1st Post, First Question...ok..many questions

[4WDtoBBQ]

Ok...The back story

A few months ago I traded a almost new Polaris RZR for this 72 FJ40. The RZR was great, but trailering it to and from the trail head was a pain.

What I know:

72 FJ40, 72-307 V8, Original Transfer case and 3 Sp Trans
The body was traded out along the way and now is fiberglass. Disc in front, drum in back. The V8 leaks oil and I have already replaced the oil pan and header gaskets. Still leaks..might be the crank seal? Anyways, I'm done with this engine and want to put a 350 in it along with some other drive train upgrades.

Now comes the questions:

I want to drop in a new 350, Something like this
GM Goodwrench 1970-85 350 Engine & Packages - JEGS
and marry that up to a used or rebuilt SM420 or SM465 but keep my transfer case to keep costs down.

1. Can just bolt and go a sm420 or sm465 in place of the Toyota 3 sp?
2. I know I will have cooling issues with the V8 and will need to invest in a good rad...anything else I should worry about with this scenario?
3. If this isn't a good plan..what would you do with about 3K to spend for Transmission and Engine?

I want to be able to take it to the Rubicon and also travel on the highways there.

Last but not least, I have searched the forums and read the FAQ, but having trouble finding out the best way to go. And I'm not a mechanic but willing to learn and pay a friend some beers to help me with the install.

In payment for your fine technical advice here are some pics of my project. Once drive train is down, I will go for lockers and some of the smaller things.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[calstyl2]

That 307 is a really good cruiser motor, well thought of, My first 40 had one.

 

[bufitfn]

Good looking truck!
IMHO take out the Chevy and put a rebuilt 2F of 3B back in her!

 

[Ron B]

Im running a 350 with a sm465 and a stock radiator with no cooling issues. The key is a good shroud. Its still a 60mph vehicle because of the stock gearing. It is my DD and it does just fine. youll need the trans to tcase adaptor from Downey or AA. Its also pretty much a 3 speed around town because of the granny first.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

X 2 what Calstyle wrote.

So the engine leaks some oil!?! Big deal! Have you done a compression test on it? If the numbers are good replace all the seals and run it.

A SM420 would be cheaper to swap-in then the SM465 but either would be a big improvement in gearing for the trail.

Good luck with your "new" 40 Series!

Regards,

Alan

That 307 is a really good cruiser motor, well thought of, My first 40 had one.