Hello, looking for 80 40 chassis swap info and advice. I can’t push a clutch anymore so if I’m going automatic I might as well go all the way.

[Snakepit]

 

[Snakepit]

Using a different body and frame. I would sell the whole 40 and start from scratch. Would come out ahead selling and sourcing the body parts you need.

Originally I planned on selling the 1970 and buying basket case parts but by the time you buy all the sheet metal and do dads to put one together you’re about the same price as what I have in the 1970 and all the parts, eh most the parts are there. The aluminum tubs don’t scare me at all, aluminum doesn’t rust and easy to weld. It doesn’t take rock abrasion very well though. Thank you for your input , very good points to consider. To be honest it hurts a little thinking about “hacking up” a 40 but its ether change it or don’t drive it and I’m tired of not driving it.

 

[Snakepit]

While the Aqualu 40/80 body is pricey, I think it’d definitely pay for itself in the long run. Personally any concerns of keeping it “original “ are out the door in this type of build anyways. The aluminum tubs may not be true original, but they have advantages over the old steel ones: sheer strength, clean slate, no dents and already widened to fit the 80 chasis.

Coworker sent me this the other day. Seemed like a good deal if you’re interested View attachment 4092839

That’s cool but long, most places we go is tight. That’s almost what I gave for my 1970. Cool to see, I would be concerned how long it’s been in the dirt. It doesn’t take long for electrolysis to get started, unless it has zink anodes on it.

 

[Snakepit]

Here is my 45/80 build. 1uz v8 and 5 speed manual in it. I used to have the 5speed auto from the 100 series, but in my honest opinion, no matter what engine you plan on using, if you want an auto box, get a ZF hp80. It is hands down the best auto for any swap
View attachment 4092825

Love this truck! Nice job

 

[Snakepit]

Wasn't against going the 80 series route. Financially would make more sense selling a complete 40 instead of taking parts off it. Only body parts would be the front door and possibly the fenders that wouldn't need mods. For a year round use in Idaho a hard top for the winter would make more sense. Unless vinyl windows have gotten better they are brittle in cold weather. Back in the mid nineties bought a brand new Kayline top. During the summer in Northern Arizona just after sundown if the side windows weren't rolled down had to be careful rolling down.

I agree hard top for sure, I have a best top for my cj5 windows are junk and the threads are worn out. The hard top is still spit spot. I’m selling the cj5 to get a rotisserie and materials.

 

[Living in the Past]

I agree hard top for sure, I have a best top for my cj5 windows are junk and the threads are worn out. The hard top is still spit spot. I’m selling the cj5 to get a rotisserie and materials.

I some times wonder if I had started with a jeep instead of a FJ40 if would still have as many.

 

[Snakepit]

I some times wonder if I had started with a jeep instead of a FJ40 if would still have as many.
View attachment 4093159

View attachment 4093151

The answer is yes, you do still have room. The red one looks like dads, is blue/white barn door a right hand drive? Love them all, which are your favorites?

 

[Ditcherman]

I agree hard top for sure, I have a best top for my cj5 windows are junk and the threads are worn out. The hard top is still spit spot. I’m selling the cj5 to get a rotisserie and materials.

I just built this rotisserie for about $600 in materials from the free plans from Red Wing Steel Works

Auto Rotisserie Plans - Red Wing Steel Works

Below you will find the auto rotisserie plans with a capacity of 3000 lbs. these auto rotisserie plans are the end result of many days and hours of trial and error to get the perfect balance of usability vs cost.

redwingsteelworks.com

For a 240Z project
The plans were fantastic.

The truck in the background is a 4 door 40 I just built, it’s 132” wheelbase on Dana 60’s. Aqualu tub.
Over in the hardcore corner if you’re interested.
Very happy with the rotisserie compared to the northern or harbor freight I would have ended up with.

 

[Snakepit]

I just built this rotisserie for about $600 in materials from the free plans from Red Wing Steel Works

Auto Rotisserie Plans - Red Wing Steel Works

Below you will find the auto rotisserie plans with a capacity of 3000 lbs. these auto rotisserie plans are the end result of many days and hours of trial and error to get the perfect balance of usability vs cost.

redwingsteelworks.com

For a 240Z project
The plans were fantastic.
View attachment 4093185
The truck in the background is a 4 door 40 I just built, it’s 132” wheelbase on Dana 60’s. Aqualu tub.
Over in the hardcore corner if you’re interested.
Very happy with the rotisserie compared to the northern or harbor freight I would have ended up with.

lol I was zooming in on the rotisserie until I saw the 4 door, that is beautiful! Thank you for the plans, I’m definitely doing that, beautiful welds looks great. How do you think the fenders would hold up to gravel and rocky roads on a consistent basis? I know our aluminum boats get hammered on them. I really like the the four door but I need to keep it as short as I can. Maybe one for the Mrs? And a great big thank you on the plans, I was about to blo 3600 bucks.

