Yoda - FJ62 Build / Adventure thread

[bmc352]

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Above are pics of my FJ62 that my kids have named Yoda, as in Starwars. We have had the truck a few months now and absolutely love it. I plan on completing a major build on it over the next 12 months. Figured I would start a thread to keep track of the fun.

Basics:
1988 FJ62 with 212,000 miles. The truck spent the first 10 years of its life in Puerto Rico and then was taken to Tampa Florida where it lived for the next 15 or so. My dad and I work looking for a project and found it a few months ago.

 

[cruisermatt]

I'll be watching closely. From what it looks like that could be down the street from me, still in Tampa?

 

[bmc352]

I'll be watching closely. From what it looks like that could be down the street from me, still in Tampa?

I lived in Tampa for a few years but we are currently in Ocala

 

[cruisermatt]

Most of Florida looks the same . Take it to Hard Rock once you get some MTs and a rear locker.

 

[TLC Norway]

Yoda looks good!! I want a 2in hitch like that. Is it tied to the frame, or just to the crossover

 

[bmc352]

Yoda looks good!! I want a 2in hitch like that. Is it tied to the frame, or just to the crossover

It is tied into the frame.

 

[bmc352]

So this is a joint venture with my father. It really would not be possible with out him as my mechanical skills are limited at best. It is a great way to spend time together and also get my two kids exposed to working on cars.

Our first order of business was to fix the transmission. The seller disclosed that he was having trouble with the transmission. It would not shift out of 2nd. Part of the deal in the purchase was that the seller also gave us an extra "working" transmission but we really did not want to swap the transmission if we did not have to. That is what originally brought me to the MUD site.

First thing we realized was that the transmission had about triple the amount of transmission fluid than necessary. We drained the fluid, replaced the transmission filter, and refilled the transmission to proper levels. Next we tried adjusting the kick-down cable. After that we tried some additives into the fluid. Finally after reading multiple threads on the "Party Trick" and convincing myself it was not a joke we decided to give it a try. The change was not immediate but it worked. Over the next few weeks the shifting trouble went away. The truck now easily shifts through all 4 gears. The only time you will notice an issue is first thing in the morning before it has warmed up it sometimes takes a few extra seconds to shift into 3rd. Then it is fine the rest of the day. Big victory and ego boost in my book.

 

[SteveH]

Nice to see more validation of the party trick. I hope I never have to use it, but nice to know it's there. Sounds like your mechanical skills will rapidly multiply with this truck, which is a good thing.

 

[Bama4door]

Nice to hear, I had success with the "Party Trick" as well for almost a year. Now when my truck is warm after driving 10-15 mins 2nd gear is starting to slip kinda bad...looking for a replacement as we speak.

 

[bmc352]

I have been driving the truck daily now for a few months with no real issue..... except for today. Went home for lunch and about a mile from my house the truck shut off while I was driving. Almost like you turned the key off. It wont restart. I will turn over but will not crank. Any thoughts? My first guess is maybe something electrical. The wiring harness is pretty hacked up and was on the list to redo but had really not been an issue up until now.

How would you guys trouble shoot this?

 

[bmc352]

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We were able to pick up a Chevy 350 TBI motor mated to a 700r4 Transmission. From what we can tell this was a GM Crate engine and a GM re-manufactured transmission. We also were able to purchase all the attachments, wiring harness, and computer. The current owner estimates about 40,000 miles on the engine / transmission. There appear to be some upgrades as well.

Going to start assembling the additional adapters / part to complete the swap hopefully to be completed by the fall. This was always in the plans, but I did not think it was going to happen for another year or two.

I plan on using the Advanced Adapters kit for the motor mounts, transfer case adapter, and cross member support. Still need to figure out if we will be able to use the included wiring harness or will purchase a new one. Also plan on getting a new radiator / fan. I would like to attempt to keep the stock gauges and have a shifter that looks close to stock.

 

[cruisermatt]

That's one way to fix it...

 

[bmc352]

That's one way to fix it...

I don't mess around.

I think it was a faulty Engine Coolant Temp Sensor as indicated by the check engine light. I swapped a new one in this weekend and the truck is running fine today. Got my fingers crossed that that was it.

