79fj40 on 80 chassis! (1 Viewer)

[plfj40]

Finally starting writing about my project that started 5 years ago with rusted 40 tub and a clean frame fj80 that I picked up from fellow club members shop in PA.
after owning the 40 for 15 years and beating it Offroad it was finally time to put some time into it and show it some needed attention.
Years back I picked up a mint tub here in CT with the intention of swapping it onto existing 40 frame but after going over the 40 and looking at the condition of the frame I decided to get a parts fj80 and stretch the 40 so I can get back seat for the kids and still have room for cargo.
After some time searching I found a great deal on a 1995 fj80 in PA about 4 hours south from where I live in CT.
I knew this project will go slow because of budget and family responsibilities.

 

[Bripars40]

Following

 

[Mike Shull]

No need to get in a hurry. I can’t wait to see the progress on this!

 

[GW Nugget]

What wheelbase did you go with?

 

[plfj40]

What wheelbase did you go with?

Stock fj80, 112”

 

[plfj40]

it was a one owner 1995 fzj80 . Frame was perfect but the body needed attention. Interior was trashed, and needed a lot of mechanical attention but it started and ran fine.
I actually considered fixing it up and putting it on the road as a family wheeler. I replaced the exhaust and cleaned it up a little. After replacing exhaust I noticed a ticking noise coming from the engine, first I thought it was a rod knock but after more investigation I found that the PS pump was making the noise. Also after driving it a while the birfs started to click bad at turns. Fixing everything to put it back on road was out of my budget at the time.
the decision has Been made ,” Streched 40 “ , I had all the parts collected for this project already and it didn’t make sense for me to build a wheeler and than just tare it down, I have a buggy already so I would wheel that while I build something that will fit the kids.

 

[Mike Shull]

@plfj40 , when you get a chance can you list a planned specification list for this build?

@EWheeler, you will be interested in this one if you aren’t already following.

 

[plfj40]

@plfj40 , when you get a chance can you list a planned specification list for this build?

@EWheeler, you will be interested in this one if you aren’t already following.

1995 fjz80 frame and drivetrain
1979 body streched 22”
Fj80 axles and suspension
37’s

I basically used all stock parts that I had already to save some $.

 

[plfj40]

My old 40 was getting rusted bad from 40 years on New England winters so i found a new Florida tub here in CT . My plan was just to replace the tub on the 40 but after looking at the frame and getting the 80 I decided to do the stretch.

 

[plfj40]

Taking body off. Also started stripping the 40, sold the engine to a guy in VT . The h41 with 3speed tcase went to a guy in VA I believe

 

[plfj40]

Pressure washed and cleaned the engine.

 

[chubbybunny]

Hey @plfj40 what length trailer are you using?

I like the swap. In the middle of one of my own. Theres a facebook group (most active in AUS) called '80 chassis 40 series owners' group that has lots of good info.

 

[plfj40]

Hey @plfj40 what length trailer are you using?

I like the swap. In the middle of one of my own. Theres a facebook group (most active in AUS) called '80 chassis 40 series owners' group that has lots of good info.

it’s a 16’ trailer . 7500lb rating

 

[plfj40]

After doing some cab placement measurements I will need to move engine back 8 inches to have correct front fender placement over the wheel.

 

[plfj40]

Cut off engine mounts and moved them back 8”.

 

[plfj40]

Mounts moved and engine back in.

 

[plfj40]

Time to cut the tub in half

 

[plfj40]

Got some inspiration from one of my clients that owns an icon 43

 

[Mike Shull]

Happy birthday

 

[plfj40]

Set back of the tub on the frame to measure how much I will have to extend the body.
Ended up being 22”