Thinking about regearing

[Ryan S.]

Got no complaints on fuel consumption, like I said, 12.5 mpg was a nice surprise while pulling the trailer. I expected more like 10 mpg. Unloaded I get 15 on the hwy, rebuilt, desmogged, and tuned. What I don't like is that 60 mph is about as fast as I want to go. That puts the rpm's at about 3000.
My needs for this truck are to get me and the family the hell out of dodge to hunt, fish camp, etc., be it the mountains, desert, whatever. Any wheeling would be part of getting to the destination. I like the idea of regearing and 33's for the extra mph I would gain at the same rpm compared to my stock setup, and the additional clearance. Calcs out to 66mph instead of about 56 at 2800 rpm. To answer Stinky, 33's would be the biggest I would go for tires. I'm going for an expedition type set up, so it needs to travel well on the highway and well as the trail. Once again, thanks for the input and if you all have any suggestions for an expedition type set up, I'd be happy to hear them.

 

[sandcruiser]

Sorta on topic.... can an ARB from the rear of an 83 60 swap into the rear of an 80?

 

[Mike S]

Sorta on topic.... can an ARB from the rear of an 83 60 swap into the rear of an 80?

Steve

I think that this info is contained in the ARB model numbers data. The difference is that most all 80s are FF, most 60's SF. Not sure about other issues.

M

 

[Cruzerman]

I'll put my 2 cents in. I run 33s on my 60 with the stock gears (3.7). I hate it. I think it's way too high geared. Not like the cruiser has tons of power to make up for the higher gearing. Going to regear soon.

_____________________
Cruzerman
'85 FJ60
'78 FJ40

 

[stinkyfj60]

Steve

I think that this info is contained in the ARB model numbers data. The difference is that most all 80s are FF, most 60's SF. Not sure about other issues.

M

Yeah, I agree, start with ARB model numbers. I would think if the ARB came from the FRONT of the 60, then no problem. But I dont know if there are different part numbers for SF and FF axles with ARBs.

 

[Cruzerman]

You should be able to put an ARB from a SF axle axle into a FF axle.

________________________
Cruzerman
'85FJ60
'78 FJ40

 

[gulp3000]

I run 33's with stock gearing and I love it around town and down the highway. I've been doing OK with it offroad, but a couple weeks ago I found a spot where the higher gearing stopped me from finishing the last 100 yards of a local trail.

4.11s are in my future, and it seems that 4.11s/33s/5 speed would be a great combo from what others have experienced. With a baby on the way, the 5 speed might have to wait.

 

[lowtideride]

You can get reasonable mileage from an FJ60 if you tune, tune, tune. Get all your smog gear straight, rebuild the carb (and maybe heads), new NGK plugs and wires. The 4.11 and 33" tires is close to stock, and there are people getting 15 -16 MPG in stock cruisers.

For better mileage, TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS, and install an H55F 5 speed.

M

Heard that. 4.56 and 35s put me back to stock. I have 7 inches of lift bumpers, tire carries and tools with me at all times and pull between 14.5-15 mpg mix highway/city...highway only I get about 15.5, Now keep in mind at 63 mph I am doing 2800 rpms and thats what I cruise at on the highway.

 

[Ryan S.]

To reply to HighDesert...well the pop-up is a mediuim size sum bitch, 2500 lbs loaded. I think that this pushes the limits of what an fj 60 should pull, even with electric brakes. I don't pull it but 6-8 times a year. Really I am just tired of roaring down the road at 3000 rpm at 60 mph. Still thinking of regearing, and lots of other stuff too-350? 4bt? Just short on funds. I've said before in other threads, that If I had known of MUD before I dumped a load of money in to the 60, I would have done some thing different than rebuild the 2f. But here I am with what I've got, one sweet running 2f that just doesn't suit my needs.

So for now I chill at 55mph while towing the pop-up and continue to search and learn from this board. My wife is down with selling the 2f and making the 60 into our family truckster for many years to come. She says if we are going to keep it we might as well modify it to what we want. How cool is that? She has her own little wish list too.

That being said, who wants to buy a 2f with 21,000 on the rebuild? Maybe the rebuilt 4 speed too. Mods: this is a half-ass sale pitch, if it gets out of hand for tech, I'll post another thread in the for sale section

 

[Landpimp]

4.10's, 4.11's and 33's is a sweet combo, I have that in my 60 and really likeit, bout perfect. I used 2 sets of rear 80 series R&P

 

[Mongrel]

Interesting that some of you think the 60 is not a good tow vehicle. I am running a 12ht, 5 spd, 4:11's and 33's. My cruiser pulls like a schoolboy. Sure it pulled better on 31's but as you know was ringing its tits off at 60mph.
I often tow the boat and have my truck full to the brim. Rolling I am about 4200Kg (or so) all up, sure I drop to 4th every now and again but to me its all pretty good. Brakes would be the only downfall.
It will be a different story on 35's though...

 

[Letsgomoreplaces]

gears

Depends on the usage. 4.11 is not a big difference from 3.70. 4.56 is quite a big jump, but actually runs real well. As far as fuel economy, you cant really make it much worse, so you might as well have some good low-end and save your clutch.