FJ40 rebuild advice please (1 Viewer)

[DS1979]

‘79 Landcruiser with 350k hard driven miles. Engine has never been touched. sSame head/valves since build in ‘79. She runs well but tired L. Darn thing is just bulletproof.
I’ve got lost of bodywork to deal with like replacing the rear bed and more, then a complete paint job. Great opportunity to pull the drivetrain out and rebuild it all. I’ll be doing most of the work. My question is at 350k miles, should I rebuild it now, while it runs, or later when it finally breaks down.

 

[1969FJ]

Well, you are at a perfect place . A 1979 drive train rebuild to new is a task worth being proud of. You cannot lose. Put in a new body as well.

 

[charliemeyer007]

My thought is there are parts and services available now, might not be true in the future. I would find replacement drive train parts you want like a engine, tranny, axle... and rebuild them one at time then put it in your rig and sell the one you take out. That way your rig is never down for more than a few days at a time.

 

[DS1979]

Well, you are at a perfect place . A 1979 drive train rebuild to new is a task worth being proud of. You cannot lose. Put in a new body as well.

Sounds amazing but It doesn’t need a new body. Just the bed and some hood damage.

 

[45Dougal]

350k miles or km? I'm guessing it's an import?
Personally, I'd focus on the body for now, and just giving the engine some TLC (a good service and regular maintenance).

 

[DS1979]

350k miles or km? I'm guessing it's an import?
Personally, I'd focus on the body for now, and just giving the engine some TLC (a good service and regular maintenance).

352,648 miles! I’ll do a compression test but it’s going to be good I think. Damn thing runs like a sewing machine.I was going to pull the drive train so I could probably address the body and engine compartment and while it was out, refresh everything . I just have to cut out and replace the rear bed which I bought from CCOT years back. That’s about it.

 

[igotta40]

How long have you had it? If I’m reading your post right, you plan to restore the body and rebuild the engine & driveline simultaneously? At home? I would look carefully at my surroundings & resources and get a timeline together. Have you done restoration work before? Think about the logistics of having all the mechanical bits and pieces scattered around while you are tearing into the body work at the same time. That’s pretty ambitious. Be careful, or a year from now someone will be getting a great deal on an unfinished project. The good news is, you came to the right place for help, me included, good luck & cheers!

 

[45Dougal]

352,648 miles! I’ll do a compression test but it’s going to be good I think. Damn thing runs like a sewing machine.I was going to pull the drive train so I could probably address the body and engine compartment and while it was out, refresh everything . I just have to cut out and replace the rear bed which I bought from CCOT years back. That’s about it.

The old adage applies:
If it works; don't F with it.