80 Series Frame, Suspension, Lockers, on a 60/62 Body?

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CLK Foxhall

CLK Foxhall

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Nov 15, 2010
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Hi Everyone!

I'm thinking about a custom Land Cruiser, for an Overland vehicle. The idea is a '93-'98 80 series frame, suspension & lockers,... on a 60/62 series body. Also, re-powered with GM 5.7 V-8. The reason would be to achieve the looks of the 60/62, which I like, with the suspension & off road attributes, of the 80 series. Finally, the new power would be part of the new build.

I'm new here, so there might be a forum/thread which addresses this setup. Otherwise, I'd appreciate any thoughts, feedback &/or ideas re: this setup.

Finally, I'm also new to 4x4ing & Overlanding, but anxious to learn,... so please understand & forgive ignorance in these matters.


Cheers!
~CLK
ps - Not sure if this is/was the correct forum for this question. So, I'm re-posting it in both the 60 series & the Expedition build forums.
 
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i had that in mind, the wheel base are 4 inches diference, i dont think is a big deal, due that you can slide the body 2+2 inches in the front and rear wheels , next step is to weld the fj62 body brackets in to the fj8o chassis. THis will be a cool proyect actualy i saw a video , but i dont remember now, but it was done before... good luck and good flex in the future..
 
Welcome aboard!
Both swaps have been done, no need to be afraid of using some old japanese steel as your canvas here(within reason)

Although, if your looking for an overland vehicle, I might suggest you consider the toyota diesel's, such as the 1hd-t inline 6 turbo diesel, or the 13b-t 4 cylinder turbo, of course there are many others, but you may find one that is a bit more attractive than the SBC, not that i have anything against the vortecs or LS motors.

You may also find some good reading and insight in the "expedition section", there is some cool rides in there as well.

Also, for the work involved in swapping a 60 body onto an 80 frame, well, 80's are alot more comfortable, I have one of each, and they both have their benefits. I havent found long road trips to be on the 60's "pro" list, but who knows, you may change that with 80 series suspension and some comfy furniture and sound deadening.
 
Not to nitpick but I would rather put a 60 body on an 80 frame rather than put a 80 frame onto a 60 body. :hhmm: Seriously, except for the style points of the 60. I see no advantage to an older rattlier rustier noisier body. If you are going to do this you should use a 55 or 45lv body. The other issue is why go through the effort of grafting the body onto a 80 chassis if you are doing a motor swap any way? I would just pick the model body with its chassis and then do the motor swap and fit any axle goodies into that particular platform. You will get a body that fits on the frame properly with the motor you want and axles that are stronger than the 80's. Of course all this custom stuff might make your overland vehicle a little too unique which could lead to unforeseen issues which might crop up in a very remote area. I though the overland folks wanted a vehicle that was a bit more trouble free as in more stockish.
 
since going to the 5.7 - per haps another thought

it would simplify things greatly to put the 60 body on a blazer chassis

search for landblazer
 
crawlin40 said:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/11783-fj60-meets-fjz80-one-cool-cruiser.html

This is the link I found here, but the outside link is dead. I do remember seeing the finished product at the TLC/Van Nuys site and was thoroughly impressed. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

I saw this Frankencruiser in action up at Arrowhead. Jonathan and his crew were camped at the next camp site and were testing it before a run at the hammers. It was pretty cool, but a lot of work for what? A visual novelty?
 
look up GinericLC - he's half way through the 60 on 80 frame swap. He solved the wheelbase issue by extending the rear wheel wells - which is good, since he's fitting 37's.

If you're going to repower anyway, pick up a '91-92 - cheaper starting point, or I guess you can pick up a cheap enough rolled truck if the frame is straight.
 
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*As I just posted in the Expedition Side..FYI..

I'll happily support your thread in here in the Expedition side, I love the idea, but first let's get you some better help.

IMHO This thread needs to be moved to "Hardcore". You'll get better replies there and a lot more support since that's the spot for this sort of idea.

