Baja FJ45 Build Thread - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

RustyNailJustin · 04-12-2008, 10:39 AM

I started this thread in the Cruiser Forum but thought it may be a nice addition to this forum as well.
After years of looking for the right one I bought a 1963 FJ45 SWB from a guy in Sacramento. I had big ideas from the get go but I was not sure what way to take this little truck. I knew what I was going to be using the rig for and that it had to be very dependable, store a fair amount of gear and be fun to drive. My original thought was 5.3 Chevy, 4L60E, Atlas. To be honest I have done a fair amount of fuel injected conversions and wanted a new challenge. Why not keep it Toyota? Not a week after this revelation a buddy of mine wrecked his 98 Taco with a 3.4 and a stick. I took this as a sign and bought the truck from the insurance a couple days later.
This truck will be taking my Girlfriend (Kelly) and I on many camping trips, and the trip it is really being built for, spending at least a month at a time on the Baja. Plus She loves Toyotas and would love to have something fun to drive in the summer.
Here are some pictures of the 45 and the Taco.

RustyNailJustin · 04-12-2008, 10:43 AM

The cab is going to be streached 16"
I am using FJ60 front end and a Tacoma rear end.
Factory Taco fuel tank and in-tank pump.

RustyNailJustin · 04-12-2008, 10:47 AM

The 3.4 fits nice in the 45 engine bay. The tranny and tcase shifter line up just about perfect with the factory holes.
I will be ditching the Tacoma Tcase (Driver drop) and mating a Top shift Truck case to the Tacoma tranny to make it Pass side drop. With the different Tcase and adaptor it will be about 1" shorter than it is right now.
Updates to come

rocknbronco · 04-13-2008, 08:22 PM

Nice build up I look forward to seeing the end product.

MajorPayne · 04-13-2008, 11:15 PM

diggin the fj, look forward to seeing this done

jedrattle · 04-15-2008, 04:50 PM

This and the other fj......you suck!!!

Should be badass!! I am doing a 3.4 swap in my 87 runner right now. Someday I want to pull everything out put it in an fj. Just can't find one for the money I have (or don't have)

wayneraintree · 04-15-2008, 05:23 PM

Build on man

One of my favorite threads

rocknbronco · 04-15-2008, 05:43 PM

Yeah kinda makes me want to find a FJ again...

kiyul4130 · 04-16-2008, 01:11 AM

thats awesome your doing a 3.4 in this. its different and isnt done. ill keep watching this.

Hunjy · 04-17-2008, 09:31 AM

Awesome build keep the updates coming

Are you going to go spring over?

MilspecXJ · 04-17-2008, 09:51 AM

Awesome build. I'll be following this thread.

I saw a pic of a 45 with the flatbed setup for adventure travel before, had me lusting for another FJ.

RustyNailJustin · 04-17-2008, 07:11 PM

I will be sure to post updates. Been moving slow on it with work and My other cars. It's coming along though

TachedOutOffRoad · 04-18-2008, 12:14 PM

That is awesome. Really awesome.

When the new crawler leaves the garage under its own power, the DD/ expedition rig will roll in. I need a backseat for the youngin so Im torn between a 45 wagon or a 55. The 55s are so ugly they're beautiful

If I was a real pimp, Id could turn a 40 into a 45 without looking like a hack . . . . . .

Im going to put a 4.7L out of a Tundra or a 3.4L in it. It would be cool to get a 5-speed conversions from Dellow Automotive for the 4.7L as I just wont drive an auto

I have a 3.4 in my DD and had one in a crawler and loved it both times. I actually towed the project Taco behind the Taco with the 3.4L for 1,300 miles! Great motor!

Anyway, enough about me

Keep it up and posts lots of picks and a diagram of what you do to the wiring harness

RustyNailJustin · 04-18-2008, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TachedOutOffRoad

That is awesome. Really awesome.

When the new crawler leaves the garage under its own power, the DD/ expedition rig will roll in. I need a backseat for the youngin so Im torn between a 45 wagon or a 55. The 55s are so ugly they're beautiful

If I was a real pimp, Id could turn a 40 into a 45 without looking like a hack . . . . . .

