FJ 40 model years pros & cons

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calokie

calokie

Joined
Feb 12, 2021
Threads
24
Messages
684
Location
New Idria 95043
Hello Mud community

I’m looking to potentially get an fj40
Needs to be 1975 or older (I’m in CA and 1975 is the emissions exemption cutoff UNLESS! It’s CARB compliant)
~would like to drive @ highway speeds (65+)
~would love a “3 on the tree” although it’s probably not highway friendly
~would love a stock inline, but should I just go v8 or LS…if so what about brakes (simple and cheap repairs would be great) used to own a Chevy truck with an inline 235 loved that engine.
~will take it off-roading (not rock crawling)
~Hard top with an AC upgrade would be awesome

What years should I look for?
Should I stay with stock engine or go V8?

I’ve owned several other older vehicles;
60s-70s VWs
59-66 Chevy trucks
82-87 Toyota 4x4
97 80 series (kind of modern)
Want to get back to that nostalgic feeling pre plastic era, Currently own a 2025 LC250 and love the hell out of it, it’s my most favorite Toyota 4x4 I’ve owned out of 4 other Toyota 4x4s

Thanks and appreciate any advice or debates!
 
bhsdriller said:
column shift is cool but 4-speed on the floor is a lot more driver friendly. I was kind of in the same position and found a 75 with a front disc brake swap.

You can change anything really so find the best starter you can with the least amount of rust and go from there
Click to expand...
What’s the disc brake swap process? Toyota donor or aftermarket?
 
75 and older will have old antiquated drum brakes unless somebody converted to disc. I'd want stk Toyota front discs. 75 and 74 will likely be 4 speeds, earlier should be 3 speeds, some will be 3 on the tree. Some folks have converted 4 speeds to 4 on the tree. 3 and 4 speed trannys will be 1:1 in the final gear. The 4 speed is more refined. 1st gear in a 3 speed will not be syncronized.
Your list is pretty extensive and you maybe having to do some mods to get what you want. Personally, I prefer V8's, but most around here like the stock engine. Be sure to look in the classified section here. There are a few projects to build what you want, or maybe some good complete running 40 close to what you want. Try to find a US spec and stay away from South and Central American models. Don't get all caught up with bling.
 
calokie said:
What’s the disc brake swap process? Toyota donor or aftermarket?
Click to expand...

A complete frt end or swap Toyota knuckles, birfields and calipers. Check out FAQs at the top of this section. Searching here or on the internet and click on links that reference this site. Most everything has been covered on this site. We are pretty helpful here too.
 
I am not as knowledgeable as many on 'MUD, but here's my $.02:

I think it was for the 1975 model year Toyota changed the style of the front doors to a more refined look and function. They also replaced the rear lift gate/ hatch and barn doors with ambulance doors. I think those are desirable changes.

I'm tall and I vastly prefer the windshield wipers mounted at the bottom of the windshield than the earlier years with them on the top. I think that change occurred in 1974, but I'm not positive.

FWIW, I agree with pb4ugo's comments, and I too am a believer in the V8 vs 2F engine debate.
 
calokie said:
~would like to drive @ highway speeds (65+)
Click to expand...

This depends on how comfortable you are with revving the (stock) F-series engine. The red line on these is about 4,000 rpm, but 3,000 rpm feels pretty high for most folks and is getting near the top of the useful torque curve. The fairly easy way to get 65 mph at reasonable rpm that is comfortable all day, is to have 3.70:1 differentials that were stock on '79 and up 40's, and 33" tires. With a v8, you have more options.
 
Being honest here……You will need to compromise. Loving to have a 3 on the tree and wanting to run 65+ is not really going to happen. I have a 1970 FJ40 with the original rebuilt 1F, 3 on the tree, 33” tires, drum brakes all around in good working order and a nice tight front end and steering components. It will certainly run 65 mph relatively easy but I feel very comfortable driving 55-60 with one hand on the wheel and very stable in my lane. I would not want to push mine above 65 mph on a regular basis. It is just to much for my setup. I don’t know for certain but believe mine has the original gearing. I love the way mine drive but I will at some point add a 3.70 diff, disc brakes and a 4 speed floor shift. Simple is truly fun and that is what mine is for me.
 
60 mph with 4:11 gears and 3 or 4 speed (both are 1:1 final drive) will turn 3,000 RPM on an engine with a 4,250 redline. This engine is very happy up to about 2600-2700 RPM. 65 mph is about 3300 RPM: she'll do it, but she won't like it. You'll want ear plugs at that RPM.
 
IMHO

find one with the upgrades you want... many have been modified already

make a list and check off the ones that popup... everything can get added but its easier when most is already there

more stuff on your list will equate to a higher the cost


and.... post up what you see and we will let you know if its a sh-itbox or not :)
 
pb4ugo said:
75 and older will have old antiquated drum brakes unless somebody converted to disc. I'd want stk Toyota front discs. 75 and 74 will likely be 4 speeds, earlier should be 3 speeds, some will be 3 on the tree. Some folks have converted 4 speeds to 4 on the tree. 3 and 4 speed trannys will be 1:1 in the final gear. The 4 speed is more refined. 1st gear in a 3 speed will not be syncronized.
Your list is pretty extensive and you maybe having to do some mods to get what you want. Personally, I prefer V8's, but most around here like the stock engine. Be sure to look in the classified section here. There are a few projects to build what you want, or maybe some good complete running 40 close to what you want. Try to find a US spec and stay away from South and Central American models. Don't get all caught up with bling.
Click to expand...
Being a purist and having owned an 80 series 1fzfe, I do see the value of a proper v8/modern engine swap, As much as I loved the 1fz it is expensive and under powered.
Man…. 4 on the tree that sounds epic
 
calokie said:
Needs to be 1975 or older
Click to expand...
I like the '74. I've had two 12/74, a 40 and now the 55. It's a transition year and has a couple special features. The Late F engine is special (sometimes good, sometimes not), but some say it has the potential to be the longest-lived of the F engines. It's also really easy to put 3-speed gears in the '74 transfer case for a whopping 6% increase in crawl ratio. And the Late F head goes nicely on a 2F block if you want that. And the carburetor; I really like the mechanical secondary and simplicity of the '74 over the '75 vacuum secondary and complications.
I do not drive it at 65mph, ever (4.88 diffs).
I don't think AC with an F engine is a good idea.
 
anothernz45 said:
Go 74 or earlier if you like the less plasticy look, no door cards, primitive door locks, lovely exposed top mount wiper, better steel, less junk on the dash. Then work out what you want to upgrade - sounds like front discs and 60 series diffs would be a good start.
Click to expand...
Yes.... 74 is a great year :cool: yes id like to avoid 50 year old plastic
 
My 72 came with a 76 top. I like the recessed door handles (no snagging on brush on the cat trails) and no banging my head on the back door either.
 
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