FJ40 Expedition/Trail Rig

[Lewis]

Hey guys,
Never posted in this section before. Thought I'd post this question here (seems to be the best spot) as it's been bothering me for a while. I have myself a 1976 FJ40 project waiting for me (will post build up pictures at a future date) currently with the stock 2F engine. I was thinking of possibly getting a 45 frame for that extra space, we will see.
I hope to make this somewhat of an expedition rig, but also useable on the trails around home and abroad. As was mentioned the truck is at the moment a gasser, to my disappointment. And I was wondering, as I have read in this forum, if it would be better to: keep as stock, even though I would much rather diesel; switch to the 3B or 3B-T that came in the BJ40-45; or swap in a 1HZ or 1HD (-T)?
My first choice just on the basis of engine would be the 1HZ or 1HD, but they never came with the 40's. So keeping in mind the expeditionaryish and trail use what engine would you guys recommend?
Thanks,
Lewis

 

[Grease Cruiser]

It really all depends on what you plan to do with it and how much money you want to spend. Also, where you are located.

Sure, diesel would be better but the cost of a conversion is pretty expensive. Also, 40's are not that practical for expedition use in my opinion. They are quite small and the short wheel base is not very good for highway use. This is not to say that it is not possible but it all depends on what you plan to do with it. I like your idea of a 45 frame for extra space and also better highway driving.

I have had several of the 3B's, none were turbo'd. They are great engines but a turbo would really help. They are not speed demons by any means.

I currently have a 1HZ in my SWB troopy. It is a great engine even non-turbo'd. Again, the turbo would help and I will add one someday. My troopy is SOA and on 35's and the 1HZ will push it around at 70mph. It also weighs 4800lbs w/out gear or tools. I have heard great things about the 1HDT but never had one.

If you are considering a 45 frame, I have one for sale in Colorado. Let me know if you are interested.

 

[Lewis]

Grease Cruiser,
Thanks for the reply, yeah I definitely am thinking about the possibility of the 45 frame, though there is then the problem of my 40 body if I were to use it, most likely more practical to just get a troopy body I'm sure. Do you know about/driven any H or 2H (even 12H-T) powered trucks? Could be another option.
As for your previous questions no I do not intend to spend vast amounts of money on my project, keep it reasonable and practical. I'm located in Ottawa, Ontario.
As for the frame I might indeed be interested, let me know what you're looking for it/if you have any other 45 parts.
Cheers,
Lewis
-BTW what year is your troopy?

 

[Grease Cruiser]

I have driven a 2H and a 12HT before. The 12HT is a great engine. It was in a early 80's Aussie 45 troopy. It is fairly quiet and plenty powerful.

The 2H is an ok engine. Not the best to turbo and I hear parts are getting harder to find for them. I personally would rather have a 3B than a 2H but if you find one for cheap, by all means go for it.

I would say find yourself a real troopy and go from there. Trying to build one is a LOT of work. I built mine and I call it a SWB troopy. It is a 45 SWB pickup that was converted into a troopy. Hard to explain but it is about a 1.5ft shorter than a REAL troopy. It's a little longer than a 43 or 46. It is a 1965 but the only thing that is 65 is the frame and the rear bed area. It is a conglomeration of many different Cruisers from all sorts of years.

If you really do want to build one, I would go with a Aqualu tub. They can custom make you a tub to whatever length you want. In retrospect, I wish I had went that route.

I'll send you a PM about my frame and some parts that I have.

 

[Lewis]

Okay well thanks,
Got any pics of the rig?
Yeah aqualu would be great, too bad they are pretty pricey.
Cheers,
Lewis

 

[bluerock]

3b

Hey lewis

i to am stuck with lack of space in a 40. am building roof racks and upper level removable storage for her this winter. would also like to find small trailer for camp and carrying capacity. if you find a good 3b out there it is very reliable,easy fix and not bad mpg and would haul u around fine. not fast but fine.