I have searched the forum for a thread on doing a body swap onto a modern frame and can't find one Been kicking around the LS engine idea but thinking a entire body swap onto a chassis with disc brakes, ABS, coil springs on solid axles, automatic, etc makes more sense then just an engine swap. So has this been done and what was the doner vehicle? Thinking 2005 and newer.
Modern Drive Line
- Thread starter Rgill
- Start date
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A FJ60 body has been swapped to a FZJ80.
A Chevy engine has been swapped into a FJ80.
A Chevy engine has been swapped into a FJ80.
Most go the route of engine upgrade keeping original chassis. You can also swap axles to 80 series which give you coil springs, disc brakes, etc. Having someone do the axle swap runs around 17-19k and I have heard around 10k if you do it yourself (there is an active thread on here covering the swap). Having someone do the engine swap depending on engine is more money then 17-19k.
forum.ih8mud.com
Torfab 80 Series Front Axle Conversion Kit – At Home Install
A few years back, I was lucky enough to partner with @torfab to help create an 80 series front axle conversion kit for the FJ60/62. Ever since, I’ve been excited about installing the kit on my own truck (it took me awhile to convince my wife we should spend the $$!). This thread will be my...
forum.ih8mud.com
- Thread starter
- #4
I would do my own work. I think I could do a complete swap for 10-12K and have all modern running gear. Tough part is finding a good donor that has coil springs on solid axles. Jeep chassis is tempting...that just made heads explode. lolMost go the route of engine upgrade keeping original chassis. You can also swap axles to 80 series which give you coil springs, disc brakes, etc. Having someone do the axle swap runs around 17-19k and I have heard around 10k if you do it yourself (there is an active thread on here covering the swap). Having someone do the engine swap depending on engine is more money then 17-19k.
Torfab 80 Series Front Axle Conversion Kit – At Home Install
A few years back, I was lucky enough to partner with @torfab to help create an 80 series front axle conversion kit for the FJ60/62. Ever since, I’ve been excited about installing the kit on my own truck (it took me awhile to convince my wife we should spend the $$!). This thread will be my...
georgebj60
SILVER Star
Why not buy a newer vehicle?
- Thread starter
- #6
Because I like the body style and enjoy building cars/4x4's. New cars are boring and all look the same.
maybe
but then it'll burn when you pee
besides j,j,jeep, dodge is the only one with coil sprung front n rear axles, but i can't recall if it was ever at the same time. so you might have to use the front end from an earlier one in front of the coil sprung rear of a later one
personally i'd go with the 80 axles n suspension with probably a later gm power plant.
nothing wrong with unusual thinking though, good luck with your dreams
NCFJ
Supporting Vendor
FJ60 on FZJ80 Chassis with 6.0L, Tremec 5 speed manual and split case. I've also built it with 6.2L LS3 and 4L65E trans Connect & Cruise package. Stock height suspension and 34" tires.
- Thread starter
- #9
maybe
besides j,j,jeep, dodge is the only one with coil sprung front n rear axles, but i can't recall if it was ever at the same time. so you might have to use the front end from an earlier one in front of the coil sprung rear of a later one
personally i'd go with the 80 axles n suspension with probably a later gm power plant.
nothing wrong with unusual thinking though, good luck with your dreams
ouch! lol
That’s beautiful.FJ60 on FZJ80 Chassis with 6.0L, Tremec 5 speed manual and split case. I've also built it with 6.2L LS3 and 4L65E trans Connect & Cruise package. Stock height suspension and 34" tires.
What size are those 34”?
NCFJ
Supporting Vendor
34" 
17" rims 34"x 10.5" wide BFGs (probably closer to 33"
17" rims 34"x 10.5" wide BFGs (probably closer to 33"
I think FZJ80 frame 60 body - chev engine.
It’s been done many times before.
It’s been done many times before.
find a wrecked FZJ80 or one where the body is shot but the running gear and underside are good. Shorten the frame to match the wheelbase, and drop the 60 body on. better engine, coil spring suspension, disc brakes all around. Least amount of bodging for biggest payoff. Still a lot of work 
BGarcia88FJ62
SILVER Star
Your location is Ventura. I'm assuming that's California. I have no idea the shennanigans involved but think about how you would
get a title for that in California. Might be worth looking into.
get a title for that in California. Might be worth looking into.
- Thread starter
- #16
I won't even try. I am lucky enough to have a NM residence. So stupid it would run cleaner with modern emissions but would fail the visual.Your location is Ventura. I'm assuming that's California. I have no idea the shennanigans involved but think about how you would
get a title for that in California. Might be worth looking into.
- Thread starter
- #17
So a little early research on the JK frame idea. It is very close in width to the 60 frame about 2 inches wider. 2dr JK wheel base is about 10 inches shorter but the frame has a factory splice joint for a straight section of tube. The tube length is what determines a 2dr vs 4dr. The factory welds can be grinded off and the frame separates into a front and rear section allowing for a new tube that will match the 60 wheel base. Not ready to pull the trigger yet but looks promising. I did also look at buying an 80 for frame swap but they are pricey.
FJ60 on FZJ80 Chassis with 6.0L, Tremec 5 speed manual and split case. I've also built it with 6.2L LS3 and 4L65E trans Connect & Cruise package. Stock height suspension and 34" tires.
@NCFJ tremec 5 speed??? How??? T56 with double overdrive 5 and 6th gears would be sooooo good
edit, just saw the thread and looked it up. Man thats a great option if they ever come back in stock!
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NCFJ
Supporting Vendor
What is not in stock?
The adapters look to be out of stock
