Building a Toyota "Rubicon"? (1 Viewer)

[Wayneraintree]

It's not a matter of doing something that no one else has done it is just an exercise in wishing Toyota would build us a new 40 series....
QUOTE]


You can also take what Cruiserland (Kina) did and put a 40 body (or two) on a 55 frame... heck, getcha some new sheetmetal from Lance at IPOR and a 55 frame and there ya go.

OTOH, since this is brainstorming.... I would think just a 40 on an 80 like Lance conceived would be my route

 

[Tigerstripe40]

I've actually toyed with this idea myself.
Here is what I would do:
either the 4.0 v6 + auto or 6 speed from a wrecked Tundra or Tacoma.
<or>
4.7 liter V8 + auto from tundra/runner/cruiser.
Toybox to split case
FJ60 axles with 4.88 gears and e-lockers.
Custom 4/5 link coil over suspension setup for 37" tires.
Heritage steel tub.

I will bet you can get it under $30k if you do a good majority of the work yourself.

 

[Enigma]

A fj40 tub on a wrecked (body wise) fzj80 frame?
Steal all the creature comforts from the 80 and swap/Mcgyver it in, stretch the body for those extra doors, 4:1 gear set, yadayadayada....

 

[bsmith123]

Rubitoy

Just order the letters from JEEP and stick them on---who's to know?

To make it equivalent a modern fuel injected engine, coils, comfy interior, power steering, good gearing

I owned an 05 RUBI but I didn't want to wheel a 30K vehicle, then I got my 71 FJ but then again I like all kinds of 4wd especially the FJ obviously. The Rubi drove great and was comfy but the 6 speed was weird. Great little 4.0 engine though.

I think you have to at least give a nod to the RUBI as an American vehicle that's trying, it's more like an FJ40 than a FJ Cruiser is!
The Land Rover Defender is along those lines as well

To get those "modern Features" maybe you should consider those vehicles.

Course if you just happen to love the classic quality and ruggedness of the 40 we'll understand!

 

[rutbeer]

That's kind of the direction I was going when I started my build. I took a 78 fj40, added a 13BT drivetrain, 5speed, cable lockers, power steering, a/c, etc. I don't have power windows or cruise control, but I have used the hand throttle as a cruise on long stretches of "deserted" road. I would really like to improve the ride of the truck, and have thought about doing some coils, but I don't know how bad I really want to get into all that. And following my mantra, it would have to be removable if I ever wanted to go back to stock......though, I have no intentions of that currently.

 

[Brian in Oregon]

Toyota already made an FJ Rubicon. It's called an FJ55 Iron Pig.

 

[Pinion]

I like the "older" TJ body Rubicon Unlimited and will probably buy one as my next vehicle. Its too much work to either extend my 40 or expensive to buy a 43.

 

[mustardfj40]

OK then. Here is your drivetrain:


Rebuilt 3FE (or better 2FE) + H41 + Orion


This nets you a modern fuel injected engine with old school DNA

.

Andrew, I like your plan but how do you mate a 3FE to an H41 since they have different splines?

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Andrew, I like your plan but how do you mate a 3FE to an H41 since they have different splines?

Easy. The splines do not matter with this swap. The 2F or 3F bellhousing will bolt up to the back of the 3FE once the autobox adapter is removed. You use an appropriate 2F clutch and hydraulics and the t-case of choice on the back. In my case, I have a 19 spline output H41 so it will mate to a split case. To run an Orion, you'd need one with a 16 spline output. In an FJ40, you would want to use an early 2F bellhousing, so you can bolt the rear mounting ears to it, otherwise you have to fab a new cross member.

 

[Pighead]

Toyota already made an FJ Rubicon. It's called an FJ55 Iron Pig.

While I appreciate your enthusiasm, Brain in Oregon, I cannot support your opinion. Even though I drive a Rubicon tested FJ55 Iron Pig.
No factory LandCruiser, nay, no factory vehicle at all, should be labeled "Rubicon" until they've driven it. And no Factory FJ55 could..
A"Rubicon" labeled vehicle should be built, not bought. To paraphrase a popular bumpersticker...
If you can't drive the 'Con, you can't wear the 'sticker is how I see it.
Can Pighead wear his Rubithon sticker? You tell me...
YouTube - fj55 having fun on the CON #2