Modified HJ45 body on stretched 60 frame?

[abosely]

The more I think about this the more I'm wondering if it might work.

Since I have an 83' FJ60 with a nice frame sitting here thats going to be donating axels,t-case and what not to the new project.

The project is to be a HJ45 with a 2H and the tub shortened to fit a 108" wheel base frame, the rear (aft the rear wheel) bobbed to FJ40 length using FJ60 axels, rear springs,t-case and H41 Aussie tranny.

Will be starting from a HJ45 tub and roof sides.

I can have a new mandrel bent custom frame with all the mounts, hangers & stuff made for $3000 by a frame maker not to far from me and that's been the plan.

But this morning the thought popped in my head that since I have a good FJ60 frame.

I thought about the fact that the frame I will have made if the FJ60 frame won't work will be 108" wheel base, the same as the 60 frame. I will cut 8" out of tub between the wheels to fit a 108" WB and bob the rear to match the aft of rear wheel of a FJ40.

It would need new body mounts at least, but the frame WB length would stay stock, rear overhang would be shortened ala FJ40, would this work? Or is it just not a practical idea?

I thought I saw posts were Guys have taken an FJ60 frame and put a shortened FJ40 tub to make an extra cab pickup. So I would think this is do able.

If I could save the $$ of a new frame that would sure be nice. But if not practical I'll bite the bullet and buy the frame.

Allen

 

[BC40]

Sell the 116" 45 frame, get a decent 40 frame and add 18" to make the length work. Since you plan to bob the back of the troopie to have the overhang of a regular 40 anyhow, this probably the best option. No need for a 3k mandrel frame.
Or take 8" wheelbase out of the 45 frame, and shorten the back.
The 60 frame will be a lot of mods to make it work.

 

[abosely]

BC40 thanks,
if it will take a lot of mods to make it work I'll not try to use the 60 frame.
Plus I just got under there and looked a little better and the frame is not as good as I first thought.

I don't think this frame would be worth it even if using a 60 frame was a good idea.

I don't have a Troopie frame I'm just getting a tub.

What does a HJ45 Troopie or FJ40 good condition, not rusted out but needing a sand blast and paint frame go for?

Allen

 

[D'Animal]

You are going to get so flamed for posting this in the FJ45 section. This is where the true Purist hang out.

Check this out.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-c...-cab-custom-vehicle-build-finally-begins.html

 

[patches84]

Pretty common down here in the land of Big Brother, but shipping might be the issue. You could certainly get a nice, rust-free 45/47 frame, delivered to you for under $3000 though. I have never seen a rusted frame down here (other than the beached rigs, but I wouldn't even consider those). While you are doing that, you could get a full floater 60 series axle, a 5 speed, etc. and make the shipping worth it. Just a thought.

Cheers,

Josh