1979 FJ40 Original Olive Build, 7 year Ownership, and prep for BaT (3 Viewers)

[desmocruiser]

In October 18', After a very long search I finally found an FJ40 in the year range 79'+, favorite 40 color Olive, condition Stock original paint and Rust Free, that I had been after for several years!

To celebrate our 1st anniversary/it’ s 40th, I felt it appropriate to do a little mechanical refreshing of a few bothersome minor issues. Exhaust manifold leak, rear main seal, and clutch replacement!

 

[desmocruiser]

As it turns out these items are much easier to replace with the engine out!

 

[desmocruiser]

However, while out may as well do oil pan, valve cover, and crank seal gaskets along with the exhaust manifold and intake machining, rear main seal, flywheel resurfacing, and clutch components!

 

[desmocruiser]

Oh and I should clean up the engine bay while it is easy to reach!

 

[desmocruiser]

I resisted temptation and attempted to stay clean and appropriately aged with patina instead of powder coating and polishing on this project!

 

[hooter]

That escalated quickly!!!

Looks good.

 

[desmocruiser]

Thanks!
Full disclosure, lots of hired hands and the my best time lapse of 3 weeks with pictures without posts!

 

[desmocruiser]

 

[TheHardWay]

Well done, Sir, especially the engine bay. Now about that hood....

 

[desmocruiser]

Yeah. Definitely stands out, will have to tackle soon, I don’t want to unbolt it and break the paint so it will be a little more challenging!

Exhaust work is next from the header tube back, researching the best option now, if anyone has suggestions as close to OEM as possible?

 

[Living in the Past]

Last time I checked the OEM muffler/tailpipe was still available. Bought one for my 79 a few years back. Not sure about the rest.

Doesn't appear to be a OEM compressor, what type under dash evaporator do you have?

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Looks great!!!

But, think how it will look after you remove the body, blast and paint the frame, add new body mounts, remount body and add new badging.

I’d leave it as it is and enjoy it, but YMMV.



It’s a great truck regardless!!

 

[cbmontgo]

Beautiful 40.

Don’t be upset when she starts leaking again at that rear main seal. That’s how a Land Cruiser tells you she still has oil.

 

[desmocruiser]

Last time I checked the OEM muffler/tailpipe was still available. Bought one for my 79 a few years back. Not sure about the rest.

Doesn't appear to be a OEM compressor, what type under dash evaporator do you have?

Thanks, I ordered the muffler and tailpipe from Toyota today.

It is a previous generation CCOT kit, I understand now they are slightly different.

Works great only complaint is there are three options for the fan, off=Hot, Low = equals very cold, Higher than low is really cold, of course these are the passengers ratings, the dog, kids, and I are about perfect!

 

[desmocruiser]

Beautiful 40.

Don’t be upset when she starts leaking again at that rear main seal. That’s how a Land Cruiser tells you she still has oil.

Haha, I agree, the rear mains are problematic, my 60 I redid ~10 years and 8k miles ago and are now lightly seeping.

All the gaskets were 40 years old, the clutch was the original and showing it’s age and the exhaust leak was irritating and time to resolve, hopefully these will get me a good 10 years!

 

[desmocruiser]

Looks great!!!

But, think how it will look after you remove the body, blast and paint the frame, add new body mounts, remount body and add new badging.

I’d leave it as it is and enjoy it, but YMMV.



It’s a great truck regardless!!

Thanks!

It was tempting this time around, most people look under the hood at the work and scratch their head and ask why I didn’t powder coat everything and make it better than new Like your 60?

 

[desmocruiser]

This one has gone full circle and after an incredibly enjoyable 7 Years, it is time to move on.

As I have spent the last couple of weeks getting this one ready for sale (my mindset to move forward) it is amazing how original this truck has remained for 46 years.

I thought I would use this 6 year old thread to chronicle some of the work and some of the cool things it accompanied my family and on through the years I have had with this one!

 

[desmocruiser]

Engine out reseal with clutch, PP, etc. in 2019
OME Lift and Bilstein Shocks in 2021
Warn 8274 installed in factory Bumper in 2022, later switched for a more period correct version.
FJCompany Wheels and switch to 235/85/16 tires in 2022
Finally installed the Toyota Muffler in 2025
Knuckle Rebuild with new bearings, front calipers, rotors, steering ends and rods in 2025

 

[desmocruiser]

Good times!

 

[desmocruiser]

Served as our family Christmas Card a couple of years!