Topic: having a thought about a hybrid Jeep

[Sundowner]

I currently have 2 rigs: a very nice 84 4runner that I just finished resto-modding (it's going out to paint day after tomorrow) and an 83 CJ-7 that was very built for back-in-the-day when very built was less than it is today.

I've been kicking around the idea of selling the 4runner and mving the CJ up a few notches using what Iv'e learned about toyotas.

the Jeep currently has a a 4.0L swapped in with a WC T-5 tranny and the stock dana 30 up front and AMC 20 oput back. buth have been reinforced and filled with warn shafts.

my idea is to rip out the drivetrain an use FJ80 axles with the factory elockers front and rear. I'm thinking of using a Chevy 5.3L or maybe 6.0L vortec motor in front of a R151F and tcase.

my reasoning here is that in the yuppie infested holes of NJ, one can get a set of FJ80 axles for ~1000 from a low mileage victim ofa soccer mom. I believe that I can use a 4.8L stock bellhousing to adapt the R151F to the chevy V8, and since it will hook up to a toyota t case, I can use the more affordabe toyota low gears and/or doublers under the rig. I'd ultimately like to run 37's on the truck, which is up slightly from my current 35's

possible problems I see involve the offset of the rear FJ-80 axle, and hacking up the front one to work under a leaf spring suspension. both issues should be relatively trivial. but if anyone has any 'gotcha's' I'd love some input.

[KYOTA]

Uhhhh, I'd go the other direction and sell the Jeep and build up the 'Runner

[Sundowner [OP]]

I've given thought to it both ways.
the lift laws in NJ bieng the way they are, I have to conform to an overall height and tire size requirement.
the tire size is generic at 38", but the lift height is specific to year/make/model.
were I to lift the 4runner to put 37's on it, I would have to blow out the max height or chop sheetmetal.
would you have me chop up a cherry 4runner? I don't think I could bring myself to do it.

[KYOTA]

I know what you mean, my 83 was a straight untouched virgin when I started too but after you make that first cut you dont feel so bad. You could always go with 35's so you wouldnt have to trim as much.

[Sundowner [OP]]

I Can't do it

If I dent the crap out of the 4runner, Id' never forgive myself.

so many people beat the hell out of Jeeps that I'm always just a phone call away from a new tub.

[kyle_22r]

man, why even swap out the motor?  the 4.0 in my mom's grand cherokee has gobs of torque.  i personally wouldn't run a toy tranny behind a big, fuel injected chevy motor though

you can run a 150/151 behind a 4.0 without any adapters though...look in the "5 speeds" thread in the suggestions section.  personally i'd run something like an NP435

[Gtown]

My jeep is a hy-bred.  AMC 304 V8, ford NP 435, Dana 20 and toyota pu axels.  Works great.  That 4.0 is a badass motor.  With what you would spend on a V8 you could build that motor to a 4.6 which is  a getting it motor.  If you already have a 300 behind your t5, toyota axels would work.  I have a toyota thats cherry except for the bed.  I'm gonna keep it cherry, and smash the jeep

[BigMike]

i personally wouldn't run a toy tranny behind a big, fuel injected chevy motor though

They do fine beind superchraged 3.4l V6s... Some Ive heard are 275+ HP / 300+ TQ?

[kyle_22r]

i have no doubts that the R151F is "strong enough" but the NP435 is bombproof, as long as you don't flat tow it...not a big fan of the SM465 myself, my work truck(mid 70s 1 ton flatbed with a 383) has one in it and it's a pain to shift, half the time it doesn't want to go into gear.  the 435 in our ford is much nicer

not to mention that a 6.0l chebby probably has a bit more than 300lbs of torque probably not too big of an issue in a light jeep but the tranny IS aluminum...

[BigMike]

I agree, that's a good point

[RHG]

Not to be smashing on toyota parts but I dont think it would be long before that toy tranny grenaded behind a 6.0L It probably be ight behind a STOCK 5.3L Why do you want all that power? Just go with one of the SC v6's from a monte carlo or impala.

[4DEES]

sound like a bad a$$ idea! I'd do it, and yea I would go NP435. but toy duals on that rig would be cool though   

[DWitcher]

I'm currently building a 90YJ after the 3rd roll on the 4Runner and I'v swaped in a GM 4.3/700R4, 85 Yota T-case, 89 Yota V6 rear, 85 Yota front, Toyota drivelines, Yota rears up front and even a Toyota IFS steering box . Reason for the build was a killer deal on the Jeep and Runners are getting harder to find. Less boby damage with a jeep after a rollover.

[whiteman]

I plan on doing the same once my DD is done.  One of my Grandpa's friends has a 78 Dodge 1-Ton 4x4 that he will sell me when ever for $500.. It has 360+TF-727+NP 205+Dana60/70 = One great platform.  I plan on buying itand using the running gear in a midsize or mini vehicle, and running a 44" or 49" tire.

[whiteman]

So waht is your plan?   

[Fj40fiji]

Have you considered selling the Cj and getting an FJ40?  It would be way cooler IMO to put cruiser axles under a cruiser.  You might have an easier time keeping it legal too if you start with an older rig.  You may also find that there are enough kids out there with thier parents money that the CJ will fetch a good price equipt as is.  Maybe enough for another rig and those axles even.