Isuzu 4BD1T swap part II : now w/ A440F auto

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Where I used to work we had an Isuzu box truck we used for small deliveries and mobile workshop for our installing tools.

I don't know what year it was, but cold starting it would always smoke until it had warmed up a bit. As to sound, it sounded just like your video.

It ran good , but the big box van on it really held it back when we were headed into the wind. Sometimes, if the wind was strong enough, it was almost impossible to pass a semi when we were on I-5. Without a box on back it probably would have done much better.

Definitely wasn't something to burn up the road with, but I liked driving it.

Don
 
Don,

Well after almost a year delay I've pulled the 3FE and have all my adapter parts at the machine shop right now. I sent my TC to the RoadRunner as well and it is back now. I cut the ISUZU TC housing as you did. Machine shop has turned it down and rebuilt Toy TC is mounted to it. They will be working on the bell housing adapter ring Monday.

Question?


In 1st page of this install you have a picture of your adapter ring mounted to your A440F trans using 8 Flat Head Socket Cap Screws. The Stock bolts that held the Toyota bell housing to the A440F are M12x1.25. I've had no luck at all finding Flat Head Socket Cap Screws with 1.25 thread pitch. I can find 1.75 but not 1.25. Where did you find yours....or did you re-tap to next size up SAE?

thanks,

Don Ferguson
 
Hi Don,

I got your pm but figured that I would reply here so that everyone could see the answer to this question.

Like you, I looked all over for that screw thread and couldn't find it so I ended up threading them like you figured to the next size up SAE. It was 1/2" x20 if I remember right. I had to buy an 82 degree countersink to recess the heads in the plate for standard flat head machine screws.

Sounds like you are getting close. I am just finishing up #2 Isuzu swap into my FJ40 and it should be running in the next couple of weeks.

Let me know if you need any more info.

Don
 
Thanks Don for your quick response.

FJ40 with Isuzu....how cool is that!

I got my new head for the 4BD2T today so will be installing in the morning. Injectors have been rebuilt and adjusted. Two were leaking and pressure was low on all. 94 model turbo is getting rebuilt and will be done this Wed.

Take care!

Don F.
 
A helicoil/recoil kit makes an easy way to change thread pitch.
 
That is good to know Dougal. Woulld this be a stronger approach as I assume the thickness of the helicoil might allow for more material engagement,

thanks,

Don
 
That is good to know Dougal. Woulld this be a stronger approach as I assume the thickness of the helicoil might allow for more material engagement,

thanks,

Don

The strength of a 12mm helicoil and 1/2" thread will be basically the same. The best thing about the helicoil/recoil is your fasteners don't get any bigger, so you don't run out of room or have to mix imperial and metric.
 
Roger that Dougal. I'll see if I can find a 12mm x 1.75 helicoil kit.

thanks,

don
 
Roger that Dougal. I'll see if I can find a 12mm x 1.75 helicoil kit.

thanks,

don
IIRC, Harbor Freight carried metric helicoil kits. If you can't find them locally, try McMaster-Carr. They are a bit more expensive but their quality and service are great.
 
Wouldn't you have to tap to a larger thread anyway to fit a 12x 1.75 helicoil into the hole? It is 12mm right now and helicoils have an outside thread and inside thread. Seems like a lot of work just to keep it metric. Now you would be buying metric helicoils, drilling and tapping and buying new metric bolts.

Just my thoughts.

Don
 
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Wouldn't you have to tap to a larger thread anyway to fit a 12x 1.75 helical into the hole? It is 12mm right now and helicoils have an outside thread and inside thread. Seems like a lot of work just to keep it metric. Now you would be buying metric helicoils, drilling and tapping and buying new metric bolts.

Just my thoughts.

Don

The helicoil kit drill will be for the same ~12mm OD. The helicoil tap will be a little larger.
Personally I really dislike a mix of imperial and metric on the same part. If I can keep them all the same, I will.
 
...Personally I really dislike a mix of imperial and metric on the same part. If I can keep them all the same, I will.
X2! In fact, I won't buy accessories that use SAE fasteners for a metric vehicle and visa versa.
 
