Buying an fj40 plan to drive it 850 miles home what should I check?

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F

forestderp

10 Year
Joined
Apr 14, 2011
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8
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Location
Minnesota
As the title says I am buying another FJ40 this coming weekend and flying out to denver then taking a bus to pick it up. The drive back is 850 miles and will be done at 55mph.

The questions I have is are as follows.
1: what should I check before departure?
2:What kind of fuel economy should I expect (2f with weber carb)

Details the FJ40 is a 75 and has a soft top and 4 speed. Had a friend out in colorado test drive it and look it over a few weeks ago.
 
Good luck and let the FJ40 gods smile upon you! I just think the obvious, oil, fluids (don't forget trans and front/rear ends), brakes adjusted properly, extra oil and gas, set of points (if applicable), air in the spare, jack, extra fuel filter, a toolbox with basic metric tools, a membership to AAA and a rabbits foot. Good luck sir!
 
If the tires are cracked, Id replace there. Brakes deff., tie rod ends, change headlights to sylvania halogen, new wiper blades, prob. belts. Then get ear plugs and a piece of thick foam to sit on. Ive done this many times before. Take a camera. Mike
 
check your wallet for $$$$$$ in case you need something good luck on your trip
 
BrowardDet said:
Good luck and let the FJ40 gods smile upon you! I just think the obvious, oil, fluids (don't forget trans and front/rear ends), brakes adjusted properly, extra oil and gas, set of points (if applicable), air in the spare, jack, extra fuel filter, a toolbox with basic metric tools, a membership to AAA and a rabbits foot. Good luck sir!
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Thanks, I hadn't even given thought about the fuel filter.
Michael Hanson said:
If the tires are cracked, Id replace there. Brakes deff., tie rod ends, change headlights to sylvania halogen, new wiper blades, prob. belts. Then get ear plugs and a piece of thick foam to sit on. Ive done this many times before. Take a camera. Mike
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Good suggestion on the headlights!
Drag Racer said:
Your Sanity?

j/k good luck! :beer:
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No need to check on what doesn't exist.
Assassin said:
check your wallet for $$$$$$ in case you need something good luck on your trip
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Thanks!
 
Headlights??? You mean I should replace the two original Koito's on the front end of my 55? Actually, probably will upgrade eventually but had 'em and thought it'd be cool to have them on for awhile.
 
Get AAA upgraded to Gold or whatever they call the upgrade. It's just a bit more and they will tow you something like 120 miles vs the 12 with the normal package. I drove a vintage Mercedes convertible from Houston to NW Montana with just that and some money and it worked well.

Also some patience to let the adventure work itself out. Every good adventure has a moment when your not sure how it will turn out.

And finally a cell phone, gas can, some basic tools, duct tape, wire, gloves, 5 gallons of water, warm clothes and blankets, extra food and a flashlight.

Good luck!
 
Isaacjohnstar said:
Get AAA upgraded to Gold or whatever they call the upgrade.

Also some patience to let the adventure work itself out. Every good adventure has a moment when your not sure how it will turn out.

And finally a cell phone, gas can, some basic tools, duct tape, wire, gloves, 5 gallons of water, warm clothes and blankets, extra food and a flashlight.

Good luck!
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x2 on all the above.

Check your belts and hoses and consider taking spares. Also spare fuses.

I'd leave the headlights alone if they work. No point in overthinking it.

Practice driving without a clutch :rolleyes:

I've done this many times over distances up to 4,000 miles in several different 40's and never regretted a minute of it, even with various mechanical failures. Every day on the road in an FJ40 is a new adventure. Good luck to you. :cheers:
 
Head lights are the quickest ,cheapest, best safety feature esp. driving in the mountains. Besides the foam rubber to sit on. MIke
 
I've done this 4 times but not never 4000 miles. Make a list of what you will need, would not hurt to have several copies of that list available when you start gathering stuff for your trip back. You can ship it down there or buy it down there. A nice collapsable cooler would be nice. Not sure what the airplane people let you take on board these days. A GPS will help save time especially when comes finding eats and gas. Check your oil pressure, fluid levels, make sure your brake cylinders don't leak every time you stop.
 
Good suggestions here. You prolly won't do the trip w/o overnight stay or driving in the dark?

good flashlight

Road flares

Jumper cables

Spare spark plugs or spark plug wrench & wire brush in case you're running rich and foul plugs... just a thought...
 
I made a similar trip from Arizona to Denver when I bought my '79. All went OK with plenty of pit stops for fluid checks and gas (maybe 15 to the gallon).

Of course, in the following months right after my clutch slave died, radiator sprung a leak and distributor needed replacing. But it made that first trip!

These old trucks can surprise you by making the long haul if you take it nice and easy and enjoy the ride.
 
Michael Hanson said:
Head lights are the quickest ,cheapest, best safety feature esp. driving in the mountains. Besides the foam rubber to sit on. MIke
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what mountains between Denver and Minnesota :confused:

you are driving yet ?
 
Sounds fun. Make sure to talk nicely.Rub the dash a little.Mine have always got me home.Always.You can basically pull the whole thing apart with a 8mm 10mm 12mm 14mm and 17mm socket/wrench. Bailing wire has saved me.Hose clamps to.Tin snips can cut just bout anything if ya need em to.hose,wire,sheet.
 
As many have said, ear plugs!
The AAA upgrade would be WELL worth it too IMHO.
I'd take a spare set of points for the dizzy, and some of that radiator hose repair tape.

For good measure, I'd take the truck to a quick lube place in the town you bought it in and have the motor oil, transmission, transfer, and diff gear lube all replaced.

There used to be a 'Mud Cruiser assistance list. Not sure if thats still going, but if it IS, take a current copy!
 
X a gazillion on the upgraded AAA towing
 
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