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FJ60 Land Cruisers are substantially longer and roomier in
the engine compartment than our little buddy and venerable FJ40. This extra
length lends itself very nicely to some of the more desirable conversions
available for V-8's, by making drive shaft modifications unnecessary in most
cases. On this page we list the 4 most popular conversions for the FJ60, and
have itemized some of the changes and modifications that will be required
for popular Chevy small block V-8 conversions. The four choices for
conversions listed below.
All four of the engine conversions can normally be performed without
driveshaft modifications. The Chevy motor mount kit can either be bolted or
welded into place. On conversions that retain the stock 4-Speed or 5-Speed
tranny the original trans mount will be able to be retained in it's stock
location. On automatic conversions, the original transmission mount will be
relocated under the transfer to transmission adapter housing, and a new
transfer shifter mounting bracket is provided. The radiator will be
approximately 2" off center of the new V-8 engine position, but should not
require relocation, especially if the cooling system is beefed up per our
recommendations in the V-8 introduction. The exhaust manifolds should be
late model Chevy units, or automatics can use Advance Adapters Slick-Fit
Headers with a slight firewall modification on the passenger side.
Popular Conversions
●TYPE
1 - Factory Four or Five Speed Overdrive Transmission/Transfer
The FJ60 just can't get much better than this. Shift levers in the right
places, wiring that plugs right in to your OEM harness, use of the OEM
transmission mount, skid plate holes line up, etc. The 5-Speed Conversion
is virtually identical to the 4-Speed conversion, except it requires a
5-speed transmission/transfer case as found in our Transmission section of
this catalog.
●TYPE
2 - TH350 and 700R-4 Automatic Transmissions
These kits are becoming quite popular especially in the 700R-4 overdrive
version. Both transmissions utilize similar kits for both installations.
The adapter housing for the 700R-4 allows use of the original 4-speed
transmission mount on vehicles so equipped. Vehicles pre-1983 will require
some drive line modifications. A special linkage bracket for mounting of
the transfer case shifter control is furnished with each kit. The output
shaft for both the 700R-4 and TH350 use a modified 2WD transmission shaft
that will usually require shortening to mate to the new 19 spline coupler.
If you select a 700R-4 or TH350 from a 4WD application, you will usually
have to change the output shaft to the new shaft furnished with each kit.
●TYPE
3 - Ranger Torque Splitter
The Ranger overdirve is manufactured to fit directly between the original
FJ60 4-speed tramsission and a stock Chevy bellhousing. This Ranger 2
speed is 7-1/2" long and will set up a nearly perfect location in the
enigne companrtment. This conversion usually requires the use of a short
nose high-volume water pump and some minor modifications to the overdrive
trasnmission shift control lever. When using this transmission, a regular
Chevy bellhousing can be used witht all the Chevy clutch components. Since
the original Land Cruiser salve cylinder is re-used, it will be necessary
to use the slave cylinder bracket part no. 716287. The clutch fork and the
slave cylinder will need to be relocated to the left side of the vehicle.
The original transfer case location will be retained with no drive shaft
modifications required.
●TYPE
4 - New Venture 4500 5-Speed Overdrive
This unit provides the best of all worlds. An awesome 5.61:1 first gear
for off-roading, and a 27% overdrive fifth gear for highway use. This kit
is the most expensive option due to the fact an NV-4500 4WD transmission
must be purchased to accomplish this, along with several other cusotm
parts for proper intallation, but the end result is a vehicle with as if
should have come from Toyota. Use of this kit requires a special
transmission mount, GM bellhousing with NV-4500 pattern, Chevy V-8 motor
mounts, the special 11" clutch assembly and matching flywheel with throw
out bearing, slave cylinder bracket, and a custom NV-4500 shifter kit.
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