Sound advice from the forum I am still tightening bolts, replacing fuel pumps, in tank and exterior, still chasing codes bouncing around from shop to shop with $25K invested. Your way ahead of the power curve brother!
Builds 2F Retirement/ Vortec Resto-Fresh
- Thread starter cruiser enthuiser
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Ed, how's your Evap system working? Mines been throwing me all sorts of codes; I'm feeling like I'm chasing my tail trying to figure them out. Hope your not having the same issues. Getting them resolved though, one by one.
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I've been towing a trailer with mine too. That's something I would never had considered before the Vortec swap. Will post details on my build thread when I get a little more time. I'm making excuses with 
, to run errands, just so I can tool around in it 
!
, to run errands, just so I can tool around in it !
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- #204
Happy to say no issues with the EVAP system (knock wood). Let me know if you want to compare notes on hose routing, equipment, whatever.
I've got a couple months left on my registration. After that I have to register with an engine swap and go though their emissions inspection. not looking forward to the process but feeling confident that everything seems to be working ok so far.
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- #205
I've been towing a trailer with mine too. That's something I would never had considered before the Vortec swap. Will post details on my build thread when I get a little more time. I'm making excuses with
Agreed! Driving is a blast now even if it's just to the market. Wife's been pretty tolerant so far - it would probably help if I got the AC working. Soon...
gregnash
Anal Retentive Analyst
Ed so you have AC enabled in the PCM but not working properly? Does it through a code for you? Debating if I want to add or not.
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- #207
The computer controlled AC functions were removed from the PCM. They would only be preserved if using AC components from the donor vehicle (not counting the compressor). It's my understanding the PCM will detect the extra load on the engine and idle up accordingly. That is, once I get my AC components installed correctly. As such, no codes are generated. Some good reading here.
Not sure if this works the same for TBI - I don't think it does.
I do have a brand new OEM condenser and dryer waiting to go in. Need to get some hoses made up, some wiring done and charge the system. This will probably be on the back burner untill spring though.
Not sure if this works the same for TBI - I don't think it does.
I do have a brand new OEM condenser and dryer waiting to go in. Need to get some hoses made up, some wiring done and charge the system. This will probably be on the back burner untill spring though.
- Thread starter
- #208
Been a while since I've updated this thread. Figured it deserves a little love so here goes.
The Vortec conversion has proved an incredible transformation for the old cruiser. In the last few months I've put about 4000 miles on it. A lot of those have been highway miles including my daily commute to work (about 50 miles/day), two camping trips towing our travel trailer, two trips to the cabin and lots of around town errands.
Throttle response with the new drivetrain is incredible. In this regard it even puts my wife's Audi A4 to shame. It takes a little getting used to but the pedal response is nearly instantaneous and very fun.
Mileage? It's better but I haven't bothered to measure it. Figure it's in the 14-15 range.
It cruises beautifully on the highway. I'm usually in the 70-75 mph range, around 1900 RPM, with lots of power to spare. These days if I'm driving in the slow lane it's by choice
.
So there have been a few issues I've had to work thru. First was the air cleaner. I know some guys are interested in using the 80 air cleaner lid/62 box so in the interest of full disclosure I did have to make some modifications to make it work.
The assembly proved too high for me to properly close the hood without the hard pipe hitting. I cut the bracket as shown and welded in a piece to tilt it down and get the clearance needed.
The Vortec conversion has proved an incredible transformation for the old cruiser. In the last few months I've put about 4000 miles on it. A lot of those have been highway miles including my daily commute to work (about 50 miles/day), two camping trips towing our travel trailer, two trips to the cabin and lots of around town errands.
Throttle response with the new drivetrain is incredible. In this regard it even puts my wife's Audi A4 to shame. It takes a little getting used to but the pedal response is nearly instantaneous and very fun.
Mileage? It's better but I haven't bothered to measure it. Figure it's in the 14-15 range.
