45 LPB as a Tow Rig?

[76FJ40]

O' Wise Ones, give me your thoughts on putting a Chevy 6.2 diesel with a Banks turbo in my wife's 45 so I can use it as a tow rig. I would leave the Toyota 4 speed in place using a Marks adapter so as not to bastardize the looks too bad. The rest of the drivetrain came out of an '80 FJ40. I can get the 6.2 with the turbo for $1,500, another $1,500 for the Mark's adapter so Im guessing ~$5k total with the exhaust, clutch, radiator, etc. This would enable me to sell my Tundra and clear ~10K.

 

[Gumby]

First the 6.2 is no motor that I would want to use. I've done it in a 60 and I undid it. It's heavy, slow, eats fuel, and has almost the exact same specs for weight, hp and torque, and fuel mileage as a 2F to go with legendary GM reliability.

Secondly, the 45 is no Tundra. The brakes, wheelbase, track, steering and suspension are nowhere near as capable for towing with.

 

[76FJ40]

Thanks for your comments. The turbo'd 6.2 has ~350 ft-lb of torque. Not 401 like the Tundra but not bad. My trailer has brakes on both axles and the 45 has disc brakes front and back so I'm not worried about brakes. I really like the way the Tundra tows but I hate having it sit in the driveway 99% of the time. The Tundra gets 10 - 12 MPG towing which is worse than I got when I borrowed my son's 6.2 turbo Surburban.

 

[cruiserjohn]

Bob
put a 4bt or 6.5 turbo

 

[45Kevin]

It costs more to drive my 45 somewhere than to tow it with my 6.5T suburban. I get about 25% better milage in the burb. That is partially eaten up by the extra cost of diesel though.

I also like the burb for long trips because it much more comfortable to drive, sit in, listen to music/radio and I can drive faster.

 

[Gumby]

I keep thinking about putting a 6BT in a medium duty frame and putting a 40s Chevy 1.5T or Ford F5/6 body on that. I've seen it done and it would make an awesome tow rig.

But I have an awesome tow rig with AC and comfy seats and lots of room and a warranty and dealer network.

Even if I went with the first idea it would have a long wheel base, heavy suspension, great brakes and a quality diesel. I just can't see doing it with a 45.