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

[CLK Foxhall]

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 the 60 & 80 series forums.

 

[Combat Chuck]

I'm with you up until the 5.7. As Crushers replied when asked when an FJ was no longer an FJ:
"When you put fawking Chevy parts on it." A rationale I only recently came to agree with.

The 60-series body just seems more... stout looking, and cleaner than an 80 series, and it would be cool to see one repowered with the 1FZ powerplant. IMO, it would be easier to just drop the 80 driveline into the 60, but easier to run an aftermarket link system than to transplant the 80-series suspension onto a 60.

I'd also recommend keeping the 80-series axles, they're fairly beefy, can be made full-float easily, and will offer a wider stance; which, being more expedition oriented, means greater stability.

My heartiest recommendation is to just SOA a 60 with a 2FE (3FE head, later 2F block) and an H55. You'll have great low-end torque, plus EFI for improved efficiency and better off-camber driving, and widely available parts. Not to mention a solid 60 or 62 could be a "blank canvass" for you to customize exactly how you want it.

 

[rockbender]

There is 1 for sale in classifieds with a close setup you described. 80 frame 60 body with 3fe if im not mistaken check out his build thread.

 

[CLK Foxhall]

Thanks for the replies & feedback.

It's a concept/idea that I wanted to get more information & opinions on.

This site has been a great resource.

If it's something that I move on - I'll definitely follow-up about it here!


Cheers!
~CLK

 

[NorCalBorn]

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?

 

[bigreen505]

That's one of my dream vehicles as described. The only thing I would change is going with a Toyota diesel engine for the range.

 

[CLK Foxhall]

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.

**Also you realize the 80 axles are way wider than a 60's right?

Thanks for the advice - I've posting it there, too.

Re: the difference in axle width - No I didn't know. I wouldn't be doing the conversion/modification myself (I don't have the tools,... space,... or know-how). The people I would have do it - have done it before, so I'd be paying them for their expertise, & knowledge of how to 'deal' with these types of issues.

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.


Cheers!
~CLK

 

[MANUCHAO]

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.


Cheers!
~CLK

Axles are wider but they do not stick out THAT much (nothing that a fender flare can't fix).

Benefits are obvious (better ride, higher and wider stance, frame is a lot beefier also a lot wider at the rear I believe 4" or 6" wider but 3" narrower at the front, disk brakes on all 4 and full floaters with lockers if you so desire them, power to spare with a Vortec and better mileage over any 80/60 series. I would suggest you go DIESEL, TURBO DIESEL).

What you have to really look at and prepare for, are the "cons" of doing this type of swap.

You (will at some point or another) need spare parts and they would be from the year the frame is from (trying explaining that to the mechanic, SPECIALLY if you dont wrench on your own stuff). You will also need to MOD or built a new fuel tank. I have read several post where they discuss the weakness of the 80's being the diff on the front axle.

Highly suggest if you are paying someone to do the work and you will use it as an expedition rig (most likely you will be in the middle of no-where when something decides to crap-out on yah) you get involved on the build as much as you can so you are knowledgeable on how things work under your rig.

 

[cody c]

If the vehicle was to be driven alot of short trips with a little bit of highway, especially in a cooler climate, or maybe a DD for short trips to work and back, I think a V8 may be a little bit more appropriate, as diesels like to take their time warming up and are meant to be run warmed up, not short trips.

For long day trips, especially at low speeds, wether thats on the trail or 3rd gear on the back roads, the diesel will shine in mileage and performance. 12 hours running straight off road and ill burn half a tank with my cummins, probably less with the 3B. Not as much of a benefit over a gasser when compared to strictly highway mileage.

Although for more of a DD dedicated work grocery store and back up in calgary winter weather I would prefer the cold starts and quick warm ups of a 302 SBF or 327 SBC. Actually the 4.7 in the wifes 4runner aint bad either for u yota purists...

 

[greentruck]

It all sounds way too complicated for an expedition rig.

While the hybrid would mean that parts would still come out of the same network, unlike some swaps/builds of this type, in the boonies it may not make any difference. If a blacksmith is going to fix it, doesn't matter. And if you built it at home, then it doesn't matter so much, eother, because you can give a hand.

But why?

But the idea just doesn't seem like the thing to do with some exotic custom truck. You're asking about something that is a matter of style or cosmetics. If you want it that way, sure, but either an unaltered 60 or an unaltered 80 will still do pretty much everything a hybrid of the two would do, so I just don't see the rationale for it as an expedition truck.

And all the $$ you save on that could be spent on getting the vehicle you do take properly equipped.

That's my two cents, anyway. Don't mean to sound negative about it, but I tend to be more practical than others on some things.

 

[CLK Foxhall]

Axles are wider but they do not stick out THAT much (nothing that a fender flare can't fix).

Benefits are obvious (better ride, higher and wider stance, frame is a lot beefier also a lot wider at the rear I believe 4" or 6" wider but 3" narrower at the front, disk brakes on all 4 and full floaters with lockers if you so desire them, power to spare with a Vortec and better mileage over any 80/60 series. I would suggest you go DIESEL, TURBO DIESEL).

What you have to really look at and prepare for, are the "cons" of doing this type of swap.

You (will at some point or another) need spare parts and they would be from the year the frame is from (trying explaining that to the mechanic, SPECIALLY if you dont wrench on your own stuff). You will also need to MOD or built a new fuel tank. I have read several post where they discuss the weakness of the 80's being the diff on the front axle.

Highly suggest if you are paying someone to do the work and you will use it as an expedition rig (most likely you will be in the middle of no-where when something decides to ****-out on yah) you get involved on the build as much as you can so you are knowledgeable on how things work under your rig.

