Drivetrain specs: '81 BJ42 vs '76 FJ40

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Joined
Jun 4, 2006
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Folsom, CA
I need a frame, among other things, for my '81 BJ42. I heard about a '76 FJ for sale less motor, doors and hardtop. My question is; Besides the differences in the body, are all cruiser frames pretty much the same? how about the rest of the drivetrain? axles?(again, besides the drum/disc brakes, etc). I know this can be a lot of info, but I'm not sure where else to look to find out. Just would like to know how much of the '76 would interchange with my '81 BJ. thanks...
 
Axles should be the exact same except for the ratio maybe, the frame only difference will be the engine mounts and schackle/ spring pins style. The older body will have the smaller, incab gas tank under the passengers seat.
The transmission will have a different bellhousing and input shaft, and the exhaust will be on the LH side, the brake lines, as well as the fuel lines probably might run on the other side of the frame ?
 
frame; the same

If I understand correctly, the frame itself would be the same, just the engine mounts would have to be used from the old frame? Unfortunately, I can't park the two side by side and get a good look at everything. Were the spring shackles updated between '76 and '81?
 
You've seen this resource?

http://birfield.com/modules.php?name=TLCFAQ&p=/~ramullen/FAQ/TEXT/00-01.html

It is my understanding that the only difference between the diesel and gas versions is the motor, fuel delivery, and in the case of 83-84 BJ42s, the transmission and power steering. That has been my experience getting parts for my 83 from gas FJs here in the lower 48 (with one very important exception--see next paragraph). As other people have said, the main differences you will encounter have to do with the difference in model years/production dates, not diesel or gas (except things like tranny input shaft, as dieselcruiserhead says).

One thing I can tell you is that because you have an early '42 with a factory 4 speed (I am assuming), you don't need the repositioned frame crossmember to accomodate the longer H55F (which also changes the fuel tank shape slightly), so yes the 76 frame should be compatible by switching over motor mounts etc.

All this being said probably the best thing to do is to get the FSMs for both years/fuels, and go from there.

HTH
B
 
When did the birfs change from coarse to fine spline in the 4*'s?

Spring eyes will be smaller on the pre 1981 frame.

As mentioned, engine mounts will be different.

Probably different tranny frame mount locations too.

Not sure about the tub body mounts.

The birfield link is a good place to start. Also look for body chassis manual (36044E) for the year you have, and the year FJ you are looking for. Frame dimensions etc are in the manual, and you can compare...

hth's

gb
 

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