60s vs 70s FJ40

[hawkeyealum]

Is their much difference between the years? Will a 1967 differ much from a 1977? I know there are slight differences in body/trim but I havent been able to find much else?

The reason I ask is that it seems most of the FJs that come up for sale are 1970s. Did the 1960s versions not really last or are they just not has sought after?

 

[Bigcity25]

I can tell you what I know and I am sure there is plenty more to add. First I think in 71 or higher they switched to the 2f engine as compared to the f. I have a 70 and that was the first year for power brakes and I think front disc brakes came in around the mid 70's my tranny is a 3 on the tree and a 4 speed came in also later on in the 70's. The earlier 40's had the best metal as compared to the later models. But they all will rust at some point. Parts have been harder for me to find compared to later model 40's but you just need to do some homework. A 40 is a 40 I love them all. Do some google work and there are alot of sites with landcruiser info.

 

[remorris]

I think it's a matter of how many were imported in those 60's years. The other factor in our favor is how the FJ40 has what amounts to a cult following. So fewer FJ40 are scrapped out now. The 60's models were around before it was a cool to have vehicle. So they were salvaged more often.

 

[bikersmurf]

I can tell you what I know and I am sure there is plenty more to add. First I think in 71 or higher they switched to the 2f engine as compared to the f. I have a 70 and that was the first year for power brakes and I think front disc brakes came in around the mid 70's my tranny is a 3 on the tree and a 4 speed came in also later on in the 70's. The earlier 40's had the best metal as compared to the later models. But they all will rust at some point. Parts have been harder for me to find compared to later model 40's but you just need to do some homework. A 40 is a 40 I love them all. Do some google work and there are alot of sites with landcruiser info.

2F was introduced in 1975. 1974 had 4 speed and updated oiling in the F (often called .5F or 1.5F). 1976ish were the first disc brakes.

Most of the parts interchange across the years.

 

[merlinridesagain]

Production numbers in general were lower at the start of the model line:

Land Cruisers Sold Per Year & Vin Numbers by Production Dates

This site has a good break down of model year changes:

TLC FAQ - 15.1 40 Series Production Timeline

 

[fhawk5]

I agree the 60s had much better steel. After 1971 emissions were getting tougher and after 1974/1975 gas shortage became a concern. Toyota started lightening the 40 so the steel got thinner. Not sure on the frames as I own a 1969.

 

[cjgoode]

What I have learned is the pre 1968 axles are a pain to get parts for and fix if they are leaking. I have a 1962 and a 1980 in the garage and the difference in the sheet metal is shocking. The 1960's are so much better the split hood with the spear on it, the small round fender lights and not those big monstrosities they later used, and the lights in the bib, not to also mention the likely hood of three on the tree. Early 1970's are still real good also but did not have the bib lights.

 

[scott johnson]

One good thing about 40's is alot of the parts are interchangeable from year to year. Mine is 72 with 79 axles, a 78 4 speed tranny, 79 steering column, , 79 radiator, mid 90's 4 runner power stering box, 79 windshield frame and hood, and when I get around to swapping them out it will have 70 front fenders. My engine is fried and I have a 70 f motor to go in it if I cant find a 2f before I can get around to swapping the motor.

 

[cjgoode]

Scott is 100% correct, I am getting ready for a long drive to pickup some post 1976 axles to put on my 1962 fj40, and it has a 1971 engine and transmission already.