New Beater (yes another new car)

[craigster59]

I've seen the finished product for this diesel conversion and had thought about it for my FJ62.
http://www.sor.com/sor/cat035d.tam

[Heel n Toe]

With diesel fuel prices up where they are... not so much.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

With diesel fuel prices up where they are... not so much.

The MPG on a 3FE leaves a lot to be desired. The diesel conversion boosts the HP and MPG considerably.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by craigster59

The MPG on a 3FE leaves a lot to be desired. The diesel conversion boosts the HP and MPG considerably.

I can't think of a better match for a diesel than an FJ80. I've looked at several websites that sell/install the conversions, oh to dream...... More power, 20+ MPG, you really can't go wrong (except for the price).

[JavaBrewer]

What does a diesel conversion cost with the FJ80? It's my understanding that a Disco TDi conversion costs $15-$20K...more if you're not doing some of the work yourself. Insane.

Matt, I have seen pictures of your D2 - nice! Same year and color combo as our second Disco though we didn't have all the cool trail upgrades. Glad to hear you have been "really lucky" with yours. Our '99 had several electrical gremlins but nothing major. Our '03 (wish we got an '04 with CDL) has had several 'non-standard'... oil leaks and now the tres amigos are visiting thanks to a toasted ABS modulator. Still, after all that it's still our favorite vehicle, we have issues...

[MichiganMat]

Originally Posted by dmoolenaar

What does a diesel conversion cost with the FJ80? It's my understanding that a Disco TDi conversion costs $15-$20K...more if you're not doing some of the work yourself. Insane.

Matt, I have seen pictures of your D2 - nice! Same year and color combo as our second Disco though we didn't have all the cool trail upgrades. Glad to hear you have been "really lucky" with yours. Our '99 had several electrical gremlins but nothing major. Our '03 (wish we got an '04 with CDL) has had several 'non-standard'... oil leaks and now the tres amigos are visiting thanks to a toasted ABS modulator. Still, after all that it's still our favorite vehicle, we have issues...

I got my '99 with 40K on the clock, its got 72K now and so far its only needed a new radiator, belts, belt tensioner, thermostat, and plug wires (knock on wood). I love it, but its a big heavy gutless pig and guzzles gas. I put a 3" RTE lift on it, still want to get another 2" under it, and need to get my CDL hooked up one of these days.

Its got some leaks, the SEL light is constantly on (ive checked the codes, its nothing major), and the ride is pretty stiff, but I use it as a mountain bike travel rig and its a perfect setup.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by dmoolenaar

What does a diesel conversion cost with the FJ80? It's my understanding that a Disco TDi conversion costs $15-$20K...more if you're not doing some of the work yourself. Insane.

Per Craig's Specter link above, their 1/2 cut diesels (front clip) start at $5300. I'm sure you can source engines for less.

[mattdavis11]

Bump the timing +6 degrees. Just saw you comment on Mud. Good call. The 91-92 is my favorite of all the L/C's. Ours are closely related. I can see similarities in and out. Do you have a sunroof? This is my second 91.



A sizable hole in the block, but I put in my old motor, trans, xfer and she's rolling again.


I have tons of parts, but you probably won't need them.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

What can I say, I aim to please.



Hey, it's cheap and old, that's close enough for me. Per the PO it will get 16 MPG at 65-70 MPH. I haven't filled it up yet from my trip, so I don't know what I got at 75 MPH. I probably don't want to know.

11 maybe 12mph if you are lucky. 14 if you are really lucky. They run forever. 75mph with the ac is not a problem even on the long grade. you gotta to get it out of overdrive. I am on my 2nd LC (80 series)and its getting above 200k miles on the motor. Not one problem. My wrench talked me into re- torque all of the susp. dowm below for 80 bucks and its good to go. how many miles on yours? Maybe its time for some Bilstein shocks. It corners ok for a big vehicle. Now even better with the shocks.

[look 171]

They eat front pads. I get my pads replace at about 8000 to 10000 miles. depands on how I drive. I go to Auto Zone and buy their pads. I keep changing them and bring back the worn ones. They are guarantee for life. No questions ask.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by mattdavis11

Bump the timing +6 degrees. Just saw you comment on Mud. Good call. The 91-92 is my favorite of all the L/C's. Ours are closely related. I can see similarities in and out. Do you have a sunroof? This is my second 91.

A sizable hole in the block, but I put in my old motor, trans, xfer and she's rolling again.

I have tons of parts, but you probably won't need them.

Matt, I assume you post under TX Cruiser on Mud? Yes, it does have the sunroof. Pretty much has all the options I would want, none of the extra stuff that I don't care about. How did you get a hole in your block? I've seen threads on advancing the timing, but doesn't that require 91 octane fuel?

Probably the only parts I could use right now are an OEM fan, fan clutch, and shroud. The original owner put in a direct drive flex-fan because he was tired of it running hot at low speeds while off-road. Otherwise I plan on doing the typical baseline stuff like all fluids, belts, and hoses. It already has new plugs, rotor, cap, wires, air filter, fuel filter, radiator, and I rebuilt the leaking power steering pump last weekend. I'm also considering a desmog, I'm sure the EGR and cats aren't working correctly right now. Also will need a birf service in the near future. It also has 235/75 15 tires on it right now. They're brand new, but it should have 31x10.5. The 235s look goofy and make the speedo read high.

