72 FJ55 Buildup thread

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I have been completely remiss in posting anything regarding this project in a while. so, an update without pics. I know, worthless, but I will get some up soon(a couple weeks, as work has me out of town) for the next two weeks...

Anyhow,
I got over the whole Isuzu diesel issue, since I cant seem to be lucky or fast enough to find the good deals, and on top of that, I am interested in a Toyota A440F or H55F behind it, and dont have the resources(read: $$$) to pursue those options. It will eventually happen, but I desperately want something to wheel...

So, I am proceeding with the 2F build, and going straight to TBI. got the TBI unit, a bunch of sensors and the ECM the other day at the junkyard. TBI unit rebuild in process, and I have the programmer and whatnot to burn the prom chip. going to use a new painless TBI harness, since the donor rigs in the junkyard had pretty beat up harnesses with broken connectors and stiff heat worn wires...

Also, its going to be SOA, so the axles(actually extras I had) are prepped for SOA, and once I get a chance to drag the FJ55 into the garage at the ranch, I am going to set the correct angles, and weld them up and send them out to get straightened...

Lastly, going to use the H42 I have(free) and a 4.7 toybox(definetly not free) with a FJ62 case(still need to buy) for crawling capability. Want the Fj62 case so I can use the vacuum shift stuff in the dash I already restored.
 
Well not much in the way of pics but progress is happening.

Got all the parts for the TBI squared away. rebuilt the TBI unit,got all the sensors, bought the fuel pumps(p5001-carter) etc. Computer has been modified for ZIF socket for ease of tuning.

Also go sidetracked on a better TBI computer, from a more modern GM vehicle, that is basically plug in, but offers easier tuning and faster processor speed than the dark ages 1227747 ECM from the 87-91 TBI stuff. Offers cool functions like automatically increasing engine RPM for a drop in voltage, so winching induced voltage drops are automatically accounted for by an RPm increase. Not giving out any more trade secrets just yet, until I get it all working and tuned for the 2F. As of now, I dont think anyone has used it for a TBI conversion on a landcruiser, so tuning will take a bit.

Working on wiring. Pulled a donor harness, to modify, but not sure if I am going to go through the trouble, as I found a company that will build a complete harness for less than $300 customized to my needed lengths. Going to work the details out and post up later.

Lastly, got lucky and acted quickly on craigslist, and scored a Curtis 14 CFM 230V single phase air compressor for $300. Its a huge bitch, with a 80 gallon tank and a brand new 5 HP baldor motor. At the absolute most it may need a servicing...new valves. Should be more than enough to paint the FJ55 and do the SEM bedliner stuff on the inside.

Next project: Finish the floorboards and get the black SEM tintable bedliner down. then I can work on the interior...
 
cruiserbrett said:
Well not much in the way of pics but progress is happening.

Got all the parts for the TBI squared away. rebuilt the TBI unit,got all the sensors, bought the fuel pumps(p5001-carter) etc. Computer has been modified for ZIF socket for ease of tuning.

Also go sidetracked on a better TBI computer, from a more modern GM vehicle, that is basically plug in, but offers easier tuning and faster processor speed than the dark ages 1227747 ECM from the 87-91 TBI stuff. Offers cool functions like automatically increasing engine RPM for a drop in voltage, so winching induced voltage drops are automatically accounted for by an RPm increase. Not giving out any more trade secrets just yet, until I get it all working and tuned for the 2F. As of now, I dont think anyone has used it for a TBI conversion on a landcruiser, so tuning will take a bit.

Working on wiring. Pulled a donor harness, to modify, but not sure if I am going to go through the trouble, as I found a company that will build a complete harness for less than $300 customized to my needed lengths. Going to work the details out and post up later.

Lastly, got lucky and acted quickly on craigslist, and scored a Curtis 14 CFM 230V single phase air compressor for $300. Its a huge bitch, with a 80 gallon tank and a brand new 5 HP baldor motor. At the absolute most it may need a servicing...new valves. Should be more than enough to paint the FJ55 and do the SEM bedliner stuff on the inside.

Next project: Finish the floorboards and get the black SEM tintable bedliner down. then I can work on the interior...
Click to expand...

Picked up this thread so I could learn more about your A/C plans for this Pig.

