40 Question

[Justin Morrison]

Hello All,

I am new here, so forgive me if this has been covered, but I did search and found nothing. So, here goes:

I recently bought an 80' FJ40 from an old man who was driving it one a month and letting it rust all to hell. I picked it up fairly cheap (compared to Craig's list ads) and thought it was worth while since it has factory air, power steering, and disc brakes on the front. Rust repair will be a task for someone that sucks at welding, but there are plenty of rust repair threads. I'm here to ask about a specific engine/tranny swap.

My brother-in-law was recently given a 2001 Nissan Frontier with an automatic and 4x4. The transmission wont go in reverse, but drives well otherwise. Has anyone ever ran a Nissan V6 with auto tranny and transfer case in a 40? Is it worth the trouble of doing the swap?

That being said, my 2F runs well, although it is highly difficult to start when the temp is under 50 degrees being cold natured and all, and the 4 speed still shifts out smoothly. I'd like to keep it original, but the allure of a modern engine and automatic transmission is making me think twice.

Suggestions?

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

That's a fairly rare truck with those options, you're better off selling it to someone with the skills to fix it and buying another one rather than swapping the drivetrain.

The rust also doesn't look too awful.

 

[GA Architect]

Justin - Welcome aboard.

As for the plans for your 40....just be ready for Opinions that will span the spectrum. And I'll start at one end of the spectrum; keep it original, Toyota OEM parts only (if available).

But it is yours and if you plan to keep it, make it your own..............Oh, customary first MUD "Welcome" emoji:

 

[reddingcruiser]

Being a fan of engine swaps, I would normally say yes. But your rig is a fairly rare bird and I'd agree with SouthBostonFJ40. Rust can be repaired, but if your rig is primarily stock, the combination you have is hard to come by.

 

[AlaskanWheeler]

I would determine what your starting issue is first. That motor shouldn't have any issues starting at those temps. A good tune up can do wonders for the overall running condition of the rig.

 

[cjgoode]

Sounds like you want to do a hideous amount of work to swap an engine and drivetrain to avoid doing a tuneup, and maybe a carb rebuild, and at the same time greatly reducing the value of your vehicle. Have you checked that the choke is closing, would be awful to replace the engine because the choke cable was not working properly.

 

[JohnnyC]

oil change and tune up... use 15w40 IMHO

also a quicker starter like one from a 60 series cruiser

BTW welcome to Mud

 

[winnie]

congrats re your 40 ... I'm a traditionalist so I'm for leaving them original ... there is no cheap way (time/money) with these things, do it right or it costs more in the long run, and it affects resale value ... hmmm, those wheels look familiar, are they off a Jeep CJ ... look like what was on my 84 CJ anyway ... welcome to the forum ...

 

[Racer65]

The rig looks good from that pic. Post up a few more pics of the rust spots.
Since it runs well, you already have a sound mechanical basis. Go through the truck and service the original drivetrain. With all those options this truck is a gem.

 

[Justin Morrison]

Sounds like you want to do a hideous amount of work to swap an engine and drivetrain to avoid doing a tuneup, and maybe a carb rebuild, and at the same time greatly reducing the value of your vehicle. Have you checked that the choke is closing, would be awful to replace the engine because the choke cable was not working properly.

Actually the PO installed another knob for the choke that I use and all he said was don't use the knob that says "choke" on it because it's been disconnected. And the new one doesn't always fully go back in, so that is something that I've already looked into checking out. Thanks for the reply!

 

[Justin Morrison]

The rig looks good from that pic. Post up a few more pics of the rust spots.
Since it runs well, you already have a sound mechanical basis. Go through the truck and service the original drivetrain. With all those options this truck is a gem.

I've attached two more pictures from the day I first looked at it. The rear quarters, most of the floor and the rear sill and bottoms of the ambi doors are pretty rusty, nothing out of the ordinary from the other threads I've seen on here. That part doesn't worry me too much.

It definitely runs well, and I love the 4 speed. Honestly, I want to keep it as original as possible so I appreciate the feedback! Just curious if someone has done that swap. I'm actually a big fan of the 2F so far.

It handles pretty crazy, as most do from what I've seen, so the first project are fresh tie rod ends, a center arm rebuild, and a new steering damper. New shocks are also in the future. I may be completely wrong here, but I'm thinking first I'd like to improve ride quality, then outer appearance next.

 

[Justin Morrison]

Other things of note... The PO installed a GM distributor, and 1 Ton leaf springs under this rig. It starts first hit every time, unless it's cold as I've mentioned before. Now that someone has mentioned it earlier, I will be looking at the choke cable this weekend to ensure all is well there too.

The 1 ton springs are excessively rock solid, and I've found a set of factory used springs on CL for $40 that I may pick up to remedy this issue.

Thank you all for your replies.

 

[coinoperated40]

The dog has turned it's back, so I would sell....
Keep it the way it is and find another one to do your thing with. They ain't making any more of these,
My '82 didn't come with power steering, just power to steer.
More pictures would get more attention, also.

Lower that hitch a little and that tractor will plow a field.
Get it running and safe and drive for a while.

 

[Justin Morrison]

That's a fairly rare truck with those options, you're better off selling it to someone with the skills to fix it and buying another one rather than swapping the drivetrain.

The rust also doesn't look too awful.

The rust isn't too bad at all really. I pulled the carpet out of it to see what i was dealing with, and the entire floor is basically shot, but still in better shape than a lot I've seen on here. Bought this from a friend of the family or much cheaper with more options than any of the others I've came across so I won't be selling it any time soon...But I'm also now firmly against doing a motor swap too. I've been reading more and more about the 2F and keeping it original as possible what I believe I'd like to do.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

The rust isn't too bad at all really. I pulled the carpet out of it to see what i was dealing with, and the entire floor is basically shot, but still in better shape than a lot I've seen on here. Bought this from a friend of the family or much cheaper with more options than any of the others I've came across so I won't be selling it any time soon...But I'm also now firmly against doing a motor swap too. I've been reading more and more about the 2F and keeping it original as possible what I believe I'd like to do.

If you refurb this one correctly, you'll have a nice investment there. Post up some pictures.

 

[Justin Morrison]

I'll post some more pics later today when i get a chance. And yes i plan on doing everything correct. It might take me a few years, but it'll be beautiful again.

 

[sterling]

Nice rare truck, glad you are against the swap now.

Like others have said remove that hitch before someone gets hurt.
Get her running and stopping and enjoy!

 

[VTX78FJ40]

The rust isn't too bad at all really. I pulled the carpet out of it to see what i was dealing with, and the entire floor is basically shot, but still in better shape than a lot I've seen on here. Bought this from a friend of the family or much cheaper with more options than any of the others I've came across so I won't be selling it any time soon...But I'm also now firmly against doing a motor swap too. I've been reading more and more about the 2F and keeping it original as possible what I believe I'd like to do.

Exactly what I was hoping to see you put on here. Like all the others have told you, that 40 is rare with those options. Don't butcher it!

I'll post some more pics later today when i get a chance. And yes i plan on doing everything correct. It might take me a few years, but it'll be beautiful again.

It will take time, and it will take money. Actually, it will take a lot of both. But, I promise you will have a hell of a good time it with before, during and after the process. Hold onto that gem.

Welcome to MUD!

 

[cbmontgo]

Nice rig; lots of potential there. Glad to hear you are keeping the stock engine; you will be glad that you did.