Im going to put a 4.7L out of a Tundra or a 3.4L in it. It would be cool to get a 5-speed conversions from Dellow Automotive for the 4.7L as I just wont drive an auto

I have a 3.4 in my DD and had one in a crawler and loved it both times. I actually towed the project Taco behind the Taco with the 3.4L for 1,300 miles! Great motor!

Anyway, enough about me

Keep it up and posts lots of picks and a diagram of what you do to the wiring harness

I think the wiring should be somewhat easy, the Taco is really a stand alone for the motor.
4.7 would be a sweet swap too.

Erick561 · 04-20-2008, 07:27 PM

thats gonna be a lot of fun when you're done

fuggy · 04-20-2008, 08:57 PM

that FJ body is in great shape. I'd love to tour the baja for a month!

RustyNailJustin · 04-26-2008, 08:07 PM

Worked on it quite a bit today. Got motor mounts built, and working on some frame plating. I will get up some pictures.

TachedOutOffRoad · 05-13-2008, 12:21 PM

2.5 weeks . . . . .

are we Bajaing yet?

roscoFJ73 · 05-14-2008, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyNailJustin

Worked on it quite a bit today. Got motor mounts built, and working on some frame plating. I will get up some pictures.

I thought you were coming back to Oz

Nice work

. The fuel economy and power of the 3.4 will be interesting

My brothers have them in their Prados(I think its the same 3.4)and it pulls them around ok

RustyNailJustin · 05-15-2008, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roscoFJ73

I thought you were coming back to Oz

Nice work

. The fuel economy and power of the 3.4 will be interesting

My brothers have them in their Prados(I think its the same 3.4)and it pulls them around ok

I sure am ASAP. I need to come for at least 8 weeks this time. Maby this winter if I am not done with this rig

RockHard4x4 · 05-15-2008, 08:14 PM

cool fuckin truck, cant wait to see some more

Chainlink · 06-03-2008, 05:52 PM

I love the 45's but dang that flat bed just makes it look more badass, I mean what a pile, I will pay the going rate for steel and take it away for ya....just the kind of guy I am

Seriously nice score , I am green with envy

.....keep the flat bed tube up the sides and canvas that beast. Keep the original tub in storage as I bet it worth a pretty penny.

bowtied_micky · 06-08-2008, 07:56 AM

subscribed

RustyNailJustin · 06-09-2008, 04:18 PM

Been trying to get some updates on this thread. Not to much to report, been kinda slow with work and a few other projects, but I will be cracking again soon

Seabass · 09-16-2009, 08:17 PM

What ever happened to this build?

04-12-2008, 10:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
RustyNailJustin Moderator Join Date: Dec 2001 Member # 8568 Location: Klamath Falls,OR,Fruita,CO,Montrose,CO, Posts: 7,011	Baja FJ45 Build Thread I started this thread in the Cruiser Forum but thought it may be a nice addition to this forum as well. After years of looking for the right one I bought a 1963 FJ45 SWB from a guy in Sacramento. I had big ideas from the get go but I was not sure what way to take this little truck. I knew what I was going to be using the rig for and that it had to be very dependable, store a fair amount of gear and be fun to drive. My original thought was 5.3 Chevy, 4L60E, Atlas. To be honest I have done a fair amount of fuel injected conversions and wanted a new challenge. Why not keep it Toyota? Not a week after this revelation a buddy of mine wrecked his 98 Taco with a 3.4 and a stick. I took this as a sign and bought the truck from the insurance a couple days later. This truck will be taking my Girlfriend (Kelly) and I on many camping trips, and the trip it is really being built for, spending at least a month at a time on the Baja. Plus She loves Toyotas and would love to have something fun to drive in the summer. Here are some pictures of the 45 and the Taco. Attached Images __________________ 2012 KOH Team CrossedUp, ADS, Artec, Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. 9TH Place. 2011 LCQ to KOH Team CrossedUp Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. We finished 40th 2010 KOH Team CrossedUp Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. 2009 KOH Team 435 Finished 35th.First Full Frame/Full Body To Finish KOH. TLCA# 5305

04-12-2008, 10:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
RustyNailJustin Moderator Join Date: Dec 2001 Member # 8568 Location: Klamath Falls,OR,Fruita,CO,Montrose,CO, Posts: 7,011	The cab is going to be streached 16" I am using FJ60 front end and a Tacoma rear end. Factory Taco fuel tank and in-tank pump. Attached Images __________________ 2012 KOH Team CrossedUp, ADS, Artec, Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. 9TH Place. 2011 LCQ to KOH Team CrossedUp Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. We finished 40th 2010 KOH Team CrossedUp Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. 2009 KOH Team 435 Finished 35th.First Full Frame/Full Body To Finish KOH. TLCA# 5305

