I've been converted, '71 FJ55 w/ diesel swap

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Welshdragon79

Welshdragon79

10 Year
Joined
Mar 8, 2012
Threads
4
Messages
66
Location
Madera, CA
I just sold my 4Runner last week and found this pig hanging out in Ridgecrest, CA. Hadn't really considered a FJ55 until someone threw out the idea of a trade and by then I had already sold the Runner
smack.gif

So I went out and looked for one, here's what I found:

1971 FJ55 Land Cruiser
lifted with 35's
6.2L Detroit diesel engine
Banks sidewinder turbo
700R4 overdrive automatic
Dual cases
Custom bumpers and sliders
64 gallon tank
 
I'm moving this over from the FJ55 Registry section as to not jack that thread with my issues:

From scrapdaddy:
Welcome,

Nice, when you get some time, everybody would like to hear about the 6.2 and how you like it.

Me:


Probably need to start a thread on it somewhere here but real quick answer:
It still uses a glow plug so that is a little bit of a pain, just have to get up a little earlier in the morning to wake her up.
I was told by the PO that it gets between 16-20 mpg, with a 64 gal tank I'm not sure when I'll be able to verify that. Here in Cali diesel will run $3.72 - $4.05 :bang: depends on where you buy it (found a place I can get it for $3.71 :clap: ).
Right now my biggest issues are the brakes. Looks like maybe a later model disc brake LC axle was swapped in. The master cylinder is a GM Hydroboost, not sure if that system needs to be scrapped or if I can rebuild it (not much $$$ to swap it all out right now though).
 
Last edited:
To verify the mpg, you don't have to have an empty tank. The way I've done it in the past is; fill up the tank to full, mark the odometer, re-fill your tank (after you've accumlated some miles ), and use difference in odometer readings and the amount of fuel it took to refill the tank. Devide your gallons into your miles.

With over sized tires though, you'd have to compensate for that.
 
definately dont want to run a diesel out of gas.. do what alaskan said...3rd gratde math goes along way.... i know i took it twice haha and better for it.
 
AlaskanWheeler said:
To verify the mpg, you don't have to have an empty tank. The way I've done it in the past is; fill up the tank to full, mark the odometer, re-fill your tank (after you've accumlated some miles ), and use difference in odometer readings and the amount of fuel it took to refill the tank. Devide your gallons into your miles.

With over sized tires though, you'd have to compensate for that.
Click to expand...

GPS odometer can help with that.

This should get posted in the Pig Forum!

https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pig-preservation-society/
 
AlaskanWheeler said:
To verify the mpg, you don't have to have an empty tank. The way I've done it in the past is; fill up the tank to full, mark the odometer, re-fill your tank (after you've accumlated some miles ), and use difference in odometer readings and the amount of fuel it took to refill the tank. Devide your gallons into your miles.

With over sized tires though, you'd have to compensate for that.
Click to expand...

All of the above I am aware of. Point being made about not knowing my mpg is in relation to the cost of filling a 64 gallon tank. I've estimated it to be around $260.00. That's a full 64 gallons though; it's cost prohibitive at this point in time.
 
That's going to be a very nice combo. I would guess closer to 16mpg with 35s. My dually with a 6.5 with the mechanical fuel injector pump that you have is 6000lbs empty and gets 14-15mpg, and 13 worst-case flat towing my '40. I'll bet it has great power.

Pull the turbo horn off the top of the intake and see if they swapped in the non-egr military manifold. If there's a honking big piece of crap inside there, it's well worth it to do the swap and you can get the clean manifold for <$100. The hydroboost is easy to deal with. If you already have it in place, just go to Napa and get a rebuilt one. It will last another 100k miles.
 
A diesel engine doesn't create vacum, there's no venturi for air to pass by. Plus a turbo engine will create positive pressure in the intake. You need either the hydro boost or install a vacum pump & run a power brake booster operated by vacum. Or.... go w/out power brakes.
 
Ah dont move it as the top says 40&55 TECH some of us dont venture down to the bottom where the 55s are and most of us like to see and hear about them odd but desireable pigs
 
Welshdragon79 said:
Can't make anybody happy and I just started here :lol:
Click to expand...

get used to it:rolleyes::lol::flipoff2:welcome to the sty. Cool rig, we're gunna hafta get our rigs together one of these days. I'm up in North Fork:doh:
 
Interesting... Let me know how you like the 6.2 when you put some miles on it.
 
scrapdaddy said:
You're good to go, now! What are your plans, for it. I anticipate alot of questions on the diesel.

Welcome to the group. :cheers:
Click to expand...

I try to have the fluids checked and or changed on every new to me rig. I'll probably go through it with cruiserfj45 and see if there are any pressing needs.
I drive it everyday so I need to focus on the reliablity. Being my first diesel I need to locate all of the filters that need to be replaced. So far I've been told oil filter, fuel filter, air filter and water separator. I'll feel a bit better after thats done.
The wife wants a headliner put in ASAP so that will happen fairly soon. After I go through the drivetrain I'll probably start replacing and repairing body panels....
I have found a nice pit and I will now throw money into it :D
 
Welcome to world of Pigs !!

FYI to replace the headliner you need to remove the windows, to remove the windows you will most likley need new widow rubber which is $$$$, and then you might as well fix the door weatherstiping and window felts while your at it. But should you repaint while the windows are out and door weathe strip is off? It goes on and on....Plan ahead!

Nocents
 
That's basically the source of my daily panic attacks working on mine... Very nicely summed up

nocents said:
Welcome to world of Pigs !!

FYI to replace the headliner you need to remove the windows, to remove the windows you will most likley need new widow rubber which is $$$$, and then you might as well fix the door weatherstiping and window felts while your at it. But should you repaint while the windows are out and door weathe strip is off? It goes on and on....Plan ahead!

Nocents
Click to expand...
 
nocents said:
Welcome to world of Pigs !!

FYI to replace the headliner you need to remove the windows, to remove the windows you will most likley need new widow rubber which is $$$$, and then you might as well fix the door weatherstiping and window felts while your at it. But should you repaint while the windows are out and door weathe strip is off? It goes on and on....Plan ahead!

Nocents
Click to expand...

LOL, that figures :doh:
P1080265.webp
P1080268.webp
P1080267.webp
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom