Best FJ40 Upgrade Ever

[FloridaLife]

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AND don’t split the transmission off the engine if you don’t have to. Getting the two back together without damaging the trans oil pump can be a nightmare. Or so I’m told.

I’m guessing you got the info you needed on the disc conversion?

Speaking of getting an auto trans mated with a V8, back in about 1987 I had a 1969 Chevy C10 1/2 ton SWB Fleetside and the trans went bad on me. I found one that had just been rebuilt by a local guy and when they owner took it for a test drive they wrecked it but the trans was still good. Being a poor young guy in the backwoods of East Texas, I sure could not afford to pay someone else to work on it. And, I did not have a lift. So I bought the tranny, took a shovel and started digging right behind the passenger's side front wheel, and kept on digging until I made enough room, then I pulled the turbo 400 under the truck with me, laid on my back and pulled it onto my chest, bench pressed it up into position, then pulled my knees up to hold it in place while I got bolts started. Man, I wish I had that ability these days! Those days a long, LONG gone! LOL!

 

[fireflyr]

Yes, the original 1967 FJ40 transfercase. It has gone from the original F, to an F.5 with 4 speed transmission to the 5.3L / 4L60e OD transmission without a hiccup. I put the case saver on it years ago.

 

[hobbes]

I forgot about the big gay build.

Big Gay 3FE Build

It's a bout that time of year where I decide to bury myself over my head. I have a 3fe head that has been collecting dust for a couple years and today I'm picking up an 86 2f, h42 and split case for $150 locally that needs to be rebuilt. I learned a lot from my last build and this one will be...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[G-Cat]

From recent build threads, I wonder if as set of Terrain Tamer parabolic springs and a set of Scheel Mann seats might be the best upgrade.

 

[FloridaLife]

I would say that the Saginaw steering upgrade was the best. I also included a shackle reversal swap at the same time. Totally different vehicle to drive either on or off road. A pleasure to drive, much safer at highway speeds.
The stock Toyota power steering is actually just a powered assist keeping all the pivot points and slop built into the original design.

I think this is the first time I've heard of a "shackle reversal swap". I'm curious about it now.

 

[FloridaLife]

Yes, the original 1967 FJ40 transfercase. It has gone from the original F, to an F.5 with 4 speed transmission to the 5.3L / 4L60e OD transmission without a hiccup. I put the case saver on it years ago. View attachment 3918124View attachment 3918122View attachment 3918125

VERY nice! This is probably a dumb question, but since I don't know, I'll ask... what is a "case saver"?

 

[FloridaLife]

Has anyone on here put a Toyota V6 or V8 & Toyota automatic transmission in an FJ40?

 

[fireflyr]

VERY nice! This is probably a dumb question, but since I don't know, I'll ask... what is a "case saver"?

Doing this from my phone so it’s difficult to see the pictures for me. It’s the steel plate that bolts to the top. Apparently the older one piece case is prone to splitting.

Has anyone on here put a Toyota V6 or V8 & Toyota automatic transmission in an FJ40?

Look in the hardcore section. It has been done. I have a 2017 Tacoma with the V6 and auto. I wouldn’t put that engine combo in anything. Absolutely a gutless piece of junk. But at least it gets bad gas mileage.

 

[FloridaLife]

View attachment 3918391View attachment 3918392
Doing this from my phone so it’s difficult to see the pictures for me. It’s the steel plate that bolts to the top. Apparently the older one piece case is prone to splitting.





Look in the hardcore section. It has been done. I have a 2017 Tacoma with the V6 and auto. I wouldn’t put that engine combo in anything. Absolutely a gutless piece of junk. But at least it gets bad gas mileage.

Ah, now I know. Did you buy it somewhere, or make it yourself? Do you have any pics without the gloves that show the whole thing?

on the gas mileage! LOL! The 2 Toyotas we have had, a Gen 3 4Runner and a Sienna, have been fantastic and reliable but they sure were not built for gas mileage. Both about the same, 16 or 17 in the city, and you 'might' get 21 on the highway.

 

[fireflyr]

$42.95 with these guys. I think a number of places make them.

 

[knuckle47]

@FloridaLife i have passed through the gates of aging out… do what ever you need to do to get this done sooner than later. When I started my working life, it was highly involved with much older people. I was 25 and they were 65 - 104. So many of them told me their life histories and how you should do everything you want to do when you’re young enough to feel the effects of those successes. Many of them had the thinking of a 35yr old but lacked the physical ability to carry out their wants and wishes. There were some fairly distressing stories and unfulfilled dreams

Typically, I smiled and thanked them for the insights. WTF….? I’m 25 and that’s a very long ways away. Those 47 years seemed to flyby and now I am one.