It cruises beautifully on the highway. I'm usually in the 70-75 mph range, around 1900 RPM, with lots of power to spare. These days if I'm driving in the slow lane it's by choice
.So there have been a few issues I've had to work thru. First was the air cleaner. I know some guys are interested in using the 80 air cleaner lid/62 box so in the interest of full disclosure I did have to make some modifications to make it work.
The assembly proved too high for me to properly close the hood without the hard pipe hitting. I cut the bracket as shown and welded in a piece to tilt it down and get the clearance needed.
- Thread starter
- #209
No pictures of this but I decided to ultimately ditch the hard transmission oil cooler lines for soft lines. After smashing the original lines with the front pumpkin while doing some mild wheeling I had to make and reroute new hard lines. However, one of my flares on the aluminum line refused to seal properly and leaked terribly after a while. I ended up using left over Russell twist lok hose and fittings to make new soft lines which are working out fine.
Also had a nasty exhaust leak develop at the manifold to exhaust collector. It was just the bolts had loosened up so I decided to throw on some stage 8 locking fasteners to insure this never happens again.
Also had a nasty exhaust leak develop at the manifold to exhaust collector. It was just the bolts had loosened up so I decided to throw on some stage 8 locking fasteners to insure this never happens again.
- Thread starter
- #210
The passenger side regulator was almost imovable and the drivers side was ailing so I picked up the Dorman replacements. Nice, easy install and wow! I had forgotten how easily Windows could roll up and down.
The passenger seat belt gave up the ghost while the truck was sitting. Go figure
. Took my cue from this thread: New Seat Belts for my 84 for aftermarket replacements. Decided to take it one step further and painted them to match the interior.
The passenger seat belt gave up the ghost while the truck was sitting. Go figure
. Took my cue from this thread: New Seat Belts for my 84 for aftermarket replacements. Decided to take it one step further and painted them to match the interior.
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Nice work Ed. What color belt web did you go with. I like the match. Need to do this on Poppy in the near future.
J
J
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- #212
One unpleasant issue that came up with the motor was some rather nasty lifter noise. I would describe it as a loud, intermittent 'tap' that would typically show up if it had been idling for a bit. Just like this video:
This may be an indicator that the previous owner of the motor didn't keep up with oil changes. Kind of worrying but the motor seems fine. Anyway, followed this guys advice and removed the rocker cover and cleaned the push rods with some carb cleaner and then changed the oil. Definitely reduced the frequency of the noise though has not eliminated it completely.
Thinking I'll try to clean the pushrods one more time and if this doesn't eliminate the issue maybe new lifters.
That's all for now.
-Ed
This may be an indicator that the previous owner of the motor didn't keep up with oil changes. Kind of worrying but the motor seems fine. Anyway, followed this guys advice and removed the rocker cover and cleaned the push rods with some carb cleaner and then changed the oil. Definitely reduced the frequency of the noise though has not eliminated it completely.
Thinking I'll try to clean the pushrods one more time and if this doesn't eliminate the issue maybe new lifters.
That's all for now.
-Ed
- Thread starter
- #213
Thanks J.
The web color is dark brown. Ordered from seatbeltsplus.com.
The paint color is Satin Espresso, Krylon Fusion Plastic Paint. Color looks great with the interior.
Cheers!
-Ed
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- #215
The Next Phase
I like a good build thread, one that tells a story with a solid narrative; one that describes a journey filled with challenges that are eventually overcome; one that leads to a satisfying end where the author drives off into the sunset to seek further adventure in their Land Cruiser. I’ve read many such threads here on Mud over the years. These threads have inspired me to to tackle ambitious projects that I would have previously considered outside of my mechanical skill set and acquire more Land Cruisers than it's probably practical or healthy to own.
It's been over 3 years since I updated this thread and I've often felt that it, and some of my ambitions for my rig, were unfinished. This truck has been my daily driver for about 6 years. It's been reliable and capable as hell since doing the LS upgrade. It has room for me, my wife, our dog and all our junk and often garners comments and respect from certain types we meet. For a daily driver though it lacks some comfort and convenience and is rough around the edges.
