71 BJ55 Build

[lynchmob]

Im not usually a prolific poster regarding projects but this is my first 55 project so I thought I would share.

This is the one I had (have) listed for sale. Downsizing and moved it home from storage last Tuesday along with a bunch of other (non 55) parts I had there. Did some digging around and found that the visible bodywork in the back fenders is just dents. Cleaned out the rear fender wells and only fairly minor surface rust inside.

Its getting a rebuilt later model 3B engine with turbo and a 5 speed as well as 70 series front knuckles (for disk brakes), 70 series drag link and tie rod, 60 series power steering, and a 70 series full float rear end for improved drum brakes with parking brakes.

Ill use Toyota parts as much as possible. Ive done a few diesel conversions but mostly on later models. Its kind of nice to have a more simple base to start with.


A few pics since its been home.

 

[lynchmob]

a few more

 

[lynchmob]

I cleared out random useless wiring under the hood and removed the old mounts. The last engine was a GM 6 cylinder.

Motor mounts are modified BJ60. Fan shroud is FJ60 and will be extended to meet the fan and modified for width to fit the radiator. The radiator will likely be lowered about an inch. The 60 steering gear box is set in place for initial mock up. A 60 series intermediate shaft seems to fit perfectly.

 

[brisveganbj42]

Yaay another b series in a pig!! Hows the 5spd clearance on the trans tunnel

 

[lynchmob]

Yaay another b series in a pig!! Hows the 5spd clearance on the trans tunnel

Its close as I have it now. Im switching to an iron bellhousing tomorrow. That will rotate the right side up and allow me to raise the rear closer to the fixed tunnel (about 1/2 inch). Ill have to raise the top of the removable cover slightly around the shift tower.

60 series cross-member mock-up pictured below. The right side will come up a bit (and the left down) to be fairly level with the frame after the bellhousing swap

The cross-member on the engine hoist is a later model 60 series that matches the twist of the bellhousing, but it was going to end up too far below the frame with a 70 series B engine isolator.

 

[brisveganbj42]

Keep the posts coming. Youre doing all the mods ive got lined up once ive finished the body work.

 

[Ol Yeller]

Looks like a great start

 

[wngrog]

Is it being built to sell or keep? Beautiful work.

 

[lynchmob]

Is it being built to sell or keep? Beautiful work.

Thanks. Not sure yet. I have several cruisers but no other 4 door. I would love to have a wagon I can put a few people and gear in.

Ultimately I will probably try to keep it as long as I can, then end up selling it because I cant afford it. Either that or get rid of something swb that I have (my first cruiser a 78 FJ40, or a BJ70) so I can keep it.

I guess it also depends on how it drives. My only other experience with a 55 was in 1998 when I flew to the Dallas (area from the Chicago area to pick up a 78 I bought. I made a trip about a month earlier to look at it. It was in "good" shape, engine turned etc but it was sitting at least 5 years.
I worked on that thing all day. Replaced a bad tire with a used tire, went through some tune up items, made sure the brakes seemed to work, then got stuck on a damaged carb. The owner also had a nice 40 (also sitting for years) that sold to a local. I was able to borrow that carb and put it on with no rebuild.

Drove it 1000 miles back home 60-65 mph. I burned 13qt of oil along the way. I had less responisbility back then.

 

[lynchmob]

Yaay another b series in a pig!! Hows the 5spd clearance on the trans tunnel

Trans mount is in. Clearance is pretty good. I have about 1/2-3/4" between the closest parts of the transfer and the body.

The flash really brings out the ugly. Everything will be cleaned up before final install. Still working out the plan at this point.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Thanks. Not sure yet. ..I guess it also depends on how it drives. .

If it drives like crap I'll take it.

 

[ToyotaMatt]

This is the first time i have heard of this particular conversion


Great steps !

 

[lynchmob]

If it drives like crap I'll take it.

I have a feeling it wont

 

[ToyotaMatt]

I can " Tweek " this Plate template for a BJ55

 

[lynchmob]

This is the first time i have heard of this particular conversion


Great steps !

There are a few others out there. Might be cool to make a more 55 specific plate. Thats a future mod...

 

[lynchmob]

Fan shroud is now nearly complete. Just needs a few tweaks and finishing. I re-drilled the radiator mount holes to lower it 3/4" Ill have to have the radiator modified to move the lower connection to the drivers side. Looks like the only option is going to be to have the lower tank removed and installed with the sump on the left, then the hose connection relocated. Could use an upper tank, but the hose connection would still need to be relocated.

Also discovered that I have a pair of drive shafts from a 60 or 62 that are the correct lengths so that saves a little $$ and time.

 

[brisveganbj42]

I can " Tweek " this Plate template for a BJ55


View attachment 1800126

Wooo would love that for my 4.1L 15bft!

 

[lynchmob]

Minor update.

I had a bit of a parts explosion here working on the front and rear axles at the same time. Front axle definitely one of my least favorite cruiser items to work on.

Front axle rebuilt in place using 60 series knuckles. I still need to make new metal brake lines for the housing and weld on 70 series front swaybar brackets. All new brake parts installed.

Rear axle (70 series FF Drum brake version) was really crusty when I got it. Cleaned it up, replaced one of the brake backing plates, rebuilt the hubs and replaced all the brake hardware. Had to weld on new spring perches and also removed the rear sway bar mounts from the original and placed them on the FF axle. Also need metal brake lines on this one.

At least it rolls around again.

Found some scary items while taking it apart.
1. The passenger steering arm was very loose. There was probably a half inch of movement or more at the tire.
2. The rear u-bolts were just tight. I was able to remove them with a small ratchet.

At least I dont have any rusted fasteners...

Ive been looking at wheel options a lot recently and I can definitely see some benefit to using 60 axles instead as a lot of the 16" + wheel options out there have more backspace and would work well with the extra width.

As it is now this 55 has wagon wheels in 2.5" backspace on the rear and 3.5 backspace (and narrower) on the front. Is this a common setup to get the tires to line up with the body on a 55 ? I know thats not a stock configuration.

 

[lynchmob]

Some pics

 

[lynchmob]

One more