I just recently found a 78 40. It's got all of the doors windows engine. The engine is in the back not hooked up. The owner said it was rebiult 5000 miles ago. The frame is rusted but not that bad. Not sure what else to look for. The guy wants a grand for it and just looking for a little advise from you guys. Thanks
78 Fj40
- Thread starter dredog44
- Start date
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A '78 is considered by many to be the best year of LC. Still has the 4.11 diffs and probably fine splined pinions, too. Kinda begs the question, why is the 5K rebuild in the bed of the truck? Check the frame for rot especially at the rear springs.
Ought to be worth a grand. Does it have the hardtop?
GL
Ed
Ought to be worth a grand. Does it have the hardtop?
GL
Ed
- Thread starter
- #5
Yes its got the hard top. The guy told me that it had a V8 in it and thats what recked the tranny. His buddy wanted the V8 so they took it out and just put the original in the back. I really don't think he understands what kind of vehicle he has because he kept calling it a jeep. Any other problam areas of concern, and how can I tell what year it is for real. I really need a lot of input. Thanks
There should be a VIN plate on the driver's door opening, on the hinge side. It may also have the build date.
Ed
Did you reads this thread?
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-seri...j-40-fj-40-b-u-y-e-r-s-g-u-i-d-e-***-f-q.html
Ed
Did you reads this thread?
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-seri...j-40-fj-40-b-u-y-e-r-s-g-u-i-d-e-***-f-q.html
Advice? Buy it, or run away screaming. Figure at least $5000 to get it on the road. The rebuild probably has rust inside the cylinders unless it's been carefully stored. The one I got was carefully stored and still had rust in the cylinders.
It'll probably need brakes from stem to stern a bunch of seals and they probably hacked up the electrical to put in the v8.
Check if it comes with the v8 bellhousing. Take some pics and post 'em up. Firewall is interesting, radiator, motor mounts f&r on the bellhousing, Springs and suspension condition are interesting. Take a look at the leaf springs and bushings and shackles. Take a picture of the steering setup and the column. Dash has non-original holes? Roll bar setup. Factory or other spare tire carrier. Rims? Hard top condition. A '78 has vinyl door panels on the front doors, the windows are one piece, no vent window, and there are vent windows at the rear of the sides of the hard top. Look at the bottoms of the doors and the ambulance doors and the rear sill (part of the tub below the back doors.
I'm not trying to talk you out of it. Just be prepared financially if you want it on the road.
Worst case, there are probably at least $2000 worth of parts there.
It'll probably need brakes from stem to stern a bunch of seals and they probably hacked up the electrical to put in the v8.
Check if it comes with the v8 bellhousing. Take some pics and post 'em up. Firewall is interesting, radiator, motor mounts f&r on the bellhousing, Springs and suspension condition are interesting. Take a look at the leaf springs and bushings and shackles. Take a picture of the steering setup and the column. Dash has non-original holes? Roll bar setup. Factory or other spare tire carrier. Rims? Hard top condition. A '78 has vinyl door panels on the front doors, the windows are one piece, no vent window, and there are vent windows at the rear of the sides of the hard top. Look at the bottoms of the doors and the ambulance doors and the rear sill (part of the tub below the back doors.
I'm not trying to talk you out of it. Just be prepared financially if you want it on the road.
Worst case, there are probably at least $2000 worth of parts there.
BUY IT!!
just be ready to keep that wallet open
just be ready to keep that wallet open
