Need Help Identifying Year

[MUDSUX]

Hey guys,

I have a 1978 FJ40 that I bought in California. At least that is what I have been told and believed to be true until I sent my carb off to be rebuilt by JimC. When Jim rebuilt my carb he told me the carb was a 1979 carb so now I am wondering what I actually have in the truck. Could you please look over my carb/components and tell me what I actually own?

 

[spotcruiser]

What does the VIN plate say for month and year of the vehicle?

If Jim says the carb is 79, it's 79. There is a date code stamped in the top front of the air horn.

 

[JohnnyC]

78' was a long production run year ... Went right up to 1/79

 

[JohnnyC]

Vin number? As well as pics

 

[spotcruiser]

Yep, the new model year normally started in Sept of previous year. There were significant changes for the 79 model year, but there were still earlier parts in the pipeline, so late 78s can be a mix of parts from both years.

That's an interesting heat riser hose/pipe you have. It's certainly not 78. I think it's custom. Normally, they are flexible corrugated aluminum hose.

78' was a long production run year ... Went right up to 1/79

 

[MUDSUX]

My concern is OP updated some components. "78 truck but with "79 carb. Anyway to tell if my smog equipment is a "79? My dizzy is an aftermarket Mallory too

 

[spotcruiser]

I thought I saw some differences between your truck and my 78, but I just went out to look and found that I was wrong. They pretty much look the same. I will say that you have two blue BVSVs at the thermo housing and the lower one should be brown (I know that is of no help, since they are no longer available new). I don't recall, but maybe the smog sticker under the hood, if it's still there and is legible, has a model year on it. I'll have to look at mine.

Just for GP, do you have the Thermal Reactor exhaust manifold? I can't really tell by the photos.

Again, what does your VIN plate say?

Are you concerned about getting it smogged? I wouldn't imagine a concern about the later carb otherwise.

My concern is OP updated some components. "78 truck but with "79 carb. Anyway to tell if my smog equipment is a "79? My dizzy is an aftermarket Mallory too

 

[spotcruiser]

I can't find a date on the smog sticker. It's just too worn, even if it had a date originally.

See if you can get the part number from the Vacuum Switching Valve (the box on the fender with all of the hoses going to it). I can get the part number from mine and perhaps there's a difference. I bought the truck new, so I know it's original.

The VSV part number on my 78 is 89570-60020.

 

[78fj40mg]

Hey guys,

I have a 1978 FJ40 that I bought in California. At least that is what I have been told and believed to be true until I sent my carb off to be rebuilt by JimC. When Jim rebuilt my carb he told me the carb was a 1979 carb so now I am wondering what I actually have in the truck. Could you please look over my carb/components and tell me what I actually own?

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Based on the components you have it looks like a 1978 including the carb cooling fan. I'm not sure if the 1979s had this option. But I agree with the guys above the putting should be in the VIN.

 

[JohnnyC]

What is also the engine #... On side above the starter on a ledge

 

[MUDSUX]

I guess I should have been clearer. I am not too concerned about the model year of the truck, I am more concerned about the carb/smog components to make sure everything I have is correct. Thanks guys

 

[spotcruiser]

The fiche shows my VSV part number (89570-60020) is applicable from 9/77 to 01/79.

 

[spotcruiser]

The date of manufacture might be helpful.

I guess I should have been clearer. I am not too concerned about the model year of the truck, I am more concerned about the carb/smog components to make sure everything I have is correct. Thanks guys

 

[MUDSUX]

The manufacture of what? The carb? The truck? According to my paperwork the truck is a "78. According to Jim my carb is a "79.

I think maybe the OP stuck a 79 carb on my "78 truck and didn't bother to make sure the smog equipment is compatible. I just need to know if my smog components are compatible with my "79 carb.

 

[4Cruisers]

The manufacture of what? The carb? The truck? According to my paperwork the truck is a "78. According to Jim my carb is a "79.

I think maybe the OP stuck a 79 carb on my "78 truck and didn't bother to make sure the smog equipment is compatible. I just need to know if my smog components are compatible with my "79 carb.

The manufacture date of the vehicle is what's important to determine the specific emissions systems used.

 

[MUDSUX]

Yes I realize that....My problem is I have a "79 carb. I need to know if my current smog equipment is compatible with the "79 carb. I am hoping someone knowledgeable can look at my smog components and tell me if it is the correct one for a "79 carb.

 

[JohnnyC]

pics from @bsevans

From 78' fed fsm

A diagram for you to start tracing the vac lines... And parts... Let us know if you have everything

 

[spotcruiser]

You honestly can't go look at the VIN tag and tell us the year and month of vehicle manufacture?

I'm out.

Yes I realize that....My problem is I have a "79 carb. I need to know if my current smog equipment is compatible with the "79 carb. I am hoping someone knowledgeable can look at my smog components and tell me if it is the correct one for a "79 carb.

 

[Cruiser804]

I have a 3/79 California and the emissions do not look anything like yours.

 

[MUDSUX]

You honestly can't go look at the VIN tag and tell us the year and month of vehicle manufacture?

I'm out.

Hey I appreciate your help but I wasn't home.

Fj40296415 Nov 1978