Build Fj45 shortbed LS build

[Builtbybudski]

Old Air Products doesn’t have a problem with customers running OEM compressors with their units.

I’ll check them out.

I run the GM compressor in my LS FJ62 with zero issues.

 

[Builtbybudski]

Started routing ac and heat lines. Still bummed I couldn’t pull of the bulkhead fittings without cutting and tig welding fittings and I just don’t have the confidence in my tig welding for high pressure.

Here’s the final outcome, doesn’t look great visually but functionally it will work.

Also bought a lokar shifter to mimic the length and pitch of the factory manual shifter so interior will look like it would have been without any obtrusive modern bits.

 

[peesalot]

i think you did a good job with the lines, my eng comp sits up under glove box, never see it.

 

[Builtbybudski]

and the finished engine bay. Those who know my builds know I love to do clean/clutter free engine bays and this one is just deeper down that rabbit hole.

Next is the fuel system, pretty basic running 3/8 fuel hose with -6 fittings.

I’ve had good luck with evil products off Amazon, so using their pump and pres/post filters.

Opted of the later fuel tank just because I have a few laying around.

Made a template for the 4wd shifter to place it where it the factory opening is. I was originally going to just run the twin sticks that AA offered but keeping with the theme of making it look factory as possible I took the challenge of making the original shifter and linkage work

 

[peesalot]

which trans ?

 

[Builtbybudski]

i think you did a good job with the lines, my eng comp sits up under glove box, never see it.

Appreciate it. I was just hoping to pull it off but with the small space behind the dash and the fittings of the hvac box it just wasn’t doable within my skill set. I’ll be doing the same thing on my Toyota stout and hopefully then I can pull it off cleaner

 

[Builtbybudski]

which trans ?

4l60e, ideally it will look like a manual when you look inside until you notice the missing clutch pedal.

 

[Builtbybudski]

finally have a set window with our shop’s body/painter so shifting to get all the metal work done so I can get everything sand blasted before it heads to paint.

First was notching the bib since I had shoved the steering box so far back so the high pressure line would clear.

Then checking my gaps. The panels are from serval different vehicles plus were never really great to begin with. So far everything looks good.

 

[Builtbybudski]

I do need to address this gap, ever where else lines up perfectly except this one gap. I also got the vent a little crooked when I welded it in so that needs to be addressed

Ended up extending the panel out just enough to close the gap.

Much better! Photos don’t really show how bad it was but this was worth doing

 

[Builtbybudski]

Starting the teardown process and sent the first batch to sandblasting.

Quick test fit of the top and doors

Not real adjustments needed.

She already wants to go for a ride

 

[Ditcherman]

This has to be Ai that shops way too clean!

 

[Builtbybudski]

Up next is the transmission tunnel. It’s always bothered me how when you press the gas your shoe hits the tunnel, especially in boots. The plan is to put carpet in so it will be a bigger issue.

So cutting and moving this in plus I can move the pedal a little left.

And done, it actually made a bigger difference than I expected for drivers comfort. Might be something that gets done in future client builds.

 

[Builtbybudski]

This has to be Ai that shops way too clean!

It’s a bit of a mess at the moment. Had water damage under the window so that wall is all torn apart plus in the middle of resetting everything so I can do more work here vs the main shop that’s getting full.

 

[clrussell]

I like the room for the throttle pedal. I have that “complaint” while driving mine too.
That extra 1.5” would make a big difference

 

[rlong]

I need to consider this with my 13EEE shoes! Always bothered me too!

 

[Builtbybudski]

I need to consider this with my 13EEE shoes! Always bothered me too!

It’s definitely something I’ll do from now on. Even with a 2f there’s plenty of room to push that section in

 

[rlong]

Where did you get the power steering mount (saw one previously but forgot)? I want to rework my Saginaw as well. Thanks

 

[Builtbybudski]

Time to wrap up the last little bit of

Adding switches back in. Keeping with the theme, the vintage air knobs are a no go so 3d printed a few knobs that I found online that were close. In the end shipped a factory knob out to get files made and hopefully have some that match better.

Next was getting the ecu under the cowl

Wire harness was mounted to the backside of the engine and then through the firewall. You can see a peek of it tucked by the heater box.

Last was addressing the floor, it was pretty cut up from the last owner and myself to make the splitcase clear. Ended up needing a longer 4 speed tunnel to clear it all.

Grafting in the floor section from a later fj40 to match the tunnel and fill in my missing sections.

 

[Builtbybudski]

Finished and ready to head to sandblasting then body/paint

Finish welding the frame and it’s off for sandblasting and powder coating

Week later got the frame back, axles rebuilt and installed with the suspension.

Next is the get the drivetrain in!

 

[Builtbybudski]

Well my $100 4l60 “ran when pulled” didn’t pay off. I bought it for a core, but I thought maybe I’d get lucky. Well at least I can get the engine regasketed and ready to drop in.

And strike number two, looks like it had a leaking headgasket and after years of sitting it’s now junk. This was an unexpected surprise and gen3 LS’s are getting hard to find under 100k miles.

Quick 2hr drive in the Prius and a reman 4l60 is back at the shop. I’m always impressed what you can fit in this, especially when gas is $4.

Pretty bare bones rebuild, better internals and that’s about it.

Next was hitting up my guys at importapart, they had a lm7 pulled from a Silverado with 175k, not ideal but every engine is ran to ensure good oil pressure and no coolant leaks at operating temps. It was a drive to get it and didn’t fit in the Prius but at least I know it’s a good engine vs a marketplace unknown like the last one.