FJ45 LV Build ideas

[Casey E]

Ok I’m almost to the point of starting this project but I have a big question to ask everyone who has built one before... What would you do different ?

I’m planning on a brand new split case 5speed mated to a Toyota diesel. So I’m not going back 100 percent stock. I would like to run a full float rear maybe 60 width, drum rears, front disk brakes, gears will be 3.73, thinking 33” tires with a 2.5 OEM lift.

So please pick my plan apart and let me know what you would do different, also if you have built one what would you change on yours if doing it again?

Ps My wife will be driving this so we might need to switch up the tranny options, she does drive a sprint car so she can shift but.... I still would like it wife friendly.


Thanks again everyone.

 

[DomSmith]

I think one important factor to try to solve is road noise/cabin comfort. A lot of smarter guys than me have experience in that realm so I’ll leave it to them. But a somewhat quiet (ish) cab is a must. Makes driving them so much more desirable. Unless you’re looking for the original vibe... then I’d recommend ear plugs!

 

[Casey E]

I hear ya there. Are 40 has 5 speed, split case to 3:73 and its loud as hell doing 70 on the freeway. Plenty of insulation is a must..

 

[Michael B]

I wouldn’t combine a diesel and 5 speed with 3:70 gears. It moves the power band too far. If you have any hills it will require 4th and 3rd gear to climb them. Not to mention if you actually have any mountains to traverse. I experienced this with the 2H and then a 12HT. A fellow club member had a similar experience with a 1HZ. Stick wth 4:11’s and you will have plenty of power and mpg. Just my $0.02.

 

[Casey E]

Thanks just the info I’m after.

 

[KT40]

Mine has an OME lift and I think they are “heavy” rears. Rides fairly stiff. We have a 60 series as well with “medium” springs and it’s ride is cush compared to the LV’s. I like the power plant you are going with as long as 76 FJ40 recommendation is good which I am sure it is. You can always upgrade to 4:1 in the t-case as well for some low gearing.
Where are you in CA?

 

[merbesfield]

I remember when I got my rear OME springs one option was a softer rear and to accomplish that I was told to remove the smallest leaf from the spring pack. I did this, but can’t tell you anything about the ride as it is still sitting.

Oh and don’t tear the truck apart unless you really can finish it. LOL

 

[cult45]

x 2 on 4.11's with a diesel. I think 60 series axels will be too wide. But a FF rear is a great idea, as is insulation. I'd also turbo that thing or find a factory turbo diesel like a 12H-T, 1HD-T or 15B-T.

 

[Landpimp]

I just did OME on my 45lv, took 2 leaves out of the rear, rides great and sits perfect. I am still running 28" tall tires....as much as I like 33x10,5 I didn't want to have to run them...I kinda dig the stock look at this point

 

[bcsteel]

1pz 5spd diesel and a mild turbo setup...

 

[groundeater]

I am at the point in my build where I need to address the issue of “sound.”

I am gonna give a whirl to a 4X6 3/4 inch stall mat sold at farm supply stores. Figure for $30 I won’t be out much even if it doesn’t pan out. Just use in the garage !

I have a ‘67 but am not on, or anywhere near the build site. Does anyone know approximately the length, from back wall of tub to the firewall ? Also, the approximate cab width ? I realize it tapers a bit.
Just wondering if a 4X6 will be sufficient? I would think this would put quite a dampener on sound though.

 

[Reiti]

12 HT with H 55f 5 speed, 33" with 4,11 will work excellent. 3,7 is to long in my opinion, but driveable.
Add an intercooler, adjust the pump. 3" exhaust, forget the insulation.




Send me a LV without drivetrain to Germany.

 

[merbesfield]

If your wife is going to drive it do you think she would want to drive a diesel? If you want it quite and comfortable, I wouldn’t think a diesel would be a good choice. Maybe I’m wrong. But they are just so loud. I know I couldn’t live with one personally. Even with a significant amount of high performance sound control measures, that sound would likely still resonate through the truck. I did a 2F w 4spd. Not sure about the rear end ratio. Whatever would be stock for a 1979 FJ55 bc that’s what I used. I’m guessing it’s 4.11.

 

[Michael B]

@Reiti that is the combo I’m running in my 78’ 45 lpb and I am very pleased with the way it runs. You are correct about the 3:70’s. It just moves the power band too far for any highway driving with hills/mountains.