I’m in the process of a frame off, nut/bolt restoration on a Japanese vin 1981 Fj40. All the kits I can find specify 1975 and older. I have drums on all 4 corners. FWIW, I did use search function and FAQs (maybe not correctly?). Thanks mudders!
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Oh wow! Great info. Ok, next hard disc brake question… I just restored the original 16” split rims and have since read somewhere that they may not be disc brake friendly? And if you guys are really in the mood for my dumb questions: can I put hub caps on the 16s?being as your rig is an 81.
get the disc knuckles, hubs and locking hubs from a 79+ mini truck, 40, 55, 60, or 62 series truck
do not get a bolt on kit, stay with Toyota stuff
Oh wow! Great info. Ok, next hard disc brake question… I just restored the original 16” split rims and have since read somewhere that they may not be disc brake friendly? And if you guys are really in the mood for my dumb questions: can I put hub caps on the 16s?
Thanks so much for the help. You’ve saved me a lot of trouble.
Depends on what market it was for. I've had an 82 and a 83 fj45, both never had discs. Drums on all corners from factory, but that's because both were gen Market 45s. FJ45-RPK 's to be exact. Didn't have the h55 5 speeds like the aussie spec ones got either. Gen market 40s were the bare basics made for Africa and other parts of the worldMy 1981 BJ44 came from the factory with disc brakes.
You might want to verify if you have the right front axle. Strange things can happen in the lifetime of a 40 year old utility vehicle. Mine went form Japan to New Zealand to Arizona, used hard and put away wet.
Long story short, my father in law ordered it straight from Japan and had it exported to Bolivia. The first two he had in the 70s were manufactured in South America and rusted. Somebody told him to order the next one from Japan. It has a Japanese vin but is left hand drive. That said, it has zero options. No heater, no blower, nothing. I bought him a jeep and sent this to the US about 3 years ago for restoration. He was too old to drive it anymore.Depends on what market it was for. I've had an 82 and a 83 fj45, both never had discs. Drums on all corners from factory, but that's because both were gen Market 45s. FJ45-RPK 's to be exact. Didn't have the h55 5 speeds like the aussie spec ones got either. Gen market 40s were the bare basics made for Africa and other parts of the world
Any idea where to purchase the Toyota parts?None of the aftermarket kits will fit your knuckles/spindles/hubs.
What you want are the actual Toyota parts.
You will need knuckles and wheel bearing hubs. Obviously rotors/calipers as well.
Luckily since your 40 is +79 you already have the correct birfields and spindles and large-pattern steering arms.
Start here with a wanted ad:
Classifieds - Axle/Suspension
Differentials, Springs, Shocks, Bump Stops, Ring/Pinion, etc.forum.ih8mud.com
Contact one of the vendors on the forum. My first call would be Georg @orangefj45 at Valley Hybrids.
I’ll get on that tomorrow! ThanksStart here with a wanted ad:
Classifieds - Axle/Suspension
Differentials, Springs, Shocks, Bump Stops, Ring/Pinion, etc.forum.ih8mud.com
Contact one of the vendors on the forum. My first call would be Georg @orangefj45 at Valley Hybrids.
Georg, that’s great to hear. I’m in west Texas. I’ll pm youWe have all the parts you need. Where are you located?
Georg @ Valley Hybrids @ Cruiser Brothers