 

[Ditcherman]

lol I was zooming in on the rotisserie until I saw the 4 door, that is beautiful! Thank you for the plans, I’m definitely doing that, beautiful welds looks great. How do you think the fenders would hold up to gravel and rocky roads on a consistent basis? I know our aluminum boats get hammered on them. I really like the the four door but I need to keep it as short as I can. Maybe one for the Mrs? And a great big thank you on the plans, I was about to blo 3600 bucks.

The front fenders are Aqualu along with the tub, been down a lot of local gravel roads as well as out to Solid Axle Summit last year so all around SW Colorado roads, there’s not a mark on the fenders because of the Lizardskin undercoating. I would think some kind of undercoating would be mandatory but that’s just me.

 

[Snakepit]

Unfortunately that opens up a whole can of worms. 80 if newer than 1994 had air bags. Sure other safety features as well. Then there is emissions. That might limit use and later sale.

I agree the 1970 title Has better regulation here, no emissions and not difficult to title as a 70 fj40. Thank you for your input, I love all the perspectives.

 

[Ditcherman]

I agree the 1970 title Has better regulation here, no emissions and not difficult to title as a 70 fj40. Thank you for your input, I love all the perspectives.

Do you have emissions testing in Idaho?
Do you have anyone checking frame vs cowl serial numbers or anything else? Or engine type?
We sure don’t in Indiana and want to keep it that way. But it sure seems a lot of people take that into consideration when swapping stuff.

 

[Snakepit]

Do you have emissions testing in Idaho?
Do you have anyone checking frame vs cowl serial numbers or anything else? Or engine type?
We sure don’t in Indiana and want to keep it that way. But it sure seems a lot of people take that into consideration when swapping stuff.

Yes all the vins and paperwork is a must, inspection is done at the courthouse by a sheriff’s deputy and a new vin door plate is installed. That’s how it was in 1998 when I did a short bed Chevy, should probably see what’s changed since then! Thanks for that, oh and no emissions testing. You’re in India that’s cool do you have a lot of diesels there? I would love to diesel power one.

 

[archie73]

That’s cool but long, most places we go is tight. That’s almost what I gave for my 1970. Cool to see, I would be concerned how long it’s been in the dirt. It doesn’t take long for electrolysis to get started, unless it has zink anodes on it.

I have the 3/4 tub and wheel it on 7 or 8 rated trails couple times a year. The tub has been great and takes a rock hit better than steel in my opinion. As to the water electrolysis- I drove it bare aluminum over three summers before I was ready to paint. It’s holding up well. Where I to do it again, I’d get the full tub.

 

[Snakepit]

I have the 3/4 tub and wheel it on 7 or 8 rated trails couple times a year. The tub has been great and takes a rock hit better than steel in my opinion. As to the water electrolysis- I drove it bare aluminum over three summers before I was ready to paint. It’s holding up well. Where I to do it again, I’d get the full tub.

Good info thank you. Have you been running it on rock and gravel roads? My biggest concern is the fenders are getting blasted with abrasives. This rig really won’t see much black top.

 

[Ditcherman]

Yes all the vins and paperwork is a must, inspection is done at the courthouse by a sheriff’s deputy and a new vin door plate is installed. That’s how it was in 1998 when I did a short bed Chevy, should probably see what’s changed since then! Thanks for that, oh and no emissions testing. You’re in India that’s cool do you have a lot of diesels there? I would love to diesel power one.

Indiana, not India, not sure who had the typo.

We have a lot of diesels here. Farm trucks.
As a matter of fact….

This is the 40 in the picture. Cummins 12 valve.

 

[3_puppies]

Indiana, not India, not sure who had the typo.

We have a lot of diesels here. Farm trucks.
As a matter of fact….
View attachment 4093448
This is the 40 in the picture. Cummins 12 valve.

like the vise grips

 

[Ditcherman]

like the vise grips

Haha ya apparently I snapped that while I was moving my water to air intercooler fan and radiator from the engine compartment to under the body a while back.

 

[archie73]

Good info thank you. Have you been running it on rock and gravel roads? My biggest concern is the fenders are getting blasted with abrasives. This rig really won’t see much black top.

Tube fenders would help with that concern

 

[Snakepit]

Indiana, not India, not sure who had the typo.

We have a lot of diesels here. Farm trucks.
As a matter of fact….
View attachment 4093448
This is the 40 in the picture. Cummins 12 valve.

India, lol old eyeballs it was all me I’m sure. Wow a 12 valve in an fj, bravo sir much respect! I was thinking something a little less heavy. Really the interest in diesel would be mpg.

 

[Ditcherman]

India, lol old eyeballs it was all me I’m sure. Wow a 12 valve in an fj, bravo sir much respect! I was thinking something a little less heavy. Really the interest in diesel would be mpg.

The OM605 is a popular choice, if not the Toyota diesels. This was basically free to me, and I have some redneck tendencies as well so it was decided.
There’s quite a few swaps around on the forum.