Any help or ideas for my 1964 FJ45LV build???

[BabyD]

Hi everyone! I'm pretty new at the forum thing so please be patient with me!

I've started on one of my 45LV's to build as a daily driver. I love and respect keeping these old things original, but I'm building this for a daily driver.

I've measured the wheel base and it looks like or at least the closest Toyota frame I could find would be an FJ Cruiser. I am wanting to keep the body all original but put it on a newer drivetrain, chassis and running gear. I would like to keep it all Toyota if possible, or maybe an LS motor?

Does anyone have any ideas or thoughts on what would be the best way to go with this project? I also need to fix a little rust in some of the floor boards and rear quarter ribs. Any ideas there!

I REALLY APPRECIATE ANY INPUT!!!

I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING EVERYONES IDEAS!!

THANKS,

HEATHER

 

[Gumby]

Either a 1fz/a343/AWD drivetrain from an 80 or plop it on an 80 chassis or 100 series chassis.

 

[RustyNailJustin]

Kinda depends how deep your pockets and or your skill level. Setting it on a 100 would be awesome.

I got first dibs on the LV frame if you ditch it.

Cool Cadillac sign in the background. Looks like you have good taste.

 

[Hogan]

Looks like you are going to have a fun project, can't wait to see it progress.

 

[BabyD]

First of all, I'm not a mechanic by any means. I know enough to get myself into trouble! I am outsourcing the work, but unfortunately Sheridan, WY isn't too full of Toyota knowledge. I have some good people doing the work but want to make sure I head them in the right direction.

What would be the easiest but right way to make this my daily driver? At least 325-350 HP, interstate cruiser and someone decent mpg(15 mpg would make me happy)!

If it's not necessary to take it off the frame I suppose I won't.

Oh... and the Caddy sign I found out in the badlands here in Wyoming, with a giant rattlesnake under it!

 

[Gumby]

The easiest way would be LQ4/4L65e/cruiser case in the stock frame with a late model 40 or 60 series front axle.

LS motors are really really easy to drop in and have very few drawbacks other than being non-toyota.

 

[BabyD]

If I was to take a poll... would keeping it all toyota be preferred by "most" people or would most rather have an LS?

Maybe an LS5 would work? If so what tranny?

 

[RustyNailJustin]

Anyone who has driven a LS powered cruiser will tell you how awesome it is. It is the most bang for your buck. Tons of tech support, fits awesome and is really simple to do.
BD turnkey in reno is a great place to get a LS with a 5 wire hookup and great support.

 

[Gumby]

Lq4 or lq9 would be my choice. Any GM trans will fit if it fit to a small block. 4l60 or 4l80 are easy. Mine is on a th400.

 

[BabyD]

thanks a lot for the input. I will check on the place in Reno for sure. If you have any more thoughts or input it's appreciated!

 

[ozcrusier]

Diesel if you want 15 mpg or better

 

[AussieHJCruza]

Diesel if you want 15 mpg or better

Ditto!
If the budget allowed, I'd go a gturboed 1HD-T and H55 or R151 (Diesel rocks), but that might just be my taste. Keeping it all Toyota may increase its value, but at the end of the day, its your truck - build it how you will be happy with it.

 

[Tancruiser]

As far as value I would leave this truck as stock as possible maybe upgrade the brakes and steering that truck is way to nice to start jacking it up.

 

[Gumby]

Once modified, it doesn't make a difference on re-sale. The best running motor will bring the best re-sale. Icon doesn't put stock motors or Toyota motors in theirs and they sell pretty well.

As for keeping it stock - it's yours. Use it. The best way to use it is to make it work as well as possible.

 

[67azcruizr]

HZ-H55 will leave the engine bay with a sort of factory look to it and offer you an awesome drivetrain. While loosing originality, transplanting an HZ or 1HD-T correctly and cleanly into an earlier Land Cruiser should offer a healthy return on your investment if you ever decided to sell.

 

[Gumby]

What do you figure it would cost to put a HZ-H55 in that truck?

My guess is having it done would run $10-20K. You expect the truck would sell for more than what its worth now plus that and a healthy return?

 

[67azcruizr]

What do you figure it would cost to put a HZ-H55 in that truck?

My guess is having it done would run $10-20K. You expect the truck would sell for more than what its worth now plus that and a healthy return?

I'll agree with a 15K budget on the drivetrain, lets say another 10K on bodywork and 2K on interior and I would bet, if all work was done cleanly, that he would easily have a 30K truck.

On the flip side, if he were to go Chevy drivetrain he will still have to pay for the install so he would honestly be saving maybe 2K and in my opinion leave him with a truck worth less than 15K.

Today's market is seemingly revolving around either completely stock vehicles or upgrades within later Land Cruiser Productions.

 

[Gumby]

I guess that's a reasonable opinion. I see the big dollar rigs going with LS motors. I put a LQ4 in my 45, albeit used and with no labor for about $1K. I just don't see one costing more than $7 or 8K installed with a trans and the LC tcase adapter.

15K+10K+2K = $27K. So she would get $3K for the truck she has now? That's not even a good deal, let alone a good return on investment.

Who is selling Land Cruisers with upgrades to later LC motors?

 

[c2dfj45]

3FE with an H55....keeps it all Toyota, easy install(well, at least the motor)...3.73 gears(late model front axle), rear discs(maybe late model rear for the parking brakes)....some kind of power steering. My 45lpb is set up that way(no H55 yet....4 speed for now) and it works very well. I know the 3FE is not very well liked but it works pretty well with a manual behind it. Looks good in the truck, keeps it all Toyota too.

 

[67azcruizr]

Heather, as far as "the easiest drivetrain transplant", there is no REAL answer to that. I suppose if you are dealing with a shop that may not be Land Cruiser savy then a Chevy drivetrain may be easier in the sense that a good portion of the adapters/mounts are available without fabrication needs.

I am not sold nor will I ever be sold on the fact that Chevy transplants are cheaper alternatives to Land Cruiser drivetrains. With a little bit of research on MUD, you should be able to find a large variety of transplants in ALL different models of Land Cruisers for many different needs. My suggestion to you would be to do A LOT of homework before venturing into such a project and really give yourself some time to ponder what it is EXACTLY that you want/expect from your truck.

There are many friendly professionals on the board as well that I'm sure would entertain some ideas over the phone.

Good luck and have fun