*ie: Hit up the Profitt's General Manager's 62/79 stretched frame build thread or D'Animal's 79 build thread, again, there's a wealth of knowledge.
Read through those threads and get a better idea of what's in store for you. I look forward to you clipping in a build thread or pics in the "Toyota Expo Vehicle" thread.

**Also you realize the 80 axles are way wider than a 60's right?
 
The 12H-T in my swap came from a 60 series (HJ61), and we found the FJ80 frame rails are quite a bit closer together at the front compared to an 80. Sheldon said it's the difference between the leaf sprung 60 to the coil sprung 80. So you'll need to also do something about the front body mounts.
 
Thanks again to everyone on their feedback & links to additional info - I appreciate it!

Again, I don't have much experience in this area - particularly in making distinctions, in what type of handling, ride quality, & off-road attributes, such a hybrid might produce, compared to just a regular 60/62.

Aside from the technical challenges of doing this kind of project - I'd like to hear what people think the benefits would be in having this type of hybrid setup.

Thanks!


Cheers!
~CLK
 
TLC

When I was thinking about this I contacted TLC in Van Nuys and they shot me back some pics of their build. They told me they do two or three a year. The ride would be greatly improved.
 
CLK Foxhall said:
Aside from the technical challenges of doing this kind of project - I'd like to hear what people think the benefits would be in having this type of hybrid setup.

Thanks!


Cheers!
~CLK
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The bennefit of the 80 series chassis is obvious. Coil springs, great ride, great rear articulation, full float rear axle, factory lockers are possible, it's much more capabile out of the box than a 60. Drivetrain downside is gearing. There is only one crawler box option, it's only 3:1, and it's expensive. However, if you're putting a V-8 in anyway, you could choose your own tranny/t-case. Maybe an HF55 if you like a stick, and you can put a ranger box in front of the tranny and use it for the adapter. Use it for overdrive, and over gear the axles.

760024M-27 | Engine & Transmission Conversion Adapters - Advance Adapters

Then you could also put an orion in, or lower set in a split case from a 60. Or you can just ignore all the gearing options, since you're building for overlanding not rock crawling. But that adapter is almost $1200, and the ranger is just over $1500, so if you want to go manual anyway (some do some don't) it's not a big price diff to gain some gearing options.


The Bennifet of the 60 series body is it's more of a classic look than the 80 series. Nothing wrong with the 80, it's the best looking truck of the last 20 years, but, it doesn't quite scream out of affrica (neither screams that like an FJ45 of course). From what I could see on my brothers truck, the wheel wells are easier to work on to open up. With the longer wheelbase of the 80 under the 60, you'll also loose some of the 60's overhang. Interior wise, I find the old style 60 easier to mod for CB's and such. The rear cargo area on the 60 is also alot bigger than the 80 series. There might actually be a little more room in the back seat too, though I've never gone straight from one to the other. Not having the 3rd row of seats they didn't have to move the 2nd row up to fit the 3rd row. The 60 series interior feels more like a truck to me. It feels roomer too for whatever reason. Maybe it's cause it doesn't have an air bag filled dash crowding you.

That's my take on it. If I had a wrecked 80, and could get a 60 series body cheap, I'd do it. Do a carbed V-8, HF55, Ranger, Split case, and call it good. Or a 4BT NV4500 and orion? I'm sick of EGR Valves and vaccuum selector valves and such though, so I'm ready for simple. I'd prefure a 55 or 45 body, but those don't come along cheap in good shape. I like what my brother is doing with his 60/80. If you go for it I'll definately watch.
 
SUUEEET said:
When I was thinking about this I contacted TLC in Van Nuys and they shot me back some pics of their build. They told me they do two or three a year. The ride would be greatly improved.
Click to expand...

That's who I've been talking to - Jonathan Ward & Gang. Great guys & very talented.

I don't have the garage, tools or skills to do anything like this. Those that do,... have my utmost respect! I'm been fortunate enough to read some great build threads here, & the guys doing them are top drawer!


Cheers!
~CLK
 
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