Looking at this FJ40 tomorrow, any obvious red flags? (2 Viewers)

[yotadude520]

Going to look at this 40 tomorrow after work and think it looks to be in good shape and is a fair price. Few things I've noticed:

• Seems very rust free, some rust on the side steps. Curious to see what's behind the diamond plate
• Looks like the exhaust is coming out of the side of the frame?
• Interior floor was bedlined, going to see if there's any rust underneath.

Other than that anything else I should look for besides the obvious things you look at when buying a new vehicle?

If I do buy it, who wants first dibs on the bra??

 

[TLCJC]

Is it a Chevota? Looks like steering is aftermarket.

GLWP

 

[yotadude520]

Is it a Chevota? Looks like steering is aftermarket.

GLWP

I don't believe so, says it's the inline 6 with a Holley carb.

 

[RevISK]

What is the thing on the shifter cane?

 

[MOTOV8R]

Yeah, it’s wearing a bra, bruh.

 

[RevISK]

Yeah, it’s wearing a bra, bruh.

Let’s see what’s underneath

 

[Camotubebender]

Looks like the gas tank is leaking

 

[jim land]

Nice 77-78 , Old style advance handling shackle reversal , no skid plate , look like a rear pinion leak , maybe t-case output too , the hole on the frame is the torque tube (crossmember) you can see the muffler look like it go to the back

 

[jim land]

Rear driveshaft is out of phase and need a 4° shime to lower the pinion output, it is like this because of the longer rear shackles used when you do a shackle reversal ( it lift the front 1.5")

 

[franklin40]

the front anti inversion shackles are backwards they won’t work that way. i agree with some of the typical oil leaks. depends on the price and how it’s running it looks like a sold place to start if you don’t plan on a full on restoration. if it’s to drive wheel and have fun you’d have a solid start

 

[cstav86]

Look for rust around the bottom of the door seals too. Look at the shape of the knuckles, how caked up they are. Leaks aren’t the worst thing. It at least means the owner is keeping fluids in it.
Are the fenders cut under the flares?

 

[Living in the Past]

Speedo cable looks way too long. Routed and wire tied to the torque tub. It's a 77 but roll bar not sure has the right side bars. The the back radius was sharper for the handle for the vent window. The diamond plate is a big red flag for me. Price would have to be low enough to count for a rear sill and quarter panel replacement. That running board rusted from the inside out. Simple making sure it was plugged would have prevented that. Same thing happens on the rear sill even in areas without salt. Seen it here in AZ.

 

[scratchhax]

bring a magnet and use it around the typical rust spots to see if it's holy and full of Bondo .

 

[cstav86]

bring a magnet and use it around the typical rust spots to see if it's holy and full of Bondo .

May be some of the best advice yet!

 

[knuckle47]

Agree with diamond plate…. 50 years ago in Vermont I remember a few FJ40’s where the rear quarter diamond plate covered huge body holes eaten away from salt.

 

[yotadude520]

Thanks for all the tips! I'll be sure to update with my findings.

 

[White Stripe]

Looks pretty good depending on price.

 

[Mike Shull]

Today is tomorrow from when you posted yesterday. Ha!

What is the verdict? I’d like to see more pictures. How much are they asking?

 

[yotadude520]

Today is tomorrow from when you posted yesterday. Ha!

What is the verdict? I’d like to see more pictures. How much are they asking?

That is correct! Within the next hour I'll be underneath this thing going through it like a fine tooth comb.

Updates to come..

 

[Mike Shull]

So there is still time to do a live YouTube feed!