Build A Brazilian tries to build an 80!

[NeverFinis]

Just got done installing a new Dorman regulator
Window works again!

Im thinking about attending Rubithon for the first time next year, and with that, the thought about getting lockers been on my mind a lot.
I dont have the skills or tools to do it myself, so Ive been shopping around for pre assembled 3rd members. Boy, they are more expensive than I thought.
And now Im also overthinking about regearing the diffs. I thought about 4.88s, since for what I read, works good with 35s and 37s. But then I kept thinking about a possible future LS/10 speed swap, and how then the 80 would be way overgeared.
Now Im suffering from paralysis by analysis
What do you guys think?

35" with 4.10s with a modern 6/8/10 speed GM transmission is just about perfect. Best thing I ever did was LS swap my LX450.

 

[250below10]

35" with 4.10s with a modern 6/8/10 speed GM transmission is just about perfect. Best thing I ever did was LS swap my LX450.

I know it is a biased opinion, but everyone I talked to that have done the swap says the same. Im still tryng to find someone close by that has a swapped 80 and wants to be friends with me, so I can drive one before I make the decision

I understand the reasoning ppl want to keep it Toyota and go the turbo/sc route, but on top of more power, having a transmission whit more/lower gears is a huge part of my interest on the swap

 

[baldilocks]

dont dare bastardize that with chevy parts,
get a blower or turbo it if you have to

I have explained this to him. Cheaper and keeps the soul of the 80 intact.

 

[250below10]

I have explained this to him. Cheaper and keeps the soul of the 80 intact.

You say that like you dont know how Brazilians are stubborn

 

[bj70bc]

stop it
every time someone say brazilian im picturing something else

 

[250below10]

stop it
every time someone say brazilian im picturing something else

Is this not the waxing forum?

 

[bj70bc]

 

[baldilocks]

Is this not the waxing forum?

Waxing has been replaced by a laser.

 

[250below10]

Waxing has been replaced by a laser.

Im old school
And it is a good social activity

 

[Tim Herald]

Decided to go up in tire size and started shopping for new rubber
I forgot how expensive tires were.
So I found a good deal on a barely used set of 5 315/70R17 KO2s, and bough some Rough Country steelies, since I was still rocking 16" wheels and I could not find anything used for a 16".
Still came cheaper than buying 4 new tires
View attachment 4000431
View attachment 4000437

Before
View attachment 4000438


After
View attachment 4000439

Is this stock suspension and did you have rub at all? I want those wheels and was thinking 285/70/r17’s.

 

[250below10]

Is this stock suspension and did you have rub at all? I want those wheels and was thinking 285/70/r17’s.

2in lift
No rub with 33s, minimal rub on 35s (only when it gets supper flexy)

 

[Brindleboxer]

First time on a “long” drive since I got the Lutz speedometer thingy.
272.8 miles and burned 19.4 gallons. About 14mpg. On 35s. Over a mountain pass. Doenst seem correct

Dang, I would be excited to see 250 from a tank of gas let alone 272.8.

Also, there are a couple 80 in the Seattle area with the swap (not sure where you are at but they are around; heck TORFAB usually has one or two at the shop).

Also, IIRC they will sell you some Scheel-Mann seats for the 80 if you want some real sticker shock. but ride in extreme comfort.

If you do any more trips, I would like to meet up as most of my old off-road buddies have either moved or lost interest in off-roading.

 

[250below10]

Dang, I would be excited to see 250 from a tank of gas let alone 272.8.

Also, there are a couple 80 in the Seattle area with the swap (not sure where you are at but they are around; heck TORFAB usually has one or two at the shop).

Also, IIRC they will sell you some Scheel-Mann seats for the 80 if you want some real sticker shock. but ride in extreme comfort.

If you do any more trips, I would like to meet up as most of my old off-road buddies have either moved or lost interest in off-roading.

Yeah, I still think that mpg was a fluke!

Im trying to be more active here in hopes to connect with more local 80s owners, so hopefully eventually Ill meet someone with a swaped 80.
I got to seat in Tor’s truck (to try out the Scheel Manns funny enough), but didnt have the “guts” to ask for a ride
Im really close to pulling the trigger in the seats, since the stock ones are starting to mess with my back on longer drives, and I do have the wife support for that, believe it or not!

My schedule is a bit all over the place between my job and the kids, but hit me up if you are going out and Ill make sure to do the same! Hopefully we can make it work!