After reading it I realize you are putting some crazy-cool touches on this Pig.

Any updates?
 
Updates? No. Been building an engine/tranny/t-case for the FJ45lv so this has been on the back burner :(


Got LOTS of little things done for it:
rebuilt FJ80 steering box
rebuilt fj62 power steering pump
got all the parts for springover except shocks
rebuilt gear reduction starter
radiator recored
rear heater restored/ core cleaned and resoldered
dash guages cleaned/needles painted etc.


Still hunting for decent doors... front and rear
and a good early steering wheel
 
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Shortly it will be revived.

Just got an A440F/FJ62 T-case, and will be picking up an Isuzu 4BD2T Diesel next week hopefully.

Calstyl hooked me up with a good set of doors, so, shortly I will trailer it to a body guy, and pay to get the body work done. I will try my hand at painting, but I dont want to do rust removal anymore.
 
John,
I would be interested in the trans. The one I got for mock up is also in need.of a rebuild. Would be nice to build one while the others in the truck for mockup. Do you have the torque converter?

About the bodywork, find a hotrod club and see who does side work. That's how I found the guy that I am gonna use. He's got a shop, but is willing to do it on the slow plan.
 
John,
Let me know about the trans and converter. Dunno if you can hold the trans for a bit, but will likely not get up that way until feb-mar timeframe?

Got stupid lucky with a tow yard connection and got an engine from a wrecked 95 Isuzu NPR for $1k. Not the cheapest deal by any means, but these damn trucks dont seem to linger here since they are so close to the border, and get scooped up and head south of the border ASAP.

Gonna follow longbow's (Don) plan and use the A440 auto...
 
So here it is!

1995 Isuzu 4BD2T... high miles, but runs great. like any higher mileage diesel it smoke a little bit at startup. Seems to need a turbo rebuild( a little end play) so that might be the smoking?

Got EVERYTHING for $1k.

engine with all accesories
radiator
intercooler with all plumbing
transmission(not using)
air cleaner with all plumbing
wiring harness-chassis and engine
misc other smaller crap.(hand throttle, etc)
DSC00414.webp
DSC00416.webp
 
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Thanks for the interest! I have been working on parts of the project, just not much to share pics wise.

Rebuilt an A440F I am gonna put behind the Isuzu, and in the process of waiting for a McNamara gear for the split case. Also working with some folks on an adapter to mate the A440f to the Isuzu, like longbow(don)'s idea.

Got a really nice set of 4 doors so I don't have to do as much bodywork...

Rebuilt an FJ80 steering box, sourced a bunch of disc brake conversion stuff, new hoses, etc for the brakes.

Made arrangements for the bodywork to get done ages ago, and finally going to drop it off in the next few weeks.

I sold my Dodge megacab, and been driving a 95 80 series, so its been sapping up some of the free time getting an 18 year old truck dialed for daily driving.

More to report soon.
 
I remember not long after RHINO put the 4BD1T in his rig and was getting ~25MPG and more power than a good running 2F (it was relative at the time). Really wanted to get one too. Did some research on that particular model, which was discontinued in favor of the 2T (indirect injection). The 1T was Isuzu’s best diesel IMO. A true survival type engine, which is probably why they engineered something to be more throw-away. The cross-through head had its intake on the passenger side and exhaust on the driver side, which made routing a cinch (more or less).
The down side now obviously is the vintage, since the last ones produced were from 1992, which is nearly 30 years ago. Parts are gonna be hard to come by. Even just finding one is a PITA. One factor to consider when retrofitting is availability. If your alternator sh*ts the bed 5 miles outside of Wendover, UT on a Thursday afternoon, is the NAPA in Wendover gonna be able to get you that alternator by 10 am on Friday, or are you gonna be SOL?
The next downside is the flywheel housing adapter, clutch, and all the hardware (if you’re planning on going with a manual trans). When I was looking into finding on of those unobtanium adapter housings they were knocking on the $1,600 door.
 
Rush,

A lot of what you said is why I picked a modern Chevy motor. I wanted a diesel, but most have their draw backs. I don't get 25 mpg and I don't have a non computer motor or the cool sound, just a lot of reliability driving around the country that fits into my $5000 budget.
 
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