FJ40 12HT Swap & 60 Series Axles

[KeepCruzin]

Hi everyone.

I've finally gotten around to posting up a thread on my FJ40 build.

Some background: I bought the 40 back in 2018 for $4,000. Originally I planned to put in a 12HT, but I couldn't find one. I went so far as to get a 6.3L LM7 V8 and all the adapter parts to put it in.

In the end, I just couldn't bring myself to own a landcruiser that didnt have a Toyota engine. So I hunted for a 12HT for over a year and a half. Finally, I found a good one.
This will be my fourth 12HT swap (two were done for work, and one on my personal 60). I own three 12HT powered cruisers, and I absolutely love the engines.

Long story short:
The 40 is a 1969.
It has some body rust but not bad.
I am keeping the patina for now.
The final goal is this: 12HT, 60 series axles, new OME suspension, power steering, dual ARB lockers.

I will post photos and some write-ups in this thread, but I have been trying to take short video clips as I move through this project. They have very low/no production quality, but they are still more captivating than simple photos.

I hope you enjoy.
-Will

 

[KeepCruzin]

Here is a link to the youtube playlist with the brief collections of videos I have made.

Enjoy!

 

[KeepCruzin]

 

[KeepCruzin]

 

[KeepCruzin]

Early build stages. Cleaning out the interior and prepping for engine pull and rust carving.

 

[KeepCruzin]

Interior cleanout, and early engine pull prep.

 

[KeepCruzin]

Engine Out!

 

[KeepCruzin]

Early stages of rust removal and dashboard disassembly.

 

[KeepCruzin]

Craigslist axles acquired, body removed, frame stripped, engine into barn storage.

 

[KeepCruzin]

Transfer Case rebuild part 1

 

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Transfer case rebuild part 2

 

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Transfer Case Completed.

 

[KeepCruzin]

Frame and spring perch modifications.

 

[KeepCruzin]

Springs and perches completed

 

[KeepCruzin]

12HT work begins with a deep clean.

 

[KeepCruzin]

Cleaning and painting the block. I repainted it with components attached to ensure no paint entered critical components. All the outer accessories will be removed and cleaned anyway. More engine work to come.

 

[KeepCruzin]

Removing the Fuel injection system to replace gaskets, and begin engine rebuild.

 

[KeepCruzin]

Front Axle Work. Blasted, stripped, shocks mounted. Ready for paint.

 

[KeepCruzin]

Rear axle painted, front ready for paint.
Next step: ARB Lockers

 

[KeepCruzin]

Does anyone know how I can tag this thread as a "Build" with the little grey tag?