Hello All, I have a 78 FJ-40 that I would like to begin rebuilding. The thing is in pretty good shape and I drive it almost daily around town. It has some rust, mostly located in the sill of the rear doors. My budget to begin is about 10K so I am trying to plan out how to get the most bang for my buck and how not to make the mistakes that others have found along the way. This is where you all come in. I would love to hear what folks have done, what they would definitely do again, and what they are bummed they did the first time. I have some experience but my father in law is a car buff and will help me out as well. I'm hoping to do most of the work myself with the exception of body work and painting. My biggest questions at this point involve the engine and drive train. Should I retain the Toyota gear or make a Chevy swap. Give me your pros and cons for both.

Thank to everyone who responds!

 

this sounds like an awesome project!
i can't help you with the drive train stuff but im sure someone on here can.
post some pics!

 

2F reliable good low end power not great at higher speeds like interstate.

Small block good power about same mileage extra cost in adapters.

My current 40 is 3RZ powered and I love it. I built in with mini truck running gear r151 and single case with 4.7 gears. I locked and geared the axles with 5.29's and it wheels well in the area I live.

It is all personel preference but maybe you can get with some one with a cruiser and a v-8 and take it for a drive and then it will make your decision easier.

For suspension I would highly reccomend spring over and shackle reversal. Proffitts cruisers has a sweet kit I have used on several 40's I have built.

 

How about some good pictures of the rig.
If you are ok having an automatic ,id say go with the toyota 1uz . marlin now has an adapter for half the price of inchworms adapter $350.

It really is a great motor to use . I am currently looking for an FJ 40 to build up ,will be using a 1uz with single case.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MqKy0ZRLFs

Good luck on whatever engine you choose to use.

 

this will look great when its finished

 

Go with the 1UZ-FE. I am getting knee deep in my swap now. RMA that video sounds great....very motivational.

 

I second the 1UZ its got a linear torque distribution, light, sounds ballzy and decent on gas in my girlfriends heavy LS400 I get over 20MPG and they go for 600 thousand clicks no worries, the other swap choice is turbo diesel but probably more $. just spring over or OME lift 35s are good even keeping the stock gears if you go V8 and putting the $ into locking the front n rear with air lockers from ARB. Well there goes your 10Gs lol j.k you can do it for 5-6 K total if you do it yourself. the rest can buy goodies