Cummins 4bt into my 76 fj40

[overpaid slacker]

howdy folks,

I have been doing some research on putting a Cummins 4bt diesel engine into my 76 fj40, but thus far do not have a clear direction. So I am now appealing to the fj40 educated masses. What is the path of least resisitance on getting this 4bt mated with my stock 4 speed tranny? So far I have not found a direct bolt on adapter. If I have to change the tranny (perhaps to a nv4500) is there an adapter to the stock TLC transfer case? Man I am lost on this one! Any help/advise is greatly appreciated.

 

[BDSeff1fitty]

4BT/NV4500/dana300 74' FJ40 - Pirate4x4.Com

 

[overpaid slacker]

thanks BD for the link. That is a great write up on his 4bt project. A Ranger O.D. is an option, but I was hoping for a more simplistic way to go.

Anyone else have any input on a 4bt option? I stumbled on to a very nice 4bt and hope to use is for my FJ project.

thx in advance.

 

[FF LC FREAK]

4BTs are awesome engines. Make sure you take lots of pics and post up your build.

Here is a link from the Hardcore section where 1974FJ put one in his 40 - https://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-corner/224524-diesel-fj40-1974fj.html.

And here is Boots4 buildup. Its in a 60, but there's tons of good info - https://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-corner/160807-family-haulin.html

 

[bsilva132]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-c...-cab-custom-vehicle-build-finally-begins.html

 

[bsilva132]

Here is a link from the Hardcore section where 1974FJ put one in his 40 - https://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-corner/224524-diesel-fj40-1974fj.html.

Same as the one BDS linked to on Pirate

 

[JasonH]

If I have to change the tranny (perhaps to a nv4500) is there an adapter to the stock TLC transfer case?

AdvanceAdapters.com | Engine & Transmission Conversion Adapters - Advance Adapters

 

[gulfsurfing]

I am Getting close to starting my 4bt in my 73' FJ40. I have a NV4500/Orion. The Advanced Adapter is the way to go. The drivetrain is just short enough to work within the original wheelbase. PM me with any questions.
Jim

 

[overpaid slacker]

Holy cow, Gulf I like the way you think! so do you have to mod any of your diffs to make the nv4500/Orion fit? Does the Orion output on the correct side, similar to the original driveline?

I am am HUGE Cummins fan and had a NV4500 in a previuos truck. Perhaps I should be on the hunt for a NV4500 & Orion.

keep us posted on your progress!

 

[gulfsurfing]

I have FJ60 axles with 3.73 which should give good all around performance, but no major modifications are needed. The orion kit is also at Advanced Adapters. From everything I have read, it is a great upgrade to the original t-case. You can read all about the orion in the Sticky at the top of the fj40 section. The biggest mod I have had to do to get the 4bt in was to go SOA. A minimum of 4 inches of lift is required to put the 4bt in. Keep in mind that that everything will have to be custom made with lots of custom adapter brackets. If you like using a plasma cutter and welder you will have lots of fun.

 

[CRZR45]

I have the 4bt NV4500/Orion in my 80 series and love that combo. You will enjoy the performance and great crawl ratio off road.

 

[overpaid slacker]

CRZ & Gulf,

sorry about the boneheaded question(s), but just to clarify, a 4bt will bolt up to a NV4500 with the correct bellhousing right? So then will a NV4500 mate with the stock Cruiser T-case? If not, that is why the Orion is needed?

Also CRZ, what is your performance impression with the 4bt in a cruiser? I have a killer 4bt that I an iching to do something with. THX!

 

[CRZR45]

Adapter from 4500to Orion. Put a higher rev spring in it and a nice turbo with inter cooler and enjoy..

 

[twoturtlesracing]

Here is just one of the links I found from a quick search: 1976 FJ40 with Cummins 4BT and Ranger OD

An orion is a heavy duty tcase that advance adapters makes that is just like the early tcases but MUCH beefier and with a 4:1 low range.

Use the google search at the top of the page and you will find hours of good reading.

I want to put a 4cylinder diesel in my 40, but I am going to use an Isuzu 4BDT instead of a Cummins 4BD because they are a little quieter and I think that when I go exploring around the world It'll be easier to find parts if necessary.

 

[gulfsurfing]

Yes, the 4bt will bolt up to the nv4500. I would recommend the Chevy nv4500 and clutch system because the clutch master cylinder will be easier to fit than the dodge version.

 

[ChadsAATrans]

I completed my '75 FJ40 cummins conversion, I am running a NV4500 dodge style all dodge clutch and hydraulics, they are huge and fit fine. For my rear diff I used a currie hi9" to get my driveline angle down. I also did the FJ60 rear springs reversed for offset and pushed diff back for moe wheel base and comfort.. Truck ended up amazing, by far the most fun gear train I have ever had for a cruiser!!! Looking for my next one!!

 

[AlaskanWheeler]

Most Cummins have a bellhousing adapter plate. So if you wanted to use the stock 4 speed you could using a Chevy V8 to Toyota transmission adapter.

 

[ChadsAATrans]

You will not regret a NV4500 being that it has a granny low and OD, I am running 3.73 wth 35" tall tires and run 65-75 down freeway without over revving my engine, unlike the 2f that was in it 6 months ago

 

[ChadsAATrans]

The cost on the Trans will hurt though!