6BT to 4BT?

[MHowie]

I am new to this site, but I have been following a few strings for awhile. I have a dilemna. A few years ago I had a 6BT with NV4500 put into my FJ-60 Landcruiser. It was a bit of a shoehorn fit, and the weight did require some spring upgrades, but boy did it tow. As I consider putting accessories/Bull bar/winch on the front, I beginning to see the limitations of the weight. Since I am not planning on any heavy towing, I am considering a switch to a 4BT or 4 BTA to lighten the load, improve mileage and handling. Any thoughts? I am hoping that such a set up would not require more driveline modification. Also, if anyone knows the distance between where the bell-housing meets the block and the first two bolts for the engine mounts for the 4BT, that would also be helpful. Finally, I am also in the early stages of finding a 4BT and a home for the very well running 6BT(if I think I can do it). Any leads appreciated. Thanks.



Cruiser

 

[Nyoest]

If the fit is good, and you like the performance I'd try to keep the 6. You've got a lot of hard Fab work out of the way. Maybe an airbag/spring setup or a full four link with air bags



my . 02



Neal

 

[Scrappy]

all of the hard work is done, I believe the mounts and bellhousing is spaced about the same. Worst case you might have to move the mounts back on the frame(or make the engine side of the mounts). since the engine is smaller the drivetrain should be fine where it is and you will have room to put an intercooler in if you wanted.

 

[DKarvwnaris]

There is no difference in the 4bt mounts from a 6bt. The difference is only the lack of 2 additional cylinders in length.

I have used 6bt parts universally with 4bts. AS mentioned above, your driveline will not be altered whatsoever if you go this route. (unless you want to move it for some other reason?...

You will drop a few hundred pounds doing this, but nothing I'd consider big weight differences to justify the work.

The 4bta will pull just about as much as the 6bt. Biggest difference you will see immediately is the fuel gain.

I am considering doing this with a 2wd 98 quad cab short bed dodge diesel as a candidate for a 4bt. It would be a great parts runner and light towing rig. I wouldn't be worried about having an automatic with this setup, imagine the fuel savings for just putting around town and errand runs.

I'd like to see the look on a dealer service techs face. Then again, they'd probably just notify you that you're only running on 4 cylinders and will need a new engine. :-laf Gotta love their "creative" 50 point inspections, don't you know?. .

 

[MHowie]

The fit is TIGHT. I had the A/C compressor hit the coolant line once and now the radiator is just enough forward to stay out of trouble. I think the 4BT is a better fit, but I do know I will be losing power and smoothness of idle. Thanks for your input

 

[MSiegel]

MHowie I will trade a 4BT for your 6B call me at 937 423 0762

 

[MHowie]

The swap is not imminent. I was planning a Fall/Winter timeline. I drive the 6bt almost every day and it runs well. I've had a lot of work done on it including a rebuild of the injector pump and a new oil pan. Where do you live? I've never shipped engines before so I have a bit to learn.