I'm starting to plan out a Land Cruiser project and would really appreciate some input from people who have built FJ45s, Aqualu bodies, or stretched 40-series chassis. For context Ive had 2 '79 40s and a '65 in various states of driving but mostly interested in a 45 for my next cruiser.
The basic goal is not an all-original restoration. I'm much more interested in building a reliable, usable *restomod trail/expedition rig* that keeps the character but has updates running gear and suspension. I want something I can actually wheel, take camping, and drive on the road rather than a museum-quality restoration.
I already have a 2H drivetrain that I'd like to build around, and I have a set of 60-series axles and a 60-series split-case transfer case available. I'm thinking something along the lines of:
* FJ45-style cab (6" stretch if usually aqualu)
* 2H/H55 drivetrain
* 60-series axles
* 60-series split case
* Stretched 40-series frame (110-116" WB)
* Custom suspension
* 37" tires
* Custom flatbed rather than an original FJ45 pickup bed
* Eventually some kind of removable ute/camper setup
I'm currently trying to decide whether it makes more sense to start with a real FJ45 or buy an Aqualu 3/4 FJ45 cab/body and build the truck around it and a rough 40 series since those aren't hard to find.
Option 1 — Start with an FJ45
The obvious advantage is that I would be starting with an actual FJ45 chassis/body and all the correct proportions. Since I'm not trying to do a restoration, though, I'd be cutting/reworking a lot of what I bought anyway.
I'd probably end up reworking the frame, installing the 60 axles and 2H drivetrain, building custom suspension, and replacing the rear bed with a custom flatbed.
My concern is paying a premium for an original FJ45 only to cut up a relatively valuable/complete truck.
Option 2 — Aqualu FJ45 cab on a 40-series frame
The other option is to start with an Aqualu FJ45 cab and a 40-series chassis.
This seems attractive because I wouldn't feel bad about modifying the body or frame, and I could build the chassis around exactly what I want from the beginning.
The plan would be to stretch the 40 frame to get the wheelbase/proportions I want, use the 60 axles and split case I already have, and build the suspension from scratch.
I'm also leaning toward a custom flatbed, so I don't really need the original FJ45 bed or its mounting points.
Where I'm stuck:
For people who have actually done these conversions, how much would you value starting with a genuine FJ45 versus starting with an Aqualu body for this kind of build?
If the end result is going to be a modified trail rig anyway, am I better off preserving a real FJ45 and modifying it, or does the Aqualu make more sense because I can start with a clean slate?
I'm also interested in thoughts on:
-How well the Aqualu FJ45 cab fits/looks once it's on a stretched 40 frame
- Whether an original FJ45 chassis is worth preserving for a build like this
-How much fabrication is involved in making the Aqualu body work
-Leaf vs. linked suspension on a stretched 40 frame
-Anything you wish you'd known before starting an FJ45/Aqualu project
I'm trying to avoid the classic "one more mod and it'll be driving" situation. Ideally I'd like to break the project into stages and get it driving relatively early, then add the nicer stuff afterward.
I'm not concerned with keeping it original. I'm more interested in ending up with a unique, capable, reliable cruiser that gets used.
Would love to hear from anyone who has gone
down either path, particularly if you've owned/built both.
The basic goal is not an all-original restoration. I'm much more interested in building a reliable, usable *restomod trail/expedition rig* that keeps the character but has updates running gear and suspension. I want something I can actually wheel, take camping, and drive on the road rather than a museum-quality restoration.
I already have a 2H drivetrain that I'd like to build around, and I have a set of 60-series axles and a 60-series split-case transfer case available. I'm thinking something along the lines of:
* FJ45-style cab (6" stretch if usually aqualu)
* 2H/H55 drivetrain
* 60-series axles
* 60-series split case
* Stretched 40-series frame (110-116" WB)
* Custom suspension
* 37" tires
* Custom flatbed rather than an original FJ45 pickup bed
* Eventually some kind of removable ute/camper setup
I'm currently trying to decide whether it makes more sense to start with a real FJ45 or buy an Aqualu 3/4 FJ45 cab/body and build the truck around it and a rough 40 series since those aren't hard to find.
Option 1 — Start with an FJ45
The obvious advantage is that I would be starting with an actual FJ45 chassis/body and all the correct proportions. Since I'm not trying to do a restoration, though, I'd be cutting/reworking a lot of what I bought anyway.
I'd probably end up reworking the frame, installing the 60 axles and 2H drivetrain, building custom suspension, and replacing the rear bed with a custom flatbed.
My concern is paying a premium for an original FJ45 only to cut up a relatively valuable/complete truck.
Option 2 — Aqualu FJ45 cab on a 40-series frame
The other option is to start with an Aqualu FJ45 cab and a 40-series chassis.
This seems attractive because I wouldn't feel bad about modifying the body or frame, and I could build the chassis around exactly what I want from the beginning.
The plan would be to stretch the 40 frame to get the wheelbase/proportions I want, use the 60 axles and split case I already have, and build the suspension from scratch.
I'm also leaning toward a custom flatbed, so I don't really need the original FJ45 bed or its mounting points.
Where I'm stuck:
For people who have actually done these conversions, how much would you value starting with a genuine FJ45 versus starting with an Aqualu body for this kind of build?
If the end result is going to be a modified trail rig anyway, am I better off preserving a real FJ45 and modifying it, or does the Aqualu make more sense because I can start with a clean slate?
I'm also interested in thoughts on:
-How well the Aqualu FJ45 cab fits/looks once it's on a stretched 40 frame
- Whether an original FJ45 chassis is worth preserving for a build like this
-How much fabrication is involved in making the Aqualu body work
-Leaf vs. linked suspension on a stretched 40 frame
-Anything you wish you'd known before starting an FJ45/Aqualu project
I'm trying to avoid the classic "one more mod and it'll be driving" situation. Ideally I'd like to break the project into stages and get it driving relatively early, then add the nicer stuff afterward.
I'm not concerned with keeping it original. I'm more interested in ending up with a unique, capable, reliable cruiser that gets used.
Would love to hear from anyone who has gone
down either path, particularly if you've owned/built both.
