Driving experience

[Ton]

Hi Everybody,

My name is Ton and i live in the Netherlands

I am about to say yes to someone selling his FJ55 1977. Drum brakes and no power steering, 4 gears. It is in pristine condition.

I wondered whether you would share your ideas about: "how does it drive?"

I have no way to compare it to any other car. I do have a 2007 FJ and a Jeep grand wagoneer (sorry...it is for sale!)


Thanks for sharing!

 

[n2666s]

Dude; welcome to the trough...........something is not computing; 77 fj55s came with disk brakes; you might want to check frame numbers and/or the ID plate to see if it is indeed a 77; and pictures please

Lou

 

[jmylie]

How does it drive? Tough question.

Has the suspension been modified or is it stock? When was the last time it saw new shocks, grease, tie rod ends and a wheel alignment? Type of tires? How much, if any, of the original sound deadener is left?

Basically, they can be a bit noisy on the highway, think pushing a brick through the air at 60MPH or 100KPH. If maintained and / or modified correctly it will ride ok for a 77 era truck.

I have one stock and one with a 4" lift with a shackle reversal. The stock 55 with very stiff springs rides like a buckboard or at least feels like it. The other rides better. Neither has power steering.

I'll second the 77 with front disc brakes. How about a picture?

 

[cruiserbrett]

They have their own character, certainly not refined but better than a fj40/45. Lots of things can make a difference, good sound insulation, power steering, and a working tailgate window is a must here in warm weather(not sure if you got the amby doors, or the tailgate)

Non US cruisers regularly used front drums until the early 80's, check out some pics of early 80's cruisers from AUS. drums.

as for the drums, I can say you will want to upgrade to discs, nothing fun about drum brakes.

 

[cruiser_guy]

If it's in good shape they drive like a truck of that era. Your FJ will certainly drive nicer but then it's newer.

Check CAREFULLY for rust. FJ55's are prone to rust.

 

[RHINO]

pay attention to the locale guys,, i dont think euro got discs when we did.

Ton keep in mind its old technology when you drive it, but having said that they drive pretty good, are smooth on ride and chicks dig'em.

 

[Ton]

Thanks guys, hmm.... putting a brick through the air....

The truck is completely stock (suspension too) and has 2 doors at the tail as you can see from the pics. It has 35k miles on the clock.
Used to be a firetruck, complete overhaul of the body was done a few years ago

It was originally delivered to Europe. One of the very few I think.

As for disc / powersteering conversion, I read quite a lot on the forums on the topic. Unfortunately getting parts over here is a little more elaborate than in the US. So is the availability of knowledge and experience in this area....

 

[hicruise55]

Mmmm... Love the pics! Those rear doors are awsome although I love my tailgate. When it warms up mine will be a similar color (a little more olive) and I just put some similar mirrors on- in the exact same spot! close to factory oops/cool!

As for the ride/drive, its a classic LandCruiser! Its not gona be a new sports car, but when the driver of that said sports car gives you a thumbs up! There is no better feeling, just dont be in a big hurry, as I say, Im just cruising in my Cruiser, no hurry/no worry

 

[cruiser_guy]

Are you sure on the year? The fender mounted front signal lights are the type they used on '55's BEFORE 1975. Not a big deal, just an observation.

 

[Ton]

Think you might be right on the turn signals. This pic shows the original fire truck. I think I would need to add extra turnsignals on the sides for Dutch law (any suggestions?)

 

[cruiser_guy]

The turn signals that are appropriate for that year have a side light incorporated into them if you look closely. The pre-75 trucks had an additional light cut into the fender in the area where it says "LandCruiser" to meet the side light requirements.

Here's a picture of my truck. I have the incorrect fenders (pre-'75) with the side lights. You can also see the side light incorporated into the correct turn signals for the '76 and later trucks.

 

[Ton]

So...basically I should find some new turn signal lights with side lights integrated in them? Would save cutting holes in the sides and pulling wires I guess. Are they still available from Toyota?

 

[cruiser_guy]

No longer available new and they ARE different from the FJ40/45 lights. If you look at the FJ40/45 the lights are on the sloping part of the fender while the '55 lights are up top where it is flat.

Watch for folks parting out '55's and snap up a couple of lights.