Builds Salt wagon My first fj40 (build)

[Roastchestnuts]

I am hoping the OP is right, but I am still pretty sure there is a reason I had to use a 3 finger clutch and bellhousing with my 1F to 2F conversion on my 1969 FJ40. If his 4 speed clutch and bell works, I'll be a little peeved, since the 3 finger clutch and bell is a PITA to install.

@cruisermatt told me the 3 speed bell and transmission and 2f clutch components (2f fly wheel, fork, bearing, clutch kit) will work with a 2f engine swap. I have not committed to an engine yet once I do Ill make sure 100% have all the parts I need.

I am still not 100% sure what engine I am going to go with. Right now I am not in the biggest hurry to swap as. I just spent money on the new springs so I have been taking my time finding an engine. I think If I lived closer to civilization I would already have a 2f or a 1f engine though. I am going 1f or 2f. but check out the 40 below!

The chevy 292 still seems pretty cool as well. this fj40 for sale in VA has a 292 and it seems pretty cool. Log into Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/698136182191065/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A1c512182-831e-4163-8ce7-861fd2220690

Not saying I 100% like the 292 swap. It looks good in there though.

 

[Skreddy]

I am hoping the OP is right, but I am still pretty sure there is a reason I had to use a 3 finger clutch and bellhousing with my 1F to 2F conversion on my 1969 FJ40. If his 4 speed clutch and bell works, I'll be a little peeved, since the 3 finger clutch and bell is a PITA to install.

Did you keep the 3 speed tranny? The bellhousing is transmission dependent. The clutch setup doesn’t care what motor or bellhousing or trans it is, just that all clutch parts match: flywheel, clutch, throw out bearing/retainer and clutch fork all need to be either for 3 finger style or diaphragm.

And you’re right, the diaphragm clutch is way easier than the 3 finger. Lighter pedal feel too.

 

[cruisermatt]

just that all clutch parts match: flywheel, clutch, throw out bearing/retainer and clutch fork all need to be either for 3 finger style or diaphragm.

As well as the appropriate clutch fork pivot pin inside the bellhousing which are different.

 

[cruisermatt]

The other concern I have is that the exhaust-intake bolts/studs of the 2F is bigger than the 1F. Thinking of just enlarging the holes of the exhaust-intake manifold.

SOR sells a set of M12-M10 step-down studs just for this.

 

[Sky King]

@cruisermatt told me the 3 speed bell and transmission and 2f clutch components (2f fly wheel, fork, bearing, clutch kit) will work with a 2f engine swap. I have not committed to an engine yet once I do Ill make sure 100% have all the parts I need.

I am still not 100% sure what engine I am going to go with. Right now I am not in the biggest hurry to swap as I just spent money on the new springs I have been taking my time finding an engine. I think If I lived closer to civilization I would already have a 2f or a 1f engine though. I am going 1f or 2f. but check out the 40 below!

The chevy 292 still seems pretty cool as well. this fj40 for sale in VA has a 292 and it seems pretty cool. Log into Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/698136182191065/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A1c512182-831e-4163-8ce7-861fd2220690


View attachment 3471100View attachment 3471101

Not saying I 100% like the 292 swap. It looks good in there though.

I'd gladly swap out my 350 V8 for a good running 292.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Spring update! They are settling in nicely. I can drive in second gear on a local dirt road. Before I had to creep in 1st because it had so many potholes. It is the best update since I redid the seats.

I bought a few small things recently to replace. got some little springs for the foot vents. the ones in the cruiser are crusty and I am worried they will snap at some point leaving the little door flappy. I also got some grommets for the fire wall. the one for the speedo cable and the one for the choke were basically nonexistent.

Lastly Its been about 1 full year since I purchased the fj40. I think I got it this weekend last year. its come along way since then. wonder what will I get done in the next year. I have a couple of things on the list for sure. always do! My wife wants to throw it a 60th BDay party in June as well haha. This land cruiser holds a special place in my heart too as it was part of my wedding as probably the coolest getaway vehicle for any wedding.

Below is a picture of when I saw the salt wagon for the first time and got to drive it back in September of last year. When It belonged to @Shyrock and his wonderful family.

The most recent photo I have of the fj40 below.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

did the bi annual flood penetrol patina prevention. some of the rust stains were getting worse so while I was at it I did the CLR steel wool trick. what a difference.

