For those of you that have seen my other post regarding purchase of parts for this project: https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/532344-getting-started-5-3-swap-step-1-purchaseing.html
History
This is the new thread for the build up of my 84 fj60 to include a conversion to a 5.3l SBC. 8 months ago i traded an old worn out motorcycle for this moster truck with a SOA on 35's knowing it needed a little TLC. It had a little wheel well rust, really ugly worn out interior, and as the previous owner stated; "a valve job and it should run fine". Because this was basicly a free vehicle for me, it was worth the risk.
As it turned out the engine needed more then just a valve job. in fact the head was nearly new condition, but a broken rod, lifter, and cam, was the problem. Because i wanted to eventually make this a family rid and DD, i was not thrilled with dumping money into a 2f that was under powered for normal driving, and had poor MPG's. After daily research for the past 5 months and battling the temptation of a diesel conversion vs. SBC, i came up with the conclusion of a 5.3 for many reasons. Because i live in a townhouse community i could not do the swap at home because of PITA HOA. So fellow mud member and fj60 owner who is a close friend, informed me that i could use his garage when it became available. So yesterday i had my fj60 towed to his house to begin the project.
Because i am a little over my head i am thankful my friend is a gear head and capable of such a project. So with his help, garage and tools, we begin work tonight with removing my SOA axles, to begin a conversion back to SUA to lower my fj60 to a level appropriate for my family, and replacing them with stock housings that have not be cut and turn. By next Monday we will have the old engine pulled out and prepping for the 2003 5.3 with 4l60e to be put in.
I know pictures are what we all want to see, so I will add them along with video's as the project moves forward. for now i will include a picture of the vehicle from when i received it.
History
This is the new thread for the build up of my 84 fj60 to include a conversion to a 5.3l SBC. 8 months ago i traded an old worn out motorcycle for this moster truck with a SOA on 35's knowing it needed a little TLC. It had a little wheel well rust, really ugly worn out interior, and as the previous owner stated; "a valve job and it should run fine". Because this was basicly a free vehicle for me, it was worth the risk.
As it turned out the engine needed more then just a valve job. in fact the head was nearly new condition, but a broken rod, lifter, and cam, was the problem. Because i wanted to eventually make this a family rid and DD, i was not thrilled with dumping money into a 2f that was under powered for normal driving, and had poor MPG's. After daily research for the past 5 months and battling the temptation of a diesel conversion vs. SBC, i came up with the conclusion of a 5.3 for many reasons. Because i live in a townhouse community i could not do the swap at home because of PITA HOA. So fellow mud member and fj60 owner who is a close friend, informed me that i could use his garage when it became available. So yesterday i had my fj60 towed to his house to begin the project.
Because i am a little over my head i am thankful my friend is a gear head and capable of such a project. So with his help, garage and tools, we begin work tonight with removing my SOA axles, to begin a conversion back to SUA to lower my fj60 to a level appropriate for my family, and replacing them with stock housings that have not be cut and turn. By next Monday we will have the old engine pulled out and prepping for the 2003 5.3 with 4l60e to be put in.
I know pictures are what we all want to see, so I will add them along with video's as the project moves forward. for now i will include a picture of the vehicle from when i received it.