 

[SteelHunterFJ80]

So I'll throw out something for you to consider that might sound crazy.....instead of an ls swap have you looked at a toyota diesel?

One mud member said he had over $25k into his LS swap and that was with Torfab doing the work. That's well within the 1hdt or 1hdft arena. And because your swapping toyota parts over there is no reason why you can't do it yourself.

To top it off your going to get almost the same hp, double the torque, and double the mpg as the LS with upgraded injection pump, injectors and turbo. That'll be expensive but brings the motor alive.

There out there:

A

Wanted Thread 'Later (Post 1992) 1HDT long/short block'

Oct 3, 2025

Any long/short blocks floating around for a later style 1HDT out there that someone would be willing to part with? I may be facing an engine rebuild or swap. Trying to price out my options/availability of parts. Thanks!

• AZlc44
• 1hdt
• Replies: 17
• Forum: Classifieds: Diesel & JDM

D

For Sale Thread 'Hdj81 complete 1HD-t swap/conversion'

Jun 15, 2025

I’m thinking about selling my complete engine and transmission out of my 1992 HDJ81. 1HD-T with auto transmission. I’m keeping the transfer case. But will sell engine, transmission, fuel lines, full 3 inch exhaust, 24v system, and other little things needed for the conversion. It is still in my cruiser so you can always come drive it or whatever is needed before you buy it

Asking 12000 for everything

Located in southern Illinois

• Drewthecarguy
• 1hdt engine diesel jdm 80 series
• Replies: 2
• Forum: Classifieds: Diesel & JDM

• 

A 1hdft will be more expensive than 1hdt but worth it on my opinion.

Maual transmissions can be found as well:

For Sale Thread 'Extra Transmissions Sales - H151 x2, H55 x2'

Aug 16, 2025

I have some unused transmissions I have seemed to collect the past few years.

I have two H151 transmissions with transfer cases rom HDJ81 or HDJ101s
Bellhousing is for 1HZ/1HDT/1HDFT, 1HDFTE etc
Includes transmission and Tcase shifters - also have take-off clutches, flywheels, etc

The other isn't pictured but it's the same.
I was under the impression both had under 200K on them, but I'm not sure. If there is an issue I'm happy to refund.

$2500 per unit



Also have a H55F from a BJ73. Vehicle had less than 250,000KM when pulled, shifted perfectly. No...

• Willis
• fj60 h151 h151f h55f hj61
• Replies: 6
• Forum: Classifieds: Diesel & JDM

• 

If your ever serious about it I can take you for a ride in my 1hdft

 

[250below10]

So I'll throw out something for you to consider that might sound crazy.....instead of an ls swap have you looked at a toyota diesel?

One mud member said he had over $25k into his LS swap and that was with Torfab doing the work. That's well within the 1hdt or 1hdft arena. And because your swapping toyota parts over there is no reason why you can't do it yourself.

To top it off your going to get almost the same hp, double the torque, and double the mpg as the LS with upgraded injection pump, injectors and turbo. That'll be expensive but brings the motor alive.

There out there:

A

Wanted Thread 'Later (Post 1992) 1HDT long/short block'

Oct 3, 2025

Any long/short blocks floating around for a later style 1HDT out there that someone would be willing to part with? I may be facing an engine rebuild or swap. Trying to price out my options/availability of parts. Thanks!

• AZlc44
• 1hdt
• Replies: 17
• Forum: Classifieds: Diesel & JDM

D

For Sale Thread 'Hdj81 complete 1HD-t swap/conversion'

Jun 15, 2025

I’m thinking about selling my complete engine and transmission out of my 1992 HDJ81. 1HD-T with auto transmission. I’m keeping the transfer case. But will sell engine, transmission, fuel lines, full 3 inch exhaust, 24v system, and other little things needed for the conversion. It is still in my cruiser so you can always come drive it or whatever is needed before you buy it

Asking 12000 for everything

Located in southern Illinois

• Drewthecarguy
• 1hdt engine diesel jdm 80 series
• Replies: 2
• Forum: Classifieds: Diesel & JDM

• 

A 1hdft will be more expensive than 1hdt but worth it on my opinion.

Maual transmissions can be found as well:

For Sale Thread 'Extra Transmissions Sales - H151 x2, H55 x2'

Aug 16, 2025

I have some unused transmissions I have seemed to collect the past few years.

