So as some of you might know, I have been going to school for a number of years and that is about to come to an end. Getting my Bs in Electrical Engineering from University of Washington at the old age of 32!.   To celibrate and because I really want to, I am thinking about starting a over the top build. I would prolly have to sell my current 4runner to fund it, and it would take awhile, but that would be ok with me. I wanted peoples feedback on what i'm thinking.

My current idea is to start with a 1979-1985 Toyota Mini frame. Then slap on an aqualu 1968-1978 FJ45 Cab stretched 6" with FJ45 Long box shortened 18-5/8 off the rear and 6" off the front. The body would be all aluminum.

http://www.aqualu.com/land-cruiser.html

I think the frames would be an easy fit.



Fj45



85 frame

The wheelbase width and length all look good to me.

I chose the mini frame to easily fit 4wheelunderground 4 link rear and 3 link front.

http://www.4wheelunderground.com/

All sitting on diamond axles. Which I already have the rear sitting, 61" WM to WM. This would get ARB lockers and all the normal axle goodies.

http://www.diamondaxle.com/index.htm



Finally, To power it, I was thinking swapping the 5vz in and be done, But after chatting with some people, I am thinking 1kz-te. R-series trans and a doubler with low range gears.

This would not be the cheapest project or the quickest. But I think it would be awesome and unique. I would also have to score a crapped out fj40 or fj45 for all the stupid little parts, a vin, but that is doable I think. What do you think?

Is it done yet?
Be a sweet sweet build, get to it!

Sounds beautiful. One of the best looking toys ever built a 45 with shortened box and a 5vz to boot.  Sounds like my dream set up.  Good luck

sounds cool as heck, have you thought of going to your local dept of motors and getting vin for custom built auto, I believe in WA, you need to register for three years, if no one claims vin, you will be issued a title, I have had a few friends build hot rods this way( just hard to find a 32 vin tag). you need to keep all receipts, especially major parts, frame eng trans ect, good luck, sounds fun

have you seen this place?  http://www.landcruisersdirect.com/cars/
i know you want to build your own, but it's interesting to see what you can get here in the us legally these days

Oh i have looked. FJ prices are CRAZY!

So I have been doing ALOT of research on this. Little Steve has helped. Here is about what I am going for. INSPIRATION!!!

If your interested, I have a 91 std cab sitting in my shed.  I could make you a deal on the frame and cab!! 

I bought it for a project, but things have changed, and its just sitting there.  Its the bottom link in my signature!

Cool.  I have been sitting on the fence about the 91.  Some days, I think I want to just get rid of it, part it, or build it up.  I already have a second 21 spline case, and spare axles.  Motor and trans needs rebuilt.  Thinking of stripping it down to the bare essentials.  Strip the dash down to guages, and a heater.  Maybe hillbilly flatbed, and some half doors.  The type of rig, that raingear would be needed regularly!!   

But in the mean time, its not costing me anything sitting in the shed. 

mmm ooozee

X2 

Seems legit can't wait to help out