55 newbie - need some answers

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S

Station21

Joined
Jan 21, 2003
Threads
3
Messages
10
I'm looking at buying a '72 55. Has been repainted but body looks good. Frame is in great shape. The guy selling it doesn't know much other than it needs a steering box, and that it is a 3 spd. what engine would it have in it? is the running gear the same as the fj40s? What are my options for a new steering box?

Thanks in advance for any info
 
Engine would be a 3.9 liter Type F engine, inline 6. That changed to a larger 4.2L 2F in 1975 which is often a great swap in for more power and parts availability, although F parts are still basically the same. The complete driveline is the same as an FJ40 except for driveshaft length and rear springs. You'll notice that the various repair manuals cover both and that there are very few differences.

I have a manual steering box in working condition I just took off of mine this week for a power steering conversion. Let me know if you're interested.

Welcome to MUD :flipoff2: (<-- Official salute)
 
Station21 said:
I'm looking at buying a '72 55. Has been repainted but body looks good. Frame is in great shape. The guy selling it doesn't know much other than it needs a steering box, and that it is a 3 spd. what engine would it have in it? is the running gear the same as the fj40s? What are my options for a new steering box?

Thanks in advance for any info
Click to expand...
You lucky dog! Hows the rust? Have a digital camera? We crave pics. Your motor is supposed to be an F. Versus 75 and on they were 2Fs'. You can tell by standing on the passenger side, looking down at the motor just back of the distributor. See the flat sticking out of the engine with numbers on it? First numeral should be an F. Walk to the driver side. look down at the intake. Is there an oil filter canister bolted to the intake manifold? That is your remote filter. All the 55 drivetrain is the same as an FJ40 except drive shafts? one at least. 55 has better frame boxed and welded. Steering box.........well thats a different story. Welcome to the world of Pig owners. Think long and hard about spending money on stock fix, Think about going power steering, lots of threads on that subject here, look around the site. These thing are rust buckets, terrible stock paint. Look there first before buying. Unless odf course you are a body man. Welcome and luck.
 
Look at the trouble rust spots very carefully. Rockers, floorboards, roof, drip rail, hood, front bottom part of the fender, over the rear fenders, bottom of rear tailgate. Check for bondo. I bought one that looked great, and it's still being welded on.

And the F engine is not very powerful for the weight of the truck, they kinda drive like a tractor. But oh what a reliable tractor they are when they are cared for. I have a 73, and I am still in love.

And, welcome :flipoff2:

Oh, and this thread is worthless without pics!
 
Thanks for the quick responses! and the welcomes. Should be a welcome back as I was on here in '03 three before I sold my rust bucket '74 J40. This '72 55 would not be my first choice in cruisers, but this truck seems very clean. It has been repainted but I can't find any evidence of bondo or anything more than some minor rust. Roof looks good, interior is nice but it has ugly buckets put in. Going back tomorrow to get a look at the motor and see how it runs. I'll see if I can snap some pics
 
Welcome! :grinpimp:

I also have a '72. Had the same thing-looked good--but I'm gonna have a lot of chemo to fix, especially on the roof. S'ok tho-I wouldn't trade it for anything!
 
OK...so went back and had a closer look. Floors look clean. Only found one bit of bondo (rear drivers panel- behind fuel filler). Interior is pretty much clean with the exception of the cheesy front buckets someone put in. The Steering box is shot for sure and needs a new battery and/or have the charging system checked.(wouldn't start- so no test drive). Got a couple picks for those that asked. Can anyone tell me if that roof carrier and those bumpers are original? oh yeah....it has a winch as well

09-11-071135.jpg

09-11-071133.jpg

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Roofrack and bumpers are definitely not factory. Nor are the grill hold-down screws. Is that a manual rear window? More pics please.
 
x2 station21...........looks a lot better than the frightful thing I bought:frown:, it shows some TLC; also.......... that is a nice looking front bumper + winch:D.........do you know the history?; you might check underneath and look at the frame to body supports......examine the roof line and gutters well.agree with Pighead.......that looks like a manual rear tailgate......out of OZ?? ghetto made?; it does not have the license plate depression of a US spec vehicle that I am familiar with............ was the depression for the license covered over? would be nice to open the rear tailgate inspection plate and see what is there?; any comments from OZ members or anyone with first hand knowledge of manual tailgates:cheers:


Lou
 
I'm thinking that I will probably buy it, but I'm trying to track down some parts and info first. The underside and frame are super clean. The roof gutters and roof look pretty decent as well. Don't have much info on the rig, and as it is at a used car lot I doubt I'll get much more. As for the tailgate, I'm not sure. Were the US spec trucks different than the Canadian ones? This one has Toyota stamped into the metal right between the lights so I'm thinking its factory. There is actually a bracket and light for the license plate on the rear bumper just above the tow hitch.

As for more pics, thats is all I got. I'll post many more if I infact buy the pig.
 
Howdy! Go for it, man. I have been in my Piggy for over 20 years, and I have never regretted selling my FJ40 so I could buy it. These rigs are just plain great!! You sure don't see any 30+ year old Wagoneers on the trails. Stock is beautiful, tricked out is beautiful, it doesn't matter. Either way, you will get TONS of support on this list. Any problem you have, someone on here has already solved it. On the trail, or at the dealership, you'll hear "what they hell is that"?? Just smile, big, it's a giggle trying to explain it to folks. Joohn
 
OK.....one last question. I have access to a diesel engine & 4spd trans out of an '80 FJ40 or FJ42. It has been rebuilt. Would it be worth the time to do the transplant. I don't know much about the early diesels.
 
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