72 FJ40 LandCruiser CTD conversion

[JBurghard]

Just startd the project today. I have a 93 CTD that the getrag went out in and a 1972 FJ40 body and frame. The option I decided to go with is strip down the 93 to the frame and then shorten the frame to accept the landcruiser body. I will be adding a th400 transmission and a 203/205 doubler to finish out the driveline setup of the 93 dodge. Also I will be running Humvee wheels and 36" tires for now.



Should be a great rig once I'm done.

 

[Mundgyver]

Your going to have trouble with the front end. I explored this a couple of years ago. The engine length from the firewall to the radiator will be a headache for you I think. I'm not saying it can't be done, but it will be a challenge for the fender and hood install because of the length. You can still get the FJ-40 factory manuals from Toyota and I would recommend that you do. It has all the specs for measurments and such that will help you figure body part placements.

 

[Rman]

I've been searching for a 4BT to stick in my 73 cruiser. Good luck! Sounds like a fun project

 

[RickL]

Ahh___ the old FJ40. My son and I had 3 over the years. My driver was a 72, mostly stock. It even had the original tube type military tread tires which I kept for winter. The TOY was the Chevy small block/ TH400 rig with a tilt front end. The memories... ... .

 

[JBurghard]

I was planning on extending the cowling and fenders at the firewall to help deal with the size of the engine. I have done this to a friends jeep to fit a larger motor into it.



As for the plans they have changed already. I decided to go with a FJ45, with a flatbed and just leave the 130" wheel base.

 

[WStephens]

There are guys in that have exprence doing a FJ40/Cummins conversion. Coloradhttp://www.proffittscruisers.com/index.htmlo I was told that the main thing to do was do a 4 inch lift to clear the front axel and the 4 cylinder is shorter than the stock 6 cylinder is.

 

[SKargo]

That's awesome. I'm still running the stock 2F in my cruiser.

#ad

 

[MMcCallie]

The BJ-42s are very coveted these days. I've come across Cummins 4 cylinders in FJs, but not the 6bt. I'm thinking electric fan up front. The 4bt would likely let get you well over 30 mpg.



If i were bent on making it fit, i might move the grill our further forward & stretch the fenders. Maybe cut them in the middle & add a section. Lengthen the hood at the back by the hinges. You wouldn't have to trim as much frame then.



Are you planning to run an intercooler? If this will be a street rig you may want to consider an overdrive. The 4L80 would be the best candidate, its the overdrive version of the 400. I like the idea of the doubler. Is there enough driveshaft in back for it with 36" tires?



Can't wait to see pics as you get further into the project. You're right, this will be an awesome rig! My dad was asking me if i could put a Ford Model A body on a diesel truck frame. He likes his gasser vehicles but wants diesels. Keep us posted.

 

[Mundgyver]

When I was planning my FJ-40 project, the 4BT was my choice. The original Toyota 6 was rated at 150 hp and 200 lbs TQ. The 4BT version I was looking at was rated at 133 hp but 333 lbs of TQ. It is a few inches shorter. I figured that if I put in a NV4500 that I would be able to get 35 mpg on flat ground.

 

[JBurghard]

I've got the old flatbed off and have finished striping the front end of the 93 Dodge down. I will be pulling the Cab off this weekend and start to clean the frame up.

 

[JBurghard]

First gray hair for the wife, I got a FJ-55 aka Pig this weekend from a friend and I am going to use it instead of the FJ-40.

 

[SKargo]

First gray hair for the wife, I got a FJ-55 aka Pig this weekend from a friend and I am going to use it instead of the FJ-40.

Does a 55 have anymore engine room? I would like to pick one up someday to use as a family style wheeler.

 

[JBurghard]

Yes, It looks like I should be able to use the stock fan, radiator, and inter-cooler. The only change will be the spacing between the fan and radiator. Check out www.pirate4x4.com there are a few guys who have done Cummins conversions to the 55.