FJ60 Axles to my 1972 FJ40???? (1 Viewer)

[PATENTPENDING]

I have an oppertunity to buy front and rear FJ60 axles to put under my FJ40 (1972). I would like to keep the height and spring under setup stock if at all possible, but want the 3:70 gears and disc brakes provided by the FJ60 axles that are available to me and I dont mind the additional 3" of width. I will probably add 33 X 10.5 when all done as well, so I wont mind adding 2.5 inch lift if needed.

Is there a laundry list of what needs to be done for this swap somewhere on this site or elsewhere and how hard will it be....??? Is it a good idea or should I just wait until I get some 79 or new FJ40 axles? Thanks all! Get ready for the laugh, but I would like to keep it as simple as possible.

 

[PATENTPENDING]

My limited research shows that the spring perches will need to be widened, but willl my stock FJ40 drive shafts work and steering attachments? Thanks All.

 

[PATENTPENDING]

Thinking that it might be best to just buy a TJ outfitters type disc brake conversion kit and buy 3:70 gears that fit my stock '72 FJ40 housings? Any thoughts?

Would the 3:70 center gear diff (pumpkin) mate with my stock axle housings and, more importantely would:

1) I need new drive shafts; and
2) I need new axle shafts from a 77 or newer FJ40 (370) would those mate with the LJ60 center diff?

Thanks again all!

 

[cruiserjunkie]

You can take those parts off and install them on your current axles. You can move the axle perch in or the frame perch out, search out boarding axles. Drive line flanges will have to be changed. Steering will not reach with wider 60 front end but you could use the 60 stuff if you fix taper in drag link I believe. I just saw someone just did this I'll try and find it

 

[cruiserjunkie]

It will all work together but you'll need a few more parts but it'll be cheaper than a kit if the 60 axles are a good price

 

[Fast Eddy]

It's a job if you are a good welder. You need to move the front springs outboard 1.5" on each side of your frame. You can click on my 'after' thread, or better if you have a bunch of time look at Chicago's thread on the hardcore forum.

If not, get the front axle and use the birfields out to the locking hubs on your current axle. That's probably what you want anyway. You don't even have to pull the axle housing.

You can consider using the 3.7:1 differentials, but you need to answer more questions about what tires, what you plan to do with it, etc.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Not that bad a job and well worth it to get the width and much better brakes front and rear.

Which 3rd members you use is up to you.

Driveshafts should work, but you may need to drill the flanges on the 3.70s.

You can adapt the drag link to the FJ60 steering arm with a hardened bushing sold for this purpose by MAF.

Do yourself a favor and do not buy any kind of disc brake conversion that utilizes the coarse spline birfields. The FJ60 stuff is MUCH better.

Can you weld?

 

[AlexJet]

I did 60-series axles under my 40.
Rear is basicaly rewelding spring perches on the axle.
Front is welding new spring mounts on the frame 1.5" wider per side.

 

[shelfboy1]

if the axles are cheap swap the 60,s parts to your 40 axles and forget all the extra work of mounting the 60 axles to your truck.then maybey sell the extra parts .or just add the discs and 33s and see how the truck works before you go to 373 gears.ive change many 373 gears back to 411s because of poor perfomance.good luck