Opinion on 2f motor rebuild(s) (1 Viewer)

[FJ502]

Hey crew, I’m looking to get your opinion on best course of action moving forward with my FJ40(1977).

I’ve had the rig since I was 15 and it’s fairly stock.

The crank threw a bearing on my wedding day last summer. The wife wants me to rebuild it so we can go on date nights but no serious wheeling or long road trips.

I subsequently bought a 2f motor that I had been told was pulled from a running rig, but on closer inspection, it needed to be bored. It has been cleaned at the machine shop and is sitting out there waiting for my decision.

We then pulled my other motor apart and found out one of the cylinders has some gouging so it too would need to be board if we move forward

The cranks are bad on both of the motors, so I will need to either buy a new one or find a suitable used one.

I’m now entering the stage of being bummed and a bit tepid to move forward since we’ve spent a decent amount of time and money and it seems like we go backwards every step.

Thoughts? Rebuild both and sell one?
Find a motor that’s actually good and sell both of these? I saw fully rebuilt 2f’s could be in the 8k range and out of my budget.

And if we rebuild, good places for parts?

Thank you in advance, always appreciate the advice I find here.

 

[mattressking]

Take the best of both engines, make one good one. Hunt for the remaining parts and sell the unused parts to other folks.

Don't build two engines and sell one assuming to make money on it, you will lose money.

If it is a 75-80 2F (which it looks like a 75-76 MY), stick with it, the heads don't crack like open chamber heads (80-87).

 

[charliemeyer007]

Hard to find good used LC engines these days. I was going to hand build a 283 Corvette engine for mine and drop in a 4sp with the 3sp transfer case. Goal easier higher rpms for freeway and a little lower low range low. I lost the 283 but still have the 4sp wTC with the chevy AA bellhousing. I hoping that my current I6TC w3sp/TC engine will last me the rest of my life or until there is no gasoline.

 

[3_puppies]

this one is in MT:

For Sale - 2F engine complete (85 FJ60) Bozeman Montana

I have a complete (but disassembled and cataloged) 1985 2F engine with 150k on the engine and known to be a runner. We bought it last year as a father son project engine swap on a FJ60 of the same year (our cruiser had a spun bearing). Job change, kids sports, other life events stalled the...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[charliemeyer007]

I think that would be a good deal if its still there.

 

[Grayscale]

What do you mean by cranks are bad? Are they cracked?

 

[FJ502]

Thank you for all the tips and replies, I’ve contacted the guy in Montana to see if I can get his good condition block vs rebuilding one of these.

Cranks both had enough wear that the machine shop and my friend that’s helping me(a mechanic by trade) both said find a replacement

 

[charliemeyer007]

I don't know what it costs but they weld them up and regrind them back to new - I'm sure a good used engine will be cheaper.

 

[ryanwk628]

Cranks both had enough wear that the machine shop and my friend that’s helping me(a mechanic by trade) both said find a replacement

This may have to do with how rare undersized bearings are. I just looked and only saw 0.25mm undersized MAHLE / CLEVITE MS1429G but they may be out there.

 

[Pitter Patter]

I can’t believe the crank is that beat up that it can’t be ground. Pretty sure it’s designed for 3 grinds so there’s a lot of material to work with. Block is designed for 3 bores. Lots of meat on those parts.

Bearings are a challenge. Seemed like 99/100 times something said it was in stock then I’d place the order and it’s suddenly back ordered since the Bronze Age. I have a few things left over from my build if you or anyone needs them. Happy to offer them up less expensive than retail.

All unopened:
Main standard Clevite MS-1429G
Main .50 Clevite MS-1429G-.50MM
Main standard Taiho M036A
Rod standard Toyota 13202-60011

Disclaimer that I ended up going with a main Taiho .25 but the first set mailed to me had mismatched bearings so I’d ask that anyone buying the standard Taiho’s let me unseal them so I can verify they are the right sizes.

Good luck. Hit me up if you have any questions.