Aspiring to become a grease monkey

[CandyPants]

OK boys, y'all are going to have to help me find me a 40. I officially have the itch and it's mostly your fault.

So...I have no knowledge of such things as truck repair, but I am pretty mechanically oriented. I talked with a few of you at Tellico, and I know that I want a later model 40 (1976 and up I think). I think that's the 2F engine, right? I need to know what to look for so I don't buy a lemon or a rust bucket.

I am NOT in a hurry at all and want to find the right truck. I will want to build it up and wheel it, but want it to be pretty too. I think I'll paint it a nice girly color . Maybe a nice light blue or green.

Any help would be welcomed.

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

.........well I can't offer much help Heather, since I am about to leave on my cruiser sabatical........... but I will say you are doing the right thing and I am proud of you

 

[Gundy]

You go girl!

OK boys, y'all are going to have to help me find me a 40. I officially have the itch and it's mostly your fault.

So...I have no knowledge of such things as truck repair, but I am pretty mechanically oriented. I talked with a few of you at Tellico, and I know that I want a later model 40 (1976 and up I think). I think that's the 2F engine, right? I need to know what to look for so I don't buy a lemon or a rust bucket.

I am NOT in a hurry at all and want to find the right truck. I will want to build it up and wheel it, but want it to be pretty too. I think I'll paint it a nice girly color . Maybe a nice light blue or green.

Any help would be welcomed.

If Mike Hall, the stooge moving to Utah, is really going to sell his 40
it would be a nice 40. I think he recently put a 2f in it. Drop him a PM.
It would be a good solid truck to build up. He takes care of his cruisers.
I like baby blue 40s. LOL....I have for over 20 years now.
Keep your eyes open and the fitting beast will find you. Be prepared
because 40s are VERY addictive.
Ohm....cruiser,cruiser,cruiser....Ohm

 

[Trollhole]

Heather see my signature line.

 

[erymer]

Congrats heather. You'll love driving a 40....very rustic and Tractor'ish. I will always have a 40. I would also stick with 76 and up....you get the 2f, 4 spd and front disk brakes. I like the 76-78 just because I like the round bezel. I still love my 79 with the square bezel too.

 

[CandyPants]

Thank you JP...I wish you could help too! By the time you get back, I might have myself a 40!

And Gundy, keep those Cruiser vibes coming this way. I haven't officially "outted" my plans to my sig O yet, so I'll need some good Karma so he doesn't leave me. He's gonna be a "cruiser widower" lol

Marshall...when did that get there? That is awesome...now if I only knew what half that crap meant, I'd be in great shape. I have so much to learn.

And finally...Eric, I think I will find what I find...but I would really like that round bezel. Won't it be sweet...FJC and FJ40 all together in the driveway!

 

[Gundy]

where there is a will

And finally...I think I will find what I find...but I would really like that round bezel. Won't it be sweet...FJC and FJ40 all together in the driveway!

I sense a future hoarder. You know those 75/25/60/62/55/45s are nice too.
LOL....
You'll find your 40 if it's your heart's desire.

 

[erymer]

And finally...Eric, I think I will find what I find...but I would really like that round bezel. Won't it be sweet...FJC and FJ40 all together in the driveway!

I know what you mean. It's nice to say "I want a 76-78" but then all of a sudden a nice one shows up which is not exactly what you want but you get it anyway. I would do the same thing too. Me personally I would stay away from one that's a 3spd on the column if you intend to wheel it. I just can't shift quick with a 3 on the tree. but if it's a round bezel your after then it's a 78 or earlier.

here's the basics though.
1975.......started the 2F and the 4 spd
1976.......started front disk brakes
1979.......square bezel

 

[erymer]

buyers guide

And of course right after I posted that I found the buyers guide from cool cruisers. How this helps and doesn't cause sensory overload.

FJ40 buyers guide

Cool Cruisers of Texas

This page is designed to educate and assist you, the buyer, in your quest to purchase the right FJ-40 at a fair market price. Here at Cool Cruisers of Texas, we receive dozens of calls each week from customers eager to learn more about FJ-40's and what to look for when shopping for the right Land Cruiser.

Below are some basic and general qualities to consider in buying a FJ-40:

We buy ‘76 through ‘83 FJ-40's. These year models have the features most desired by the mainstream market; i.e... Disc Brakes, Larger 2-F Motor, 4-speed Transmission, and Rear Ambulance Doors . We will occasionally purchase a ‘75 and older if the body is rust free.

