Need input for Isuzu 4bd1t Diesel Swap

[calberta cruiser]

Hey fellow mudders,

I'm still somewhat of a newb on here but have had been a crusier owner for the past 6-7 years. I am trying to gather as much information about a future swap project that I am thinking about.

I would like to swap to a Isuzu 4bd1t engine. I have read many of the swaps that have already been done on here and they have gotten me excited about it. I will list my current rig set up and then ask my questions and hope that you all can give me some good guidance.

Currently running in my '89 FJ62 is a 350 tbi with a 700r4 tranny with an AA for the stock Toyota T-case. The axels are still original. I have installed OME springs, SUA, and am running Nitto Terra grappler 33's. I haven't installed any body lift spacers yet either.

Some questions that I have are:

1. Will I need to do a SOA for the engine to fit over the front diff?
2. Do you think I can leave my existing tranny and drivelines where they are
at?
3. Would you recommend an electric fan?
4. Is there a wiring harness that can be mated up to my existing Chevy wiring
or do I need the Isuzu computer and redo the wiring?
5. I've read that a pre 1995 4bd1t is the engine to look for. What' your opinion?
6. Has anybody mated this diesel to a 700r4? What are the pro's con's? Is there
a better option of tranny that I should be considering?
7. What else should I be considering that I am probably overlooking. Besides time and $$$.. ha

I know some of these questions are probably basic to you guys, but I am in the information gathering phase and would just appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks for taking the time.

Jason

 

[Dougal]

I'll leave the vehicle specific questions to those that have done it, but here is the engine specific info:

3. Electric fans can be good or absolute crud. I recommend finding an OEM fan which fits quite well and modifying the shrough to cover your entire radiator. Fans of any description with no shroud are useless. I run two toyota electrics and they work fine. They don't run often.
4. Wiring is very simple, it will need to be done for your vehicle.
5. The year doesn't matter much. 4BD1T is a little better than the 4BD2T but both are excellent engines and the swap is no different.
6. Yes. Not me though.

 

[doug720]

Hi Jason,

There have been many of these swaps documented here on Mud. One of them is mine.

If you search for Isuzu on the 60 side and the diesel side, you will find the threads. Look for dirtgypsy, longbow, astr, flcruiser and many more.

A quick answer to your questions;

1) SOA no, but a minimum lift of 3" is needed in a 60

2) Yes, that's what I did and many others too

3) I used the stock 2f fan on mine and they bolt right on. I also modified the stock rad shroud too

4) These are simple engines electrically. Start, stop and alternator. Read the threads for details.

5) I have a 2 and it works fine, if I had a choice I'd take a 1. The DI gets a little better mileage and some say the head is better

6) Yes, but not me. I used the H55 Toyota 5 speed manual

7) I suggest you read the threads here on Mud and go to the Isuzu section of 4BTswaps and read there also. Lots of great info on both sites.

These engines work great in a 60. Easy on fuel, easy to get parts for, fairly easy swap, parts cost are reasonable and available here in the US. Most Chevy dealers can get parts and there are many Isuzu dealerships also.

Like I mentioned..Read the threads on Mud and 4BTswaps and then decide. The guys I listed are good about answering questions and happy to help.

Doug

 

[handcannon]

Here's a swap for you to check out. It's not a Toyota, but instead a Suburban, which I think is a heavier vehicle, and the motor is a 2T instead of a 1T. He used a 4L80E tranny with an Optishift controller. It is a 2WD so he didn't have the TC to deal with like you will. The guy that did the swap is very knowledgeable and seems to have ended up with a very good running vehicle.

Isuzu 4BD2T diesel swap into Suburban

I hope this is useful to you.

Don

 

[longbow]

Hi Jason,

Adapters are becoming much more common now for this swap. 69Rambler on this site is making adapters for your 700r tranny. Here is a link to his last auction on ebay. Isuzu 4BD1T 4BD2T GM transmission adapter kit NOT 4BT | eBay

He is also over on 4btswaps.com in the isuzu section. He is also finishing up the adapters for Toyota autos (A440 ,A442, A343) and they supposed to be ready this summer he said. You already have the AA adapter for the 700r tranny to transfer so that would be the easiest way to go for you. I think you would have to swap the governor assembly out on the 700r to get it to shift at lower rpms for the diesel and then for optimum performance you should have your converter redone for lower stall speed (around 1450 to 1500 would be better for the diesel) so you can get the best mileage out of this setup.

I went with the H55 at first and then went with the Toyo A440 auto later and they are both great options in my opinion. The 700r is a little weak in its stock form, but there are plenty of upgrades out there that will make that tranny very strong if you decide to go that way. The 700r would probably be fine for a daily driver but if you are going to wheel that thing hard or tow heavy in the mountains, you probably would want to upgrade that tranny to deal with the diesel torque.

Hope that helps!

Have fun!
Don