60's FJ body onto 80's BJ chassis? (1 Viewer)

[baas]

Hey mudders,

I've done quite a bit of reading on converting FJ's to diesel, but they seem to be more engine swaps. I really like the look of the 67/68/69 bodies but want the 3B, P/S and front disks. What pain am I going to go through with an early body onto a later diesel frame? 5sp would be nice but I can live with 3 or 4.

If you know of good threads that I may have missed I'd be most appreciative for any advice. Have not sprung for anything yet, but looking ahead to my next addiction fix :whoops:

 

[bikersmurf]

It would likely be easier to swap the parts from a donor bj60 onto the 40 of your choice.

Here are a couple of local threads. First an older body onto a bj42, and second a 3G w/ 5 speed into an fj40.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/ca-bc-vancouver-island-cruisers/423456-42.html

https://forum.ih8mud.com/ca-bc-vancouver-island-cruisers/478241-diesel-swap.html

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Gary:

You basically have a choice: fabricate motor mounts (in the old frame) or body mounts (on the new frame).

If it were me, I'd work on finding a solid older body and see where that left me. If the body is solid and clean, then likely the frame is too. And if that were the case, then it would be pretty easy to swap a motor and transmission from a donor truck (the later trucks tend to rust more, in my experience--leaving a good engine and transmission), along with the axles from it (discs in the front, hopefully parking brake in the back).

That said, if you found a solid frame/engine combo from an older truck, and an older body in good shape, then there's nothing wrong with going that way...

Dan

 

[baas]

Thanks bikersmurf, Dan,

Appreciate the wisdom. I do like the utilitarian older bodies, will be a change from the luxury of my LX. So I'll be on the lookout for a solid older body and see where that takes me - I think that is good advice Dan.

Cheers
Gary