Engine and Axle Install (1 Viewer)

[campoj2]

I'll throw this one out there, are there any subject matter experts in the field of engine and axle installation? The current engine in my FJ80 is toast, if can imagine your engine motor looking like chocolate milk then you will be experiencing my current nightmare. It just so happens that the day the motor headed south, I was heading south on the Jersey Turnpike (doing 80) with 2 factory electronic locking axles in the back. Ol' girl was pretty tired and I think the combination of carrying those axles and the high speed did her in. The HG was the failed component in this situation.

So as the story goes, an engine rebuild is out of the question, I have a new motor inbound and I am looking for someone to do the install, is there anyone out there that can handle this job? If there is please email or pm me when you get a chance. I am looking to get started on this project this weekend or maybe the following weekend.

I am located in Delaware county, town of Media. The truck still starts and can be driven, how far is anyone's guess. I have an excellent Toyota mechanic (18years at Toyota) that works at a local repair facility that wants the job...and the money too. We're looking at 20 hours of labor per the book they use. Frankly, I think it's a little much, I have a factory manual and have looked over the procedure and I don't think it's that difficult, although, it's been 20 years since I pulled my last engine and that was on a 71 Pontiac Firebird. It was basically 10 steps.

So if there are any takers let me know, I'll assume that if you can pull a motor, you can also R&R 2 axles.

Thanks,
John

 

[BROKEROB1]

wow... sorry about your luck!

These engines are pretty tough, are you sure the engine is toast? I assume it is not locked, as you said it can be driven?? Is the block cracked?

There is LOTS of info on this board, including others who have experienced exactly what you describe. There is also very good and detailed info on head gasket replacements and installation. On engine replacement (with a stocker) , I am not so sure. I have read lots of info about other engine swaps, and 20 hours seems pretty reasonable to me. If that is the estimated time for a pro to complete the work, assuming he has all the correct tools (read SST's , that would be worth it in my book.

I would offer my assistance, but I am definately a 1 banana kinda guy. Good Luck!

 

[Wayneraintree]

If you are just swapping motors..... then it should not be too hard provided you have the tools and time.

Is it possible to do it yourself? Label the wiring as you disconnect it, drain all the fluids, you know the drill! (since you mentioned you've pulled a motor before), save the labor costs if ya can! Wish I had the time to help but I can offer encouragement..

 

[campoj2]

The procedure, although somewhat complex is pretty straight forward. I even bought a brand new engine wiring harness and throttle cable a while back, just in case.

I think I am going to send it off to the pro, the axles I am hoping that someone may know how to put them in, it doesn't look hard, but then again, what do you do when all of those bolts start breaking? I think there are 8 bolts that hold in the rear axle, my concern is that the bolts will break and I will be stuck with half of my axle in and half of the axle out, and not to mention that axle weighs about 400lbs.

AS for the help, thanks, encouragement is always good. I'm all over these boards and do a lot of researching. This mechanic is very, very good. When everyone and their grandmom could not figure out why the LC would not idle properly, this guy took his multimeter and ohmed every wire in that main engine wiring harness and found 1 bad wire. He made a jumper and the idle issue was resolved. He knows the Toyota line like no one I have ever met.

I'll let you guys know how things turn out, the motor should be here Thursday and maybe they will be able to start working on this weekend. If anyone is down in Delco give me a shout.

Take Care,
John

 

[Straydog]

If your going to change axles its the norm to get new u bolts first, because you will be cutting /breaking them off. Plus they streatch when installed. Not a part you want to fail from stress. Other than that its usually pretty straight forward.

 

[campoj2]

Thanks for info on the U-bolts, deep down I was considering calling CDan and asking him to send me every bolt that I am going to touch on this axle install. Now I know I'm going to call him for the bolts.

Thanks again!

John

 

[Straydog]

I feel retarted. Thats an 80. No u bolts. Start lubing those bolts with penetrating oil about a week in advance of the swap. Once a day or so. They should break loose then without any problem. Though, an impact would help.

 

[campoj2]

Update...

Engine installed, some minor exhaust gasket issues and the distributor would not come out of the old engine so I had to buy a new one, and that sucked. $350 worth of suck. The latest problem is that there is a transmission leak coming from a steel line going to the trans cooler, I am trying to figure out if I can remove the hard line and use rubber hosing in lieu of steel. The critical issue issue is that the hard lines were installed at the point where the line penetrates the frame, hence any vibration could cut the line. More to follow.

I will be selling the old toasted engine for $100 and the front and rear axles for $300, that both axles. If want them let me know.

Thanks,
John

 

[campoj2]

The axles have sold! If anyone is wants a toasted engine, we have a revised price of 2 cases of quality beer or 1 bottle of good single malt scotch.

Has anyone bought the knuckle DVD repair video?

 

[campoj2]

See the Apocalypse for my 80 for the latest update.