60 build for Moab

[robj]

I bought this clean perfectly running 1985 fj60 in '08. After thinking about it and collecting parts for over a year and some persistance from my neighbor (he didnt know what he was in for)I finally started the project in Sept. '09. I had originallyl bought the engine and trans for a buggy project but lost interest when I got the 60.

I took a lot of pictures with the intention of doing a build thread but two months into it I lost all my pictures when my computer crashed So the pictures start in Nov. except for a few I was able to restore.
This is how she looked when we started
Now the plan and specs

Drivetrain:
6.0 vortec
4l60e trans.
4sp Atlas t-case
4:11 thirds w/ ARBs
widened front axle housing (5 1/4" kit from lcwizard)
custom width Diamond Axle rear housing

Suspension:
SOA
custom made spring hangers
shackle reversal
custom length Alcan springs
Bilstein 7100 shocks

Tires:
315/75r-16 BFG Mud (35")

Accessories:
4-Plus front and rear bumpers (Thanks lcwizard)
Warn 9.5 winch
Ron Davis Radiator
Lowrance HDS baja GPS w/ ext. ant.
etc.

I built this FJ40 a few years ago, I wanted the 60 to be similar


After removing the stock spring hangers I decided I didnt like the Ruff Stuff hangers I had bought, so I made my own for front and rear.

 

[robj]

We beefed up the front housing and I widened it

 

[robj]

Alcan Springs installed




Frame sleeved for shackle reversal up front. Also plated and sleeved the rear of the frame.

 

[robj]

Plated the frame for new motor mounts

Then the transfer case finally came. 4sp Atlas 2.72, 3.8 and 10.3 ratios.


After assembling the eng trans and t-case I got to test fit and test fit and test fit...

 

[boots4]

Looks like this will be a fun truck.

 

[robj]

Trans. is a good fit


I kept the eng. as close to drivers side as possible for front driveshaft clearance.
I had to space the steering box w/ 1/2" plate and new 1/2' grade 8 bolts

The transfer case fit perfectly, the body has a recess underneath like it was made for an Atlas.

 

[brokenparts]

daaaaaaamnnnnn!

 

[robj]

I am kinda rushing thru the build to not bore anybody w/ too many details. It gets better... My retired neighbor helped me everyday, he was a home builder and he has never done anything like this before and kept saying how much fun he was having!

Made some custom crossmembers, one for the trans and one for the long and heavy t-case. I used a '95 chevy 4x4 trans. mount up front(large) and a '78 chevy trans mount for the rear. (Smaller).

 

[michaelscrf]

I dont even know where to start....Everything looks perfect!!! its my dream 60! Cant wait to see it finished. Good job.

 

[robj]

Diamond Axle came. custom width (62 1/2") wms to match front (63 1/2") I ordered it to be a full floater and to use front LC spindles, hubs, rotors etc. Very heavy duty and well built. It came w/ custom length Longfield axle shafts, 30 spline. I ordered the chromoly hub flanges from Bobby w/ the six pin kit.


Made mounts for the track bar that I had'nt made yet.


Rear view

 

[caserique]

Those spring hangars are giving me cold sweats

 

[coolotisdog]

That is going to be one sick landcruiser

 

[robj]

Thanks for the replys, I forgot to mention this truck is finished now. The whole thread is past tence. I'll try to finish the thread in a couple days.
I was about this time I decided to try to finish it for Cruise Moab '10. Now the pressure is on, its the end of Dec. already.

Made front shock hoops from 1.75" .120 DOM. I dont have a 180* die so I had to make them in two halves and tigged them together. Plated the frame beneath them to spread out the load.

Brake lines on the rear

Front shackle angle with all the weight on it

 

[WES1977]

looks like a tough truck. Interested in seeing more as it goes along.

 

[Slowerthanu]

MOAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[landcruiserjunky]

the engine bay pic made me drool.

 

[kling-on]

SWEET

 

[robj]

The rear shocks had to be mounted to the front of the axle so I made these mounts that could slide over rocks while protecting the shocks


Made an anti wrap bar w/ 1 1/2" DOM .375 wall. heavy and it wont bend. I hope.

 

[robj]

We started cutting the rocker panels off. the plan is to make some sliders and quarter panel guards that will take up that space but not be attached to the body.

 

[slcfj62]

So I'm staring at your last pic (post # 18) which appears to be the rear of the vehicle, and I'm not quite sure I understand why the diff is pointed in that direction.