FJ-55 Rebuild Advice

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G

Guitarcrazy

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Sep 7, 2007
Threads
16
Messages
61
Hello. I have been a member for a while but haven't posted much. I have an FJ-55 that I have had in storage for 13 years that I want to get going again. I have a newer 2F and 4 speed with TC that I bought from a rolled FJ-60. That is option 1. I am also considering changing over to a Chevy V-8, which I had in my FJ-40, and liked a lot. The 55 isn't perfect, but the drip rail is good, and the body is actually in pretty good shape. The lower front fenders have some rust, and the rear corners need some work, but it is light years better than a lot that I see. I attribute this to it being in Montana for most of its' life, and in storage for much of that. The V-8 is definitely a better driver, but the 55s are getting more rare, so there may be some logic to keeping it somewhat stock in case it were ever restored. What do you think? JB
 
I am not worried about matching numbers, but if I switch to a chevy V-8 like in my 40 it is almost irrevocable. Welding the new motor mounts into the frame, as well as welding the transmission mount perches will alter the stock frame significantly. Conversely, switching to the 2F doesn't change anything structurally, and could easily be switched back to the F if someone desired to. I don't want to make a show car, but I want it to be a good looking rig that I can use as a daily driver. The V-8 is worlds better to drive, which is why I am torn. Can you post some pics of your interior? I would like to see how the Tacoma seats worked out. I have to admit the stock seat leaves a lot to be desired. J
 
i say if your not into the restore bit do what you really want to, like john says the seats and some other things like that go a long way. i think the 2F is plenty drivable myself and keeps that retro feel. but its not my rig. heck, after 18 yrs with the 2F i finally went diesel, something i always wanted. do what YOU like.
 
I put a V8 into mine.........makes for a great daily driver.
 
Hi Nat, I checked out your thread and I am very impressed. You certainly did a great job with your build. Did you do the bottom rocker panels yourself? Looks to be a very good solution to a common problem. J
 
I did a "renovation" route on mine. What I think Toyota might have done if they ever made a BJ55! Mine looks totally stock outside but has a turbo-diesel engine under the hood and the low range H-41 4 speed tranny, A/C (factory of course for looks) and a long range tank.
 
*Most buyers wouldn't reverse an upgraded motor, at least not in a :pig: Now if it were a 45, I've seen many of the owners tend to keep those closer to *stocker condition. I decided I could live w/ the low HP sixer, besides if I had installed a V-8 I know I'd be breakin parts more often :doh: If you installed the V-8 in your 40, you got the experience already, so go for it ---> LS1 would be :smokin:
 
Thanks for the input, I think I am going to go with the 2F. The main reason is that I have the motor and later 4 speed tranny and TC, and I would have to go and purchase the bellhousing, motor mounts, and rear transmission mount if I do another swap to the V8. Luckily I received those parts when I bought my 40. It looks like it will be somewhere north of $700 to buy all of these adaptors, so I'll take the expedient route and keep it Toyota. Hopefully I'll get a start soon, and maybe be wheeling the pig again soon. J
 
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