Freeborn Red 11/72 FJ40 Refresh (11 Viewers)

[ffpmsam]

Documenting an 11/72 FJ40 refresh.

It’s been my wife’s car for the last 17 years. We drove away in it when we got married, etc. Got lots of sentimental value.

Little has been done other than basic maintenance since she got it. Currently sits on stock springs.

First step is suspension.

Ordered and recieved a 2.5inch Redline Landcruiser kit. Comes with their new springs they just began manufacturing, and the same setup from the old kit including bilstein shocks.

Purchased 5 stock steelies and caps from Toyota on sale to replace the chrome wagon wheels off of a 60 series that are currently on it. Plan is to paint them (off) white.

Purchased a set of 33x9.5r15 Kenda Klevers, and a new tie rod set up from cruiser outfitters.

Just waiting for some time to install…

 

[ffpmsam]

 

[igotta40]

View attachment 3939740

That one looks great! I didn’t know the 1972 model had a locking gas cap door. Two years ago I got the same wheels, tires & hubcaps. I had mine powder coated in light grey.

 

[timmyisinthewell]

I have a freeborn red '72 FJ40 also. Mine is 01/72. Wouldn't a 12/72 production be a '73 model? Also as mentioned '72 didn't have a locking fuel door and the spare tire carrier was on the passenger side. Good looking truck and your wife did well.

 

[ffpmsam]

Thanks for the info. Just went and rechecked the vin and I was also wrong in that it’s actually an 11/72 production date. VIN is 138929

You guys have me curious now, went and poked around the engine bay. Scraped off the goo over the engine # and found 2F 263923

What I believe to be date code (on manifold side rear of block) from my quick research says 80410
So that would be 1978, 4 (April), 10th day?

Was always under the impression this was original engine… looks like not? Good surprise…

 

[timmyisinthewell]

My apologies, I fat fingered my reply and you did say you had a 11/72.

 

[ffpmsam]

Also this grease pen under some thick dust says 78 landcruiser, so that tracks with the date code. 140 was probably compression at one point… any idea on the other writing?

 

[ffpmsam]

My apologies, I fat fingered my reply and you did say you had a 11/72.

I didn’t, you were right in what you saw, I went back and edited it!

 

[igotta40]

I think you have a better engine than you thought you had.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

If your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) indicates a production date of November 1972, it would most likely have been titled as a 1973 FJ40. A 1973 model typically came with a 1F engine, while you mentioned that your vehicle has a 2F engine, so it appears that an upgrade was made at some point.

Do you have a three-speed or a four-speed transmission? A 1973 model would have originally had a three-speed transmission. When people upgrade to a 2F engine, they often also install the four-speed transmission that was introduced in August 1974. You also have a roll bar, which wasn't added until 9/73, so you have some nice upgrades!

Here are a few other things that it should have if yours is a 1973
- Safety catch added on hood.
- Ignition switch moved to the steering column

TLC FAQ - 15.1 40 Series Production Timeline

Can't wait to follow along and see all you do!! I will be following along!

 

[timmyisinthewell]

I believe if it were a '73 it would have that one year only back up light on the driver's side and the spare tire carrier on the passenger side.

 

[ffpmsam]

Picking out paint colors for wheels. Looking for an off-white. I like Cygnus white, but I also like the convenience and $ of cans you can get at the hardware store…

This is the front runner (far right on the tray)

 

[ffpmsam]

Finally got the stock steelies out of the box. Got these on 25% off from Serra Toyota with free shipping along with the hubcaps. Scuffed them up with some scotch brite and gave them a good wash. Painted the rears where the welds were exposed to give them some good rust protection. Tomorrow I will spray the fronts white. Lift kit will go on this weekend along with some other items

 

[ffpmsam]

White going on

 

[ffpmsam]

Quick mock up. They look pretty good. Need to let the paint cure a bit before getting them mounted.

 

[ffpmsam]

Trying to make a plan for the spare tire. It has either the, or an original FJ40 grey steelie. The tire is an H78-15, looks like it never rolled down the road.

I'm debating just doing nothing with the wheel itself, and mounting a used 33inch tire on it as well as a hubcap. Stays functional if I need it but I won't put it in the rotation. I know it wouldn't match the white wheels but I kind of like the old patina's grey. Thoughts?

 

[EWheeler]

. Thoughts?

I’d paint the spare to match and also put a matching tire on it. This 40 is too nice to not pay attention to the little details.

 

[ffpmsam]

Kit is going on. Got the tires mounted up, big franchise store right down the street from me would not put the 9.5 kendas on the 5.5 stock steelies due to "risk of them blowing out a sidewall". Drove 10 minutes past and paid the mom and pop store $40 to get them on.

Only thing I've noticed so far with the redline kit for any installing, probably going to want a tube of red grease for the pins, and some extra cotter pins to put the shocks back on.

 

[ffpmsam]

Got the front passenger side spring and shock on. Had less time than I wanted tonight, will finish up tomorrow.

I’m doing tie rods as well, they were a mess. I know some elect to do their own alignment. Is that the consensus? I have a mistrust for alignment shops around me especially on this old of a vehicle

 

[Wasatch Jay]

I’d paint the spare to match and also put a matching tire on it. This 40 is too nice to not pay attention to the little details.

Completely agree.

The photo of the spare shows the rubber to be cracked more than a little. I wouldn't want to use a tire in that shape for actual use. So... it doesn't match the others and can't (shouldn't) be used.