1978 FJ40 - Colorado

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

I posted more photos up on flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/126833987@N03/

Selling a 1978 FJ40. I bought this truck about a year ago after waiting 17 years! It's a great truck, in pretty good condition.

I am the 3rd owner. I bought it from a mechanic in Silver Cliff, CO who owned it for 20 years. The original owner was meticulous about keeping records. I have a ton of paperwork and logs from the original owner. I have an original log book with receipts (gas, tired, etc) from the early 1980's

This 40 has an SBC 400 engine with a TH350 transmission and fuel injection/TBI. The odometer reads roughly 120k, but the engine has around 85k (if my memory serves me correctly, it could be less). If you know about the small block 400 and the th350, its got lots of torque! The 400 runs hot but its never over heated on me.

This is not my daily driver but I try to drive it around town about once a week. When its cold out (or raining) it stays in the garage. It starts right up with no issue every time, even if its been sitting for a couple weeks.

It has front disc brakes. The leaf springs are new with less than 1000 miles on them. I believe they are pro-comp leafs with a mild 2" lift.

When I bought it, the land cruiser had a very heavy and stout front bumper with a warn mx8000 winch. I removed the bumper when I swapped out the springs. The leafs that were on the truck them rode very stiff even with the bumper. I still have them and are included with sale. I took the bumper off with hopes of putting and ARB bumper on.

I just moved the jump seats back to their original location b/c its easier to get my kids in and out. The PO create a custom bracket that allows you to convert the seats in to a bench. I still have this and it's included as well.

Along with all that it's got a pretty new radiator with dual fans. The PO said the parts cost him $1200.

The PO spent a lot of $$ doing a 'restore' on it. The overall condition is pretty high. 7.5|8 out of 10. There is very little rust if any. I know the steps on the side have a little but its probably 95% rust free.

Let me know if you have any questions.

UPDATED PRICE: 15,500$

IMG_1189.webp


IMG_1190.webp


IMG_1215.webp


IMG_1216.webp
 
Last edited:
Forgot to say, I live in Highlands Ranch, CO. I am also up for trades; a 80 series of equal value would be great.

Then my wife could have the 100 series and I could sell the Sienna :)
 
Did I miss the price?
 
I looked over this truck today and talked to Patrick a very nice guy. The picture well represent the truck. Very little rust.

The paint looks great all over except a few orange peel spots on the dash, not a big deal though. The engine ran fine and he has a manual switch fan to turn on when it starts to get hot. Lots of torque

The one thing it needs is power steering. That much torque with manual steering isn't a good thing. But power steering can be installed fairly inexpensive

Much nicer than the 77 FJ40 I sold a few years ago. (see sig link if curious)

This is a vehicle that has been well cared for over its life

Didn't quite fit what I was looking for as I want something I can drive comfortably one handed at 75-80MPH on the highway as one of my many punch list items. That means power steering and a 5 speed transmission with overdrive gears

I am still tempted to buy it and modify it. I would need to replace the tranny and install Power Steering to get me what I am looking for.

I think it is well priced and as nice as it looks with the comments I made
 
It is the best color...:hillbilly:
 
Thanks for the positive review Romer!

I would love to have power steering. It's not terrible without but would definitely be better!
 
Your correct Patrick. The manual steering would be fine for most people
 
Ola, I'll call later today. Watching my kids right now while my wife takes a well deserved nap. :-)

If you have any questions you can PM me and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Thanks!
 
I called Ola, left a message, but got no reply. Still up for sale.

I'm 'planning' on going to the Rising Sun 4x4 Rally next Saturday (unless my kids turn out to be a disaster that morning!), if anyone wants to take a look.
 
Haha. Nice!

I was just reading your V8 swap thread. Not done reading yet but looks like you did an amazing job.
 
I am thinking again about selling this. We have family members who need help financially and this is my only asset to sell to help them. They come first.

The laws in CO just changed and now the 78 qualifies as a vintage vehicle and only needs smog check and registration every 5 years. I just had it done and it passed. Had to buy a new fuel cap but it did pass.

Since last summer I had a local shop in north Denver do an engine swap to a 350 sbc. The 400 was a powerful engine but just got way to hot. Definitely wasn't relaible. It is much better now. I would drive it to work daily but I like to keep it out of the weather. It's my fair weather DD :-)

Since the swap just cost me $$$ i think $15,500 is reasonable.
 
What year manufactured? Curious about compatibility with my 11/77.
Thanks
Jon
 
@greenbeast it's 1977. I'll have to check the vin tomorrow for month. Maybe September? If I don't get back to you send me a reminder.

@trekker9, the trade idea was from summer. I should delete that post sorry. My wife just got a Yukon, so getting my 100 is no longer an option. Sorry! I would possibly trade for an 80 but it would have to be followed with $8-10k cash (which is probably unlikely on MUD). That way I could still have a reliable DD and sell off my 100 as well.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom