Autos For FJ40s?Q: My question is did Toyota ever make an FJ40 with an automatic transmission? I have some paralysis on my left side which hinders shifting and doing major modifications myself, but I'm not about to give up getting out to where my other truck won't take me. I'd also like to keep the Toyota as stock as possible. Is there much hope in this quest or should I forget Toyota and look for a Jeep?David LawrenceAlamogordo, New Mexico
A: David, you're out of luck on the automatic in your FJ40. Toyota never offered one and to mate one up to the stock six-cylinder engine would take scads of R&D and exorbitant amounts of money. If anyone were to produce such an adapter though, it would be Advance Adapters, (800) 350-2223, or Novak Conversions, (877) 602-1500. Neither companies do, however, as drivetrain length issues weigh too heavily. Both companies do offer everything you'll need to swap a Chevy drivetrain into your 'Cruiser, so you could explore that angle. After that, a Jeep might be your next option.
Coils For YjsI have a '92 Wrangler and am interested in a coil spring conversion. With Warn out of the suspension business, is the Pro Comp system the only commercially available option?It's certainly the most advertised. I've heard of a bolt-on conversion kit from 4Play Offroad in Arkansas, but have never read anything about it. Also, does Tomken have any plans of offering a coil conversion, similar to the CJ kit that was reviewed in the Oct. issue of your magazine for the YJs? Any information would be great.Kris ClarksonBirmingham, Alabama
A: Kris, we haven't heard of anything about 4Play Offroad or Tomken making YJ coil kits, but we can tell you that the previously Warn-owned Black Diamond suspension lineup is now being offered by Woods Ready Distributors in West Monroe, Louisiana, (318) 807-6666, www.blackdiamondoffroad.com. They're pitching the Black Diamond XCL (Xtreme Coil Link) kits for Jeep YJs, wide-track CJs, and Scramblers. The kit is said to provide 6 inches of lift and accommodate 35-inch tires. Pro Comp offers its 5-inch kit available through 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers, (800) 421-1050, www.4wheelparts.com.