About 4 months ago I found myself on a Toyota lot looking seriously at new 4runners. Those trucks check a lot of boxes for me: capable, reliable, comfortable with decent cargo room. I was almost ready to pull the trigger but after a long consideration I came to this conclusion....they're just not as cool as a FJ60!
So, instead of plunking down a huge sum on a 4runner I decided to plunk down a much smaller (but still substantial) sum to turn my FJ60 into my ideal truck. In the last 3 years I've gotten things pretty mechanically dialed but now it's time for the next phase - the 'resto-fresh' portion of this thread that I promised 3 years ago.
But first, let's get caught up on the last 3 years.
I got a lift:
2.5" Terrain Tamer. What a great stance it gave the cruiser and a helluva improvement for the ride.
I like a good build thread, one that tells a story with a solid narrative; one that describes a journey filled with challenges that are eventually overcome; one that leads to a satisfying end where the author drives off into the sunset to seek further adventure in their Land Cruiser. I’ve read many such threads here on Mud over the years. These threads have inspired me to to tackle ambitious projects that I would have previously considered outside of my mechanical skill set and acquire more Land Cruisers than it's probably practical or healthy to own.
It's been over 3 years since I updated this thread and I've often felt that it, and some of my ambitions for my rig, were unfinished. This truck has been my daily driver for about 6 years. It's been reliable and capable as hell since doing the LS upgrade. It has room for me, my wife, our dog and all our junk and often garners comments and respect from certain types we meet. For a daily driver though it lacks some comfort and convenience and is rough around the edges.
About 4 months ago I found myself on a Toyota lot looking seriously at new 4runners. Those trucks check a lot of boxes for me: capable, reliable, comfortable with decent cargo room. I was almost ready to pull the trigger but after a long consideration I came to this conclusion....they're just not as cool as a FJ60!
So, instead of plunking down a huge sum on a 4runner I decided to plunk down a much smaller (but still substantial) sum to turn my FJ60 into my ideal truck. In the last 3 years I've gotten things pretty mechanically dialed but now it's time for the next phase - the 'resto-fresh' portion of this thread that I promised 3 years ago.
But first, let's get caught up on the last 3 years.
I got a lift:
2.5" Terrain Tamer. What a great stance it gave the cruiser and a helluva improvement for the ride.
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- #216
I rebuilt the knuckles, did the 4runner caliper upgrade and added some DBA rotors:
To be continued...
To be continued...
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- #217
In an earlier post I complained about lifter noise. I ended up tearing off the top end and replacing all the lifters only to find this did not cure the problem. Ultimately, it was the o-ring on the oil pump pick-up tube. Apparently I did not seat it fully when I installed the Camaro pan and pick-up and this created the problem. To ensure this never happens again I added this clever little guy:
Motor is finally free of that lifter noise. She has a proper V8 purr now.
More to come...
Motor is finally free of that lifter noise. She has a proper V8 purr now.
More to come...
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- #218
The Advanced Adapter donut mounts that are so often used in V8 swaps I found to be less than ideal. They transmitted a terrific amount of vibration into the chassis which was especially noticeable at idle. So I got hold of a set of TLC mounts that they produce for their Erod conversion kits. I have no idea if these are still available but I love that they incorporate the GM rubber isolator. It was a giant pain in the ass to change these out with the motor still in the truck but a worth while upgrade. Sooo much smoother now.
Here they are:
And now mounted, from underneath:
Here they are:
And now mounted, from underneath:
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- #219
It hasn’t been all work. We have used it for a lot of road trips, camping, etc. during these last 3 years:
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- #220
And I tried out some new seats. Picked up some 3 series BMW seats and fabbed some brackets. Unfortunately, they sit too high in the cruiser for my taste because of the early (pre ‘85) floor. Still using them today but not for much longer.
Brackets in primer:
Installed:
That’s all for tonight, more to come...
Brackets in primer:
Installed:
That’s all for tonight, more to come...
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