Thanks MANUCHAO!

I've read your build thread & subscribed to it - Fantastic stuff!! You're very talented!

Appreciate your input on pros & cons. I've been kicking the idea around with Jonathan Ward, at TLC. He's noted similar attributes & issues.

I'm up in the PNW,... so unfortunately, I can't spend as much time as I'd like, observing the process. However, the guys are so nice at TLC, I'm sure if I could - They'd be more than happy to let me.

Again thanks & I look forward to watching you & your wonderful project!


Cheers!
~CLK
ps - Included the idea of using GM's new E-ROD LS3, w/ 430hp. Mainly because, I may want to use the rig as a tow vehicle in the future.

 

[CLK Foxhall]

If the vehicle was to be driven alot of short trips with a little bit of highway, especially in a cooler climate, or maybe a DD for short trips to work and back, I think a V8 may be a little bit more appropriate, as diesels like to take their time warming up and are meant to be run warmed up, not short trips.

For long day trips, especially at low speeds, wether thats on the trail or 3rd gear on the back roads, the diesel will shine in mileage and performance. 12 hours running straight off road and ill burn half a tank with my cummins, probably less with the 3B. Not as much of a benefit over a gasser when compared to strictly highway mileage.

Although for more of a DD dedicated work grocery store and back up in calgary winter weather I would prefer the cold starts and quick warm ups of a 302 SBF or 327 SBC. Actually the 4.7 in the wifes 4runner aint bad either for u yota purists...

Thanks for that input cody!

The rig would mainly be used for extended travel, including long stretches off-road.

In a perfect world, I'd get a turbo diesel which installed seamlessly. However, more than likely - I'd go with a V-8 gasser.


Cheers!
~CLK

 

[CLK Foxhall]

It all sounds way too complicated for an expedition rig.

While the hybrid would mean that parts would still come out of the same network, unlike some swaps/builds of this type, in the boonies it may not make any difference. If a blacksmith is going to fix it, doesn't matter. And if you built it at home, then it doesn't matter so much, eother, because you can give a hand.

But why?

But the idea just doesn't seem like the thing to do with some exotic custom truck. You're asking about something that is a matter of style or cosmetics. If you want it that way, sure, but either an unaltered 60 or an unaltered 80 will still do pretty much everything a hybrid of the two would do, so I just don't see the rationale for it as an expedition truck.

And all the $$ you save on that could be spent on getting the vehicle you do take properly equipped.

That's my two cents, anyway. Don't mean to sound negative about it, but I tend to be more practical than others on some things.

All fair & good points!

I just really like the looks of the 60 series (inside & out),... & the chassis/suspension capabilities of the 80 series, including factory lockers.

IMO, the 60 series interior has more room (or at least seems) & is better suited, for converting to expedition travel (I'd have everything bare bones & simple) than an 80 series. As far as the exterior goes - For expedition, I just like it more - seems more rugged to me.

IMO, the 80 series frame, chassis, suspension, ride & off-road capabilities are better suited for expedition travel, than the 60 series. Long trips will be more comfortable & quieter (with sound proofing). And Off road performance would be better, than a 60 series.

Is it all necessary - No.

Would it be fun/cool combination of what I like - Yes.

Is it straight-up rationale - Probably not.

Part of the reason I posed the questions, was to hear the 'cons',... as much as the 'pros'.

Thanks again & I appreciate your perspective - it is useful/helpful.


Cheers!
~CLK

 

[ginericLC]

So you are just going to TLC4x4 and having them build the truck for you? If I were going to pay to have something like this done I'd just go with a custom suspension. That would take less time and cost less money and you could get basically the same effect. If it is an expedition rig the overhang in the rear isn't as critical as for a rig that will see time in the rocks. This avoids completely new body mounts, body work, steering isssues, etc.... That is a lot of labor and time saved. Remember that if you are paying someone to do all this custom work you will never be able to sell it for what you have invested. Even a home mechanic cannot recoup all of their expenses when their labor is free.

If I were to do the V8 I'd go with probably a 5.3 4l60e auto 203 gear reduction box and a 60 series split case. That would give you a lot of variety in gearing options and still maintain decent driveline lengths.

I have an FJ68. It is a 60 series body on an FJ80 chassis. I extended the rear wheel wells to allow for 37" tires. Just recently I changed direction on the project and I'm switching to FZJ80 locked axles and a 1FZE power plant instead of the 3FE. I'm keeping it all Toyota.

As for the comment about going Toyota diesel. In a perfect world that would be great. However, having owned one of the most common Toyota diesels 3B, it is a nightmare to get parts for on the road when traveling in North America especially south of Canada. The more desirable and exotic diesels are even tougher to get parts for. For an expedition vehicle you want to keep things simple and have parts available where you anticipate to travel. If you were going to do a worldwide trip you probably wouldn't want to go with a Chevy V8 either as it would be more exotic in some places of the world. This especially holds true if you can't work on it yourself. Keep it as simple as possible.

 

[MANUCHAO]

Is it all necessary - No.

Is it straight-up rationale - Probably not.

Trudat...but hell.. it is fun to do it !!!

I have an FJ68. It is a 60 series body on an FJ80 chassis. I extended the rear wheel wells to allow for 37" tires.

HHHMMMM What's up doc ?
So, where the pics??

 

[ginericLC]

No picts, pending magazine article

 

[stocksail]

Done!

The Hybrid 60-80 series

Done by this Gentleman 2 1/2 years ago. Beautiful end result.

"Fj62 body sitting on top of an 80 series frame, suspension and axles. Drivetrain is a 3FE,H42,Split-Case sporting pizza cutters 33 by 9.5s A/Ts"