fj 55 comparison

[peepers]

I am looking into the *possbile purchse of an FJ55. There are two in me area that are looking pretty good, yeah, yours RJ...

Anyway, I was wondering if there is a HUGE advantage and really should go with the 75 or later because of the 2f and 4speed, or, is the F motor with the 3 speed just fine and it is not that big of a difference?

Do both have 4low?

I am sure either one is "fine"... but really, which is better?

 

[Landpimp]

the one with least body rot is the one to buy.

76+ get you disc brakes

yes all US 55's have 4 low

4 speed has a low 1st gear and all gears are syncro'd. 3 speed 1st in not.

 

[fj55-100]

In CA we look for the one that avoids the current smog laws (pre 74) - then the one with the least rust . parts are gitting harder to find aka - good fenders-doors-weatherstrips-anything else you can add in later

 

[peepers]

nice... thanks... these both look really good. both about the same price... the pre 74 has a lift, 33s and sweet rack... the later is stock, but sweet too...

 

[FJBen]

It's a 55....of course it's sweet!

 

[CruisinGA]

Like Pimp said, least rust is the one to buy, swapping discs and motors and trannys is easier and cheaper than trying to fix a rusted out body. Not to mention if you swap discs you can swap to better ones than the 76-78 cruiser ones.

 

[peepers]

sounds like i should get the one with the 33s and swap for the discs right away... then i am good to go and slap a new tranny in there when needed...

good ole weekend warrior style.

 

[CruisinGA]

Honestly, it needs a 4sp now. 33's with a 3 spd and an F motor make for an anemic truck. I know because thats what I've been driving every day for the last year. I have't used 4hi in at least a year, first gear just isn't low enough.

the 33's are not a factor. The 4sp transmission is really a WHOLE LOT nicer.

Choose on body/interior first and foremost. If they are close or nearly exactly the same, I would go for the later one. 33's and a lift are extremely easy to obtain and install. Clean 55 bodys and interiors are not, a tranny swap isn't always cake either.

 

[peepers]

nice... hmmmmmmm... now i am thinking... just get the later one, deal with it for now... basially park it most of the winter as the salt is brutal here in new england, save $$$ in the winter and do the mods in the spring...

fun things to ponder.