FJ40 --> Isuzu 4.9 (Automatic Conversion)

[jeffj40]

I have a 1976 FJ40 that I bought from a forum member (hi Jeff!)

 

[mudmud]

Back to 1st page!

Well, been off for 2 weeks, nice and easy! Back to work for 2 weeks in the Arctic.... got the garage ready and cleaned up as planned.... but still need to research and find local Isuzu bone yards... quite elusive... you'd think that some of them died up here.... lol

More to come!

 

[Nexxussian]

If you find that particular "elephants' graveyard" let me know, I've been looking for it myself.

I've found a few 6s, but no 4s. (they were manual transimission equipped to boot, so they really won't help you ).

I've had several wrecking yards try to talk them down, how terrible they are, but oddly enough, they never have any. If they are so flimsy, they should be everywhere.

You might be better off trying to find a C223 or J series with an automatic, not nearly as much power, but that could be a bonus as the lower power would allow a less robust transmission survive behind it.

I know, 200-250 Hp W/ 4-500 Lb Ft would be *****in, but might not be practical (whatever that is ).

 

[mudmud]

Ok, long time no post, it's taken me 5 months to find a suitable Isuzu. I've found a 93 GMC with and automatic, now tomorrow I'm going over to see it and make sure it's really suitable... So tho I've found one, I've not purchased it yet. The seller is asking $4k, and I know the engines are worth that, but I've got to try to get it down, and see if I can get it for $2k, it's been on the market for over a month.... I'll be haggling....
I'll post when I know something concrete!

 

[dohcdelsol93]

4K is a lot of cash for a 4bd1t or 2t unless she is really low mileage.

 

[Nexxussian]

Sadly there is a premium expected here for anything like that if It's been maintained.

The premium comes from what it would cost to ship one here, vs buying one that's already here.

By all means, try to talk them down (it's part of buying anything, especially used).

Is it the one on Craigslist?

If you get it, let me know, I might be interested in the wheels.

 

[mudmud]

Funny but I see them all the time on ebay un rebuilt, engine only for that amount....

well it's not just the 4bt2t, it's the whole vehicle, I'm interested in the engine & automatic transmission.... I was planning on selling the rear end, flatbed, cab and parting all I could out before taking it to the salvage yard...

Yes, Nex, as you know, there are not hoards of these things in Alaska, they seem to get repaired and kept running. I was supposed to go see it today, and tried, but the guy didn't give me good directions and I finally ran out of pacients... so tomorrow...

I'm still not sure tho, whether I'll be able to use the tranny that comes with it tho I'd like to... havent worked out the whole transfer case connection....

 

[Nexxussian]

Yeah, i don't know where the put them when the aren't fit for commercial service either.

They are mechanical and either wear or rust out, but you hardly ever find one that isn't still in use.

I figure there is a large hole somewhere with Isuzus plugging the bottom (not full yet though as they keep disappearing ).

 

[mudmud]

well, I guess this ends this thread, at least for now... if you want a Isuzu here in Alaska the guy is selling his for 4K, but I decided to not go the diesel route.... I own a 1990 SBC, and just found a S-10 2wd runs & drives body rough good 4.3 vortec good 700r4 for $250 sooooooo will be going to see it tomorrow and will either use the 700R4 with my smc or use the whole v-6 unit and convert to that..... Soon as I buy something, I'll start a new thread...
Thanks to you all here!

 

[Nexxussian]

I hate to see you not go diesel, but the 4.3 is a fine engine, if you get the whole S-10 you could use the entire unit, if the Tcase drops on the correct sid; I don't recall which side that is at the moment.

 

[handcannon]

We have a 97 Astro van with the 4.3 Votec. It's a strong, good running motor. We used to tow a 20ft light model travel trailer with it, super easy. It won't come even close to a diesel for low end torque though.

It currently has 235K miles on it and it still doesn't hardly ever need oil added between changes and still running good. It gets about 15 MPG local driving and up to 18 highway so don't expect to get very much better than the I-6 did.

Don

 

[mudmud]

Hey guys, I appreciate the info. Yeah, I'm a bit bummed too about the not going diesel, I've been pursueing it for like 6 months, but what I have to keep in mind the only reason for the conversion is so my wife will have her automatic.... and she's made several comments about "how loud will this be?" So this is a good way to go for me.

So today I did buy an entire 1992 S-10 Blazer, for a grand total of $250. I drove it home over 15 miles, in town and on they highway, unregistered, 1999 plates, no muffler, but got it home with not being pulled over by the Alaskan State Troopers.!! yea!

I loved the way it shifted, that TH700R4 is sweet! The motor ran well, it has 173,000 on it, not bad for a $250 car!!

So, now I'll pull the engine and tranny, and keep the steering wheel (tilt) and a few other odds & ends and drop the hulk in the salvage yard!

Then next step will be do a rebuild on the engine and tranny! Hey! I need to start that new thread!!! lol

 

[crushers]

Astr,
I am trying to find more info for the 4HKI that you have listed but all i can find is the 6H series ...
where would i find the info on the 4HKI and what trucks did they come in?
thanks

Exactly which Isuzu engine are you contemplating? The 4BD1/2 are 3.9 liters and the 4HE1 is 4.8 liter. The next Isuzu engine commonly found in the US is the 4HK1 at 5.2 liters. Both the 4HE1 and 4HK1 share the same transmission end bolt pattern and are commonly fitted with the Aisin AW450 automatic transmission. The 4H series are totally incompatible transmission-wise with the 4B series which to the best of my knowledge never were mated to an Aisin transmission. They typically came with the Jatco JR403 automatic, which, though very similar is spec to the Aisin, does not have the best reputation and won't accept the LC T-case.

I do remember somewhere here Isuzu 4BD1T/2T someone (I think it was Bobpr) mentioned that there may be a version of the JR403 that came with a T-case.

 

[mudmud]

Hi Wayne,
I don't think Astr's around my little stub here, Maybe he'll see this but you might want to go over to his thread... lol

 

[astr]

Astr,
I am trying to find more info for the 4HKI that you have listed but all i can find is the 6H series ...
where would i find the info on the 4HKI and what trucks did they come in?
thanks

You might try googling 4HK1-TC. (That is a "one" not "I")

The 4HK1 was introduced around 2006 and has been used in all the US Isuzu NPR trucks since then. Originally, it was rated at 195 HP then around 2008 when they added the particulate afterburner and VNT turbo, they bumped the HP up to 205. Originally, it came with the AW450 4-speed automatic but now they come with the Aisin 6-speed.

Basically, it is the same block as the 4HE1, just slightly bigger displacement (5.2 L), 4 valves per cylinder, and computer-controlled fuel rail injection.

I do have the FSM on CD on the engine but not much more. The new FSM is a real disappointment - it lacks a lot of detail that previous manuals included like how to rebuild the automatic transmission. PM me if you want a copy of the FSM.

This is what Isuzu says on their web site:

The 4HK1-TC is now equipped with electronic high-pressure common-rail direct injection and a water-cooled EGR system to achieve unprecedented performance—210 horsepower for trucks equipped with the automatic transmission, and 190 horsepower for manual-transmission models

Mudmud: I check out all the Isuzu threads - gotta keep track of others progress for inspiration.

 

[mudmud]

I stand corrected!