FJ45 on late 1980's FJ60 frame?

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R

ready

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Hello to all,

How easy is it to mount a 1965 fj45 to late 1980's model fj60 frame? I was told that the wheel base is about 3" wider and aside from that you would gain a 5speed tranny and 2f motor. I know, why would i want to put a 45 on a 60 series frame? I am currently gathering as many parts as my wallet/wife will allow me to for my crack at a 4 door fj45. I have secured a 1965 fj45 from Dan at Wimberly 4x4. I took about 15 or so pics from my mobile and as soon as i figure out how to transfer them to the computer i will do so.

Jesse
 
I can think of a good reason why NOT to put a '45 on a '60 series frame.....

RUST!!

The '60 series frame probably rust the worst of all. I know the '55 frame is/was WAY BETTER than my '60 series even though it was older and nearly totally rusted out body wise. I've since swapped out my '60 series frame for a solid one.
 
ready said:
Hello to all,

How easy is it to mount a 1965 fj45 to late 1980's model fj60 frame? I was told that the wheel base is about 3" wider and aside from that you would gain a 5speed tranny and 2f motor. I know, why would i want to put a 45 on a 60 series frame? I am currently gathering as many parts as my wallet/wife will allow me to for my crack at a 4 door fj45. I have secured a 1965 fj45 from Dan at Wimberly 4x4. I took about 15 or so pics from my mobile and as soon as i figure out how to transfer them to the computer i will do so.

Jesse
Click to expand...

They make a 4 door FJ45. ;) They are called LV's. If you want an FJ45 4door with a removable top I would start with a troopie.
 
5 speed was not stock in the US.

it's easy to add a 2F and 5 speed into a 45
 
search the archives this topic has come up many times before. way to much work for too little gain. nothing matches up body wise would be a fortune or years in body /frame work.
jason
 
I am aware of the fj45lv, but I'm looking to build a 4 dr with a short bed. Not to mention that 45lv frames far and few between.

Jason-I've been looking at this post - crew cab 45 TOYOTONA
and this is exactly what i would like to build. I figured it would probably take me 1 to 1 and a half years to build and 10 to 15 k rough estimate. Keep in mind that this does not include my labor!

First things first, which frame makes better sense? I would like this to be my d-driver.
 
the swb and the lv use the same frame. the troopy and the lpb (long wheel base share a frame. not knowing your fabrication skilz and how much you would have to farm out the undertakiing you are proposing is huge. just sayin.

that in mind if you are going to do such an undertaking I would look into a tacoma frame swap or a bit stronger engine for a daily driver. a v8 maybe
 
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I'm thinking that is not a 1965. the doors, cowl vent and windshield frame are all wrong for 65.
and of course the gas tank is wrong also.

looks solid overall tho. Good luck with it. is that a "new" bed?
 
I'll verify the year tomorrow and yes it is very solid! Very little rust, just surface rust only. I'm planning on taking it apart and sending it to be either sand blasted or dipped and then primed. Or should I fabricate the double cab and modify the frame and then send them both to be blasted or dipped? I will bet that it's gonna take a few months to fab the cab and frame. What do the experts think?
 
Check out D'Animal's build. He built a 45 extra cab short bed basically from scratch. It is sitting on a FJ60 frame and it is a nice build.

I think you are off to go a good start. A 60 series frame is definitely an option. It is fully boxed and could be considered stronger than a 45 frame. This type of project will definitely test your fab skills and you will learn a lot.

Good luck with it and post your progress.
 
I'm definitely looking at D'Animal's build! He is a beast when it comes to his fabrication skills. Right now I'm still trying to gather the parts that I will need to do this project. I'm very confident that I will get this project done.

I will come up with a name for this build and I also plan to do the whole utube of this project. Yes it is a 67.
Right now as it stands, I will source a good portion of parts through Dan at Wimberly 4x4. The only thing that is undecided is the frame and drive train. Still looking at the possibilities of using a 1996 Landcruiser awd auto or a 1980' 60 series frame and drive train. What would you guys use?
 
60 vs. 80

ready said:
I'm definitely looking at D'Animal's build! He is a beast when it comes to his fabrication skills. Right now I'm still trying to gather the parts that I will need to do this project. I'm very confident that I will get this project done.

I will come up with a name for this build and I also plan to do the whole utube of this project. Yes it is a 67.
Right now as it stands, I will source a good portion of parts through Dan at Wimberly 4x4. The only thing that is undecided is the frame and drive train. Still looking at the possibilities of using a 1996 Landcruiser awd auto or a 1980' 60 series frame and drive train. What would you guys use?
Click to expand...

Measure the length of each frame- especially the wheel base and note that most 4 door conversions you'll find have extremely long wheel bases depending on the size of the back door. Decide how big you want your doors and you still may need to lengthen the frame. I'm thinking the 80 frame will set you up with a stronger frame with a better suspension system, the 60 frame is a simpler suspension with cheaper parts and narrower axles... There is a lot to consider, keep us posted.
 
Agreed.

There are pros and cons for both 60 and 80 frames/susp/drivetrains when mounting a 40 series body. Depends on what you envision. Do you want to go big tires and lift - go with 80. If you want a stock-ish setup - go 60. If you want coils, go 80. You get the idea....Of course, you can go 80 with a stock-ish look with backspaced wheels. keep us posted.

Here's mine. I'm on skinny 16" with stock everything. I'm toying with the idea of SOA and 60 series axles and 35's (I've the 35's on-hand). But, I'll probably keep it SUA with 33's.
crew_cab_doors4 001.webp
 
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Now that is a beautiful truck!! I really like the way the b-pillar is positioned. I feel that the person in the back will actually have some leg room in there. I had envisioned about the same set up for the b-pillar section but the rear cab-door will not be cut-at an angle, thus this is why I need a longer frame to work with. Has any one considered using a 2002 thru 06 Tacoma 4 door frame and drive train?
 
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