New to cruisers...need help (1 Viewer)

[Mouse]

Howdy. I've been wheeling a 1977 blazer, 1 ton axles, 36 inch tires, lockers etc. My son is a senior in highschool, so now its just me and the wife wheeling. I've found the K5 a bit bigger than I like on the trails, and have been looking at some 40's to replace it. I like their looks, and they aren't a jeep!

I found one 1979 FJ 40 in particular. Its running a TBI 350, TH350 and a cruiser transfer case. It has 35 inch tires and cruiser axles with 4.10's and lockrights. Not sure about the suspension yet...looks like SOA, and it does have a high-steer setup.

I know cooling could be an issue, but one I can work out. How about the strength of the axles and TC with this engine? What about gearing? I'm running 4.88's in the K5, but only have a 2:1 low range.

Before I get serious with this one, anything I should look at specifically?

Thanks

Don

 

[lone gunman]

as far as cooling as long as you have a fan shroud you should be fine or install an electric fan from a ford taraus, there are write ups on it in the FAQ section and or the Tech section of this site. and you can try searching for stuff, just click the search button and look for a specific topic.

the axles are fairly strong, the weak point is the birfield joints in the front knuckles. but they can be upraded like almost anything else can be. check out www.toyotasuperaxles.com

the 79 should be the split transfer case wich is stronger then the one piece case of the 78 and older 40's and should handle the V-8 fine. as far as gearing, obviously you can change that out too. i think that some one makes lower gear sets for the transfer case, do a search on it. i think there might be 4 to 1 gears available.

oh and welcome to MUD!

 

[1973Guppie]

I would take a close look at the SOA setup and how it was done, cut and turned?, driveshafts, quality workmanship and welding?, etc.

Noah