3FE - 5 speed and a bit more

[Granite Grinder]

Like others on this forum currently, I have decided to put a 5 speed into my FJ62. Actually, I pretty much decided the day I drove this truck with an auto. I've had this truck for about 18 months, after owning a few diesel wagons and still owning my first LC, an FJ40. I paid 500.00 for this truck, with a few broken leaf springs, leaky transfer case, non functioning rear brakes, leaky gas tank and in dire need of knuckle rebuild. About 3 or 4 months prior to this purchase, my 3B dropped a precup, so that was the end of that. The BJ60 was very rusty, but I had invested some money on suspension including 4.11's and 5 speed, it came with 3.73's. I unbolted the entire suspension at the spring hangers and replaced the crappy suspension under the 62. At the time I driving an HJ60 with a few problems of it's own. With the Belton suspension, 4.11's and 33 x 12.5's it was starting to turn into a decent truck, until it left me stranded one day. The dizzy was corroded, luckily a fairly easy fix. Did a t-case rebuild and sourced out replacement gas tank and all is well. Sold the HJ and bought a Civic for my commute, yes I sold the diesel and kept the gasser, thing is, I could get more money for the diesel. I really needed a fuel efficient DD for my 90 KM commute (55 miles) round trip. And actually, I quite like the 3FE. This is how Lili looks right now.

 

[Granite Grinder]

I have managed to accumulate a few parts over time, a complete HJ/ 5 speed/ t-case combo (JDM) an HJ61 frame, 4.56 third members one with an ARB, OME springs. I sold the 2H to my buddy Rob who was in need of a motor. The 5 speed was destined to end up behind my 3FE. Seeing as though I had all these other parts lying around, why not build a rolling chassis, then do a body swap... sounds easy enough So I drug the HJ61 frame home

 

[Granite Grinder]

I still had the original axle housings from the 62, they just needed rebuilding. The JDM frame needed some cleaning and of course paint, other than that it was pretty much rust free. The steering box mount was on the wrong side, but luckily the holes had been pre drilled from the factory, but needed to be sleeved.

 

[Granite Grinder]

More pics

 

[Granite Grinder]

I kept the steering box from the BJ, I figured it would come in handy. I found some DOM tube that was the perfect size

 

[Granite Grinder]

On to the frame, I know it looks kind of rusty in the pics, but nothing a wire brush couldn't take of. First two pics are before the rust converter, the third is after

 

[Granite Grinder]

More frame pictures

 

[Granite Grinder]

This frame has a 5 speed crossmember already. Because it's a later style, the crossmember is angled down. This means I need a 3F bellhousing to allow the motor to sit level. I chose to weld that piece of steel that rots above the spring perches, it'll take awhile for the rust to penetrate.

 

[Granite Grinder]

Frame just about cleaned up, ready for paint... Tremclad all the way. Would've liked to do more, but it's not in the budget, actually I wish I had a budget
It's much easier to absorb the money outflow when you spend it over months/ years.

 

[Granite Grinder]

Time for the Dakar install, I got these used, I believe they are heavy/ heavy. Had to do the "Dakar Mod" welded some stitches on the inner tube that kept falling out.

 

[Granite Grinder]

Few more

 

[slcfj62]

So, is the frame you are showing being refurbished currently under the FJ62 in the first couple of pics and you are doing flashbacks, or are you building another rig? You are definitely putting the love in it. Looks great.

 

[Granite Grinder]

So, is the frame you are showing being refurbished currently under the FJ62 in the first couple of pics and you are doing flashbacks, or are you building another rig? You are definitely putting the love in it. Looks great.

My 62 is still drivable, in fact I used it to move around the donour motor yesterday. I'm building a rolling chassis to slip under my current ride. The frame under the 62 is rusty (not as bad as some) but would need replacing in the long run, and I just happen to have a frame that needed a home.

 

[kim]

Looking good, Phil.

I have to get to work on mine.

 

[Granite Grinder]

Just about got the rear end buttoned up, new rear bearings and seals and a new to me 4.56 third with an ARB already installed. The front will be open for now.

 

[Granite Grinder]

Onto the transmission, won't be taking apart the 5 speed, but will be replacing gaskets. The transfer case is getting a full re+re. The motor is from a 1991 FJ80, donated to the cause from Mud member Stone. Stone pulled this motor and replaced it with a 12H-T, so the price was right for me... free. I got the 3F bellhousing from Tim at Landcruiser Specialties c/w inspection cover and fork. Clutch was donated by my buddy Rob, the throwout bearing didn't line up well for a diesel, but worked perfect for the 2F bearing. I used a 2F flywheel.

 

[Granite Grinder]

Always good fun tearing down a transfer case, I spend more time cleaning than wrenching, a valuable shop tool... a 20 gallon parts washer. I have spent more hours than I care to remember scrub-a-dub-dubbing. Pic of the flywheel with part number, even though they all seem to be the same. T-case parts waiting to be cleaned.

 

[Granite Grinder]

5 speed looks to be in good shape, thought you might enjoy the gear oil soup that puked out of it.

 

[Granite Grinder]

Got the tranny cleaned up, it will be a few more days before the t-case gets cleaned. It's easier wielding the tranny without the added weight of the t-case. Got the tranny and bellhousing mounted for fitment purposes.

 

[Granite Grinder]

Needed to modify the flywheel a bit, the crank changed on the 3F-E at some point, so the holes needed to be enlarged. The stock flexplate/ flywheel bolts should work, I know others have done this.