Vortec/Aqualu build

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SSCR

SSCR

10 Year
Joined
Sep 30, 2011
Threads
92
Messages
2,276
Location
Bowling Green, KY
So I have been restoring a 77 FJ40 (Another 77 resto) and really got carried away with all the detail work and other ****, and now realize I would be too scared to even drive it in the rain.


Awhile back I posted a thread (Project pipe dream) about ideas on building a 40 from scratch.


I really wanted a truck that would be tough, could be modded without the killing the purist in me, could easily be driven at highway speeds, not have a care in the world of driving in the snow even when the roads are salted, and have an easy accessibility to almost anything that could be needed at the local auto parts store.


So I decided to build my own FJ40 with an Aqualu complete body and frame powered by an all aluminum LC9 Vortec with a 4L60E trans. And when I say "I" I really mean have Georg from Valley Hybrids build it;) Georg did all my mechanical and rebuild work on my 77 and what can I say, he is a **** of a guy and has a ton of patience to put up with my idiotic questions and suggestions.


This last July I ordered a Aqualu full tub stretched 10" with matching frame, fenders bib, aprons, doors ect... I found what I believe is a decent 2011 LC9 Vortec with less than 40K on the clock and a pretty clean 4L60 E trans to mate to it and shipped it to Georg's shop. Georg provided a rebuilt full floater latter model 40 rear axle with the drums and parking brake and a rebuilt front 40 axle rebuilt with FJ60 knuckles and brakes. He also provided the Advance adapter to mount a fresh rebuilt split case FJ60 T case.


Chime in Georg, if I am mistaken on any of this...


Also feel free to post some pics of all the work you and FC187 have done so far, it sure is pretty!


Here is a pic of the roller out in the sunshine, just needs a donkey to pull this cart.
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Yeah, my buddy just had his frame galvanized and than powder coated at a place near Georg's shop. I'll probably do the same.
 
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When I was first coming up with the build idea, I reached out to you guys on thoughts for a custom emblem to combine aspects from Toyota and Vortec. PixelWrangler took some of your ideas and created this, really like it. Fantastic work...
VorTEQ.webp
 
Georg is off at King of Hammers but I thought I would post some pics of the custom mounts FC187 has created for the build. The guy is a genius.


First one is the trans mount, second the motor to frame, last one is the motor mount that bolts to the block.
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SSCR,


You can't go wrong with those guys. Going to be fun to watch.


About the sticker/ badge, are you getting some made. I wouldn't mind having one for the 55.
 
Is the emblem going to be mounted on the bonnet like a 25?
 
Thanks for the kind words Don!
This really is a fun project and it'll make a great driving cruiser. I'll post more pics as the parts roll in. Once we accumulate a big enough parts pile, we'll get started again. FC will handle the Rad mount and the suspension mods. And then I'll get to tinkering .....
Georg @ Valley Hybrids
 
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