FJ-40 Motor and Transmission: ‘75 to ‘83 models feature the larger 2-F, 6 cylinder motor with 4-speed transmissions. ‘74 and older models have a slightly smaller F motor, 6 cylinder motor with 3-speed transmission.

FJ-40 Brakes: In 1976, the FJ-40 went to front disc brakes; a ‘75 (and older) does not have this feature, however, our experience has been very favorable toward the drum brake system if it is working properly (usually new brake wheel cylinders will greatly improve the brake stopping power of these older models). For Great Prices... see Brake Parts
· Note: Between ‘74 and ‘75, the motors, transmissions and brakes (listed above) changed at different production dates during this two year period. If you are considering the purchase of a FJ-40 during this period, make sure you understand exactly how the vehicle is equipped - i.e. motors (F or 2-F), transmissions (3-Speed or 4-Speed) and brakes (Disc or Drum) - so you’ll know exactly what you are buying.

FJ-40 Rear Doors: In 1975, Toyota switched the FJ-40 rear door configuration from a 3 door hatch back system to an ambulance door system (1975 through 1983), making it possible to access the rear cargo area of vehicle without having to swing away the rear spare tire rack.

FJ-40 Painted? We will not buy an FJ-40 that has ever been re-painted. We want to know the original clean condition of the FJ-40 body. There are too many Bondo paint jobs out there concealing major body problems...

FJ-40 Rust and Metal: 1974 and older FJ-40's, though lacking in some modern features, have the best metal of all. You won’t find any spec's on metal quality, but after restoring hundreds of body tubs, we can clearly report the differences in year models. FJ-40's have been sent to us by customers for rust repair and installation of our body panels from all over the U.S. and Canada, and the 1974 and older FJ-40's have the highest grade (most rust resistant) metal of all. 1975 to 1978 have the next best metal and 1979 to 1983 have a more corrosive metal.

FJ-40 Gearing: ‘75 to ‘78, all FJ-40's have 4:11 gears (hiway speed approx. 58 mph @ 3,000 rpm). ‘79 to ‘83, all FJ-40's have 3:70 gears (hiway speed approx. 62 mph @ 3,000 rpm).
· Note: Tire height can change gear ratios to suit your needs.

FJ-40 Emissions, Federal E.P.A.: Emissions and smog devices are mandatory (per the Federal E.P.A.) to register and/or safety inspect your FJ-40 in all states. When buying an FJ-40, make sure emissions are present; no state is exempt of these Federal Emission Requirements.

FJ-40 Equipment you don’t want missing or Modified: ‘75 to ‘83, Hard Top & 4-doors: all steel body tub / steel fenders; running boards; rear jump seats; center console; sun visors; good headliner; tool kit & jack; original front seats; floor mats; upper dash pad board / lower dash knee pads; roll bar; seat belts; glass; tire rack; license plate brackets; bumpers; original paint; unmodified body; turn signals; emblems; keys - ignition / gas door key, and small rear door key; skid plates; emissions; exhaust; intake; carburetor; air cleaner; 2F motor; original transmission and more.

FJ-40 Mechanical check: No exhaust leaks; no carburetor problems / proper choke function; straight line brake stop @ 45 mph; motor compression checked; transmission / driveline & 4WD checked / function; color of exhaust & oil; sound of motor at low idle; sound of motor and drivetrain @ highway speed (does, or has, the motor ever run hot?); hoses and belts new; cooling system restored (i.e. radiator, fan clutch, thermostat, water pump, belts, hoses; Motor ever run Hot? Service records and more.

 

[CC Shuett]

OMG, Heather!!! An Environmental Consultant, animal lover, Toyota convert AND you get along with your brother? Will you be my new best friend?

If you buy an FJ40 you will be the second 'girl' I've ever heard of to do so of her own volition (me being the first). Surely there are others but I don't know who they are.

So here is the story about the beauty 'that got away' in case you didn't see it in another thread. I lusted for this vehicle the moment our friend bought it and he promised to sell it to us if he ever sold. SO....after he 'projected' on it for a while he was 'over it' as he is truly a die hard Jeep guy. I bought it and our friend reserved first right of refusal. I went home and said to Ken, "Honey, I bought the 40." He said, "Great!" We became members of TLCA and Upstate Cruisers after David's wife stopped me on Main Street in Pickens, SC one day when I was driving the 40.

