FJ44BT Build

[BigWalker]

Last Photos

 

[BigWalker]

Preparation begins for 4BT Cummins install. I pulled the entier drive train in one piece. I am only going to keep the 10 spline transfer case adapted to the 700R4

 

[jim land]

4bt

 

[DPV7070]

Nice work so far! I'm doing an OM617 (MB 5 cyl diesel) to early GM NV4500 swap in my '72. I waffled back and forth between diesel and gas (LS) repower options, but it all just kinds came together one friday afternoon.

I hear you on the economics part, I really wanted to go the 4bt route, but after tallying up the cost for a used engine (holy s***!) and the noise factor I chose the Benzo 5cyl.

I'm curious to see how well the auto will hold up to the vibration and "clacking" of a cummins. It sure will be sweet to have an auto behind the 4bt.

 

[BigWalker]

I thought it good to share a little extra background on this project. Originally I was just planning on addressing the old crusiers issue then driving it until next winter during which time I would then do a the conversion & a body off rebuild. So i replaced the front drum brakes with a late model forty setup ( this was mistake #1). drove it a week and decided I needed to replace the front buckets and add safety gear. So in went a new seat frame, procar buckets, roll cage and proper seatbelts.

Well then I got may hands on the 4BT cummins diesel. I should add I was building a new blacksmith fabrication shop and promised myself that I wouldn't start a full build unit after it was complete.
1 week after the concrete was poured in mid december the crusier was in the shop and I started with what you are starting to see now. Again I thought I would only finish the conversion then wait a year...yeh right.

It is a slippery slope. What really pushed me over the edge was when the body shop I wanted to do the repaint & a few mods had a slot opening up in march. ( this was mistake #2)
Oh & the color will be #653
cheers
pete

 

[BigWalker]

A photo of the old front seats...they are available...very reasonable...come and getem

 

[cruiserjunkie]

Bigwalker I really love what your doing

 

[apeterson]

nice job so far. cant wait for more!!

 

[Chamba]

This will be an interesting discussion. I originally had no intention on moving the front axle but there is apparently two thoughts about spring direction. One is to hang the short side with half wrap aft, this places the axle in the realative stock location, the other is to place the short side forward (half warps / military wraps were develop for forward placement should a failure occur) this places the axle about 2 inch up the arch of the spring, with the vehicle loaded the differential is level. Shinning or a cut-n-turn will be needed.
The forward placement approach is counter intuitive until you think about spring arch & axle movement.
I look forward to hearing all the diverging opinions to help finalize this decision.
cheers

When I put fj62 axles under my LX, I moved the front forward 9/16" and the rear back 2 1/4". I left the shackles in front on the front springs, but only because I have factory power steering and could not move the axle any further forward and did not want to cut-and-turn. The improvement in ride with only 3" more wheelbase was remarkable as it got rid of the buckboard action on bumpy roads. However, by far the best improvement I've ever made was putting the fj62 axles underneath: the added width is remarkable. It now tracks more like a modern car, so it does not jump from rut to rut at intersections when I hit the brakes.

Eventually I plan to do what you did with the 60 series rear springs, but for now I'm really happy. Can't get over how clean yours is.

 

[N919HJ]

Is that the 40 from Grand Rapids? If so I saw it at the shop you bought from. Nice one to start with. I like the 4bt route as well.

 

[BigWalker]

Is that the 40 from Grand Rapids? If so I saw it at the shop you bought from. Nice one to start with. I like the 4bt route as well.

One in the same, they were good folks to deal with I swapped my 67 SIIa. Their asking price was out of balance to start with but it finally worked out. It was decent to start with but there was some cancer, rear sill was shot and driver side kick are had a 2 inch hole. both quarters had some bondo that after it was removed was covering up good metal go figure. but no rust anywhere else.

 

[Chamba]

That rig is from Michigan?! Wow, obviously didn't leave the garage much, god bless 'em.

 

[BigWalker]

That rig is from Michigan?! Wow, obviously didn't leave the garage much, god bless 'em.

To funny. Actually it spent its young and adult life in Nevada then it's senior years in Arkansas before it was hauled to michagan for retirement before I snagged it

 

[N919HJ]

I go up to Grand Rapids several times a year for work. I always stop by that place to see what they have in stock. It's a good way to kill an hour. I'll enjoy watching your build.

 

[BigWalker]

Engine Out, Cummins ready, next is chassi prep

 

[BigWalker]

Should be a good weekend..A few photots on whats going in the "hole" Tranny is a 700R4 built for my cummins by bowtie overdrives.

 

[cruisernerd]

pretty!

 

[BigWalker]

Installation continues, at this point it is sitting on a suspended strap

 

[BigWalker]

Engine is set with an 8 degree tilt and a 3-4 degree slope. Engine is set as far forward as possible with enough room to allow for either an electric or mechanical fan.

 

[BigWalker]

The engine mounts are incorrect and will be "modified" for the FJ40 chassis, I purchased these as a short cut, both will need to be rebuilt especially the passenger side. The transmission pan is flush with the bottom of the frame rails and is level transversely. The AA crossmember is temporary. My goal is to have very little hanging below the frame rails
Cheers