81 BJ42 vs FJ40, what are the differences...

[gr8ful]

Besides the engines, obviously...

Are they otherwise virtually identical, as in same frames, same body, etc...

Or, are there tons of little differences that only an owner of a BJ would know???

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can give me.

Best,
Abe

 

[mallred]

24 volt system, vaccum pumps, 410 gears, different spring shackle pins, is about all that I can think of right now.

 

[Diescipel]

Really, different pins?

10 mpg better in the BJ.

Be aware that yes, you can sum up and say the engines are different, but that doesn't really address the benefits of the 3B vs the 2F, nor does it address all the benefits of [mechanically injected] diesel vs. gas for a 4x4.

B

 

[yotawheeler]

way better gas milage and you dont need to worry about a carb crappen out on you when your at a big angle. IMHO the BJ is hands down a better rig...and i own an FJ40...

 

[gr8ful]

Hi Thanks for the info guys! I agree that the BJ is a much cooler truck. I was basically wondering if it is possible to do body/frame work on a BJ, using FJ parts.
For instance, nobody makes replacement tubs for the BJ. Is the FJ tub identical, so that you just purchase an FJ40 tub of the proper year & it sits on really easily.
The same questions about frames & such. Would it be a direct bolt in swap to replace a rusty BJ frame with a good FJ frame? If you bought one of those nice long range gas tanks designed for a fj40, would it go in just as easily on a BJ?

I know that they have to be super similar, but having never seen a bj 42 in person, I just don't know if they are actually really different when you start looking at the details?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Best,
Abe

 

[Diescipel]

RE: body. Yes, identical. Aqualu tubs are for "BJ/FJ". Same with Gozzard's glass. As my sig says, I have lots of Aqualu on mine.

RE: frames. I believe identical for the year in question. For '83 and later BJ42s with the 5 spd., the middle frame X-member is moved rearward to accomodate the longer tranny. This also means that the fuel tanks are slightly different on the latest 40s (Yota used the same tank even though the FJs still had the 4 spds).

RE: long range tanks. Yes they would fit but I have a muffler where it would go right now. Not sure if this is stock configuration exhaust, but that's a minor custom job. Oh and you realize the need for a long range tank is quite diminished when your fuel mileage is 150% better?

I think the upshot of your questions is: can I do a thorough resto on a BJ with the given options out there. The answer is absolutely yes. There are a few funky things with the BJs, but otherwise they are nearly identical. Yes, all the aftermarket stuff works too, but you have to think about putting a 24v winch on your ARB bullbar. All the axle lockers etc. work too, but again if you get ARBs you'll need a 24v compressor for the onboard air etc. Nothing that can stop your average cruiserhead. Tuffy's fit, soft tops fit, etc etc.

B

 

[gr8ful]

RE: body.
I think the upshot of your questions is: can I do a thorough resto on a BJ with the given options out there. The answer is absolutely yes. There are a few funky things with the BJs, but otherwise they are nearly identical. Yes, all the aftermarket stuff works too, but you have to think about putting a 24v winch on your ARB bullbar. All the axle lockers etc. work too, but again if you get ARBs you'll need a 24v compressor for the onboard air etc. Nothing that can stop your average cruiserhead. Tuffy's fit, soft tops fit, etc etc.

B

Wow, you crystalized my thoughts exactly! After reading your response, I thought, "why didn't I put it that way. It was so much more simple!"

Thanks for everyones help.

Best,
Abe