1973 Model Reference (1 Viewer)

[FJ40Savvy]

The '73 is a unicorn model year. It would seem there are a number of changes that Toyota introduced in this model year which only latest for one model year or less. I have collect this information from the forum, experience and from other members (@Living in the Past , @Engineer8000 , @73FJ40 )


Only Year

• "ski google" backup light
• fan switch was marked front and rear.
• 1st generation back lit knob headlight switch , however a 1 model year only fixed knob type , No rheostat dimmer feature .

First Year

• with the fuel filler door
• for a radio opening in the dash
• for the new knob design on the dash

Last Year

• with the round taillights
• for a functioning vent in the cowl
• the rear heater has it's own switch.

In September 1973 the F engine was updated, to a model sometimes referred to as "F and a half" or F.5. This remains a 3.9-liter, 75/93 kW (105/125 hp), carbureted gasoline engine capable of 261/289 N·m (189/209 lb·ft) of torque at 2000 rpm; the major difference between the F and the F.5 is the oiling system. The F.5 uses the same oiling set-up and configuration as its 2F successor.

The head rests were optional 73-75 and different than 76-78 models which were standard.

The transmission cover is 9/72-9/73. The 9/73-1/74 with a three speed has different boot opening. Transfer case boot on the 9/73-1/74 is the same as the four speed. But the transmission boot was only used in the US for a few months. Same with the tunnel covers. Other markets did get a three speed until 10/82.

Speedometer is one year only.
The front looks like a 3rd gen cluster but the back looks like a 2nd gen cluster. Front and internals are identical to the 3rd gen cluster however the back is a metal housing but without the PCB ( Printed Circuit Board).

The vapor separator cover for this model year. (10/72 Build)

 

[B y r o n]

Good summation, have you looked at other hardware related items? Things like rear axle bearings, some assembled with older axles that have pressed on inner race and others built with newer bearing that rode on the axle itself.

 

[Living in the Past]

It was also the first year for bucket seats with a center column. First year for headrests which were an option originally. The previous bench seat were capable of using headrests but never seen a US imported FJ40 prior to 9/72 with factory installed headrests.

 

[FJ40Savvy]

Good summation, have you looked at other hardware related items? Things like rear axle bearings, some assembled with older axles that have pressed on inner race and others built with newer bearing that rode on the axle itself.

This was just a starting point. Feel free to added any mechanical differences that you are aware of.

 

[FJ40Savvy]

Ski Google Light

 

[FJ40Savvy]

 

[Engineer8000]

Under seat tool roll straps - not sure what other years had these.

first factory radio, 86120-35024

As mentioned, first year for factory radio cutout and last year for functional cowl vent, required this pull rod.

 

[Engineer8000]

And I think last year without roll bar and long jump seats?

 

[MDH33]

Don't forget the one year only carburetor Bellcrank to cable linkage set up.

Not my pic

 

[Living in the Past]

I looked at my 2/73 and this is the emissions cover.

Here is the 74 tank cover and the larger piece of the emissions cover. Have the other piece somewhere in the bed of my FJ45. Bed is loaded with parts to the top of the head rack.

It's my opinion the emissions covered changed by the time my 2/73 was made and switched from pewter to body color. Do we have any 2/73 and later 73 owners to report what they have.

 

[FJ40Savvy]

I looked at my 2/73 and this is the emissions cover.
View attachment 3577156View attachment 3577157
Here is the 74 tank cover and the larger piece of the emissions cover. Have the other piece somewhere in the bed of my FJ45. Bed is loaded with parts to the top of the head rack.
View attachment 3577158View attachment 3577159
It's my opinion the emissions covered changed by the time my 2/73 was made and switched from pewter to body color. Do we have any 2/73 and later 73 owners to report what they have.

Definitely an upgrade on the cover. More protection for sure.

 

[Engineer8000]

My truck is 10/72 also 136940

 

[FJ40Savvy]

My truck is 10/72 also 136940

138384

 

[Living in the Past]

View attachment 3577047
View attachment 3577048

Only front bumper I have known 100% sure was made from 10/73 to 1/79 is one I off bought of a friend. He bought one of the first 75 FJ40s sold in LA California. He installed a Warn winch and channel iron bumper. During that time period Toyota offered a license plate bracket that bolted to the bottom of bumper on the right when both a factory winch and factory lights. License was in front of the bumper not hanging below. Have a few options of license plate brackets to use. One was made aftermarket and the other early bracket the base was cut off. I have a few Winches and few sets of fog lights. Personally would look into something similar on such a nice vehicle.

 

[thatcabledude]

Last year of non covered gas tank, right?

First year of that style steering wheel and column also?

 

[73FJ40]

FJ40 LVA (USA hardtop) 1/73 141868

Locking door for gas cap:

Dash with front and rear fan controls, both two-speed. Also, hardtop dome light switch just above ash tray.

Offset link rod for cowl vent to avoid "short" AM radio.

Last year for rear step with inboard attachment screws. 1974 moved to triple combination lamps cut into the rear frame, requiring bumperettes to move closer to center. The 74 and later steps overlapped the bumperettes, using the same screws.

 

[FJ40Savvy]

Only front bumper I have known 100% sure was made from 10/73 to 1/79 is one I off bought of a friend. He bought one of the first 75 FJ40s sold in LA California. He installed a Warn winch and channel iron bumper. During that time period Toyota offered a license plate bracket that bolted to the bottom of bumper on the right when both a factory winch and factory lights. License was in front of the bumper not hanging below. Have a few options of license plate brackets to use. One was made aftermarket and the other early bracket the base was cut off. I have a few Winches and few sets of fog lights. Personally would look into something similar on such a nice vehicle

These are older pictures. The PO built this license plate holder however I now made a new one based on this parts catalogue image.

 

[FJ40Savvy]

1/73 141868

Locking door for gas cap:
View attachment 3577357

Dash with front and rear fan controls, both two-speed. Also, dome light switch just above ash tray.
View attachment 3577359
Offset link rod for cowl vent to avoid "short" AM radio.
View attachment 3577360

Last year for rear step with inboard attachment screws. 1974 moved to triple combination lamps cut into the rear frame, requiring bumperettes to move closer to center. The 74 and later steps overlapped the bumperettes, using the same screws.
View attachment 3577362

Curious. The dome switch light is for the soft top or the vader light?
I had holes on the right side of the glove box for the vader light.

 

[73FJ40]

Curious. The dome switch light is for the soft top or the vader light?
I had holes on the right side of the glove box for the vader light.

View attachment 3577376

Good catch. hardtop dome light, top of driver side B pillar.

 

[FJ40Savvy]

Good catch. hardtop dome light, top of driver side B pillar.

I have a plug in that hole. The dome light that I have on the B-Pillar has a built in switch. I will assume that your configuration is OEM.