Looking for opinions on what to do with my '66 40

[Coyner]

Here's my dilemma. I've got a near-stock '66 FJ40 with three on the tree (converted to floor shifter, but I have all parts to bring it back), and vacuum actuated 4wd. Everything on the truck works, but I think the engine is getting a little tired. I can't decide what to do with the truck. It's going to be a DD and occasional wheeler, nothing crazy.

I have a chance to buy what sounds like a great '78 2F and 4 speed combo from Bigmoose on this board, at a good price, and I actually live close enough to pick it up. I'm not really sure, but from everything I've read it sounds like a very easy swap. Not sure what to about the T-case yet, but I can figure that out later. Maybe my 3-speed case would be fine.

I also have a '77 parts truck. The engine is junk, the t-case and tranny are gone, but the driveshafts and disc brake front axle are there.

The problem is I feel some sort of moral obligation to leave this truck alone because it's all original, and it's all there and working. At the same time, it would be pretty nice to have a 2F and 4 speed and disc brakes.

What do you guys think I should do with my truck? Keep in mind this is my first FJ. I don't plan on selling, but I don't want to lower the value of the truck, either. From what it sounds like, drum brakes, F engines, etc. aren't all that desirable anyways, but it's still original and pretty much complete.

Thanks for any opinions!

 

[Poser]

They are your trucks.


Do what ever you want to with them.

 

[greytandy]

For mild wheeling, I'd keep it (near) stock. There's a certain cool factor about older stock 40s. My 2 cents.

 

[Weedhopper]

You are swapping Touota For Toyota. I would'nt think of that as ruining the truck. Consider it an upgrade.

 

[cruiserjunktion]

upgrade!

 

[Rigger]

They are your trucks.

Do what ever you want to with them.

X2 - you own the trucks, they don't own you.

 

[CruisinMT]

My 67' has a three on the column and I love that, because it's pretty unique. My 40 is pretty much stock and it does just fine wherever I take it. Upgrading the engine to a 2f would give you more power but it's really up to you and your abilities/cash flow.

 

[shelfboy1]

hey coyner if you go get that motor and you go 90 you will be a few miles from me i also have a 65 here with a 2f. you are welcome to stop and look have lunch or what ever .warren is about an hour from here and we are 4 hours from the detroit auto show .like poser says its your truck build it to fit your needs good luck

 

[wesintl]

keep her stock esp for dd and mild wheeling. Maybe it just needs a tune up and is not that tired.

 

[hatfieldcb]

Buy the engine from Moose. Put all the good stuff in the '66 and drive it forever. It's still a classic.

 

[Coyner]

Thanks for the words everyone. I probably think a little too much when I should just be doing. Shelfboy, I will take you up on that offer if it goes through. I'll decide pretty quick as soon as Moose gets me a few pictures.

 

[brooklyn]

Keeping it stock is best if you ever want to sell it on ebay or let Land's End or the Banana Republic use your truck in an ad. That said, disc brakes, power steering, an upgraded engine, make a for a more driveable truck.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

You need to decide whether you waqnt to have a "fun truck" or a "collecter" vehicle.

I'll be honest - to me the worth of *any* Land Cruiser (but especially the 40/45 Series) rests in the condition of the body and frame. Drive trains are available, but "rust never sleeps" when it comes to sheetmetal!

So, to me, your '66 is frankly only good as a donor body tub and frame. The drive train is very old school; current hot swaps would be either a 1FZ-E or the 13B-T along with a five speed transmission and late model "split" transfer case. Of course, the "tried and true" swaps are O.K. (i.e. the 2F or a 350 CI Chevy V-8) but why not do something Toyota, unique, and modern?

Like has been already mentioned, it is your truck - do with it as you will!

Good luck!

Alan


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QUOTE=Coyner;2518977]

Here's my dilemma. I've got a near-stock '66 FJ40 with three on the tree (converted to floor shifter, but I have all parts to bring it back), and vacuum actuated 4wd. Everything on the truck works, but I think the engine is getting a little tired. I can't decide what to do with the truck. It's going to be a DD and occasional wheeler, nothing crazy.

I have a chance to buy what sounds like a great '78 2F and 4 speed combo from Bigmoose on this board, at a good price, and I actually live close enough to pick it up. I'm not really sure, but from everything I've read it sounds like a very easy swap. Not sure what to about the T-case yet, but I can figure that out later. Maybe my 3-speed case would be fine.

I also have a '77 parts truck. The engine is junk, the t-case and tranny are gone, but the driveshafts and disc brake front axle are there.

The problem is I feel some sort of moral obligation to leave this truck alone because it's all original, and it's all there and working. At the same time, it would be pretty nice to have a 2F and 4 speed and disc brakes.

What do you guys think I should do with my truck? Keep in mind this is my first FJ. I don't plan on selling, but I don't want to lower the value of the truck, either. From what it sounds like, drum brakes, F engines, etc. aren't all that desirable anyways, but it's still original and pretty much complete.

Thanks for any opinions! [/QUOTE]