80-series re-engine project

[Zzlorp]

I am looking to start a 80-series project vehicle here in a couple of years once my current project (1964 F-250 restoration and modernization) is done, and I could use any advice you all are willing to offer....

I am thinking about picking up a good clean used rig, converting it over to a v8, nv4500 trans, and orion transfer case, trail armor and bumpers, and lifted to fit 33" tires. Right now I am thinking an EFI stroked ford small block (possibly supercharged), but I am open to suggestions for engines, including diesel conversions (hmmm, wonder if that v6 Duramax really exists). I'd like to keep it fairly easy to find parts for. I'd really prefer a 5-speed standard tranny.

This would be my play rig for going on backpacking/rock climbing/snowboarding/hunting expeditions, so I'd like it to be reasonable to drive on the highway and quite capable offroad, the good old swiss-army rig.... I'd like something that I could carry my gear with that is still large enough to sleep inside (rear seats pulled) and going from a 1970 Suburban to my Tacoma I have decided that I prefer the suv-style in a smaller package over the Tacoma with a shell. I am shooting for 20mpg range and healthy driveability (I am happy with my '98 2.7l Tacoma for a comparison) but not a tire smoker.

Right now this is all just dreaming, but if I get going on it I am not overly concerned with the price tag, as this would be a vehicle that I would run until dead dead dead....

 

[tarbe]

Sounds like the kind of rig many of us here would like to build.

If 20mpg is on your radar, the diesel will be, too. Small block V8 may hit 20 with conservative highway driving, but I doubt it will average 20. A Cummins 4BT can.

 

[landtank]

This would be my play rig for going on backpacking/rock climbing/snowboarding/hunting expeditions, so I'd like it to be reasonable to drive on the highway and quite capable offroad, the good old swiss-army rig....

Quite simple really. Buy a 95+ truck with factory lockers. Add an OME heavy suspension.

And you're done!

No need to go any further with that other crap.

 

[Elijah]

Quite simple really. Buy a 95+ truck with factory lockers. Add an OME heavy suspension.

And you're done!

No need to go any further with that other crap.

X2. Go with J spring lift from OME and put on 35's.

 

[Romer]

And add a supercharger from Toyota and you will have V8 performance

 

[Zzlorp]

Has anyone done a 4BT conversion? That engine has been on my list of possibles, my biggest concern was weight and the axles handling the torque that engine can put out, I have seen Dana 70's killed by 12 valve 6B engines.

Everyone I know that has had an 80 series, no matter the age, has complained about two things, gas mileage and lack of power....I would really like to get rid of the full time 4wd, and the automatic, but I am fine (would actually prefer) leaving the 6cyl alone other than adding a supercharger. How hard is a manual transmission conversion? Can FJ-60 parts be used?

 

[landtank]

I have no idea why you would buy a 80 and then gut the thing and replace everything. There has to be better better choices to get you closer to where you want to be than starting with an 80.

But if you want an 80 buy one and drive it yourself and see what it needs. From what you described it doesn't need much over stock.

 

[alkaline747trio]

For what you seem to want, other than 20mpg, a supercharger, extreme valvebody, and the part-time kit from www.sleeoffroad.com you would probably be very happy. The part-time kit has gained mixed results. It doesn't really increase your mileage, power is slightly improved, handling is changed, but front end wear is reduced.

 

[Zzlorp]

I have no idea why you would buy a 80 and then gut the thing and replace everything. There has to be better better choices to get you closer to where you want to be than starting with an 80.

But if you want an 80 buy one and drive it yourself and see what it needs. From what you described it doesn't need much over stock.

Well I want a mid-sized wagon that is comfortable and reliable for long distance (multistate) trips. I started out looking at FJ-60's, but they are a bit too rough for what I am after, great off road, not as pleasant on the highway. I could do what I want with a FJ-62, but that ends up being basically the same project as a FJ-80 when it is all said and done. I also want something with a standard transmission, I have never liked automatics in anything, and I simply prefer not to have them around.

I like the FJ-80 because it is the perfect size, it has solid axles (the only wagon out there besides a Jeep that does) and coil springs, there is a ton of solid accessories for it, and it is a Toyota and they have never let me down with little crap breaking down all the damn time....besides, everyone and their brothers have jeeps/blazers/broncos and all that crap, I want something different....

Now, if I could get a damn Australian diesel 80-series, with a five speed, none of this would really matter...

On a side note, with my contacts in the mining industry, I might be able to come up with the engine/tranny/transfer-case from a 75-series pickup with at least a 1HZ engine, and possibly a 1HD-FT....

 

[Zzlorp]

Also, if a 2000 ford exploder can get 20mpg on the highway with a stock 5.0l v8, it shouldn't be that hard to pull it off in one of these....

 

[alkaline747trio]

If you can get the 1HD-T, then do it!

 

[OGBeno]

I also would vote for a Toyota Diesel mated to a 5 speed.

If you want the Toyota reliability and want 20mpg+ you do not want to put an American engine (petrol or diesel) into it.