Top picture is from my wedding back in april and the bottom is yesterday after the clr and wool.

 

[onemanarmy]

She has come a long way....we all appreciate the tips and tricks and documentation on these older 40s

 

[wolfbak]

Hey @Roastchestnuts , I sent you a PM with a link to a whole 2F drivetrain I saw online.

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[Roastchestnuts]

Hey @Roastchestnuts , I sent you a PM with a link to a whole 2F drivetrain I saw online.

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Thanks! I am going to look at one up in VA over Christmas. I may go for that. but the one you sent looks to be in fantastic shape. if the one up in VA does not work out I may go for it.

 

[wolfbak]

Thanks! I am going to look at one up in VA over Christmas. I may go for that. but the one you sent looks to be in fantastic shape. if the one up in VA does not work out I may go for it.

Sounds good. It's crazy that it includes so much! It sounds great in the video and if he redid everything 2 years ago, it's a great deal.

Where in VA are you looking? I'm in Va Beach.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Sounds good. It's crazy that it includes so much! It sounds great in the video and if he redid everything 2 years ago, it's a great deal.

Where in VA are you looking? I'm in Va Beach.

The one you saw is very nice... The one I am looking it is in Roanoake VA. The one I am looking at is much cheeper but it is a beater that I am planning on possibly rebuilding. I kinda decided to take my time with the engine part of this build just because the sbc actually runs pretty good and keeps good oil pressure. Plus this way I will have pretty much have gone through every little part of the 40. So WHile I am putting the engine together on a stand I can be driving the 40 until its ready. at the very least the 2f I am looking at will need new seals and gaskets. Crossing my fingers the compression test will be good. I already have clutch, bellhousing and motor mount parts. I am sure I will need other parts though.

If it does not work out its OK too though. I have kinda learned I can be patient with this.

I will already be in Roanoake VA for part of Christmas since my wifes sister lives there.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

I have been busy lately with holiday stuff and family being in town. I just have not had alot of time to work on the 40. I have been daily driving it though. IDK if I ever mentioned that but its basically my daily other than my wifes car when we travel off the island.

I am going to look at a engine up in ronoake soon Like mentioned above. So that will be fun to post and learn about. Ill be posting about that more soon.

But I just purchased a new camera so I should be getting some nice photos of the fj40! I got a hasselblad medium format digital. if you are a photo nerd its a 907x 50cII pretty cool camera. here is a shot I took recently from it.

 

[CBFJ]

ooh...waist-level shooting! Very cool. I've spent a lot of time with the X1D. You're going to love to colorspace.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

ooh...waist-level shooting! Very cool. I've spent a lot of time with the X1D. You're going to love to colorspace.

I am really loving it so far. Its fun for quick environmental portraits with this 45mm lens. Weirdly it handles more like my rolleiflex (compared to an old 500cm) because of the size.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Got some cool photos of the fj40 this past weekend.

 

[rfitzpatrick]

Beautiful photos!

 

[theglobb]

Absolutely amazing

 

[Cruiser Cult]

Dreamy stuff! So so good.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

I Cant help my self I had to post this photo i shot last night too. I actually used my hasselblad 500cm from 1978 with my new digital back and 60mm c lens from 1970. Pretty cool to be able to use a old film camera digitally. And the old lens actually holds up well to the 50mp digital back too. I love shooting film and using the old mechanical film cameras but film these days is crazy expensive and this kinda checks all the boxes for me.

some updates: picking an engine up hopefully on the 22nd. I am planning on replacing all the gaskets including head gasket, new head bolts. probibly more to replace too. Hoping it wont need a full rebuild but if it does Ill take it to a machine shop. Really the next few months of this thread will be dedicated to the 2f haha.

I have got a few parts coming. I purchased a fiber glass front bezel that has the land cruiser stamped into it. I am hoping to install that and make it look nice. My twist locks for my soft top came in. They must have been back oredered as I ordered them back in early november from toyotapartsdeal.

I also purchased a retrosound radio unit to mount under the dash. Looking forward to having some radio action in the 40. I have heard mixed reviews for these but I am going for it. Dont worry I will not cut into my pristine dash to install it.

Any Recommendations for a economical engine stand for a 2f engine?