Oh SNAP! New Project Vehicle!

[Leland Pate]

Well, I went and did something silly.

I bought a basket case 1973 FJ40.

It's actually pretty straight and relatively rust free with the original paint. I call it a basket case because it's had a 327 V8 conversion done, complete with lamp shade wiring. It's not running presently, but I think I can get it going with a little effort. It's a one owner. The PO died in a helicopter accident in '98 and it's been sitting near Fresno ever since.

I sold my Harley Street Glide the same day I bought the FJ for a hefty sum ($500 more than what I paid for it) after listing it on Craigslist for 2 hours. So, I've got a restoration budget of $13,000.

I don't know the condition of the engine, 3spd Toyota transmission or the transfer case.

Once I pulled out the aftermarket tape deck, I was glad to see that the majority of the wiring under the dash appears to be unmolested and factory in appearance.

The engine bay is where they've spliced the factory wiring harness to adapt the V8. The mounts look very well done, the only thing that looks real flaky is the manner in which they mounted the clutch slave cylinder. It is somewhat cobbled and mounted to the frame on a large irregular shaped piece of 1/2" plate steel.

The body is really why I bought the thing. It's got what I believe to be a limited amount of rust coming through on the rear sill. Every Landcruiser in existence seems to rot here. It should be a relatively easy replacement. The door sills, rockers, tub, floor pan, rear quarters, door frames, and windshield cowl are solid.

I'm going to leave the V8 for now but am really thinking about converting it to a 4BT Cummins if I happen to run across a good deal on one.

Pics coming in a moment!

[cnielsen]

Very cool! I put a diesel in my '97 4Runner and love it...try to go that route if you can

[widebody911]

You must have found that somewhere near the equator...

[Leland Pate]

Pics!

[speeder]

That does look pretty dry, looks good. That's a nice thing about living in the desert, you can actually find a dry TLC once in a while.

[craigster59]

Nice find! Lots of parts available here in So Cal (Spector, Man A Fre) and lots of info on the net (IH8MUD). That's going to be a nice project.

[Seahawk]

That's next for me. Well done.

[DonDavis]

Like the turtle in "Finding Nemo" says... RIGHTEOUS!!!

[Jim Bremner]

Help me understand why you would wamt a 800# engine that makes 105hp and 265 foot pounds of torque over a 500 pound engine that makes 250 hp and 300 foot pounds of torque?

Engine Name:


Cummins B3.9L/4BT




Applications:


Chevrolet Step Vans, Commercial applications




Configuration:


Inline 4-cylinder diesel




Displacement:


3.9L, 239 cubic inches




Bore:


4.02 inches




Stroke:


4.72 inches




Compression Ratio:


17.5:1




Aspiration:


Turbocharged, non-intercooled




Engine Weight:


745 - 782 lbs




Oil Capacity:


10 quarts




Horsepower:


105 hp @ 2,300 RPM *




Torque:


265 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM * You could use a 6.2 liter corvette motor with an alloy block and put a rev limiter at 3,200 rpm which is 1/2 of it's max and come up with pretty much the same torque curve and more hp.
with a 400# engine that won't help sink the truck in the mud or sand



I've been thinking about oil burners and was toying with the Mercedes Sprinter diesel engine in a 1961 Ford truck but I'm not seeing the bennifit

[kaisen]

There's a reason that the GM small block V8 is a popular FJ conversion

They are small, relatively lightweight, simple, reliable, and make great power

Oh, and they're cheap, plentiful, and inexpensive



Why wouldn't you just run the 327 and focus on correcting the wiring and slave mount?

[vash]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

That's next for me. Well done.

me too!! or an early bronco.

talked to the wife. may get rid of my 911 to do this..

[onewhippedpuppy]

Awesome, that's a nice find.

[look 171]

I just can't see anymore of these threads on LCs without kicking myself. I just gave my 80 series wagon (paper work only so far, truck is still on my driveway) to my workman because...I am dumb. It is in really good shape beside the little hole in the head gasket. We need another vehicle to haul the kids to and from school if our van needs service. All we own are a bunch of two seaters. A Subi wagon or 4 runner is what I am looking at. What the hell am I thinking?


That's a nice LC.

[Leland Pate]

I guess you could call me committed at this point.

[enzo1]

Cool pics!!!

[Seahawk]

Sub'd.

Keep the updates coming.

[Tishabet]

Very cool!! I have been keeping an eye out in my neck of the woods for a Land Rover or Land Cruiser to bring back to the US with me, such neat vehicles! Very interested in watching your progress with this one!

[VINMAN]

Originally Posted by vash

me too!! or an early bronco.

talked to the wife. may get rid of my 911 to do this..

Same for me. Old Bronco. Definately my next project also. Been looking at a few of them. But I'm in the same boat, something has to go first.

It either the 944 or my Meteor. Since the Meteor is pretty rare, and the 944 is a dime a dozen, the decision should be too hard.

[kaisen]

You don't waste any time....

[Don Plumley]

Cool!