Bored and thinking

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Gumby

Gumby

Supamod
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I have to give finals today, so I have to sit here and monitor the students taking tests for 4 hours.

I'm looking at a wrecked 80 series.

I could swap the drive train into the 45LV or I could do a Waggoner and swap the 45 body onto the 80 chassis.

frame swap -

Pros -
upgraded axles, steering and suspension.
Everything 80 is together. No fitment issues.
Been done. Gary's write up has everything there.
I would have a left over SOA, P/S, 327/TH400, 4WDB chassis to start a 45 PU project with

Cons-
Everything is 8 inches off. The wheelbase, track and width are all 8" bigger on the 80.

I could chop 8" out of the frame and the rear d-shaft. 4" per side will be a little noticeable on tire stick out. narrowing the axles would be a lot of work/money

I don't really need a 45 PU project.


Drive train swap
Pros-
less fab to get the parts to mate up
More parts to part out

Cons-
leaf springs
I'd still want to spring it back under so I'd still need new axles



Or I could swap a 5.3L into it with the current trans and fix and drive the 80.



:hhmm::hhmm::hhmm::hhmm::hhmm::hhmm:

Somebody talk some sense into me.
 
Gumby said:
I have to give finals today, so I have to sit here and monitor the students taking tests for 4 hours.

I'm looking at a wrecked 80 series.

I could swap the drive train into the 45LV or I could do a Waggoner and swap the 45 body onto the 80 chassis.

frame swap -

Pros -
upgraded axles, steering and suspension.
Everything 80 is together. No fitment issues.
Been done. Gary's write up has everything there.
I would have a left over SOA, P/S, 327/TH400, 4WDB chassis to start a 45 PU project with

Cons-
Everything is 8 inches off. The wheelbase, track and width are all 8" bigger on the 80.

I could chop 8" out of the frame and the rear d-shaft. 4" per side will be a little noticeable on tire stick out. narrowing the axles would be a lot of work/money

I don't really need a 45 PU project.


Drive train swap
Pros-
less fab to get the parts to mate up
More parts to part out

Cons-
leaf springs
I'd still want to spring it back under so I'd still need new axles



Or I could swap a 5.3L into it with the current trans and fix and drive the 80.



:hhmm::hhmm::hhmm::hhmm::hhmm::hhmm:

Somebody talk some sense into me.
Click to expand...

If you do anything, dont narrow the frame, just modify it to mount to the body....maybe move the body mounts to the inside of the frame rails.

As far as width goes... If you pick the right rim and tire you may be fine. 45's have much narrower track widths than the body.

But a 5.3 is still probably a better idea...cheaper, easier, more powerful, better tower, better gas milage, lighter. Ad as far as axles go....you should make money on swapping from those very clean very well done spring over axles with a cut and turn, and disc's (iirc) to stock housings.

Plus then you can keep the 45 more 45, true it will have a gm motor/trans, but the other way isnt a 45 either, its just an 80 with a 45 body.

But the 80 swap is cooler.

Hope that helped. :flipoff2:
 
The one and only, truely correct answer to your question is....both.

Use the 80 chassis/suspension/interior bits, sell the motor to woody, sell the fancy 45 axles, and all the other crap off the 80 you dont need, buy a 5.3 and plop it on the 80 chassis then the 45 body!
 
Really depends on your time, space, money and patients (with me you have to add skills to the list).

The frame swap would be the coolest, but the most work.

What are you planning on doing with it when you are done?
a)Wheel
b)Show
c)Tow with it
d)All of the above


Sorry, couldn't resist the reference to a final exam style question.
 
Scott_sFZJ80 said:
Really depends on your time, space, money and patients (with me you have to add skills to the list).

The frame swap would be the coolest, but the most work.

What are you planning on doing with it when you are done?
a)Wheel
b)Show
c)Tow with it
d)Smack the ham
e)Eat cheetos
f)All of the above


Sorry, couldn't resist the reference to a final exam style question.
Click to expand...

There now he understands the choices....
 
I read through IPOR's FZJ40 thread last night and was amazed at the work he accomplished. https://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-corner/264922-fzj40.html Granted, he put a lot of time into it but he basic goal was to have the style of a 40 with the finesse of an 80. I think he pulled it off quite well.

You already know what this is going to cost in time and money which ever route you take. For the sake of sounding like a softee. Do the 45 body on the 80 chassis. You'll have a challenge that you'd swear you'll never do again, and the awe factor of owning one sweet LC. Besides, I'm already thinking about an SBC swap and will have the cash for it come April/May. (hint, hint)
 
Gumby said:
Can I choose more than one?

Daily driving with mild towing
Click to expand...

I know you want to say

d, e, d.

but then you'll have an orange angry inch.
 
Gumby said:
Not a 45?

Retro Land Cruiser! - Autoworld.com.my
Click to expand...

Yeah....cause that is what it will look like....:rolleyes:

You will start out good...but right around the time you set this one on fire, and let the kids work on it, it will go down hill.

Prove me wrong.....please!! Cause when you are done and want to sell it in a couple years ill be waiting with 2,500 smack-a-roo's with your name on it! :grinpimp:
 
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