on the AC but I think it is too big to incorporate. Glad to see you were able to make stock condenser work.

1983 FJ60 Land Cruiser rebuild and upgrade

I am refurbishing and upgrading a 1983 Toyota FJ60 Land Cruiser that my daughter was using for the last 7 years to run around Wyoming. I am going to replace the stock engine with a 5.3L Vortec with custom cam and timing chain, replace the 4 speed trans with a 5 speed, new clutch and flywheel...

expeditionportal.com

The stock condenser has worked flawlessly. My AC blows ice cold.

 

[MBurroughs]

I haven't done a good job of updating this thread, but I've been enjoying the truck, of course! Still drive her every day. I've made some changes lately, most notably with lift shackles, new wheels, and a GFC tent/Dometic fridge out back. Here are some pics (and some links to my recent trip report, which I need to finish up!)

 

[Hojack]

Great looking 60. I’m looking at a similar rooftop tent or mine.

 

[RockShoes]

Gorgeous 60 series. I'm strongly considering moving to the GFC with my 80 series. As the 80 is also gutter mount, can you fill us in a bit re. the gutter mount system? Did the mounts come from GFC or was it a custom job? I would also like to go gutter/tent only with no separate bars or roof rack.

 

[RockShoes]

Answered my own question. Wicked simple solutions are the best. I'm all over reducing roof loads.

Gutter Rail Mounting Kit

Designed and produced in house, this kit was created to mount our RTT on 60 and 80 series Toyota Land Cruisers. The kit includes 4 gutter rail clamps and hardware. If you have questions about fitment holler at support@gfcengineering.com.

gofastcampers.com

 

[Imagitech]

Answered my own question. Wicked simple solutions are the best. I'm all over reducing roof loads.

Gutter Rail Mounting Kit

Designed and produced in house, this kit was created to mount our RTT on 60 and 80 series Toyota Land Cruisers. The kit includes 4 gutter rail clamps and hardware. If you have questions about fitment holler at support@gfcengineering.com.

gofastcampers.com

$500 dollars for gutter mount adapters. Yikes!

 

[GeorgiaClay]

Incredible build. Thanks for sharing so much detail. Can you describe how you configured your exhaust system? Pictures of how it was routed, muffler specs, placement, etc? I also have a 6.0 LS in an FJ62 (‘89), but the exhaust solution is poor.

 

[Well Sorted]

Incredible build. Thanks for sharing so much detail. Can you describe how you configured your exhaust system? Pictures of how it was routed, muffler specs, placement, etc? I also have a 6.0 LS in an FJ62 (‘89), but the exhaust solution is poor.

Thanks man, appreciate the compliments. I don't have pics of that truck but here's another one we recently built. This was an Erod and we decided to do the crossover under the trans, in my old blue truck the crossover was behind the Tcase. Either way works, sort of depends on how you do the crossmember and where you've got space.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

Thanks man, appreciate the compliments. I don't have pics of that truck but here's another one we recently built. This was an Erod and we decided to do the crossover under the trans, in my old blue truck the crossover was behind the Tcase. Either way works, sort of depends on how you do the crossmember and where you've got space.

View attachment 2797009
View attachment 2797007

Hows it spund woth the big flowmaster muffler ive used dual flowmasters sounded more like a old school hot rod ive also used a big 3 in 3 out magnaflow muffler that sounded better not as loud less droan noise driving. Exhaust is a pain but I rather do it in house instead of an exhaust shop they really dont care how it fits or how it looks plus I us all ss amd also uae the factory hangers to hold everything in place comes out way cleaner than any exhaust shop ive ever used.

 

[Well Sorted]

Hows it spund woth the big flowmaster muffler ive used dual flowmasters sounded more like a old school hot rod ive also used a big 3 in 3 out magnaflow muffler that sounded better not as loud less droan noise driving. Exhaust is a pain but I rather do it in house instead of an exhaust shop they really dont care how it fits or how it looks plus I us all ss amd also uae the factory hangers to hold everything in place comes out way cleaner than any exhaust shop ive ever used.

That is a flowmaster 70-series muffler which is pretty quiet overall, especially on the Erod motors with catalytic converters. It doesn't drone like the higher performance flowmasters do so we've used it on quite a few builds.

 

[GeorgiaClay]

Thanks man, appreciate the compliments. I don't have pics of that truck but here's another one we recently built. This was an Erod and we decided to do the crossover under the trans, in my old blue truck the crossover was behind the Tcase. Either way works, sort of depends on how you do the crossmember and where you've got space.

View attachment 2797009
View attachment 2797007

Very helpful. Thanks!

 

[405]

I'm sad I don't have a lot of progress pics to share, but the truck is finally together and running/driving well.

I pulled my front and rear bumper off my old FJ62, and built a roof rack. The wheels are forged Fifteen52 Turbomac HDs wrapped in 34" Nitto Trail Grapplers.

The truck is running perfect, the AC is blowing ice cold, and I'm really happy with how its coming together, save for a bit of noise coming from my transfer case, but nothing bad.

I did have a lot of trouble keeping the engine cool immediately following the swap - I jumped lots of hurdles but now have it running in the mid 170s on the freeway, so if anyone ever has any questions I'd be happy to lend any knowledge about it.

I'll be taking it out on my first trip this weekend, so I'll report back with more photos and updates. I build a storage/bed system in the back of the truck that I'm excited to share.

Loved reading your build. I know this is an older thread, but can you tell me the roof rack you had in these photos? Thanks!

 

[dbbowen]

Loved reading your build. I know this is an older thread, but can you tell me the roof rack you had in these photos? Thanks!

I would be shocked if Mike Burroughs replied or is even active on ih8mud anymore. I dont know if hes even got this car anymore. You can catch up wit his stuff here:

StanceWorks

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

www.youtube.com

 

[405]

I would be shocked if Mike Burroughs replied or is even active on ih8mud anymore. I dont know if hes even got this car anymore. You can catch up wit his stuff here:

StanceWorks

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

www.youtube.com

Yeah looks like he hasnt been active here for about a year. Figured it was worth a shot. Thanks for the link.

 

[Niferous]

Very cool build! I did about the same. Mine was done by Javier’s here in Houston. It’s a 6.0 LQ9 motor with a 4L80E. Both were built by Turn Key Engines in California. Javier did top quality work, as always.

What are you doing for gauges? I’m about to plop down some money on that as my RPM gauge doesn’t work at all, my speedometer is off, my battery gauge is not working, and my temp gauge isn’t all that accurate.

 

[BurntToast]

Speedhut is a common swap, that’s what I’m working on getting setup. Mosley for the gauges, TT for the brackets

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Speedhut is a common swap, that’s what I’m working on getting setup. Mosley for the gauges, TT for the brackets

TT is a Speedhut vendor now....

 

[BurntToast]

TT is a Speedhut vendor now....

Even better! One stop