Some help needed? HJ47 truck --> FJ45 frame

[dilbags]

Hey blokes,
Im doing up a HJ47 (82 model) and my frame is a bit rotted (above the rear spring hangers).

I have sourced a frame in very nice condition from a local auto wrecker but it is an FJ45 (79 model) frame and has engine mounts for a chevy motor, wich i don't want because I want to swap my 2H deisel into it.


What i want to know is:

• how hard is it to put 2H engine mounts onto the FJ45 frame (can they be bolted on or will I have to weld them on)?
• Apparently the spring hangers are different between these models, can i just bolt my springs/hangers into the new frame or will a have to weld/bolt on new hanger mounts?
• Are there any other considerations I am missing?

Also could I just weld a few reinforcement plates to the frame of my HJ47 or would this be frowned upon by transport dept authorities?

thanks in advance

 

[Fast Eddy]

Also could I just weld a few reinforcement plates to the frame of my HJ47 or would this be frowned upon by transport dept authorities?

The frame is made to be flexible. If you make it stiff, it will be more prone to cracking.

 

[vk7ybi]

What year is the FJ45 frame? I know with the 40s, the spring pin diameters and spring widths changed in around '79.. I wouldnt imagine the locations are different between a 45 and 47 though..

 

[Chamba]

Spring eye diameters changed in 1981 to the larger bore like you have in your HJ47. Remember that we live in the land of Big Brother, and doing a frame swap like this will require full engineer's compliance certification. Given you are putting it on the FJ45, you will have to get a certificate to have the 2H approved, and you will have to pay for the fun of it all. It will have to be registered as that FJ45, which will then have a rebuilt wreck notification on the registration.

You are FAR better off getting a frame from another HJ47. If you use this FJ45 frame, you will be able to use your springs, but not your shackles. You will have to have custom shackles made that have smaller diameter pins on top and larger pins at the bottom to go through the springs. You will have to get the pivot pins from a 1980 or older Cruiser. If you swap newer spring perches on, then you will have to have Big Brother approve that as well or risk a big ole' Aussie-style fine.

Finally, there is no transmission cradle on pre81 FJ45's. so you will have to install one and get that inspected/approved.

I would say it is absolutely not worth it. Buy another truck, and then make one good one out of yours and the new one.

Cheers,

Josh

 

[nodaksn3]

Unbelievable that you have to get so many "approvals". You're right that Big Brother is watching! What bullshit.Ned

 

[Bear]

Dilbags,

Won't the Aussie authorities check to see that the frame number and registrations match up?
If so, you cannot use your existing HJ47 registration and title with anything other than the matching frame--so frames from a FJ45 or another HJ47 won't work..
If the replacement HJ47 frame is registered, you could switch over to it--but switch no parts like engine or tranny that wouldn't have been as on the original.

On the other hand, if no one ever checks to see matching frame numbers and registrations, any frame would work. However, I strongly doubt that the authorities would overlook this.

It's good to know the world is a safer place because of these fine regulations !!
I can't wait till they start implanting computer chips into all of us to help us be better people !!

 

[fjdaveinoz]

Where abouts are you. I have the same problem, however I have a busted FJ45, and all I can find are 47 frames! Your problem, but reversed.
Im near canberra
Dont worry about numbers not matching, in NSW at least, having checked with my blueslip Inspection station (where I used to work) all you will need is a Vehicle Identity Check or an Adjustment of Records. Shouldn't warrant any check by an engineer, unless you change the mounts AND the examiner picks this up (from my experience, highly unlikely. Most wouldnt even know you have to change the mounts) Finding a good HJ47 frame will avoid that little nasty.
Its the same as all old holdens. They all had the frame number stamped on the front end, which in a bingle would be pulled off and replaced with another from another wreck. Pretty common practise, just did it to an EH I bought.

Send me that FJ frame, and ill send you a HJ frame

 

[dilbags]

@ HJ47 --> thanks for the info mate , I really don't want to go thru all that trouble of all those engineer cert's, so I may just have to look further a-field for a HJ47 frame.

@ fjdaveinoz --> hehe, well I live about 150kms north of Brisbane, so looooong drive I guess. The FJ45 frame is a beauty, not a spot of rust and already engineered with chevy mounts, it also has a virtually rust free tub and tray on it for $450, no drive train tho.

 

[khany454]

ide go the swap with fjdave mate, meet halfway and do swapsies.
you will both have what you want and need with out all the government crap and costs.

 

[tooheys]

You can use a FJ45 frame aslong as it is 81 or older (give away is the large diameter spring eyes. Engine mounts brackets welded on the frames are the same as a HJ47. I have helped with this swap before for a bloke who had the same problem.

In Qld as long as the chassis is not a statutory write off you can use it. Queensland Transport will issue you with a Surrogate VIN and you are back on the road.

Oh and forgot to mention but a couple of years ago when i did this we got the chassis from the 4wd wreckers in toowoomba and they had a couple of chassis there. Can't remember the name of the place though sorry. Other places to try would be Offroad Wrecking in brisbane and maybe All 4x4 Parts at Minden (half way between brisbane and toowoomba)