FJ55 as a tow rig?

[JasonH]

I'm just thinking out loud right now and wanted to get your opinion.
I'm selling my FJ62 right now cause I wanted to get a cheap tow rig for the FJ40 - I was thinking older 3/4 ton Suburban - but I also would like to get something for my wife to wheel and carry the kids in when we go on wheeling trips. Plus I really want an FJ55 so I'm trying to rationalize. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

I may have a line on an early 70's FJ55 with no engine or tranny. I was thinking, 350, LC 4spd and t-case (from my 79 when I do a sm420), front disks - maybe 4 wheel disks, A/C from my FJ40, maybe some add-a-leafs in the rear for load carrying.

Do you think this would be able to tow an FJ40 on a trailer plus carry two adults, two kids and gear - and still keep up with traffic somewhat?
A V8 conversion for the FJ62 would be cool, but too expensive.
I'd be surprised if I could talk my wife into this, but I thought I'd check anyway.

[brainless]

i think it wopuld make a fine tow rig if set up right .. a rear sway bar and heavy rear springs should be the ticket ...

[morgan]

Alan, you pseudo-55 owner, all FJ55s came with a rear Anti-sway bar!

morgan

[KrustyKruiser]

Jason, I sorta concurr with fj junkie, however, I would add a few comments. Put a d60 or 14 bolt in the back, and use the 465/205 combo behind the V8. An auto tranny would be good for a tow rig, although most th350's and th400's were mated to 203's - I would rather have a 205. It would be cheaper going with Chevy tranny/drivetrain stuff, IMHO, rather than using adapters for the TLC stuff. Also, quite a bit stronger and quieter. Plus the superior brakes that are stock on those axles - cheaper than doing a rear disc conversion too. Andy

[JasonH]

I used to have a th350/NP205 combo in my garage. I got rid of it when I sold a project FJ40 I had. I figured I'd never use it. Doh!

[brainless]

Originally posted by morgan:
<STRONG>Alan, you pseudo-55 owner, all FJ55s came with a rear Anti-sway bar!

morgan</STRONG>

LOL sorry i didn't remember that stage of the tear down , now that i recall the sway bar was gone but the mounts were there, they went bye bye when i sold the axles ...

[wngrog]

Jason,
Complete Chevy Drivetrain and My centered cruiser axle w/ discs!

Is that my Pig you are talking about?

[JasonH]

Originally posted by wngrog:
<STRONG>Is that my Pig you are talking about?</STRONG>

Naw.. Once a Cruiser makes it into Butch's horde, it never emerges. Is it still yours or did he buy it from you? I've tried to buy rigs from him before and he won't sell. There are actually a couple of local ones that sound really good.
After talking to Margaret this weekend, I may keep the 62 and hope the stock market rebounds in the next few months and drop in a TBI350! We'll see... I still like the 55 idea though.

[wngrog]

I would do that as nice as it is, plus the tranny can certainly handle it. Upgrade the rear to 4 wheel discs and you will have a nice tow rig. It will do as well as a 1/2 ton truck and have a MUCH better look to it <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">