84 FJ60 Resto,

[SKINNER]

Hey guys, I've been making progress behind the scenes - but haven't been good about posting updates. Here are some updates:

I got the drivetrain out of the LS400; seems like I've been here before . . .

After hauling the car for scrap, the drivetrain has cost me $75 (and I haven't even begun listing any of the clean parts I saved), not a bad deal if you ask me.

Engine on the stand and ready for disassembly:

Post-disassembly:

Was very pleased to see how clean everything was. I found all of the "certified Lexus" maintenance records and stamps in the glovebox.

Block after a few hours of scrubbing & cleaning:

Picked up a blast cabinet to clean many of the other parts:

SC400 rear sump pan cleaned & ready for install:

Engine parts for re-assembly:

Finally, my 6 lug alloy shafts showed up, also:

Hoping to get the engine buttoned back up this week, and then finish deadening the roof in prep for the new headliner. My goal is to get this done in the next couple weeks so I can leave it at the upholstery shop during my next trip to Japan at the end of this month.

 

[NolanFJ60]

Awesomesauce! I've never heard of someone putting a Lexus motor in a 60. Can't wait to see the finished product

 

[SKINNER]

Awesomesauce! I've never heard of someone putting a Lexus motor in a 60. Can't wait to see the finished product

I haven't seen one either, but every time I drive my wifes LS400 I am convinced I am not making a mistake.

 

[woutur123]

I found you a video of wich the title says that it is been done before!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN9uPKR1s8A&feature=endscreen&NR=1

keep up the good work man! awsome project! can't wait to see it come together.

 

[woutur123]

and there is more:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_SvzfuwRAg

 

[Interpol]

subscribed

 

[SKINNER]

Hey guys - thought I'd post an update to let everyone know I'm not dead. Been a busy start to the year, I've been back to Japan again & just spent a week in NYC at the Auto Show unveiling my project (no, not the 60) - the 2014 Highlander.

Anyhow, got a bit more work done on the 1UZ. Top end is back together - everything resealed, and timing belt, water pump, etc. all replaced.

Next step is swapping over the rear sump pan setup, building a x-member for the A341 & Dana 300, and then swapping drivetrains again (old 1UZ out & this one in). Still have to tackle the A341E rebuild & AW4 output shaft swap.

Couple pics:

 

[Delancy]

Gorgeous.

Doesn't mean much coming from a guy that struggles with the easiest 80 tasks, and I realize your profession, but blown away by the skills exhibited.

Congrats.

 

[Pacer]

Sorry to have missed you in NYC, could have walked right by you.
Were you there on the floor talking to show goers?

How'd it go?

Really cool trucks you're developing, both here and over there.

Is the original 1UZ not up to spec?

Thanks for keeping us updated.

 

[nstoyota2]

Subscribed!! I am really contemplating this swap with a W56.

 

[SKINNER]

Sorry to have missed you in NYC, could have walked right by you.
Were you there on the floor talking to show goers?

How'd it go?

Really cool trucks you're developing, both here and over there.

Is the original 1UZ not up to spec?

Thanks for keeping us updated.

The show was awesome - it was my first time to the NY show. They gave a couple of us engineering & manufacturing guys a chance to go. It was a great experience; really cool to see the project I've been working hard on (and travelling like crazy) for the last 3 years get unveiled.

I was there "Toyota official" on the media day, so not too many show goers. I did take my wife and 2 kids & we made a trip of it. We went to the show together on the first day open to the public, but in street clothes.

As for the original 1UZ, it was up to spec; has great compression, no sludge, leaks, etc. However, it had about 190k on the clock - the 1UZ I just went through only had about 100k. Also, for the price I couldn't pass it up (spare parts alone made it worth it).

 

[NetJunky]

This is such an awesome build and you make it look so easy to build.

I look forward to your updates and the final outcome.

 

[JasonHillPDX]

O man, I just found this thread and walked through all 22 pages to see almost a year with no updates? I'm dying to find out how this rig is going. Its been such an awesome project--there must be a happy ending, no?

 

[NolanFJ60]

I hope it is still going. It seems that with builds that exceed two or more years, the owner will get burned out and sell the project. I've seen it happen to a couple of builds, generally the ones that are highly complex.

 

[mongoose2231]

I sure hope I'll be able to finish my rebuild, once I get started that is. Still trying to finish a Shed were all my parts will be stored. Feew.

 

[bluehawk]

It has been quite awhile, lets see some pics of the truck itself. That motor is a hoss, looking good. Can't wait to see more. Great job

 

[gregnash]

Skinner is actually an engineer for Toyota so I know that he runs back and forth for long periods of time to Japan. He was integral in the design of the new Highlander (I think it was that or the 4Runner) and had spent many months over in the Motherland. He more than likely is over there for an extended period, hopefully working on the new Cummins powered Tundra (and possibly the 4Runner....praying!!).

 

[SKINNER]

I hope it is still going. It seems that with builds that exceed two or more years, the owner will get burned out and sell the project. I've seen it happen to a couple of builds, generally the ones that are highly complex.

Skinner is actually an engineer for Toyota so I know that he runs back and forth for long periods of time to Japan. He was integral in the design of the new Highlander (I think it was that or the 4Runner) and had spent many months over in the Motherland. He more than likely is over there for an extended period, hopefully working on the new Cummins powered Tundra (and possibly the 4Runner....praying!!).

Hey fellas! Been a long while, just saw the replies posted!

Nolan - I promise, the project is not "burned out" . . . just been a crazy few years. Greg is correct, I work for Toyota & just got done launching the new Highlander. In the process, I received a promotion & even more responsibilities (as I type, I am actually in Japan again working on another project) In addition, I moved my family to a new house, which meant I had to build a new shop & move all my equipment & projects from the old place.
As you can imagine, that has been no easy feat. We had a nasty winter in Indiana this year & that really slowed down progress on getting the shop up.
Good news is the new place will give me a lot more room. With the repair & fab business I run on the side, my old shop was tapped out. The new shop is a bit bigger - 50' x 72' x 16'; 3600 sqft (w/ plans for a future 1250 sqft loft) will give me enough room to have 2 dedicated service & fab bays, and plenty of room for my own projects & equipment.
Before I left a couple of weeks ago, we got the concrete finished & started in on wiring. I have insulation ordered & hope to get it & metal liner up by mid-summer. At that point, I'll be able to start moving all my gear in. Couple pics (sorry no FJ60 photos):

 

[Pacer]

Thanks for checking in Skinner, that is one hell of a facility you're building there. Congratulations!

And if you had anything to do with this 2013 we just added to our driveway, I congratulate you again. This thing is super nice.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Jealous of that shop just like I'm jealous of your truck. Awesome!