Another New fj 55 owner

[bobm]

Well said lambcrusher. I would replace Cheap with Frugality and Creativeness.

 

[Brycec]

Wow I Seem To Have Gotten Off On The Wrong foot here, uhm let's try this again. Hey everybody how's it going I'm super excited about getting my new landcruiser fj55. If anyone has any good suggestions on the best way to make it a good daily driver I would be more than thrilled to hear them. Thanks

 

[scrapdaddy]

Throw lots of money at it.

 

[Brycec]

Will do

 

[scrapdaddy]

All kidding a side. what are your plans, a body off restoration ground up kind of thing or fix and drive. Is it drivable now, any problems in the running gear? What's first? We're with you.

 

[Brycec]

Probably not body off. But LS 4L80e 4" lift 35s, interior exterior repaint. It runs and drives all original, the rust isn't to bad non in the rockers, rear corners have and front fender lowers, rear wheel arches have some.

 

[Brycec]

I will try and get some pics, it's normally dark by the time I get home

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

while many things on a pig can be faked, some things cannot. you must decide what you see the rig doing and prioritize your budget. the rubbers and steel and a few other things are uniquely fj55- as hard to find as hens teeth. and it is easy to get bogged in the mire. if you are a stubborn swine, you'll find your way thru. many people start by just getting it driveable. focus on bearings and brakes and seals, then do steering and suspension. follow that with drivetrain and move into interior or body- your choice, then finish how you like/can afford. it all starts with your picture of what it is to be and then recognizing where you are to start.

 

[Brycec]

Yes I agree, I write down my plan and count the cost first so I stay on track. I'm selling my 2010 f150 and I have a work van. So I will probably make a budget of 20k total. I will be doing it all myself, so 20k should go a fair ways to getting it together. I'm putting my 34 chevy sedan on the back burner to get this done

 

[scrapdaddy]

Alright, LS with the auto. A lot of good information on here to help. You know if you're going to be taking the motor/trans all out, new springs, radiator, etc. it might be better/easier to just pull the body off. Sorry, I just opened the can of worms. That's where I when down hill, but it does make it nice to work on.

 

[Brycec]

Yes I thought about that. It's still a possibility, I'm not 100% on the LS yet. I kinda like the idea of tundra drive train also. We will see. Any input? What works what doesn't

 

[scrapdaddy]

Are you set on an auto? Guys have done just about all the motor swaps out there, but the LS/auto is going to be one of the lowest cost outlay and easiest to get tech support for the ECU programming. My opinion.

 

[Brycec]

Yes, I hate to say it but getting to the age that I really don't want be rowing gears anymore

 

[scrapdaddy]

NikP has a great write up on his LS/auto....My New Project

I know what you mean, every time I get stuck in traffic with my 5500 Dodge I think about an auto.

 

[Brycec]

Awesome I will check it out thanks

 

[Peters Moose]

Tons of great folks and info here. I've been updating my 55 one bit at a time so I can keep driving when I want.
Truly a joy evertime I open the gate and let her out for a stroll. Just finished a new aluminum radiator and Evans coolent swap. Wish I did that first!!!

Anyway welcome to the group. Good to have another 55 in the NW!

 

[Gordobe]

Guess you not going to want to restore a vintage Lamborghini any time soon

 

[Brycec]

Gordobe, I guess not

 

[billstoudt]

I'm working on an SBC 700R4 swap its been a long slow process but i'm in the same boat. i dont want to keep "clutching".

 

[Brycec]

I have the opertunity to purchase an 88 iroc with the tpi and 700r4 has 80k on it for a 1000 dollars. Was thinking about it. My only reservation is to go to all the trouble of a swap, and only have 1980s Tech. Has anyone else gone this route? And we're you happy with it?