By the way: the one who impressed me the most….104 years old. We had our washing machine repair guy here yrs ago. I was mentioning this man’s name to my wife when the tech said….”do you mean Mr..Robert O….” I said yea, that’s him why?. “ I was at his house last week and when I got there he was pulling weeds on his hands and knees in his garden with his 98 year old brother….
The genetic lottery is harder to win than any powerball. Keep pushing on!

 

[Pighead]

I put the case saver on it years ago.

Only one case saver? Gosh, I got two. I use the same top plate you use but I have the "Pardi Plate" case saver on the back of the transfer case as well. It's red.

 

[rghouse]

In my younger days it was pretty hard to beat the stereo upgrade, tunes were a must especially for long trips. I had boxes in the back under the jump seats. A bikini top changed everything too making summers very comfortable.

Nowadays I couldn’t be happier with my front bench seat. Comes in handy all the time honestly. Good for dog, good for kids, good for -back is too full of crap so just ride up front. Yes shifting can be tricky but im never in a hurry in the 40 and just adds to the experience. Hopefully someday I can afford/make time for A/C and P/S

Foreign born. required some drilling

Under the new LEDs. Gamechanger too

 

[FloridaLife]

View attachment 3918489

$42.95 with these guys. I think a number of places make them.

Well, as is often the case for me here on MUD, I learned something new today. Thanks!

 

[knuckle47]

In my younger days it was pretty hard to beat the stereo upgrade, tunes were a must especially for long trips. I had boxes in the back under the jump seats. A bikini top changed everything too making summers very comfortable.

Nowadays I couldn’t be happier with my front bench seat. Comes in handy all the time honestly. Good for dog, good for kids, good for -back is too full of crap so just ride up front. Yes shifting can be tricky but im never in a hurry in the 40 and just adds to the experience. Hopefully someday I can afford/make time for A/C and P/S View attachment 3918663
Foreign born. required some drilling
View attachment 3918666
Under the new LEDs. Gamechanger too

Led strips Sure beats that little dome light

 

[FloridaLife]

@FloridaLife i have passed through the gates of aging out… do what ever you need to do to get this done sooner than later. When I started my working life, it was highly involved with much older people. I was 25 and they were 65 - 104. So many of them told me their life histories and how you should do everything you want to do when you’re young enough to feel the effects of those successes. Many of them had the thinking of a 35yr old but lacked the physical ability to carry out their wants and wishes. There were some fairly distressing stories and unfulfilled dreams

Typically, I smiled and thanked them for the insights. WTF….? I’m 25 and that’s a very long ways away. Those 47 years seemed to flyby and now I am one.

By the way: the one who impressed me the most….104 years old. We had our washing machine repair guy here yrs ago. I was mentioning this man’s name to my wife when the tech said….”do you mean Mr..Robert O….” I said yea, that’s him why?. “ I was at his house last week and when I got there he was pulling weeds on his hands and knees in his garden with his 98 year old brother….
The genetic lottery is harder to win than any powerball. Keep pushing on!

WOW on the pulling the weeds! They definitely won the genetic lottery. My genetic lottery ticket was a dud.

 

[FloridaLife]

Only one case saver? Gosh, I got two. I use the same top plate you use but I have the "Pardi Plate" case saver on the back of the transfer case as well. It's red.

View attachment 3918589

Are the case savers just for those doing lots of off roading and rock climbing, or is it also a good idea for running errands and going fishing? Here in Central Florida there's not any off roading places that I know of. But, I guess if I take it on a trip where there was some off roading it would be good to be prepared.

 

[FloridaLife]

In my younger days it was pretty hard to beat the stereo upgrade, tunes were a must especially for long trips. I had boxes in the back under the jump seats. A bikini top changed everything too making summers very comfortable.

Nowadays I couldn’t be happier with my front bench seat. Comes in handy all the time honestly. Good for dog, good for kids, good for -back is too full of crap so just ride up front. Yes shifting can be tricky but im never in a hurry in the 40 and just adds to the experience. Hopefully someday I can afford/make time for A/C and P/S View attachment 3918663
Foreign born. required some drilling
View attachment 3918666
Under the new LEDs. Gamechanger too

I know what you mean on the stereo. Every since the mid 1980's I've upgraded the stereo in everything I have owned (except my wife's Sienna, she says NO) and have had countless hours of pleasure from it. Some people use drugs to escape reality, but for me it has always been music and movies.

The split bench looks great. What did it come out of? I "think" mine has the factory split bench in it. I've been trying to decide whether to leave it and the jump seats alone, or change the color.

On the LEDs, that's a great idea! I have not seen that one yet. I'm guessing you've got it connected with some type of quick connect so you can take the top off with no hassle?

 

[FloridaLife]

I really appreciate everyone sharing their best and favorite upgrades. I am learning a lot and getting a lot of great ideas, and hopefully others are too.

 

[Pighead]

I'll wager that you don't need any case savers on your transfer case to get to the market or your fishing hole. Probably do some mild wheeling without fear if you drive gently.
You don't see a lot of split one-piece cases anymore.