Frame difference between 1963 fj40 and 1980 fj42.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Joined
May 4, 2025
Threads
14
Messages
63
Location
Alberta, Canada
Hello All,
I am wondering what is the difference between 1963 fj40 frame and 1980 fj42 frame, my fj42 frame is almost gone ,I can remove the engine mount from my frame and install on 1963 frame if not a major difference please guide me in the right direction, If someone have a link of the frame pdf please share,I found one pdf link here but it doesn't show fj42 frame. Thanks
 
You can't find anything newer than 1963 frame? How much better shape can it be than a 1980?
You have spec's for the 63 and you have the 82; measure and compare.
 
You can't find anything newer than 1963 frame? How much better shape can it be than a 1980?
You have spec's for the 63 and you have the 82; measure and compare.
Frame from 1963 is in very good shape,no cracks or holes, my 1980 frame is bad condition frame got some cracks and rotten on few places looking like way too much work to fix it,I don't have any drawings to compare the frame,I did look on The forum can not find anything for the same years.Thanks
 
frame differences have been discussed many times thru the years
most issues are the way the body mounts between the years, also the torque tube behind the trans is closer than later years, a few other things also

I've got an OK '79 40 frame in MT
 
All you need is a '78 or older tub, a '78 or older fuel tank, a good welder and a bunch of patience and you can use that '63 frame.

If your 42 is the 2wd version from Saudi then there may be even more differences. I've never physically seen the FJ42 2wd: just pictures.
 
Last edited:
The forum can not find anything for the same years.Thanks
Quick comparison on the FJ40
61-72
73 torque tube behind transfer case changed shape and moved back a little for the four speed. 74 tail lights were rectangular and mounted in the longer rear frame member.
79 mounting of the tub changed
81 rear motor mount moved from the bellhousing to the under the transmission with a crossmember that bolted to the side rails.

79 tub changes are the biggest issue mounting to an earlier frame. Would thing a 2F would mount the same in a 62 FJ40. Switching between F, H and B engines would require frame mods to motor mounts.
 
All you need is a '78 or older tub, a '78 or older fuel tank, a good welder and a bunch of patience and you can use that '63 frame.

If your 42 is the 2wd version from Saudi then there may be even more differences. I've never physically seen the FJ42 2wd: just pictures.

Never seen an 2WD FJ42. Seen picture of a transfer case with plug in the front output. Not sure if it was a two speed transfer case. By Toyota's reasoning that you can't run low range to only the rear axle would suggest an only high range.
 
Back
Top Bottom