I want a 55, but what year?

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FLATU8ER

FLATU8ER

Joined
Jul 26, 2008
Threads
92
Messages
1,391
Location
hanford, ca
I have spent the better part of the day trying to research the ol' girl. What are the Pro's and Con's of each year? I'm not concerned with a matching #'s rig, and would be open to a different power plant.
I guess I'm wanting a Pig with sort'a modern under pining's and and a hassle free (read newer) drive train.
I understand that rust is a major issue with these girls, rockers, rear panels, roof rails, tailgates.
What would be a reliable swap, but economical.
Would it make any sense to put in 3/4 ton axels?
Or for that matter, a Cummins turbo 6 cyl ?
Looking for a daily driver, tow rig, weekend warrior.
Due to the fact that I'm in Calif. I would have to look at a 68' through a 73' due to smog regs. Or have they changed that to 1975 now?
Everything I looked up on the interweb was either rusted out, extreme $$$.
I don't know, maybe I'm just fishing, but wondering what I would get myself into.
 
Given that you are in California, I would look at only 2 things. Does it have minimal rust, and is it '75 or older?

Trust me, it is not worth buying the smog nightmare of '76 and up.

With a 75 and down truck, any swap you can dream up is possible and no one will care.

As to what I would do with a fairly large budget, and your described needs:

FJ60 Axles-Advantages-slightly wider, standard birf, disc brakes, excellent e-brake

Steering conversion-Scout Box is popular on FJ55s, but I would likely use an 80 series box

5.3 Vortec-Advantages-Available everywhere for reasonable price, great power, super reliable, parts available to infinity

NP4500 transmission-Just 'cause, nice deep overdrive, alternative 4L60e automatic

Split transfercase from the FJ60.

You are going to spend a lot of money you will never see again, and realistically, it's going to be a lot of money.
 
But can you put a price on such a unique ride? I love all LCs but the 55 is so rare and so unique compared to any other LC. I live in Phoenix and I've only seen 2-3 in the wild my whole life. There's nothing like a Pig (IMHO).

Cheers and good luck!
 
First, thank you for your inputs. I will trust my Mud Brothers over dredging the interweb.
I did not know Cali. had moved the smog exempt to 75', just had not kept up with it.
Lil J, and CDrew, this is the input I am wanting to hear about.
Do you think a Cummins would be too much? And then adding on to that, would FJ 60, or 80 axels handle the diesel? (torque)
Because I don't know what 60's or 80's have under them, should I just look for Dana 60's.
It is good to hear about drive train components from you PRO's.

Maybe this could be a spot to discuss the best wants or ideas for a build.
Personalized plates could read, "Fe Pig"
Fe being the symbol for Iron on the periotic table of elements
 
As much as I like the idea of a diesel swap, I don't see it being worth it.

Gas motor is much more affordable, has plenty of power, is much lighter and will cost less in the long run.
 
I have always had Tacoma's and their predecessors. So delving into cruisers is new. I love the 55 and have only seen one in person, but never up close. Damn why is it that every vehicle I get interested in turns out to be Rare, full of issues, mucho $$$$.
I just want a cool Toyota, but I can't argue with that big Cummins.
 
I have heard of 4bt and 6bt. What is the difference? I have heard that there is a 4cyl that Cummins puts out. If it is anything close to the 6cyl then it must be impressive.
 
A 4BT will deliver all a pig will handle, I’m constantly turning mine down..
 
Cool I have no experience in diesels. As you can tell. Is there an after market support for the 4cyl that is close to the 6cyl?


PS, JMack, how is Boise? I'm wanting to check it out for retirement.
 
get a wrecked GM truck with the 4.8 V8 and auto trans.

Swap the engine/trans. The 4.8 truck will be cheaper, but only be down a few HP. can still use the rest of the stock Toyota drivetrain. About as cheap and dependable as you can go.

The trick to 'economical' 55 ownership is getting the best body you can. Panels, glass, and weatherstrip, and rust issues will cost much more time and money than swapping drivetrains. An engine swap in a 55 is no harder than in any other vehicle.
 
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FLATU8ER said:
PS, JMack, how is Boise? I'm wanting to check it out for retirement.
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Tell you what, buy a ticket to Boise and I'll pick you up at the airport in my pig and take you to look at the collection of pigs @ginericLC is getting ready to sell. You’ll get to see some great parts of this area, ride in a pig with a 4BT before you make any choices on power plant for yours and look at some great project pigs that will be coming up for sale..
 
This is good advice, and I thank all of you. I guess I will have to scale back my dreams.
 
FLATU8ER said:
I guess I'm wanting a Pig with sort'a modern under pining's and and a hassle free (read newer) drive train.
Click to expand...

That's easy - buy a 60! ;)

Seriously, the 60 is everything that Pig owners want their Pigs to be when they grow up - available parts, less rust, PS, AC, etc...

The 60 body does nothing for me though, so I am stuck with a Pig!
 
J Mack said:
Tell you what, buy a ticket to Boise and I'll pick you up at the airport in my pig and take you to look at the collection of pigs @ginericLC is getting ready to sell. You’ll get to see some great parts of this area, ride in a pig with a 4BT before you make any choices on power plant for yours and look at some great project pigs that will be coming up for sale..
Click to expand...

I would take him up on this! Having just seen his Pig in Moab, and hearing him complain that no one warned him about how difficult and expensive Pigs are, you would be $ ahead by buying that plane ticket...
 
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