Help for a new guy…

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sheltonj

sheltonj

Joined
Nov 16, 2025
Threads
1
Messages
3
Location
Peachtrrr City, GA
Years and years ago I drove a friend’s FJ40 off and on for a few months and really enjoyed it. I’m now in a place where I can buy one.

I’ve been reading as much as I can, but still don’t feel like I’m capable of spotting the nuance you guys can.

If anyone has a second and can look at this listing and give me your thoughts, I’d really appreciate it.

www.ebay.com

1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 SUV Fully Restored Stock#444226 | eBay

1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 For Sale in Edge Water, MD 21037 Fully Restored – 4.7L V8 Conversion – 4-Speed Manual – Mint Green Beauty! This 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 is a fully restored classic off-roader that combines legendary Toyota toughness with modern power and reliability. Finished...
www.ebay.com

Thanks!
 
It mentions a 4.7 V8 like 10 times in the ad, but it very clearly has 1fz… a 4.5 inline 6 so that’s kinda worrisome.
 
thatcabledude said:
It mentions a 4.7 V8 like 10 times in the ad, but it very clearly has 1fz… a 4.5 inline 6 so that’s kinda worrisome.
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thanks! I asked the seller about that, with a few other questions, but haven’t gotten a response. I’ve never bought on eBay motors, but it’s a 3rd party that has to reach out to the actual owner.
 
7 pics that aren’t that good, calls it restored when it’s not, doesn’t know what engine. Anything with paint that fresh, I’d want lots of pics.
 
I've never seen a vin# like they posted. They say 5 speed, then later say 4 speed. The engine isn't a V8 and not stock. Don't get caught up with all the bling. They say it has a hard top, but it has soft top bows. The fender aprons with the yellow marker lights are from an earlier 40 along with the badging. You need to find out where it was restored. Theres no pics of the driveline and frame. South American 40's typically are lipstick on a pig. It's missing the heater. Be careful. This may not be a US spec 40. There IS a difference in value. Have looked in the classified section on this site. You can usually find honest vehicles there.
 
You planning on going to wherever this rig is , do a hands on inspection and take it for a drive? If not, FORGET IT AND KEEP LOOKING.
 
I didn't look act the actual add but merely title. I have learned that the phrase " fully restored" and "completely restored" means something different to every body. But going by what I have read from the comments here. I would say that this one is a SCAM if there are only 7 pictures and conflicting information as to what motor it has or even the transmission. I would say turn and run away as fast as you can.

TheHardWay said:
You planning on going to wherever this rig is , do a hands on inspection and take it for a drive? If not, FORGET IT AND KEEP LOOKING.
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If you cant do this or get a hold of the seller through video call/ face time etc. and get more pictures real time videos don't touch this one.
 
One of the 1st things to look at when shopping for a FJ4X is the vin # on the frame and the vin # on the title. They should be the same.
 
One of those rear end pictures is not even of the same vehicle…

A 1FZ in a 40 is cool though.
 
Little to nothing in the ad lines up with the vehicle in the pictures. Also, when it comes to the phrase "restored", you have to be careful.

"Restored" means returning to like new, completely original condition. A fully restored FJ40 would be like going back in time and buying one new off the lot.

Any deviation from the above is more of a "restomod." This is where most nice FJ40's live.

Then there are perhaps the coolest (IMHO) of all and those are the "survivors."

None of this really matters except in the sphere of monetary value and your faith that any modifications performed were done properly. They all have their place and I'm not advocating for one vs the other (although my own rig is definitely in the restomod category) BUT it matters when it comes to price. A true restoration will always be worth more than a restomod. If, like me, you're never parting with it then resale value is meaningless. Just don't pay "restoration" prices for a "restomod" truck.

Good luck!
 
I’d check out the classifieds on mud. Typically a good stream of honest, well maintained rigs owned by enthusiasts. They don’t all meet that description, but several do. Often, too, mud has a history of posts on what has been done to the rig.

Oh, and the cost of arranging an inspection, shipping, etc. is SUBSTANTIALLY less than fixing a problematic rig that you have bought unknowingly
 
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rex in bama said:
I’d check out the classifieds on mud. Typically a good stream of honest, well maintained rigs owned by enthusiasts. They don’t all meet that description, but several do. Often, too, mud has a history of posts on what has been done to the rig.

Oh, and the cost of arranging an inspection, shipping, etc. is SUBSTANTIALLY less than fixing a problematic rig that you have bought unknowingly
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100% this. If I were to buy again I would go this route.
 
Keep an eye on Craigslist too! A lot of good ole boys still list vehicles on there. That's where I found mine last year. He was in OH and I'm in TN. Talked to the guy for nearly 2 months while he wrapped up a few loose ends he wanted to fix for the new owner, finally met up for the exchange, and it was a win for both of us. We've become good friends and chat regularly. As others have said though, make sure you don't buy anything prior to a thorough inspection and a drive. There's a lot of variables with rigs this old, especially when you consider the vast majority of them aren't original even if they have indeed been professionally restored.
 
The vast majority of eBay rigs are sketchy. Wish it weren't so. If the seller can't list it correctly, that's a huge red flag.

As others said, study BaT, CL, and try to look at local stuff so you can put your hands on what you find.
 
Post that you’re looking in wanted ads. Be specific what you want.

I’m sure there are several mud members who may be thinking of selling and may not want to deal with tire kickers. They will reach out to you making your search a lot easier.
 
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