From your posts it seems like you have cash to play with; if this is the case, contact some of the Canadian guys who get JDM stuff in or talk with Specter and plunk down your credit card and start the work.

If you have the cash, the sky is the limit.

Hell, if you have the cash, just import one from Japan, Canada, or Oz.

Best of luck.
-onur
Oberlin, OH

 

[gnx7]

Are you simply looking for another project once your restoration is complete... or do you want to actually drive an FZJ80 and do some exploring?

As mentioned... a lift, 35" tires, regear, factory lockers..... and you can go just about anywhere. Add a heavy duty front bumper/sliders and you should be able to bash your way thru anything.

4BT/6BT is tons of work and will yield better gas mileage/power, but it will take months and months to complete. A V8 will have more power and get about the same mileage. These are 6,000lb trucks shaped like a brick. They aren't a Prius that is stuck to paved roads and if hit by a moped would be totalled.

 

[jcj_78FJ40]

Look for a 91 or 92 FJ80.

Pull the 3FE, tranny & tc and resell it. Someone else would love to have this for their FJ40, 45, 55.

Scrap the Orion tc case unless you also want to swap out your axels and possibly relocate your gas tank. The Orion is a centered output and the 80 diffs are offset.

Go with your engine of choice, the NV4500 and a split TC from a FJ60 or FJ629 (using an AA Adapter). Add Asian lockouts on the front hubs.

This will give you a great low range and convert you part time 4x4.

Just my opinion.

Best of Luck!!
JC

 

[Beowulf]

Has anyone done a 4BT conversion? That engine has been on my list of possibles, my biggest concern was weight and the axles handling the torque that engine can put out, I have seen Dana 70's killed by 12 valve 6B engines.

Everyone I know that has had an 80 series, no matter the age, has complained about two things, gas mileage and lack of power....I would really like to get rid of the full time 4wd, and the automatic, but I am fine (would actually prefer) leaving the 6cyl alone other than adding a supercharger. How hard is a manual transmission conversion? Can FJ-60 parts be used?

Proffitts does the 4BT conversion. I think it's about $15k but search the archives. That's a LOT of $3/gal fuel to recover though and not a lot more power than the 1FZ-FE.

My suggestion would be to get a nice used 80-Series with lockers and start building it with the accessories you want. Once you've had some time with it then you can decide to get rid of the auto tranny and petrol engine. You won't lose anything by going this route first and you may like the auto, the FT 4WD, and the 1FZ-FE once you give 'em a chance. The automatic is very nice for rock crawling.

-B-

 

[Martin White]

Is a gas V8 really going to get the same fuel economy as a diesel? Several posts above have suggested that. Or is it only highway you guys are talking about? (I've read that a 4BT conversion will average 25 mpg US - which is quite a long way from 20 mpg.)

 

[Rusty Phillips]

dont forget - while diesel gets more mpg's, it also may (or may not) cost more per gallon.....

right now where I'm at diesel is $2.69 a gallon and 87 octane is $2.19.

a diesel would be nice but perhaps the best thing to do is stick with the FZJ80 as it is and buy a 2wd full size pickup set up for towing AND buy a small VW diesel (Jetta or Bug) for everyday tooling around.

methinks you can buy all three and have less $$ invested than putting a diesel in the 80

heck you could probably also buy a nice gooseneck trailer for the pickup and still come out ahead

 

[Doc]

Also, if a 2000 ford exploder can get 20mpg on the highway with a stock 5.0l v8, it shouldn't be that hard to pull it off in one of these....

An exploder is quite a bit lighter than a cruiser.

 

[Beowulf]

... my biggest concern was weight and the axles handling the torque that engine can put out.

The 80 axles can handle a lot more torque than a stock 4BT/4BTA can put out. Here are some engine specs:

Engine.........HP.......Torque (ft/lbs)
1FZ-FE........212........275
1HD-T.........170........270 (Toyota intercooled, turbo diseasel)
4BT...........105........220
4BTA..........125........250 (Intercooled 4BT)

The cost of a professionally done 4BT conversion in an 80-Series is ~$14k for everything as discussed in this thread. They use an automatic transmission though. Probably more $$$ for a 5-speed.

-B-

 

[FJBen]

Look for a 91 or 92 FJ80.

Pull the 3FE, tranny & tc and resell it. Someone else would love to have this for their FJ40, 45, 55.

Scrap the Orion tc case unless you also want to swap out your axels and possibly relocate your gas tank. The Orion is a centered output and the 80 diffs are offset.

Go with your engine of choice, the NV4500 and a split TC from a FJ60 or FJ629 (using an AA Adapter). Add Asian lockouts on the front hubs.

This will give you a great low range and convert you part time 4x4.

Just my opinion.

Best of Luck!!
JC

#1 no factory lockers or all wheel discs on a 91/92

#2 The Orion is NOT centered, it's a direct replacement for 40/55 LC t-cases and off-set.

#3 it's Aisin just being nitpicky