Build TDI-J70 - LJ70 TDI Swap (Erika)

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Still working on figuring out a trans solution. In the meantime, I pulled the rear axles and diff and confirmed it still has the LSD and 4.88s. I ordered disk brake conversion brackets from Flintstone Fab that will allow me to run Chevy traverse rear calipers that use electric parking brake actuators. One cool thing about that is that you can opt for a switch that allows you to use them as cutting brakes.

I am also trying my hand at fixing that dent. Still some work to do but pretty happy with how it has turned out so far. I have no idea what I'm doing.

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I had not seen that Flintstone Fab before. Which one did you purchase? I think I need to upgrade to that, as I do not have a parking brake right now.
 
fjdiesel said:
I had not seen that Flintstone Fab before. Which one did you purchase? I think I need to upgrade to that, as I do not have a parking brake right now.
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It's for the semi float 4Runner and Tacoma style axles so they won't work on your FF 60 rear. That being said, I'm sure you could make brackets but would need to find a rotor that would work. This conversion used 4th gen 4Runner rotors.

I bought the Tacoma version as it's the only one in stock. Only difference should be a cutout in the bracket for the abs sensor, which I don't have.
 
DirtSniffer said:
It's for the semi float 4Runner and Tacoma style axles so they won't work on your FF 60 rear. That being said, I'm sure you could make brackets but would need to find a rotor that would work. This conversion used 4th gen 4Runner rotors.

I bought the Tacoma version as it's the only one in stock. Only difference should be a cutout in the bracket for the abs sensor, which I don't have.
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The 60 FF is exactly the same as the 80 FF. I have no problem making a custom bracket to hold the caliper. I believe that I have Sequoia rear rotors on there now. I should see if there is any difference to the rotors. May end up being a cheap and awesome swap for me.
 
How much do the mine truck transmissions cost? Wondering if it might make sense to snag one of those and plan on throwing new synchros and bearings in it. Looking through the parts diagrams and comparing part numbers, the 1999+ LandCruiser R151's have quite a few internal differences to the earlier ones, such as a reverse gear synchronizer and the 4-tab shift hubs you mentioned. I have no idea if the Dyna gears would work with that setup, but I suspect not. Playing around with differential and transfer case ratios is probably a better option, anyway.
 
AirheadNut said:
How much do the mine truck transmissions cost? Wondering if it might make sense to snag one of those and plan on throwing new synchros and bearings in it. Looking through the parts diagrams and comparing part numbers, the 1999+ LandCruiser R151's have quite a few internal differences to the earlier ones, such as a reverse gear synchronizer and the 4-tab shift hubs you mentioned. I have no idea if the Dyna gears would work with that setup, but I suspect not. Playing around with differential and transfer case ratios is probably a better option, anyway.
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I'm leaning towards the mine truck trans. Waiting to hear back with more info on them, would feel better if not from a potash mine at least. Once an order is in they will split it and send pics. They supposedly also have access to new ones but want $3k.

There's also an importer guy in Florida on the forum that has some 70s and might be able to source one.
 
Seems like a pretty decent price as long as nothing is broken and it's not badly corroded. Fortunately these transmissions are pretty easy to rebuild if you've got a hydraulic press and some gear pullers.
 
AirheadNut said:
Seems like a pretty decent price as long as nothing is broken and it's not badly corroded. Fortunately these transmissions are pretty easy to rebuild if you've got a hydraulic press and some gear pullers.
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A rebuild isn't beyond my capabilities, it's just this "engine swap" is just turning into more work and $$$ than anticipated. Can't say I'm surprised though lol. Still hoping to have it driving in time for our bighorns trip in August.
 
DirtSniffer said:
A rebuild isn't beyond my capabilities, it's just this "engine swap" is just turning into more work and $$$ than anticipated. Can't say I'm surprised though lol. Still hoping to have it driving in time for our bighorns trip in August.
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That's the way it always goes! I expected my first swap to take a couple of months, it took 2.5 years and cost significantly more than I paid for the vehicle in the first place. The second swap is going a lot quicker but has already exceeded the budget.

Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming? Give me a shout when you're in the area, it would be cool to meet up. I should have my Prado back on the road by then too.
 
AirheadNut said:
That's the way it always goes! I expected my first swap to take a couple of months, it took 2.5 years and cost significantly more than I paid for the vehicle in the first place. The second swap is going a lot quicker but has already exceeded the budget.

Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming? Give me a shout when you're in the area, it would be cool to meet up. I should have my Prado back on the road by then too.
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Trying really hard not to fall down the "while I'm in here" rabbit hole, not trying to do a resto right now just get it driving and enjoy. Maybe do a frame off down the road once the other project is driving.

We'll be out there week of the 16th. May hop over to the Cody area towards the end. Would be nice if the Morrison gets reopened by then. But there's plenty more to explore in the area as you know.
 
If you do get to the Bighorns, please report on camping and atv activity. Last time I was there the atv's were as common as flies but noisier.
 
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Tempting. Very tempting. With shipping and tariffs would come out to about $2360. Would be nice to be able to just slap the split case on a shiny new trans and shove it in there.
 
Definitely a chunk of change but not a bad price for a brand new transmission.
 
AirheadNut said:
Definitely a chunk of change but not a bad price for a brand new transmission.
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Way I see it, its about $1000 more than rebuilding a mine truck trans, assuming no major parts need to be replaced like the input shaft or chipped gears, etc. In that case, it would almost be a wash... or worse. Also, comes with a new trans mount and may be able to use the clutch fork and throwout bearing with the 3VZ bellhousing. And time saved. I think it is worth it.
 
Excellent point. Given that is an HZJ7x spec unit, you won't be able to use a 3VZ bell housing on it since the input shaft would be too long. A 5VZ bell housing would work though, the HZJ's share the same input shaft with the 5VZ powered 4Runner, Tacoma, T100, etc.
 
AirheadNut said:
Excellent point. Given that is an HZJ7x spec unit, you won't be able to use a 3VZ bell housing on it since the input shaft would be too long. A 5VZ bell housing would work though, the HZJ's share the same input shaft with the 5VZ powered 4Runner, Tacoma, T100, etc.
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You're right I just mixed up the IDs. I'd be getting a 5vz bellhousing.
 
Trans ordered, should get it in about a month which is around when I should get my trans adapter. Also found someone who did a UZ swap on their 3rd gen 4runner who is passing through town this week and will sell me his 5VZ bellhousing, flywheel and clutch with 7k miles on them.

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Made a low effort bearing puller from scrap, first one went quick but on the second one I wasn't thinking about the snap ring as I had pulled the first one a week ago and it wasn't on my mind. Got the first creek of movement, then nothing and realized my mistake. Wasn't thinking clearly and in my effort to push the race back in I pushed out all the hub studs which frustrated me even further lol. Couldn't get one back in and ended up using a random bolt. New bearing kits were delivered while I was in the middle of this, but my motivation was killed by the wasted time. Maybe tomorrow.

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Decided that while I'm at it I should really paint the rear bearing cases since it'll never be easier. I recently turned my old water softener brine tank into an electrolysis tank, and this was the perfect first test. Don't have any before pics, but a few hours in the tank and some quick wire wheeling cleaned them up awesome.

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