Don- I got my ring back from local machine shop along with modified Isuzu TC plate with the Toyota TC mounted to it. All looks good I just need to use the transfer punches on the ring and drill and tap the ring.

Got the new head on the 4BD2T and valves adjusted. Waiting on heat shields and washers that go under the fuel injectors. Turbo should be back thursday.

Got some 2*4" heavy wall and some 3/8" flat bar to make motor mounts.

Concerning why 3" lift is required in order to put 4BD2T into FJ60/62. What is the cause of the lift requirement? Is it oil pan to diff clearence or front drive shaft to oil pan, or front drive shaft to oil filter or all of the above. I really don't want to put lift in. If I go to a remote mount oil filter setup and cut the oil pan down can I get by with out the lift? What area of the oil pan will need to be removed and filled. I plan to cut the hump out of the 4BD2T pan ( I know it's doubled wall) but will I also need to cut the whole right side down along with right front corner?

Astr & Dougal- thanks for info on helicoil kits etc.
thanks,

Don
 
Hi Don,

Hey I'm going from memory on this one because both of my engines are 4BD1Ts. Doug720 is the resident expert for the 4BD2Ts with minimal lift.

If I recall correctly, the fact that the oil filter is a single and hangs straight down and the bump in the pan on that side are the problem even with the 3" lift on a FJ60. I think you would have to make those mods even with the 3" lift. Without the lift, the front diff will be too close to the pan and cause all sorts of problems even with the engine pushed all the way back to the firewall. Without the lift I don't see that there is any way to get the front driveshaft to the the front diff without cutting a third to half of the deep part of the oil pan off and then you are really going to reduce the oil capacity. You might get away with a 2.5" lift but I think Doug720 said that 3" should be the minimum.

I know it stinks to have to add a lift to the expense of an engine conversion, but that is one of the things that I don't think you are going to be able to get around. I know that the 4BD1T oil pans fit on your engine so that would save you some time and headache with trying to cut and customize your pan. Although this won't change the need for the lift though.

Hope this helps,

Don
 
Dontoy,

I think it has been settled that a 3" lift is needed to make these engines fit in a 60/62. Without the lift you will have clearance issues with diff and oil pan, even with a 4BD1 pan and remote mounted oil filter. I don't recall which trans and adapter kit your using, but flcruiser is working on a swap with the NV trans and plans on moving the engine about 3" further forward then mine. This will help with some clearance issues, but will put the oil pan step even closer to the diff. I left my trans and everything else in the stock location, just moved the radiator back which allowed me to mount the intercooler between rad and AC condenser.

For reference, the 4BD1 and 4BD2 are exactly the same size, so if you use a 4BD1 oil pan or modify the 2 pan, it will require the same clearance.

In my swap post there are some pictures of my engine with a tape measure to various parts that might help you see the areas of concern. All these swaps are the same, but just a little different. Which means there are many options, but having a 3" lift is pretty much universal.

Doug
 
Don- Thanks again

Doug720....I'll look at your buildup this evening.

thanks,

Don F.
 
Just wanted the take the time to thank Longbow for this great thread. With this and PM's we have exchanged I have been able to develop a game plan for my swap into my Lexus. His transmission information is invaluable as well as his general knowledge of the 4BD.

I also the build threads from Doug720, Dirtgypsy and others I have read along the way are a great source. :cheers:
 
I have yet to find a 62 to my liking, but I just wanted to confirm: The FZJ80 has 4.11s and no easy path to diesel gearing?
I ask because I found one with electric lockers and good bod for cheap, needs a head gasket. I suppose I lose all my "cheap" trying to get decent cruise out of it, eh?
 
I have yet to find a 62 to my liking, but I just wanted to confirm: The FZJ80 has 4.11s and no easy path to diesel gearing?
I ask because I found one with electric lockers and good bod for cheap, needs a head gasket. I suppose I lose all my "cheap" trying to get decent cruise out of it, eh?

You could up your gearing a bit with larger tyres... Tho I run 4.11s with diesel and they seem fine.... If your running an auto, you get a little more since they have a taller overdrive than the h55...
 

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