Trade Looking to buy a 76 to 83 FJ40

I am hopping that some one can help me with some information about the FJ40, I am looking to buy a FJ40 What's the best year to buy I am looking to buy one that is already done and ready to go or one that it is in good driving onditions.
I have a 89 Ford bronco ii in really good condition zero rust, new engine, new clutch, new 31's tires and rims new starter, shocks, rear shaft, brakes etc. willing to trade it plus cash for a FJ40 if not I can pay cash , pictures of the bronco are available up on request. Does anyone knows where I can find a fj40 club near Chicago.
I live north of Chicago
Thanks
Fred

 

[peterman]

Little stuff changed every year with the 40 as they made it better. Most significant is front disc brakes in 76. Many people view that year as the turning point in value. My personal opinion is younger than 76 in as original condition as possible...good 2F with good compression, original carb and air cleaner (important), not leaking too terribly bad from the usual places (side cover, oil pan, main seal, etc.), solid frame, body not full of bondo (run around with a magnet, especially the bottoms of the doors). Best bet is to spend a bunch of time on this site reading the 40/55 series tech section and see the problems/answers people post. That will give you a lot to look for. There is a Windy City group under the Clubhouse tab...I'm sure you can easily get someone around Chicago to come out with you too when you find something. Good luck! I was in your shoes a few years back. The trucks are really simple when you get to know them.

 

[Fred Fj40]

Thanks Peterman for your reply I agree with your coment about spending time in the 40/55 tech forum will help to better understand these vehicles, I have been looking and reading about the 60's 70's and early 80's fj40 and to me the disc brakes, power steering and the F2 engine sounds like a good choice. How about the power train for the 60's / 70's and 80's do you have any opinion or comments? What will be the best choice, less problems, more power / stronger / durable etc.

 

[D'Animal]

My opinions

I prefer the 1976 but that happens to be the year SMOG Regs start in California. Disc Brakes, 2F, 4 speed.

In 1977 they started unique emmissions with California vs Federal EPA.

1971 was a transition year. Some parts are unique to a early or late production 1971. Easy enough to work around but there is a difference in the electrical components.

1967/1968/1969 seems to have the best sheet metal.

1974 was a transition year with the F motor before the 2F. Better lubrication in the head.

I personally do not like working on the 1979 - 1984 with the fuel tank under the body. It was due to regulations to no longer have the fuel tank in the passenger area.

 

[BadKarma510]

tossing around selling my 76, let me know if interested, new floors, paint, and alot more.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/408136-another-before-after-3.html

theres the link to the thread I started awhile back.

 

[fjbj40]

Do you have a price range in mind? This may bring som folk out of the woodwork who are the fence about selling, like me!

Cheers,
Daryl