 

[rrv333]

Out with the bad and in with the new to you. Good luck on the swap.

 

[bmc352]

Update

I have been slowly collecting parts needed for the swap and the time is near. I have quickly realized the biggest challenge for me will be time. With an active family including two young boys, time to work on the truck is scarce. I have a few things I would like to get some feed back on before I get started.

Things I have:
5.7L sbc TBI w/700R4 automatic transmission. Based on the serial number this looks like a Goodwrench Crate motor manufactured in 1993. I have pulled the valve covers and intake and engine looks really clean / no sludge. The 700R4 has a stamp on it that it is an Official GM Remanufactured unit. PO stated that has had about 40,000 since the rebuild.

The main reason for going with the TBI versus the Vortec is cost. I am on a tight budget with this build. Second would be the fact that it will be slightly easier to work on / tune for my Dad & I.

I have purchased the Advanced Adapter kit to connect the transmission to the Toyota transfer case and the Advanced Adapters motor mounts (mixed reviews I know). Big thanks to Kurt / Bryce at Cruiser Outfitters (great price & customer service) I will be buying what ever I can from them.

Question #1: I am planning on purchasing a wiring harness from Howell which I have read plenty of reviews and am comfortable with. But I have also been looking into wiring harness from Fuel Injection Connection, sold on Ebay. They are about $100 less expensive. Does anyone have any experience with the company or their product?

Question #2: VSS Sensor. Is my only option on this is to buy an adapter from Jags that Run? I have been reading what I can find and I am not 100% sure on this.

We will attempt to modify the stock transmission cross member and mount. I have read a few different threads with different opinions and results so we will see how it goes.

I also am going to attempt to use the stock fuel pump. The truck came with a Holley TBI until which I believe will self regulate the OEM fuel pumps' 30 - 40 psi down to the required 12-15. Again we will plan on trying it and see. If needed I will install an aftermarket pump (probably one from Howell or Walbro.

Question #3: I want to remove the entire front end (fenders / bumper / radiator etc. Are there any hidden bolts or attachments that will trip me up?

I am currently in the process of cleaning and painting the new engine. I hope to start getting the truck prepped this weekend. Any comments, advise, or thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[bmc352]

Officially kicked off the engine swap project this weekend.... Really hope we can get this thing back together. Figured it would make things way easier if we removed the front fenders. Took about 3 hours for me and my dad to get them off. Not too bad.









Going to try and get the engine pulled out next weekend and begin cleaning the frame and rebuilding the knuckles. Decided we are probably going to need a new chassis wiring harness. Old one in pretty bad. Anyone have any suggestions on this?

Still cleaning up the new engine

 

[bmc352]

Engine is out. I have it posted for sale in the classified. Next step will be to start sorting through all the wires. Planning on ordering a Howell TBI wiring harness but the existing chassis harness is hacked up pretty bad too. Looking into options to replace it. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[bmc352]

A little progress, this weekend we started working on the 700r4 transmission and the Advanced Adapter. Just did a quick mock up and cut the output shaft. Hopefully will get all bolted together next weekend.









It seems like it is going to be a really tight fit hooking up the front drive shaft. Anyone else had an issue with this?



Looking into removing the vacuum and converting to a manual 4WD set up. Checking into parts lists required.

 

[xxfullsailxx]

hey there... looks like you're committed now! there's not much clearance, but just enough on the front DS. you'll need to locate the motor to the driver side. also, i don't think those exhaust manifolds will work? but that's the least of your worries!

did you decide on a wiring harness?

and, if i remember correctly, i don't think there's any way around the VSS and JTR was the only folks i found who sold it...

good luck and let me know if i can help!... from the opposite corner of the country that is.

 

[bmc352]

Little progress update ...

Finished up the transfer case.







Pretty sure I am going to remove the vacuum and convert to a manual shift.

Removed old wiring harness. Decided to go ahead and replace the old chassis harness as well. Going with an EZ Wiring Universal Harness. Had to take apart the dash to get it out. Broke some of the plastic clips getting it out. . Going to get a new engine harness from Howell.









Cleaned up frame and engine. We are getting close.