04-12-2008, 10:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
RustyNailJustin Moderator Join Date: Dec 2001 Member # 8568 Location: Klamath Falls,OR,Fruita,CO,Montrose,CO, Posts: 7,011	The 3.4 fits nice in the 45 engine bay. The tranny and tcase shifter line up just about perfect with the factory holes. I will be ditching the Tacoma Tcase (Driver drop) and mating a Top shift Truck case to the Tacoma tranny to make it Pass side drop. With the different Tcase and adaptor it will be about 1" shorter than it is right now. Updates to come Attached Images __________________ 2012 KOH Team CrossedUp, ADS, Artec, Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. 9TH Place. 2011 LCQ to KOH Team CrossedUp Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. We finished 40th 2010 KOH Team CrossedUp Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. 2009 KOH Team 435 Finished 35th.First Full Frame/Full Body To Finish KOH. TLCA# 5305

04-13-2008, 08:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
rocknbronco Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Member # 51692 Location: Flat Top MTN,TN Posts: 1,780	Nice build up I look forward to seeing the end product. __________________ Space for rent sold it all....

04-13-2008, 11:15 PM	#5 (permalink)
MajorPayne Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Member # 36923 Location: Winston-Salem, NC Posts: 74	diggin the fj, look forward to seeing this done __________________ 1980 IH Scout II 3.3L Turbo Diesel 1980 IH Scout II Traveler 3.3L Turbo Diesel

04-15-2008, 04:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
jedrattle Rock God Join Date: Aug 2003 Member # 21750 Location: Riverside SoCal Posts: 1,485	This and the other fj......you suck!!! Should be badass!! I am doing a 3.4 swap in my 87 runner right now. Someday I want to pull everything out put it in an fj. Just can't find one for the money I have (or don't have) __________________ Team RattleKann ROCKBRAWLERS

04-15-2008, 05:23 PM	#7 (permalink)
wayneraintree Granite Guru Join Date: Feb 2003 Member # 16988 Location: Northern KY Posts: 569	Build on man One of my favorite threads

04-15-2008, 05:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
rocknbronco Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Member # 51692 Location: Flat Top MTN,TN Posts: 1,780	Yeah kinda makes me want to find a FJ again... __________________ Space for rent sold it all....

04-16-2008, 01:11 AM	#9 (permalink)
kiyul4130 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Member # 37026 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 5,051	thats awesome your doing a 3.4 in this. its different and isnt done. ill keep watching this. __________________ [COLOR="Red"]ECV 7-11[/COLOR] RIP troy & daniel KYOTA Forever.

04-17-2008, 09:31 AM	#10 (permalink)
Hunjy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Member # 112474 Location: Seattle Posts: 4	Awesome build keep the updates coming Are you going to go spring over? Last edited by Hunjy; 04-17-2008 at 09:32 AM.

04-17-2008, 09:51 AM	#11 (permalink)
MilspecXJ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Member # 5473 Location: Bristol,Pa Posts: 397	Awesome build. I'll be following this thread. I saw a pic of a 45 with the flatbed setup for adventure travel before, had me lusting for another FJ. __________________ Building a ZJ..

04-17-2008, 07:11 PM	#12 (permalink)
RustyNailJustin Moderator Join Date: Dec 2001 Member # 8568 Location: Klamath Falls,OR,Fruita,CO,Montrose,CO, Posts: 7,011	I will be sure to post updates. Been moving slow on it with work and My other cars. It's coming along though __________________ 2012 KOH Team CrossedUp, ADS, Artec, Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. 9TH Place. 2011 LCQ to KOH Team CrossedUp Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. We finished 40th 2010 KOH Team CrossedUp Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. 2009 KOH Team 435 Finished 35th.First Full Frame/Full Body To Finish KOH. TLCA# 5305

