peytonkristen
SILVER Star
I've posted here previously about picking up this project from a friend. We finally came to an agreement and after 4 days of hauling Land Cruisers and parts, and then two days sorting those parts, I've decided it's time to get started. I guess this is my "build thread".
This FJ40 sat in a storage unit just as you see it for several years with all of the parts stacked behind it or in boxes. The original 2F motor, along with an older small block Chevy V-8 motor, both in perfect running order, sat there as well.
I was getting ready to tear into my 1976 FJ40 and do some upgrades when this came available so I guess I get to keep that one as my trail rig. It's still going to get some upgrades but not to the extent I had planned.
This will be a weekend driver and used to take trips. It may see some trails but I don't plan on wheeling it hard, I have other rigs for that.
My plan is to do a full frame-off on this with new suspension, install an LM7 motor, complete blast and new paint, new saginaw power steering, and new OEM interior. I will upgrade to a Dakota Dash and lighting to LED, and possibly install A/C among other things.
So here is where I am currently:
The 1977 FJ40 and all of the used and new parts have been inventoried, sorted, and put into tubs or on shelves waiting to be used.
I picked up an LS based LM7 motor from a one-owner Chevy Silverado that looks brand new. The owners wife attempted to miss hitting a deer and drove into a ditch and bent the frame. Since the motor was still in the truck, I was able to start and run it. I'm getting everything under the hood... less the transmission for $950. I thought that was a pretty good deal.
I just spoke with Advance Adapters and they told me the stock 4 spd transmission will bolt up to the LM7 without an adapter. They said I would need a their special flywheel adapter though.
I know I'll need the motor mount adapters for the LS to sit on the SBC mounts. @reddingcruiser suggested LS Innovations for their mounts.
Any advice or suggestions as I start down this road would be helpful.
Thanks!
This FJ40 sat in a storage unit just as you see it for several years with all of the parts stacked behind it or in boxes. The original 2F motor, along with an older small block Chevy V-8 motor, both in perfect running order, sat there as well.
I was getting ready to tear into my 1976 FJ40 and do some upgrades when this came available so I guess I get to keep that one as my trail rig. It's still going to get some upgrades but not to the extent I had planned.
This will be a weekend driver and used to take trips. It may see some trails but I don't plan on wheeling it hard, I have other rigs for that.
My plan is to do a full frame-off on this with new suspension, install an LM7 motor, complete blast and new paint, new saginaw power steering, and new OEM interior. I will upgrade to a Dakota Dash and lighting to LED, and possibly install A/C among other things.
So here is where I am currently:
The 1977 FJ40 and all of the used and new parts have been inventoried, sorted, and put into tubs or on shelves waiting to be used.
I picked up an LS based LM7 motor from a one-owner Chevy Silverado that looks brand new. The owners wife attempted to miss hitting a deer and drove into a ditch and bent the frame. Since the motor was still in the truck, I was able to start and run it. I'm getting everything under the hood... less the transmission for $950. I thought that was a pretty good deal.
I just spoke with Advance Adapters and they told me the stock 4 spd transmission will bolt up to the LM7 without an adapter. They said I would need a their special flywheel adapter though.
I know I'll need the motor mount adapters for the LS to sit on the SBC mounts. @reddingcruiser suggested LS Innovations for their mounts.
Any advice or suggestions as I start down this road would be helpful.
Thanks!
