Advice on revising previous v8 install (1 Viewer)

[hanzo111]

Hello everyone I’m hoping someone can give me some advice. I purchased my truck set up this way. The previous owner had used a front engine cradle motor mount system and used long tube headers with a very bad steering set up.

I’m wondering if I can use the original motor mounts for the V8 small block Chevy.

Also, I’m wondering if I can use ram horn exhaust manifolds and then I have to figure out how to correct the steering angle. I’ve added some pictures. Any detailed help would help a lot.

Thanks in advance

 

[pb4ugo]

I'd get rid of the cradle mount and go to a more conventional set up using the mounting bosses on the blk and gussets on the frame. This will also allow you to run a single steering shaft running between the firewall and steering box. I think AA sells motor mounts or possibly @Downey might have what you need. Center dump Rams horns are commonly used. Everything should fit nicely together. You can look in faq's and use the search.

 

[Downey]

Yep, I have the front motor mounts you need, lemme know.

 

[hanzo111]

Yep, I have the front motor mounts you need, lemme know.

Thank you, do you have a website?

 

[pb4ugo]

Thank you, do you have a website?

If you click on his name you can start a conversation. If you use "@" b4 his name like I did in my previous post , it alerts him the next time he is on the site. Like me alerting you by quoting your message.

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

I re-did a pretty bad V8 setup that existed in my truck when I bought it. Mine didn’t use a cradle, but It mounted a 283 small block Chevy to a stock Toyota 4 speed using a Lakewood scatter shield Bellhousing, and a combination of Chevy and Toyota clutch components. It had been mounted too far forward and there was a huge dog-leg in the shifter, and a matching gash in the transmission tunnel to accommodate it.

I corrected it by cutting out the old mounts, and buying a Bellhousing from Downey, along with his front mounts. In the rear, I used the Advance Adapaters transfer case mounted rear crossmember.

One slick solution I learned along the way, is that a FJ60 4-speed manual transmission top cover bolts right up to an FJ40 4 speed transmission, but positions the shift tower about 3 inches rearward. If you put the small block where it belongs, with the heads roughly 3 inches off the firewall, the transmission shifter comes through the floor almost exactly in the stock location - no big hole or shifter dog-leg required. You will still, however, need to modify the transfer case shifter slightly to get it back through the holes in the right place.

Second - go the extra mile to move the radiator mounts down a couple inches and center the biggest V8 cooling fan you can find in a tightly fitting shroud. Keeping the small block cool is a bit of a challenge.

Third - position the engine for the best driveshaft angles, front and rear, but make sure you leave clearance on the driver’s side for the steering shaft. No matter what steering setup you go with, things will be tight in that area. While you’re at it, make sure you use a telescoping steering shaft, for safety.

Yes, you can, and should, use Ram’s horn manifolds. There is a Walker brand Y-pipe exhaust crossover that works nicely in an FJ40.

Feel free to go check out my build thread - as I have been here, done that, and asked a ton of stupid questions along the way - it’s all documented! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send me a message. I went and had a couple kids so my project is stalled, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help with yours!

Some before and after:

After:

Gives you a good idea of the tightness of the steering shaft…

mostly installed:

Last one showing the dog leg

 

[hanzo111]

Thank you!

 

[Downey]

Thank you, do you have a website?

If you google tojoproducts@aol.com that will get you to my eBay store, but don’t buy from me on eBay. Just get ahold of me on mud for purchases- - -easy deal

 

[pjohnson]

@Downey may also have one of his V8 conversion guides available.

 

[hanzo111]

Ok great. Headers coming off, also cleaning up the frame where the new mounts will go.

 

[hanzo111]

The mission has now begun. Thank you for the advice and help.

New mounts are in. About to remove old mounts. Add bearing to steering. Attach using flaming river setup.
Install ram horns.
All motor components
Then start on body. I’ll post pics.

This is the mount prior to removing the front mount that is from the original conversion.

 

[dmaddox]

Don't hate me, but a 2F would look fantastic in there.....

 

[hanzo111]

Don't hate me, but a 2F would look fantastic in there.....

No hate. I purchased this truck converted. I have no idea what was done during the conversion and at this point am too afraid to ask. I would like to go back to the inline motor but it is scary.
I just completed my defender 90 and installed a inline chevy 250 6, love that motor but it wont fit in the fj.

 

[dmaddox]

I hear you. The good news is going back to a 2F, you have copious publications (experts on this site to ask) and so on. Then any part you need, any Toyota manual you open...will match what you have under the hood. Not trying to add any complexity, just putting it out there. Click my BJ42 link in the signature. I went from V8 to Toyota

 

[pb4ugo]

There are plenty of folks on here who run sbc's too. They're very easy and simple to work on. They've been around since the 50's.

 

[Slapshot]

Run what you brung! At least for a while. If my 327 craps out I might look at other options. But nothing wrong with a V8, except for too much power. And standard/metric wrenches whenever you have to work in the engine compartment.

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

I’ve driven 2F FJ40’s - they make me smile
I have a 350SBC Chevota - it makes me smile

 

[archie73]

Run what you brung! At least for a while. If my 327 craps out I might look at other options. But nothing wrong with a V8, except for too much power. And standard/metric wrenches whenever you have to work in the engine compartment.

An LS will fix that problem..

Nothing wrong with pure Toyota, but I’m not going back…

 

[hanzo111]

Ok things are heating up.
Motor mounts are in.
Steering is being addressed.


Do I bring her down to stock height or throw 35s in it?

If I lower her back I assume it’s by putting axles back under the leaf springs. Not sure if I have to swap steering arm etc to achieve this?

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

Your steering arms look stock to me. Assuming those are the stock u bolt plates with shocks mounted to them, just upside down, it might be that simple as long as nobody did a cut/turn on the axle for caster correction.

I can’t quite tell from the pictures but it looks like you may have a drop pitman arm? I see something in that shot of the shackle. That may need to be swapped for something flatter if you go back to spring under. You want your drag link in line with the tie rod.