FJ45 LPB as a Tow Rig???

[76FJ40]

It's a long story but everything I have bought to tow with has been replaced by a Prius. I'm left with a'65 FJ45 LPB that has a '72 F, 4 speed, and ~'78 axles. I'm considering replacing the F with a SBC to enable me to tow with the 45. I don't want to buy a dedicated tow rig and pay the insurance, property taxes, and maintenance just to tow 4 - 6 times a year. Comments and suggestions please ...

 

[Eco 45]

Depends on what you are planning on towing! The FJ45 are rated at 1 ton originally---as long as your load isn't heavier and/or longer than your FJ45 there shouldn't be any issues. Just make sure you have the appropriate braking power (disk brakes), a good class IV receiver and maybe some OME springs and you will have a great tow rig.

 

[76FJ40]

The 45 has discs on the front and I have discs to add to the rear. I'll be towing my 40 on a tandem axle trailer with electric brakes on both axles.

 

[Gumby]

I've been looking at the same kind of thing. I would like to tow my Fj50 with my 45LV. I'll be running a 1FZ and A343F. I also have 4w disks.

My biggest concerns are wheel base, track and weight. With the 1FZ I'll have more weight than a 350, but less than an 80 series would have had.

Good trailer brakes, a good sway bar and load leveling hitch and I think it'll be OK.

 

[jfz80]

Jack Rice started an article in the techlinks but it hasnt been updated.
He was going to a vortec and 4l80E w/ D60's and looks like he stretched the frame by now.

Might PM him to see if hes around or how the project turned out.
Land Cruiser Page

 

[76FJ40]

Thanks; the link doesn't have any details but I emailed Jack for an update.

 

[65swb45]

Guy Wilson out of Bakersfield bought one of those three 4 door 45 pickups that TLC had for a while. I heard that he tried to tow a boat with it...ONCE. Apparantly, there's still a lot to be said about weight, or the lack thereof, in the ass end of a 45. Stopping is every bit as important as pulling, and when it really counts, more so.

I have towed a 40 with my 40 when I HAVE HAD TO, but that's about it.

Now if you put a camper shell in the back of the 45, with enough motor and brakes, it might make sense. Otherwise, I'd make a different game plan.

Best

Mark A.

P.S. what does Stumbaugh have to say about this idea?

 

[76FJ40]

Believe it or not, Stumbaugh hasn't chimed in yet. I would think that a 45 would tow ok IF you had the proper tongue weight, electric brakes, and some weight in the bed (like all of my camping crap). Thanks for the input; please keep it coming.

 

[whitey45]

FWIW, I used to tow with an 05 doublecab shortbed tacoma v6 6 spd rated at 6500 lbs. I towed a stock 45 pickup 300 miles and it did so so.but I never had that confident feeling and was always on edge about something happening. I ended up selling it for a chevy crewcab dually.duramax.6spd and I never looked back. I love the feeling of being able to tow just about anything. I think if the weight of the 40 and the trailer are close to the 45 it will not be fun to tow. Throw some dana 60's at it and a big block and you will be fine!!