Picking up an FJ80 for a potential SAS

[TravThePro]

This is a little off topic. I couldn't decide if I should put it in the other vehicles section, but I ended up just choosing this one.fftopic::noidea:

Today I'll be picking up a triple-locked (RR/FR/Center) FJ80 Land Cruiser for a serious steal. This has the front axle I've been trying to get forever and comes with the other two components I could swap in to make the gearing side even easier.

Just curious if any of you guys have done FJ80 axles for a swap, and if you were able to find an adaptor to run the T-case from the a340f transmission set up. If not, would it be better to run the gear driven mini truck T-cases (RF1A), that way I can do dual T-cases for lots of $$$$$ I lack right now?

Also, the engine has a blown head gasket. Runs pretty good with a minor leak and a great transmission/t case. It might be worth it for me to fix it all up if I can swap it over to the way more powerful straight 6 and sturdy a440f. Does anyone have knowledge on this?

The end goal is to run 40s or bigger, so I'm also considering just keeping the LC the way it is (Fixing the head gasket of course) and modifying it instead of SASing the 4runner.

Let me know your thoughts, feel free link me to other threads if you know of them addressing any of the above mentioned.

Thanks, gents!

 

[SteveNJ]

I’d be the first to ask why you’d take a perfectly good triple locked 80 and cut it up? But I may be biased :lol:
The new trend in 80’s seems to be 40s. Even with a 6inch lift you’ll be cutting fenders.
Keep the 3fe and put in a H55 (5speed) if you want more power

 

[Lamer]

triple locked, and a quick head gasket to fix the only problem it has???

keep it as it is, that would be one sweet ride if the price is right

 

[absalom]

Sounds like the perfect candidate for a R2.8 ....

 

[Hepar]

If cost and simplicity are your aim, fix up the LC. If going for something more different and challenging, do the swap.

 

[MN4runnerman]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/128755-johns-99-4runner-rebuild-build.html

This guy has done it. He’s sort of active I think. I’m pretty sure that there is a marlin crawler adapter for the t case

 

[snivilous]

I just sold my entire FZJ80 powertrain for $200 in Cedar City, so if you're gonna sell yours good luck getting much for it. Also, the 4.5L 3FE and 1FZ (1FZ is better) are both total gutless and massive pigs. A 3.4L 5VZ is nearly as powerful (nowhere near as torquey) and probably weighs like 2/3 as much as well as being half the length. I wouldn't swap any non-V8 Land Cruiser engine into anything.

As everyone said, personally I would fix up the 80 and rock it, that thing can be worth some bucks fixed up and doesn't really need any mods to be an absolute animal.

Also, if you need any 80 parts, I have axles, diffs, shafts, brand new chromolys, hubs, housings, etc. that I'm trying to get rid of. I got rid of all the 80 left in my 80 series Ultra4 car so have a ton of spares and performance gear I need gone.

 

[TravThePro]

Got it home safe, it's certainly not pretty by almost anyone's standards... Now making all the tough decisions on what to do!

 

[TravThePro]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/128755-johns-99-4runner-rebuild-build.html

This guy has done it. He’s sort of active I think. I’m pretty sure that there is a marlin crawler adapter for the t case

That guy did some pretty crazy stuff to his rig, it would be out of my league to be modifying the transmission to that degree though. Very helpful with the axles and suspension though.

Thanks for all of the great replies lately!

 

[TravThePro]

I just sold my entire FZJ80 powertrain for $200 in Cedar City, so if you're gonna sell yours good luck getting much for it. Also, the 4.5L 3FE and 1FZ (1FZ is better) are both total gutless and massive pigs. A 3.4L 5VZ is nearly as powerful (nowhere near as torquey) and probably weighs like 2/3 as much as well as being half the length. I wouldn't swap any non-V8 Land Cruiser engine into anything.

As everyone said, personally I would fix up the 80 and rock it, that thing can be worth some bucks fixed up and doesn't really need any mods to be an absolute animal.

Also, if you need any 80 parts, I have axles, diffs, shafts, brand new chromolys, hubs, housings, etc. that I'm trying to get rid of. I got rid of all the 80 left in my 80 series Ultra4 car so have a ton of spares and performance gear I need gone.

I'm always interested in parts! What part of Utah are you located in, Cedar City as the post hinted to? PM me if you would maybe like to meet up.

 

[TravThePro]

If cost and simplicity are your aim, fix up the LC. If going for something more different and challenging, do the swap.

Unfortunately, there is nothing simple that I would be doing to whichever of the vehicles was chosen for the work. I think the 4runner would do better as a crawler than the LC would, but the LC would be less work in the long run because it already has the main systems I need in it (Solid axle, steering for it, a passenger side T-case). But I wouldn't be able to run dual T-cases with the current case on it and it's quite a bit heavier overall. Both are triple locked, so maybe I shouldn't complain and just build them both haha.

 

[JBurt]

What else is wrong with the LC other than the transfer case?