I have two H151 transmissions with transfer cases rom HDJ81 or HDJ101s
Bellhousing is for 1HZ/1HDT/1HDFT, 1HDFTE etc
Includes transmission and Tcase shifters - also have take-off clutches, flywheels, etc

The other isn't pictured but it's the same.
I was under the impression both had under 200K on them, but I'm not sure. If there is an issue I'm happy to refund.

$2500 per unit



Also have a H55F from a BJ73. Vehicle had less than 250,000KM when pulled, shifted perfectly. No...

• Willis
• fj60 h151 h151f h55f hj61
• Replies: 6
• Forum: Classifieds: Diesel & JDM

• 

If your ever serious about it I can take you for a ride in my 1hdft

Ive thought about it, and having manual on a 80 would be awesome. I dont know much about diesels and still have to do a bunch of reading.
But I feel like, based on no real data, that a LS swap, specially a Gen V with TorFabs adaptor, would be a much easier swap for a advanced beginner like me. I could be completely wrong tho.
Also, parts availability for the longevity of the LS sounds more likely than for the Toyota diesel.

Thanks for all the links, and maybe a ride on a diesel 80 would change my mind!

 

[SteelHunterFJ80]

Ive thought about it, and having manual on a 80 would be awesome. I dont know much about diesels and still have to do a bunch of reading.
But I feel like, based on no real data, that a LS swap, specially a Gen V with TorFabs adaptor, would be a much easier swap for a advanced beginner like me. I could be completely wrong tho.
Also, parts availability for the longevity of the LS sounds more likely than for the Toyota diesel.

Thanks for all the links, and maybe a ride on a diesel 80 would change my mind!

All good points there. And consider these too:

The manual is the easy part. Your just swapping parts that were designed to work there already. I'm sure you could do it now. You just need the correct input shaft and bell housing. You'll need a new axle but you can get those done inexpensively by driveline northwest here locally. $500 if I recall correctly

Another highlight: Sticking with a toyota engine means you just follow toyota manuals and guides. No guesswork and designed just as toyota intended.

And for parts, I get mine often faster than domestic. Partsouq.com is amazing and relatively well priced. 2 or 3 days typically.

Lastly for longevity, consider that they still sell some of these engines new for mining and construction trucks all over the world. You can still get new heads and blocks in several rgone types. And toyota diesels are designed to go 500,000 miles before a rebuild. Let's see an LS do that at all let alone rebuild.

I'm in Snohomish county should you ever want to check it out. Enjoying your building thread, keep up the great build!

 

[NeverFinis]

So I'll throw out something for you to consider that might sound crazy.....instead of an ls swap have you looked at a toyota diesel?

FYI: one of the sellers you linked to ditched his 1HD-T for a 6.2 LT, and then later ditched that for a LM2/10 speed. The LM2/10 Speed is a very intriguing swap.

One mud member said he had over $25k into his LS swap and that was with Torfab doing the work. That's well within the 1hdt or 1hdft arena. And because your swapping toyota parts over there is no reason why you can't do it yourself.

Yes, if you are paying a shop to do it, any engine swap can be expensive, not just LS. LS swaps can be cheap or as expensive as one likes.

To top it off your going to get almost the same hp, double the torque, and double the mpg as the LS with upgraded injection pump, injectors and turbo. That'll be expensive but brings the motor alive.

Are you saying that a 1-hdft could have the same HP, double the torque and twice the mpg of a LS?

Just to give some LS numbers, my L96 has 360 hp and 380 lb-ft from the factory, but GM ECM calculates it closer to 400 hp as it sits. I get a consistent 15 mpg loaded down with gear (with big RTT on the roof). Are you getting 30 mpg? Got to factor in the price premium of diesel compared to gas in many jurisdictions.

If one starts modifying engines for more power, LS wins hands down. No one is drag racing a 1990s manual Toyota diesel. Plus, parts/engines/mechanics/machine shops are plentiful for LS engines.

I personally like an under-stressed engine like my L96. Reliability goes out the window as soon as you start adding power adders to an engine that was never designed for them.

 

[SteelHunterFJ80]

FYI: one of the sellers you linked to ditched his 1HD-T for a 6.2 LT, and then later ditched that for a LM2/10 speed. The LM2/10 Speed is a very intriguing swap.

I think to each their own, I like the fact that the 80 series was built by Toyota with their diesel in mind. Its about as factory as you can get. And I definitely agree, the 10 speed is very interesting and could be a true multiplier on the motor by keeping it in the power band or more fuel efficient RPM range.

