Builds The "Wife made me buy a FJ40" to shut me up build thread (1 Viewer)

[badsamaritan]

So like the title says, my wife made me buy a 1973 FJ40 to shut me up about having to sell my last one. A few years ago I had a nice 1969 that I did a LM7 swap on (Build thread here if anyone is interested). Life happened and I had to choose which of my two project cars to keep so I sold the FJ40, I regretted it immediately.

Fast forward a few years later and a move to San Diego and here we are. I'm not thrilled with myself as I rushed through my inspection and missed some rust in the floor by the gas tank. I think eventually this will get treated to some bodywork and paint, it's a 10 footer for now.

Immediate goals are:
Power steering
Disc brakes

Long Term goals
Engine /trans swap
EFI

 

[RAYJON]

Welcome back to the addiction....

 

[Indestructible 47]

beauty! love 40's with a good lift and bigger tires i reckon it gives them a great presence. what motor are you thinking of swapping in? any chance i can convince you to go diesel?

 

[Tancruiser]

Wait ago letting some girl tell you what to do.

 

[badsamaritan]

I'm definitely open to ideas at this point. My buddy was trying to talk me into a OM617 for awhile. I've already done a LS swap so I'd like to go another route this time. For now it really needs to have the sloppy steering addressed

beauty! love 40's with a good lift and bigger tires i reckon it gives them a great presence. what motor are you thinking of swapping in? any chance i can convince you to go diesel?

 

[badsamaritan]

Got the 40 out of the garage today and took it for a spin after having somenissues getting it to start. Motor cranks over fine but acts like there's no fuel. I pulled the stock air cleaner off and pushed the plunger down by hand and it fired up.

Drove fine, but has some issues I need to check out.

Oil leak from the back of the motor. Guessing it's the cam plug as it drips rather than being slung by the flywheel like rear main seal leaks tend to do.

Lots of hokey wiring around the starter saw a few wires just twisted together. Thanks PO.

Clutch shudders taking off from a stop. Guessing it's the old three finger type or maybe it's getting soaked in oil from that leak. Will pull the inspection cover and see.

I'm trying to get a shop built so it will be slow going until that is done.

 

[69LC]

I was just in Ontario/Rancho this week. I should have looked at your location before heading to AZ... next time.

 

[badsamaritan]

I was just in Ontario/Rancho this week. I should have looked at your location before heading to AZ... next time.

I just moved about 2 weeks ago to San Diego. I need to update my info here. But yeah, if you're ever in the area let me know. I go to Havasu periodically to see family, but that's about the only place I go in AZ for now

 

[69LC]

I’m leaving for MI tomorrow. I get to Oceanside a lot too.

 

[69LC]

MI is supposedly home. I’m out here more than there lately, so seeing other Cruiser people and their rigs gives me hope of someday driving mine again.

 

[badsamaritan]

Oceanside is pretty close, lots of course workers live there, let me know next time your out that way

 

[69LC]

Will do. There are a few mudders there too.

 

[1969FJ]

I will ask, but ,do not expect, a fair response. Can you do a stock restoration for the integrity of the legend ?

 

[Living in the Past]

Looks like you have a 74 model made in 73. The tail lights, roll bar and emblem on the apron are all for a 74 model. Original engine will have the oil filter on the passenger side in front of the distributor. Guessing the VIN plaque on the A pillar will show a 9/73-12/73 build date. That has the last year of the F engine and only F engine with the new improved oiling system. Been told by a Land Cruiser expert this is has the best torque for off road.

 

[69LC]

Had the expert driven a 40 with a SBC, LS(x), Cummins etc?

 

[badsamaritan]

I will ask, but ,do not expect, a fair response. Can you do a stock restoration for the integrity of the legend ?

Probably not, sorry. I don't plan on going insane, but I will likely go 2f, 5speed and EFI.

 

[69LC]

Gunna use a 3fe Head?

 

[badsamaritan]

Looks like you have a 74 model made in 73. The tail lights, roll bar and emblem on the apron are all for a 74 model. Original engine will have the oil filter on the passenger side in front of the distributor. Guessing the VIN plaque on the A pillar will show a 9/73-12/73 build date. That has the last year of the F engine and only F engine with the new improved oiling system. Been told by a Land Cruiser expert this is has the best torque for off road.

Hey thanks for this info, I think you are right. It is titled as a 74 but here's a pic of the VIN plate which was on drivers side A pillar.

 

[badsamaritan]

Had the expert driven a 40 with a SBC, LS(x), Cummins etc?

My first cruiser was a 69 that had a 283sbc with a SM420. I converted to a LM7 out of a Tahoe. But I've never driven a diesel cruiser. Maybe driving one will change my mind. Aren't the F engine hard to find parts for?

 

[Martyt]

Where in SD? Wifey and I are in Kensington—- not many MUD folks in this area. Mine is a pretty stock 69’. I like your rig and am subscribed to your project. Later.