frame swap lj77???
- Thread starter RAYJON
- Start date
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Sounds like a cool idea. Im pretty sure that someone has put a 55 on an 80 series frame.
I do think it's a cool idea. Ray is trying to convince me to source a donor -77 with coils for my very "theoretical" FJ55 project.
I think it's a cool idea, just not sure how realistic it is to find a good donor -77/78 in the States. I was drawn to the concept of putting a more modern frame, suspension, and running gear under a -55 after reading the @lowtideride / @cruiserjunktion thread. My primary concern was getting the tires tucked under the -55 body to my satisfaction. Ray suggested a -77/-78 as a means to get the same benefits of a -80 coil/linked suspension, with a more appropriate frame/axle width. I gather the LJ series is less desirable and therefore potentially cheaper to acquire.
I just have no idea how likely it is to run into a suitable donor frame in the US? Probably not very likely. Lol.
I think it's a cool idea, just not sure how realistic it is to find a good donor -77/78 in the States. I was drawn to the concept of putting a more modern frame, suspension, and running gear under a -55 after reading the @lowtideride / @cruiserjunktion thread. My primary concern was getting the tires tucked under the -55 body to my satisfaction. Ray suggested a -77/-78 as a means to get the same benefits of a -80 coil/linked suspension, with a more appropriate frame/axle width. I gather the LJ series is less desirable and therefore potentially cheaper to acquire.
I just have no idea how likely it is to run into a suitable donor frame in the US? Probably not very likely. Lol.
And I should note, it may even be possible to make it happen without sectioning the frame. The wheelbase for the -77 appears to be 107.48" while the -55 is 106.3" Pretty dang close!
Yeah but it has 8" diffs
Exactly. You'd have to swap it for a 9.5" rear. It'd be a lot of work but I think you'd have to cut all the brackets off the LJ axle and weld them onto a FF -70 series axle.
Paying a shop to do a coil conversion would not be in my budget and I don't have the knowhow to design a setup from scratch. The -80 frame/suspension seemed to be a good compromise. I occasionally see rolled -80s on Craigslist and thought it might be a good route to go. Ray suggested a -77 to solve the axle width issue, but, as pointed out, it creates an additional set of problems (availability and rear diff size).
Shoot @Dan Fredrickson a PM or give him a call and talk to him about his prebuilt kit if 'knowhow" is the only thing holding you back.
3 Link Kit with 1.25" Heims
I don't know how to do a coil spring setup... actually, I do. The shop that will do the work for me is an expert at them as well as FJ55sI think when all is said and done, each end of my 55 will be in the $5k range including shocks.
The biggest issue I have with out of states type 'conversions' is the parts for fixing them aren't readily available in the states.
I forget the width on the FJ80s... I want to say 65". A stock FJ55 is 55". My green 55 is at 60" and just barely has some tire peaking out. My brown 55 is at 67" and has a truck load of tire sticking out. I'm still scratching my head on how to cover it.
Here is how 'bad' tire stick out is:
View attachment 1825147
Cool!
I've seen a -60 that Georg converted to coils up front and it was impressive. As much as I love Georg, at in my income bracket (which is $0) I just cannot be a check-writing 'cruiser client. Plus, I take great pride in doing things myself. : )
Being a stay-at-home-dad means I've got to find ways to do things very economically.
Looks bad ass though!
I am not done at all but I am putting 80 radius arms and coilovers.
$40 for the arms
>$400 per shock for FOA 2.0 12in reservoir coilovers with dual springs
Panhar bar, sway bar, and various custom brackets might get up to $500.
This was a fitting pic I took.
Ask the sty. I'm the king of inexpensive upgrades.
$40 for the arms
>$400 per shock for FOA 2.0 12in reservoir coilovers with dual springs
Panhar bar, sway bar, and various custom brackets might get up to $500.
This was a fitting pic I took.
Ask the sty. I'm the king of inexpensive upgrades.
That work! Can't wait to see all your upgrades at PP19
