Replacing Engine in 1988 FJ62

[mdcrosser]

Just a couple questions about replacing the 3FE in my 88' FJ62.

In order of priority here's what I'm looking for:

1. Reliability
2. Relatively easy to fix or understand in the field
3. Availability of parts internationally
4. A bit more power than the 3FE
5. Fuel economy
6. Ease of installing the new engine and supporting parts

This engine is going to be used throughout the American West and is also going to spend time on an overland trip from Morocco to S. Africa. I've been learning more about the mechanical side of things; however, I have a long way to go, which is why simplicity and reliability and available parts are in the top three for priorities. I'm not as interested in gas vs. diesel fuel comparisons etc... and return on investment etc... Most importantly, it needs to be an honest engine that starts up everyday and not necessarily a fire breather; however, if it can be both even better.

Also concerned a bit about DMV and everything that goes along with putting a new engine in, especially a diesel. Will there be problems with passing emissions etc...?

Lastly, is there anyone that you'd recommend for the swap?

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[D'Animal]

I would put a 2F in it and a H55 5 speed manual transmission. Or a Toyota diesel.

The 62 with the 3FE has a lot of electronic stuff on it that could leave you stranded somewhere between Morroco and South Africa.

 

[mdcrosser]

I forgot to add... Some of these countries that we'll be travelling through don't have clean gasoline, which is leading us toward the diesel option

 

[D'Animal]

I think you will be money and time ahead to buy an HJ60.

 

[mdcrosser]

Trying to make heads or tail out of all the diesel options. Based on the priorities that I listed, is there one that stands out and why?

 

[NocalFJ60]

I agree. The 3FE has alot more electronics and wouldn't be at the top based on your needs. The Toyota diesels wins in my opinion as far as simple and realiable but am not completely sure how easy it is to get parts for everything internationally. The 2F would be a good choice with a 5 speed like D'Animal said above. I would sell the 62 and get a FJ60 (for a conversion) or find a Toyota diesel and start there. There is a 62 in Texas on here with a cummins swap Profit cruisers did. The 12V cummins diesel engines are simple and don't have a lot of electronics. I don't know how easy Cummins parts are to get internationally.

Is selling our 62 an option or do you want to stick with it but just change engine? Where are you located so we can help recommend someone to do the work and help with the DMV paperwork?

The labor and parts can add up fast if you get someone to do it.

Here is sometime like you want. The BJ60 has a smaller engine than the HJ60 but get better mileage. They are really simple.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/423876204.html

 

[mdcrosser]

I was hoping to keep the current 62 because it not only has some sentimental value, but it also happens to be a rust free California vehicle. I'm in Superior, Colorado, just outside of Denver.

What engine does the HJ60 come with? Would this same engine work well in the 62?

Talked with Jeremiah at Proffits and he's a big fan of the Cummins because of it's simplicity. Just need to check on parts overseas and how much a cummins would set me back... Is there a specific cummins engine and how would that compare in power to the current 3FE? Should it be turbo charged as well?

 

[NocalFJ60]

The HJ60 comes with a 6 cylinder diesel compared with a 4 cylinder in the BJ60. I think a couple have been done with the cummins 4BT which the "T" stands for turbo. It would be alot more power then the 3FE. It does not have to have a turbo but really helps increase the efficiently of a diesel engine. A good turbo not running a lot of boost can be very realiable.

If you want to keep the 62, then more work would have to be done to add a clutch petal if you want a manual transmission. I would say you definitely want to have a manual transmission.

Check this out.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=125194

 

[Tofudebeest]

HJ60=2H (great international support, not so much in the U.S.)
BJ60=3B (same deal)

Other solid diesel choices:
* Cummins 4bt (the 6bt even more, but you'll have to SOA it due to the crazy deep motor and its need for more clearance than a SUA rig will provide).
* Isuzu 4B1T (or 4B2Tc)
* Nissan SD33T

 

[mdcrosser]

HJ60 is coming up quite a bit. Can you buy one here in the states?

 

[Downey]

I've never seen a shortage of diesel lovers in this forum. If that's the sort of thing your into, then you've just been given a lot of good info. I myself am kind of a late model sequential port injected "muscle engine" (LS-1) kind of a guy. The newer GM V8's are reliable as heck, have limp-home programming should anything go wronk, get 20-plus mpg, and kick some serious ass. Should you need any help with this, I'm your boy.

Jim
(562) 949-9494

 

[lovetoski]

HJ60 is coming up quite a bit. Can you buy one here in the states?

One option is to purchase a diesel half-cut from SOR. (Spectre off road). All the parts you need to do the conversion. Check their website out for more info.

www.sor.com

Not affiliated, just offering up options.

 

[NocalFJ60]

HJ60 is coming up quite a bit. Can you buy one here in the states?

They were never sold in US new. The ones that are here are imported.

 

[johnnyporp]

I have a converted 1988 FJ62. I replaced the 3fe with a 12HT diesel. I bought a 1/2 cut from Marv at SOR. I love the truck and it has just turned 10k with little to no issues other than self inflicted. I have found the motor suprisingly easy to work on and reliability very very good. I would be happy to answer any ? if that is the direction you decide to go.

 

[mdcrosser]

How much did the conversion set you back? How's the power compared to the 3FE? Did you have to do any other mods i.e. the suspension?

 

[johnnyporp]

Conversion was around $8500 power is great not so much in HP 136 or so but no the ability to cruise at 75 comfortably and sip way less gas is great, Oh the tourqe is much better. I do not have to down shift uop hills any longer. I did ad a 2" ironman suspension but that was not needed for the conversion. It was more a want. You will have to beef up the front spring with AAL the motor is pretty heavy.

 

[cruiser88]

You would be surprised the things that are on the 3fe that you can run without.

 

[mdcrosser]

Johnnyporp,

Sounds like what you've done is what I'm generally interested in doing. I looked at the cummins, but honestly, I don't know if I wan't a 4" lift on the vehicle. I'm thinking 2" is going to be adequate. We're not so much into the rock crawling thing as we are into using the vehicle in an overland manner to go where other people can't and then embark upon other adventures from there. Was the $8500 cost of conversion including a H55 and labor or did you do it yourself?

 

[MagicBeans]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a 12HT engine? What vehicle does it come in or who is the manufacturer?

 

[NocalFJ60]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a 12HT engine? What vehicle does it come in or who is the manufacturer?

http://www.sor.com/sor/cat035c.tam?xax=24712