Yes, if you are paying a shop to do it, any engine swap can be expensive, not just LS. LS swaps can be cheap or as expensive as one likes.

For sure, I think thats true for all engine swaps. I'm just highlighting the expense is comparative depending on how our Brazilian friend wanted to go about his build. Torfab completed my swap and with labor and engine I was in for the same.

Are you saying that a 1-hdft could have the same HP, double the torque and twice the mpg of a LS?

Just to give some LS numbers, my L96 has 360 hp and 380 lb-ft from the factory, but GM ECM calculates it closer to 400 hp as it sits. I get a consistent 15 mpg loaded down with gear (with big RTT on the roof). Are you getting 30 mpg? Got to factor in the price premium of diesel compared to gas in many jurisdictions.

Yes, same horsepower and double the torque. My rig is somewhere in the 850lb range and about 350 hp at the wheels. I might be able to get it up to 950 lbs and 390 hp with a few more mods. 15 mpg is great for an LS, you have a nicely tuned engine. When I was talking to Torfab about doing an LS swap they said to expect 12 to 13 mpg was the average they saw which was my reference point. My 1HDFT is currently getting 24 with mixed driving (manual transmission, 35 inch tires, sliders and front and rear bumpers). Diesel is the same price and often 30 cents cheaper for me in my area so it comes to be about 50% savings in my fuel expenditures.

If one starts modifying engines for more power, LS wins hands down. No one is drag racing a 1990s manual Toyota diesel. Plus, parts/engines/mechanics/machine shops are plentiful for LS engines.

Not true, they drag race them in Australia. And not tooting my own horn here or thinking I am the end all be all, but I have lined up against a few LS trucks of similar size and torched them. With the torque I have and in AWD I just get a better launch.

I personally like an under-stressed engine like my L96. Reliability goes out the window as soon as you start adding power adders to an engine that was never designed for them.

GTurbo who built my turbo, and sold me the upgraded ADS injectors and Injection Pump races 1HDFTs with 200,000 miles on them all the time with no issues. The crank is forged, the head cast iron, its a pretty stout engine. Gturbo has been able to get 100s of thousands of miles out of unopened diesels with zero reliability issues. You just have to make sure its tuned properly. Keep in mind that the internals are all stock too.

@250below10 sorry for mucking up your thread for a bit here

 

[250below10]

I think to each their own, I like the fact that the 80 series was built by Toyota with their diesel in mind. Its about as factory as you can get. And I definitely agree, the 10 speed is very interesting and could be a true multiplier on the motor by keeping it in the power band or more fuel efficient RPM range.



For sure, I think thats true for all engine swaps. I'm just highlighting the expense is comparative depending on how our Brazilian friend wanted to go about his build. Torfab completed my swap and with labor and engine I was in for the same.



Yes, same horsepower and double the torque. My rig is somewhere in the 850lb range and about 350 hp at the wheels. I might be able to get it up to 950 lbs and 390 hp with a few more mods. 15 mpg is great for an LS, you have a nicely tuned engine. When I was talking to Torfab about doing an LS swap they said to expect 12 to 13 mpg was the average they saw which was my reference point. My 1HDFT is currently getting 24 with mixed driving (manual transmission, 35 inch tires, sliders and front and rear bumpers). Diesel is the same price and often 30 cents cheaper for me in my area so it comes to be about 50% savings in my fuel expenditures.




Not true, they drag race them in Australia. And not tooting my own horn here or thinking I am the end all be all, but I have lined up against a few LS trucks of similar size and torched them. With the torque I have and in AWD I just get a better launch.






GTurbo who built my turbo, and sold me the upgraded ADS injectors and Injection Pump races 1HDFTs with 200,000 miles on them all the time with no issues. The crank is forged, the head cast iron, its a pretty stout engine. Gturbo has been able to get 100s of thousands of miles out of unopened diesels with zero reliability issues. You just have to make sure its tuned properly. Keep in mind that the internals are all stock too.

@250below10 sorry for mucking up your thread for a bit here

No need to apologize
That was a great discussion and gave me a lot to think about!
I’ve already bookmarked a couple of 1HD-FT+h152F swap thread to educate myself a bit

 

[250below10]

In other news
Just got my oil analysis back from Blackstone

Engine is still doing good
So looks like I have plenty of time to decide what route I want to go next