My First FJ40 Drive and Shopping Experience

[sypd]

Pics: http://sdrv.ms/1a1YnGy

I covet your feedback on this FJ40 I went to look at today. I'm eager to learn and have been reading threads here nonstop for weeks.

I'm still coming to understand what it is I want. And I'm also learning to evaluate vehicles so I know what I'm getting in to. I'm 99% sure this FJ40 is not for me.

I've been obsessed for years. I think a few here can relate. I finally got to drive one today and my first experience was unforgettable! When I first laid eyes on it, all my passion was validated. So beautiful!

It looks like the frame is from a rusted out 77. Is that what I'm seeing in the frame photos?

The aluminum tub was part of a restoration (reportedly about 2 yrs ago) which includes a paint job that appears to cover quite a bit of corrosion.

Not pictured (sorry!) is the engine compartment revealing the body was originally white and the hood was blue.

Also not pictured (I'll do better next time) was paint imperfections on the dash either covering previous rust or I don't know what. I also saw white coming through around gauges and knobs.

It runs and drives great, and from 10ft looks so beautiful!

From a driving standpoint, it felt way too tall with the lift. Maybe that's something I just need to get more used to, or be looking for one that's not so high.

Also the steering, which I understand to be an area of common concern, seemed ok, but I could steer several inches in either direction before it moved the wheels. Is that normal or would that be considered excessive play? Do the larger tires factor in?

Dave

 

[brian]

the only pic i looked at happened to be the frame "repair", which it is not. didn't bother to look at any more. it is a hack fix. not interested in seeing anymore of it.

 

[sypd]

the only pic i looked at happened to be the frame "repair", which it is not. didn't bother to look at any more. it is a hack fix. not interested in seeing anymore of it.

Ha, I don't blame you. I thought it looked pretty scary and I have n00b goggles.

 

[FineWynsFJ40]

The tub is Aqualu generation II, which are great tubs (I have one). However, there are some questionable things, such as the frame repair job. It looks like an amateur attempted to fix it; if this is the case, I would be weary.

I am happy to hear that you are thinking this isn't for you. It likely is not. You will want to try to find a stock height 40, which aren't as tippy. Also, it'd be better for you to get a rig that shows the imperfections and issues, rather than trying to hide them. That way, you know exactly what you are getting in to.

Overall, it sounds like you are on the right track. Keep up the search, you'll find your truck!

Brian

 

[sypd]

The tub is Aqualu generation II, which are great tubs (I have one).

Thanks Brian. What gives away that it's an Aquala?

 

[JohnnyC]

What gives away that it's an Aquala?

Brian probably saw...

where it attaches to the front cowl by the clutch pedal

tranny cover

angle support on the tub .... side of the rear jump seat

 

[sypd]

Excellent, thanks for pointing it out!

 

[reddingcruiser]

There are better ones out there. IMHO, pass on this one.

 

[DSRTRDR]

Also the steering, which I understand to be an area of common concern, seemed ok, but I could steer several inches in either direction before it moved the wheels. Is that normal or would that be considered excessive play? Do the larger tires factor in?

wider tires produce more steering wander on the road than narrower tires

 

[melvinjo]

Congrats; First, dont take this personally, but you are falling into the first mistake: Emotions: Your email sounds like you have seen a cute girl that you might want to ask out. Seriuosly though, dont be an impulsive buyer, should it come to that.......Its easy to get caught up when you sit in one and drive it.

Bottom line, I could go on and on what to look for: Just dont be afraid to walk away. There are a ton of FJs out there. BE CHOOSY, and get the MOST that you can for the most that you can afford

Probs on the surface are like icebergs. You dont see it all until you dig deep

 

[Chamba]

Oh my god that frame 'fix' is scary: too cold, no penetration, precious little strength added by stacking 2" plate to the side.... Run. Don't drive it on bumpy roads. Run.

 

[tornadoalleycruiser]

Go meet others.. there's an event in missouri this weekend where you could learn a LOT about cruisers and toyotas in general.. Join TLCA and look in their classifieds? Don't buy a hacked together looks good at 10 feet truck.

 

[sypd]

Run. Don't drive it on bumpy roads. Run.

Ha! I hear ya. This one is not even on my radar anymore. I'm glad I spent at least some time here on the forums to be able to spot something wasn't right there.

Congrats; First, dont take this personally, but you are falling into the first mistake: Emotions: Your email sounds like you have seen a cute girl that you might want to ask out. Seriuosly though, dont be an impulsive buyer, should it come to that.......Its easy to get caught up when you sit in one and drive it.

Bottom line, I could go on and on what to look for: Just dont be afraid to walk away. There are a ton of FJs out there. BE CHOOSY, and get the MOST that you can for the most that you can afford

Probs on the surface are like icebergs. You dont see it all until you dig deep

Thanks, it's definitely an exercise in keeping my cool. I made an impulsive decision when I bought my last ride 9 yrs ago and while I love it, I def don't want to relive that.

btw - looks like this one is no longer listed on CraigsList. Eek.

 

[sypd]

Go meet others.. there's an event in missouri this weekend where you could learn a LOT about cruisers and toyotas in general.. Join TLCA and look in their classifieds? Don't buy a hacked together looks good at 10 feet truck.

Thanks, just joined.

I see the event details. Wrong side of the state for me on a weekend full of soccer and soccer and...wait for it...soccer.

 

[JohnnyC]

Only three soccer .... Four is a bit trickier

Finding one is part of the fun .... For us as well

 

[sypd]

Only three soccer .... Four is a bit trickier Finding one is part of the fun .... For us as well

#4's game is Th night.

Four is very tricky indeed!

 

[tls3601]

Anyone know what the steering linkage is like compared to the 1978's? The linkage on this one looks like one I saw on a '76 that had rub marks from tires too wide? It tad 12.5 inch wide 33's on it. Any way to avoid the rubbing with wider than stock tires? Thanks, newb here.

 

[DSRTRDR]

the rims must have the correct backspacing