1HDT to 1HDFT swap - 80 series (2 Viewers)

[GreenPump]

Let's just assume a theoretical scenario, where a person has a 1995 HDJ81 and a 1993 HDJ80.

Both RHD. Keeping the triple locked chasis, manual trans from HDJ80. Swapping the 1HDFT out of the '95. How different is the harness. Can I re use manual trans bell housing onto the 1HDFT which came with the auto.

Is this as simple as I assume.

Looking for info. Thanks.

 

[ikarus]

Yes the manual bell housing should be the same for 1HDT and 1HD-FT.

I can't speak too much about the harness as I'm not an expert but a couple things I know of:
- 1HD-FT has a glow screen instead of glow plugs
- If your 1HD-FT has EGR, your tach signal will go through the EGR computer to the cluster. If you don't have EGR it's a simpler setup and easier to get the tach working after the manual swap

What if you just swap the locked axles onto the 95? Then all that's left is a relatively simple manual swap. Unless the 93 is in better shape and you just want the engine from the 95?

 

[GreenPump]

1HD-FT has a glow screen instead of glow plugs

This sounds far less effective. My 'snow version' HDJ81 has plugs+fuel heater, will start with ease in the cold. How does the screen do. I will have a circulating heater to plug in at the house, but when out and about it needs to start. I have a webasto I could install, I guess.

What if you just swap the locked axles onto the 95? Then all that's left is a relatively simple manual swap.

In this theoretical scenario, both the 93 and 95 have serious rust. I would be using a donor 80 series frame and body. So really, I am doing the work of pulling axles and engine anyway.

If the wiring and fitment will be too much of a nightmare, I will just sell the FT and keep the 1HDT.

Another option would be to use the full harness, dash, and electronics out of the 95. The three things I want out of the 93 are:

1. Locked axles
2. Manual transmission
3. Full interior, including seats, door cards, carpet, dash, etc. The 93 has a near-perfect euro style interior in oak/brown. I love this color, especially with a white body, and it's immaculate. Best I've ever seen.

 

[ikarus]

This sounds far less effective. My 'snow version' HDJ81 has plugs+fuel heater, will start with ease in the cold. How does the screen do. I will have a circulating heater to plug in at the house, but when out and about it needs to start. I have a webasto I could install, I guess.


In this theoretical scenario, both the 93 and 95 have serious rust. I would be using a donor 80 series frame and body. So really, I am doing the work of pulling axles and engine anyway.

If the wiring and fitment will be too much of a nightmare, I will just sell the FT and keep the 1HDT.

Another option would be to use the full harness, dash, and electronics out of the 95. The three things I want out of the 93 are:

1. Locked axles
2. Manual transmission
3. Full interior, including seats, door cards, carpet, dash, etc. The 93 has a near-perfect euro style interior in oak/brown. I love this color, especially with a white body, and it's immaculate. Best I've ever seen.

So I assume your donor frame/body will be RHD as well?

Condensing the best components of 3 80s into one sounds like a massive project haha but would be awesome if you have the space. White/brown combo would look great for sure.

As far as the glow screen, it does ok. I actually removed mine. It's hard to use with an intercooler - doable but takes some work - and the relay is prone to melting down. I need to install a Webasto. The FT is a great engine, I wouldn't overlook it because of the glow screen. But it really depends on your use case. The 1HD-T is great as well and seems to have slightly better parts availability when it comes to a complete rebuild.

Fitment shouldn't be an issue, they essentially have the same footprint in the engine bay. And if you have the '95 there to transfer over the complete wiring harness I don't see why that wouldn't work.

 

[TheBussman]

If you want to run the EGR system on the FT there is a fair amount of wiring involved and you'll have to move the auto trans module (it controls the emissions system). If you don't want to run EGR or the glow screen then I'm pretty sure you won't have to do any wiring changes at all.

 

[GreenPump]

If you want to run the EGR system on the FT there is a fair amount of wiring involved and you'll have to move the auto trans module (it controls the emissions system). If you don't want to run EGR or the glow screen then I'm pretty sure you won't have to do any wiring changes at all.

This is the answer I was hoping to hear. For the record, f#ck the EGR. And I could live without the glow screen and run a Webasto.