FJ40 for wheeling

[ChrisLC250]

I am looking into getting a cheap FJ40 to hit the more extreme trails
I know very little about them and could do with all the advice I can get.
I saw this on Craigslist

1972 Toyota landcruiser FJ40 - general for sale - by owner - craigslist

FJ40 built for rock crawling. New 350 v8,ARB front and rear air lockers, Bobby longfield axles, Marlin Crawler Box, power steering and brakes conversion, 465 four speed transmission, old man emu...

sandiego.craigslist.org

What questions should I ask.
All comments welcome

 

[Dan240]

I don’t have an FJ40 but I have a Jeep CJ of about the same vintage.

Look for rust and if it had rust how was it repaired. Rust is usually the killer for these vehicles. Hidden rust can be even worse.

Look at what modifications it has and how were they done. If everything is a hack job it will give you a clue to how it was taken care of and how well it’s going to drive and hold together. What did they do for motor mounts on that engine swap and how was the wiring done?

To own one of these vehicles it is typically required to be able to work on them yourself. There are always things to do and it’s hard these days to find people to work on old vehicles, especially modified old vehicles. If you can find someone it’s very expensive.

The last thing I want to say is that you really want to drive one of these vehicles. They typically do not drive like a modern vehicle. I drive my old CJ everywhere but my wife doesn’t drive it until we hit the dirt.

Also, I’m in San Diego. My CJ is just on 33’s but it’s locked and geared. We can start a leaf sprung vintage 4x4 club.

Good luck.

 

[Travis1zero1]

Not to steer you off of an FJ40 either but I happen to be selling my rig that is VERY capable as club members can attest to. Only selling due to the fact that I don't have time anymore I travel too much for work. If your interested contact me directly. If not I wish you luck finding the FJ40 of your dreams.

 

[Otis]

@Dan240 covered some really good points to consider.

The FJ40 in the Craigslist link has some nice features for a strictly wheeling truck but it definitely would need a good looking over by someone that knows V8 conversions and proper spring over axle conversions (that is not me! Someone in the club could potentially help)... It has a body lift, which I guess is okay if done correctly. The cage is a bit funky but that can be changed relatively easily if needed. It does not appear to have a top or doors, but does have a soft-top frame. Probably needs new tires. I am not sure that it is worth $15K (unless everything is done right?) and having been on the market for at least 22 days, others may think the same...

Another thing to think about is how you plan to get the FJ40 to the trail head. Drive it or tow it? Driving FJ40's long distance is not too much fun unless you like to punish yourself! I don't know anything about the towing capacity of the LC 250 but flat towing to the trail is an option.

You are welcome to drive mine up at Big Bear or the mean streets of MV if you want...

 

[Otis]

The FJ40 that you linked above was listed two weeks ago on Facebook Marketplace for $11,000:

Log into Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1095977149250515/?ref=category_feed&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post

There appears to be a lot of cruisers for sale on Facebook Marketplace. I don't have an account so I don't know much about buying or selling on it. In any case, use patience when buying an Fj40. Go out and look at bunch of them before making a decision...

 

[DirtyRice Joe]

The FJ40 that you linked above was listed two weeks ago on Facebook Marketplace for $11,000:

Log into Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1095977149250515/?ref=category_feed&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post

There appears to be a lot of cruisers for sale on Facebook Marketplace. I don't have an account so I don't know much about buying or selling on it. In any case, use patience when buying an Fj40. Go out and look at bunch of them before making a decision...

Appears to be the same truck, with a different price?

 

[Ttoner80]

If you’re looking for a proven wheeler…
I may be persuaded.

 

[Ttoner80]

I am liking this Landcruiser version

 

[EWheeler]

I am looking into getting a cheap FJ40 to hit the more extreme trails
I know very little about them and could do with all the advice I can get.
I saw this on Craigslist

1972 Toyota landcruiser FJ40 - general for sale - by owner - craigslist

FJ40 built for rock crawling. New 350 v8,ARB front and rear air lockers, Bobby longfield axles, Marlin Crawler Box, power steering and brakes conversion, 465 four speed transmission, old man emu...

sandiego.craigslist.org

What questions should I ask.
All comments welcome

Saw your post over the weekend and thought of you when i saw this. Localish and seems to be a solid rig. I dont know if it fits your definition of “cheap” though.

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com