Best chassis swap for fj40 shorty

[Vegemitedundee]

Hi guys ,I have been scratching my head for what to do with my latest purchase.
She's a 71 fj40 Ute.
Roof cabin top and back doors are fiberglass
Running a 2f 4.2 petrol with a 3f head on it.
She drives and rides well but lots of mods and not much stock parts left in it.
After getting horrendous quotes for power steering conversions and engine swap....I kinda of thought of just swapping the chassis and put the 40 body on it.
Pros:
Better fuel economy- power steering- disc brakes - better ride on freeway .
Car is mainly for daily commute ,towing a trailer.
And has to maintain that vintage look outside but I would like something less thirsty,that will last another 100 years and up for some light-medium duty 4w driving...no rock crawling deep river crossing or mud galore.
I was adviced on 80 series chassis or Prado?!?
What are your advices guys.
Low on budget at the moment.
Will do all the fancy upgrades bit by bit later on.
Cheers

 

[Bazooka]

There's a facebook page dedicated to 40 series to 80 chassis swaps. Head over there to find what you're looking for.

 

[Vegemitedundee]

There's a facebook page dedicated to 40 series to 80 chassis swaps. Head over there to find what you're looking for.

U have the exact name of it? Cant find it
Cheers

 

[Bazooka]

Try this

https://m.facebook.com/groups/1691389487842346/?ref=group_browse

 

[Indestructible 47]

40 onto an 80 chassis is a lot of work. There is no easy chassis swap, Imho you would be better off strengthening the current chassis and coil converting it.

In regards to the fuel economy and motor swap, i don't believe that you will ever get really good fuel economy at highway speeds simply because of weight and more so aerodynamics. I would be looking for a 12ht, or best case scenario 1hd-ft or 1hd-fte if you can source a loom for it. I think that you should work out your ideal gear ratio for your desired highway speeds to keep rpm low. If you can get a plan together of what you want to achieve and takle 1 project at a time, it will save a lot of hassle. Hth

 

[YoYoHo]

Nah Chassis swap it, dump it on an 80 series chassis and get all the added benefits as well as engineering approval. There are a few guys in Australia who offer mount kits to suit so you don't have to think to much and guys like Billy have everything else you need on the shelf.

End result better chassis, better ride, better parts but Cool Ass 40 Series lines and feel.

 

[Marn0]

Short wheel base gq patrol.
There are kits available for mounts and there is a facebook page with heaps of advice

 

[Vegemitedundee]

Mmmmmm....my cruiser might don't like Nissan ...have u got a page name by any chance?
Cheers

 

[Vegemitedundee]

Also quick question for the Aussies blokes....how would you go about making the whole thing road worthy?cheerels

 

[Vegemitedundee]

Sorry about typos

 

[Marn0]

Patrol chassis 40 series owners group. You would probably have to see the same engineer who does all the brunswick conversions?
I'm pretty sure there are body mount kits available but ask on that page and you might get some results

 

[Bazooka]

Also quick question for the Aussies blokes....how would you go about making the whole thing road worthy?cheerels

Easy, talk to your engineer as to what exactly he requires and what you need to do to create a roadworthy build.
If it were me and I had the coin it would be a 45/47 body on an 80 series chassis powered by a 200 series 1VD. Alternatively stick with the 40 series chassis, run 70 series axles and suspension (front coils, rear disc brakes) and run the 1KD under the bonnet.

 

[mattcamp]

You guys have cool stuff on that side of the world. Can't you throw a commodore engine and tranny to toyota t-case with a good set of Old Man Emu or the like springs and a 60 series power steering box, some disc brakes on there and have a nice rig? Maybe find some 3.73's for better economy? Or find an 80 series with all the goodies I guess and throw the body on it.

 

[mattcamp]

You guys have cool stuff on that side of the world. Can't you throw a commodore engine and tranny to toyota t-case with a good set of Old Man Emu or the like springs and a 60 series power steering box, some disc brakes on there and have a nice rig? Maybe find some 3.73's for better economy? Or find an 80 series with all the goodies I guess and throw the body on it.

Ok, just realized you said getting quotes... changes things a bit. Do you not want to do your own wrenching? I really don't know how people can afford to drive an earlier land cruiser without doing your own work. I wish the shops all the success in the world but here every little conversion is $2500. And big conversions start at $10000. I know I can't pay for that kinda thing. I think your rig looks awesome by the way, good luck with it!

 

[Vegemitedundee]

U right man but I wish I had the knowledge...I just know what rig I want and how to tune it and maintain it but wouldn't know where to start with something like this...without mentioning the quality of my welds .
Found someone willing to help atm so in search of a 80 series rolling chassis with 1hdt or better ...

 

[YoYoHo]

Talk to Billy

McKinnon’s Cruisers | Tamborine QLD

McKinnon’s Cruisers, Tamborine. 16,205 likes · 617 talking about this. Supplying custom 40, 60, 75 and 80 Series Landcruiser components. Specialising in coil chassis conversions, motor conversions...

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