At that point, we had three Cruisers in the garage, a 1977 40, 1993 80 and 1999 100. Life has a way of changing one's circumstances and we sold it back to our friend who, subsequently, sold it to someone in the Upstate. I've been looking at all the signatures to see if they are a member of the club but haven't seen it yet.

I could kick my a** from here to Alaska and back for letting her get away. Take a peek and maybe you'll understand.

Oh, well, what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right?

 

[CandyPants]

Well CC, I am all of that, except for the convert. Little known fact, I was the first one in the family to have a Toyota. When I got the job down here in ATL when I was 24, I immediately went to the dealership and bought a 1991 4-runner that was lifted and on 32's. Which, at the time, I thought were HUGE...hehehe. My dear brother was envious as all hell when I drove up to the site he was working on hanging out the top of my sunroof. Thus began the Toyota's in our family.

Dan has had a 40 (Alan bought it and restored it), 55, 60 and 2 80's. I am on my second with my FJ Cruiser. My other brother mike lives in Seattle and had a 60 for a while before his first kid was born. The first Cruiser I ever drove was a 40 and I knew at that time that one day I would have one of my own. But at that time, I was doing dog rescue and dumping $1000s into that a year. No money and no time...

Times have changed...I am ready now!

Plus, I bet the FJC would make a nice tow rig.

Oh, and I have seen pics of your former 40---it's BEAUTIFUL!!!!

 

[CandyPants]

Eric, good info!! Thanks so much. I completely know what you mean about one showing up. I keep looking at 40's on Craigs list and all over the place on the internet and think...oh, oh...that one looks good. I must have restraint and use the vast knowledge of this group to find MY 40, not just A 40.

 

[ALEXGAR]

Ah, Hrrrmf...Heather you have one sweet ride there with that FJ and 40's are, well... primitive.

If you have not driven one around both on the street AND trail you can take mine out next time (and it has power steering). I rode those FJ's and they'll down right spoil someone!

Take your time with your purchase. Let it fit YOU. That is the best advice I can offer.

Paco's Buddy

 

[CandyPants]

Oh Alex, I do know I am spoiled! But I have always wanted one! I know that I am going to end up in therapy with you and all the other 40 owners, but I figure I'll be in good company (and there will be beer and cigars)! I'll take you up on that offer to drive...look out!

 

[GXO]

I think I may end up working on a 40 when Heather gets one

 

[steenh]

I think I may end up working on a 40 when Heather gets one

Dan, I won't let that be the only thing that gets you working on a 40... Don't you worry one bit!

 

[GXO]

lol

 

[CandyPants]

OK, here's a 40 that I called about. I spoke with the owner who is pretty new to this stuff too, but was really nice and willing to chat about the truck and send more pics. I'll post them when I get them.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=129210

The engine is a V8 that was rebuilt about 400 miles ago. 5-speed. Runs very well and shifts very smoothly. He takes it to a mechanic for work and the mechanic said that he woudln't suggest a compression test because it was so strong (said waste of money). It had a whole new brake system intalled this summer (brakes, lines, cylinder). The front axle is a 74 or 75 so it's got drums. The titls is clear, but the odometer and spedometer are not attached from the conversion, so mileage is unknown. The frame is supposed to be in great shape, little to no surface rust. The body has areas of filler on the drivers side, but other than that I understand that the rust is very minimal. This would have to be confirmed since it was obviously repainted. It used to be blue. The heater is not hooked up, but he has a rear heater that will come with it and the front heater is there. New in the box soft top to come with it too.

So...what are your opinions on what I know so far?

I am certainly not saying that this is THE one...but I am trying to call and ask a lot of questions to learn about what I want and what I don't.

Thanks y'all!

 

[erymer]

I noticed in his thread he said it might need an alternator and some wiring work. Did he elaborate on the wiring work?

 

[CandyPants]

Said that there were a few things that weren't hooked back up after the swap - odometer, spedometer, heater. Also said that if it were him, he'd have the wiring harness replaced. He said it's fine, he drives it every weekend, but that if he were keeping it, he'd do it.

I didn't know what other questions to ask about it, but will email him some if you have any suggestions.