Originally Posted by look 171

11 maybe 12mph if you are lucky. 14 if you are really lucky. They run forever. 75mph with the ac is not a problem even on the long grade. you gotta to get it out of overdrive. I am on my 2nd LC (80 series)and its getting above 200k miles on the motor. Not one problem. My wrench talked me into re- torque all of the susp. dowm below for 80 bucks and its good to go. how many miles on yours? Maybe its time for some Bilstein shocks. It corners ok for a big vehicle. Now even better with the shocks.

13 MPG on my first tank, probably 60% highway. After adjusting the transmission kickdown cable it is totally adequate from a performance standpoint. I was also suprised at the ride quality and cornering, it is amazingly flat for a big SUV. Mine has 191k, I'm sure Bilsteins would make it even better. Why the suspension re-torque?

Originally Posted by look 171

They eat front pads. I get my pads replace at about 8000 to 10000 miles. depands on how I drive. I go to Auto Zone and buy their pads. I keep changing them and bring back the worn ones. They are guarantee for life. No questions ask.

That is a damn good idea. Do you use the 100-series front pads?

[mattdavis11]

Yep, TX Cruiser. I rolled my other 91 then bought it back from the ins. co., and I also bought this 91 with a blown motor. Then I swapped the drive train and all the other goodies into it.

Take the fan clutch apart, drain the silicon fluid and put in new. It's rc car gear lube, the higher the cst rating, the more viscous, the better it is in hotter weather. Sorry, but my fan shroud and fan were toasted in the crash.

I must have missed the part about 91 octane when advancing the timing, I haven't done it.

I haven't had to replace front pads on either one of mine, but I am easy on brakes. I haven't worn out a set of pads on the 944 yet, and it's been a DD for 8 years. I replaced the rear shoes on the cruiser though.

There are 220K miles on my drive train, the other motor made it 236K. I haven't taken it apart to diagnose the culprit, but I'm guessing con rod. I guess the previous owner never changed the oil? It's definitely a premature failure at that mileage.

Happy Cruising!

[look 171]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Matt, I assume you post under TX Cruiser on Mud? Yes, it does have the sunroof. Pretty much has all the options I would want, none of the extra stuff that I don't care about. How did you get a hole in your block? I've seen threads on advancing the timing, but doesn't that require 91 octane fuel?

Probably the only parts I could use right now are an OEM fan, fan clutch, and shroud. The original owner put in a direct drive flex-fan because he was tired of it running hot at low speeds while off-road. Otherwise I plan on doing the typical baseline stuff like all fluids, belts, and hoses. It already has new plugs, rotor, cap, wires, air filter, fuel filter, radiator, and I rebuilt the leaking power steering pump last weekend. I'm also considering a desmog, I'm sure the EGR and cats aren't working correctly right now. Also will need a birf service in the near future. It also has 235/75 15 tires on it right now. They're brand new, but it should have 31x10.5. The 235s look goofy and make the speedo read high.



13 MPG on my first tank, probably 60% highway. After adjusting the transmission kickdown cable it is totally adequate from a performance standpoint. I was also suprised at the ride quality and cornering, it is amazingly flat for a big SUV. Mine has 191k, I'm sure Bilsteins would make it even better. Why the suspension re-torque?



That is a damn good idea. Do you use the 100-series front pads?

No I haven't try. I just drop it off down the hill and walk back (one mile up the hills) on a Saturday morning and its done. He does all the swapping and exchanging for me at auto zone. fluids and service and all that crap at the same time. I did read about the 100 series pads on Mud, and have been thinking about trying that. I read stuff there ones or twice a year. I think you need new rotors with 100 series pads.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Matt, so you don't have any trouble with pinging in hot weather after advancing your timing? I've read about the fan clutch mod, not a problem with my current direct-drive setup. Though it is kind of noisy, and probably doesn't help the MPG.

Not certain with the 100 series pads, but I thought it was a direct swap? When the time comes I'll look into it.

[craigster59]

One of the best and simplest mods I did to mine was split the fan housing. Makes belt changing and alternator replacement (FJ62's are notorius for them going every 2 years) a breeze. I might have an extra fan clutch floating around if someone needs one.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I'll need a fan clutch eventually, but right now there are higher priority items on the spend list. The current direct drive setup might not be ideal, but it works.

[Seahawk]

Nice ride, Matt.

I do like your taste in autos.

Carry on

Hope the family is well...I'm sure they've sprouted.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

Nice ride, Matt.

I do like your taste in autos.

Carry on

Hope the family is well...I'm sure they've sprouted.

Sprouted they have Paul. The son is 5, the daughter almost 2. How are yours? I hope the 4Runner is treating you well.

Funny sidenote, my wife loves the Land Cruiser, which I didn't see coming. Enough so that she mentioned that she'd like to have one. Dangerous words when I'm around.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Sprouted they have Paul. The son is 5, the daughter almost 2. How are yours? I hope the 4Runner is treating you well.

Funny sidenote, my wife loves the Land Cruiser, which I didn't see coming. Enough so that she mentioned that she'd like to have one. Dangerous words when I'm around.

4Runner is a beast...I think we're over 110K without a pause!

Kids are great. Arden won the Maryland FBLA competition in MD and will be headed to Cali for the US stuff. Junior in HS, ready to rule the world.

Jack is still running and doing great in school, he a freshman and has grown at least 4 inches since last year.

You need to get the Clan east to DC...you'd be remiss if you didn't

I look forward to your next adventure.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Paul, D.C. is certainly on the list. Tight finances and a wife who hates flying won't help it happen this year though. I've never been anywhere in the NE, I also have a buddy in NYC that wants me to visit.