FZJ80 LHD Diesel conversion using RHD HDJ80 parts

[CycloSteve]

I have been fortunate to acquire most of the parts needed to convert my FZJ80 to a 1HD-FT and H151F. With that in mind, the donor is a RHD HDJ80 from the UK. I have been cross-referencing the RHD specific parts, yet still have a few questions. I have these parts already:

• RHD clutch box and pedal - has anyone used this on a LHD?

• RHD brake box and pedal - looks like the pedal can be used in the current FZJ box.

• RHD shifter - definitely bent in the wrong direction. Anyone successfully heat and bend or cut and turn to work on LHD?

• RHD console - looks to be incorrect if using a LHD shifter and T-Case shifter.

• Any known issues with the clutch setup?

• Any other RHD gotchas I need to look for in the project?

This will not be going into the truck for a while, so plenty of time to assemble parts.

 

[OGBeno]

Are you swapping the 1HD-FT ECU as well or keeping the 1FZ-FE ECU Steve?

 

[CycloSteve]

Are you swapping the 1HD-FT ECU as well or keeping the 1FZ-FE ECU Steve?

I do not have the 1HD-FT electronics, and assume that the 1FZ-FE ECU may be needed for some of the signals to be processed (speed, cruise, etc.). Though I will not personally be doing the swap, it looks like I need to dive into my EWD and see what items are stand-alone, and what may need the old ECU to function properly. Better to understand what is going on, than to be sitting roadside wondering what went sideways.

 

[OGBeno]

Just thinking out loud about the NSS signal the 1FZ ECU will need....

 

[CycloSteve]

Since the 1HD-FT (non-electronic) only had a few stand-alone EC modules, I wonder what really would be needed from the 1FZ-FE module. The only item I could come up with in my head was the VSS signal for the speedo and cruise, but I think it goes to the console first IIRC.

The NSS would be similar to having a lockout from allowing the starter to engage while the clutch was not depressed, no? That switch is on the clutch box, and I think could be setup as a simple cut to the starter circuit using a relay. If possible, it would be good to jettison the ECU altogether. Also thinking out loud on my end.

 

[gnarlynick2072]

I have been fortunate to acquire most of the parts needed to convert my FZJ80 to a 1HD-FT and H151F. With that in mind, the donor is a RHD HDJ80 from the UK. I have been cross-referencing the RHD specific parts, yet still have a few questions. I have these parts already:

• RHD clutch box and pedal - has anyone used this on a LHD?

• RHD brake box and pedal - looks like the pedal can be used in the current FZJ box.

• RHD shifter - definitely bent in the wrong direction. Anyone successfully heat and bend or cut and turn to work on LHD?

• RHD console - looks to be incorrect if using a LHD shifter and T-Case shifter.

• Any known issues with the clutch setup?

• Any other RHD gotchas I need to look for in the project?

This will not be going into the truck for a while, so plenty of time to assemble parts.

Funny, I think my group buy is buying from the same source in UK.

I have been nose deep in H151F stuff for the last couple months with complete parts lists for my 91 HDJ81. ALSO I have a complete list for a 96 LHD that will be converted to 1HD-FT who is joining in our group buy for the transmissions. Do you have a late model FZJ?

I have almost gotten everything I need for the swap. If you have any questions about the trans part of things (not including ECU issues) I can give you some insight into what we have learned.

• RHD clutch box and pedal - You will need a different box and pedal.

• RHD brake box and pedal - Keep your ATM box and just switch the pedal, likewise is different with RHD. You can get these new.

• RHD shifter - You can buy this from cruiserparts.net or other sources that I can give you.

• RHD console - Different part numbers, so most likely different. You will also need LHD leather boot and insulation boots underneath the console.

A large number of components actually do cross over and I think you will be surprised.

 

[gnarlynick2072]

I would also suggest getting MTM cross member and front and rear drive shafts from your source.

 

[CycloSteve]

My truck is a 96, so a late FZJ. Much does cross over, and I have been using ****DIY to cross-reference parts down to the niggly little bits. Akella can also source new parts, and I will be bugging Yan with my parts-list in the future. I have a spreadsheet which I will share at some point with the specific parts and OEM numbers.

I have an IPOR belly plate, and will modify that or the frame to use with this build. The crossmember may be one of the un-needed spares, and some of the RHD-specific bits can be used for those with the HDJ81 trucks swapping out to the H151F.

 

[gnarlynick2072]

It really comes down to how much you want to spend on the conversion. I opted to get a bunch of components new, such as fork, slave, master, lines, throwout bearing, clutch kit, flywheel...

For those components that aren't available from Beno, use partsouq.com and amayama.com

We also had a hell of a time trying to confirm a NSS on the clutch pedal. So far, we have no notification from anyone if this was actually a thing on late model 80s. I know first hand that they didn't have them on early models, you can start truck in gear.

Good idea to get RHD stuff, there's a few guys out there that will be looking for that stuff for conversions on HDJ81s.

 

[slowandsteady BJ]

My friend Nathaniel did a beautiful conversion. Looks factory to the smallest detail.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/project-hdfzj-80-5.752409/

 

[CycloSteve]

My friend Nathaniel did a beautiful conversion. Looks factory to the smallest detail.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/project-hdfzj-80-5.752409/

Nice thread, will be reading it for a while.