FJ55 to Part Out or to Sell???

[AlexMoore91]

Hey Guys...

I've got a 1974 fj40 and a 1976 FJ55.

The FJ40 was was running pretty solid with a 4spd 2F in it from Cruiserparts and then it seized up on me to where the main crank will not turn...My goal is to get the 40 running again and drive pretty regularly.

I came across this FJ55 with a 2F (4speed) 5 minutes from my house and couldn't pass it up with the idea of possibly doing an engine swap and taking a few parts off. The 55 currently does not run, however, the previous owner assured me the engine is strong and everything else works, and is not running due to electrical issues in the wiring harness. He is a buddy of mine, so I trust him. It even has a weber carb in it. Interior dash is in excellent shape, the rear seat and trunk and head liner are in great shape as well. (I even have an extra back seat that is flawless). There is some rust in the floor pans that needs some attention, but this truck has tons of potential to restore. Doors are in great shape. Back window motor even works with a battery put in.

My Question is, would I get more money from parting out this FJ55 to get the money to work on my 40...or would I be better off selling the 55 as a potential restoration project for somebody...There is a few parts I want off of the FJ55 for my 40, but if it makes sense to keep it all together then I can wait. Any advice on the value or market for this FJ55 parted out or as a whole would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[Rock40]

There's plenty of cancer there, in fact I'm pretty sure the 55's came with rust right from the factory. I'd vote for parting it out frankly unless you simply can't bear it. They don't have nearly the following the 40's do or the value, not saying that they're not cool though in their own way. In all likelihood, you'll do better on price slowly parting it out than trying to sell the whole truck complete. Prior to a teardown though, I'd verify that the 2F does in fact run. My $.02

 

[Living in the Past]

Advantage of selling it whole it's a lot less work. Sell it and it's gone. Parting it dealing with pulling parts and getting them ready to ship. Things like drive train are a pain to ship and best to find local buyers. Same with many body parts. Personally would try to sell the whole first to avoid all the time and hassle of parting out. Part it out a good chance you be hauling parts to the recycler. Axles sell that's make the rest harder to do.

 

[Michael B]

The short story is you will make more money parting out. It's also more work.

 

[pb4ugo]

You probably need to get the 55 engine running and see if the motor is what you want. If your 40 still has frt drum brakes, you might consider swapping in the 76 fj55 disc brake frt axle.

 

[Racer65]

Adding my vote for selling it whole. It looks restorable. There are plenty of 40s out there to take the drive train from, but 55s are now quite rare. Give someone else the opportunity to save it.

 

[Indestructible 47]

if anyone made aftermarket body parts for them, like fiberglass or alloy ones, it's repairable. other than that, part it or sell it if you don't have enough time to part it. but, like others have said, verify that the drivetrain is what you think it is before you take it out.