04-18-2008, 12:14 PM	#13 (permalink)
TachedOutOffRoad Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Member # 75648 Location: Alabama Posts: 1,980	That is awesome. Really awesome. When the new crawler leaves the garage under its own power, the DD/ expedition rig will roll in. I need a backseat for the youngin so Im torn between a 45 wagon or a 55. The 55s are so ugly they're beautiful If I was a real pimp, Id could turn a 40 into a 45 without looking like a hack . . . . . . Im going to put a 4.7L out of a Tundra or a 3.4L in it. It would be cool to get a 5-speed conversions from Dellow Automotive for the 4.7L as I just wont drive an auto I have a 3.4 in my DD and had one in a crawler and loved it both times. I actually towed the project Taco behind the Taco with the 3.4L for 1,300 miles! Great motor! Anyway, enough about me Keep it up and posts lots of picks and a diagram of what you do to the wiring harness __________________ sellout

04-20-2008, 07:27 PM	#15 (permalink)
Erick561 Rock God Join Date: Sep 2007 Member # 100293 Location: Ct Posts: 2,331	thats gonna be a lot of fun when you're done __________________ '79 Toyota Hilux DD - Project NutKase http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?p=9337997 '87 2wd Toyota Pickup, 32/36 on the back burner

04-20-2008, 08:57 PM	#16 (permalink)
fuggy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Member # 80664 Location: Arizona Posts: 2,054	that FJ body is in great shape. I'd love to tour the baja for a month! __________________ "Even if you get to the line first are you really "winning" if you do it in a Toyota?"-raceanything

04-26-2008, 08:07 PM	#17 (permalink)
RustyNailJustin Moderator Join Date: Dec 2001 Member # 8568 Location: Klamath Falls,OR,Fruita,CO,Montrose,CO, Posts: 7,011	Worked on it quite a bit today. Got motor mounts built, and working on some frame plating. I will get up some pictures. __________________ 2012 KOH Team CrossedUp, ADS, Artec, Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. 9TH Place. 2011 LCQ to KOH Team CrossedUp Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. We finished 40th 2010 KOH Team CrossedUp Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. 2009 KOH Team 435 Finished 35th.First Full Frame/Full Body To Finish KOH. TLCA# 5305

05-13-2008, 12:21 PM	#18 (permalink)
TachedOutOffRoad Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Member # 75648 Location: Alabama Posts: 1,980	2.5 weeks . . . . . are we Bajaing yet? __________________ sellout

05-15-2008, 08:14 PM	#21 (permalink)
RockHard4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Member # 105754 Location: New Jersey Posts: 39	cool fuckin truck, cant wait to see some more __________________ you know a girl is mechanically inclined when she ask's you too to check her compression with your pleasure piston

06-03-2008, 05:52 PM	#22 (permalink)
Chainlink Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Member # 37899 Posts: 55	I love the 45's but dang that flat bed just makes it look more badass, I mean what a pile, I will pay the going rate for steel and take it away for ya....just the kind of guy I am Seriously nice score , I am green with envy .....keep the flat bed tube up the sides and canvas that beast. Keep the original tub in storage as I bet it worth a pretty penny. __________________ 02 TRD Double cab lotsoliitlestuffs 98 Taco XCAB TRD V6 Going to be Crushed.(crushed) 93 Std cab PU.Sold 04 Durango(wifes)

06-08-2008, 07:56 AM	#23 (permalink)
bowtied_micky Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Member # 52752 Location: The Ohio State Posts: 639	subscribed

06-09-2008, 04:18 PM	#24 (permalink)
RustyNailJustin Moderator Join Date: Dec 2001 Member # 8568 Location: Klamath Falls,OR,Fruita,CO,Montrose,CO, Posts: 7,011	Been trying to get some updates on this thread. Not to much to report, been kinda slow with work and a few other projects, but I will be cracking again soon __________________ 2012 KOH Team CrossedUp, ADS, Artec, Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. 9TH Place. 2011 LCQ to KOH Team CrossedUp Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. We finished 40th 2010 KOH Team CrossedUp Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. 2009 KOH Team 435 Finished 35th.First Full Frame/Full Body To Finish KOH. TLCA# 5305

09-16-2009, 08:17 PM	#25 (permalink)
Seabass Granite Guru Join Date: Jun 2005 Member # 49159 Location: Orange County Posts: 843	What ever happened to this build? __________________ THINGS I NEED:92-93 Ford srw dana 60 knuckles. Everything balljoints out. W56-C toyota trans

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