New Member Questions

[akotom]

Hi All,
I have been in love with the FJ40 for some time now and have decided that after I graduate college (December of 2013). I want to restore a FJ40 as my project, so I haven't acquired one yet, short on funds due to school and travelling for school.
So my question is, what do I need to know? What are the problems that these cars commonly have? Where will I hit snags? I have a lot of questions of course, but I'm first concerned with, what am I getting myself into. My plan for my FJ would be hauling, and 4x4 offroading. My current house hold doesn't have any cars that are capable of larger jobs, so this would be that car. It would be my toy.

Thanks all! All the posts on here have been really encouraging, and I'm very excited to start saving, and planning my restore. Can't wait to get to know you all.
-Akotom

 

[Pighead]

my FJ

Stop calling it an FJ.

 

[nohuri]

He called it an FJ40 two out of three times, maybe he just forgot the 40 the last time.

 

[DougAustinTx]

......Anyway...... I think a slightly later model is a good place to start. Maybe ''77 or later because of the disc brakes and the start of electronic ignition. If you get to '79, the 3.70 gearing becomes available. I have heard the steel in the body is thinner on the later versions, but it seems like they all rust in the same places anyway. Parts availability may be slightly better on the later 70, early 80 models.

 

[Chachie]

Pay attention to the frame too much rust in the frame will make it difficult to restore

 

[Leaping Deer]

I personally like the 76-78 model years. Hit up the FAQ as there is a ton of good information.

Really think about what you want the end product to be before spending your money. Doing things twice gets expensive.

Saving you pennies for a good running and driving rig now will save you money in the long run.

Do you know how to work on cars? if not do you want to learn? These trucks required a fair bit of maintence when they were newer and now they are 30+ years old.

And for God sakes stop calling it a car. Welcome to Mud

 

[Chamba]

......Anyway...... I think a slightly later model is a good place to start. Maybe ''77 or later because of the disc brakes and the start of electronic ignition. If you get to '79, the 3.70 gearing becomes available. I have heard the steel in the body is thinner on the later versions, but it seems like they all rust in the same places anyway. Parts availability may be slightly better on the later 70, early 80 models.

76 was introduction of disc brakes in America, 77 got pop out rear windows. Otherwise I agree with the above. 81 got the split transfer case and larger spring eyes, so very nice highway manners and easy to Chuck in a 5 speed.

 

[fhawk5]

I do not know if it is my imagination, but I have a 1969 and all the ones I looked at post 1976 seem to be thinner sheet metal and the rust issue is much more prominent.

 

[subzali]

Hi All,
I have been in love with the FJ40 for some time now and have decided that after I graduate college (December of 2013). I want to restore a FJ40 as my project, so I haven't acquired one yet, short on funds due to school and travelling for school.
So my question is, what do I need to know? What are the problems that these cars commonly have? Where will I hit snags? I have a lot of questions of course, but I'm first concerned with, what am I getting myself into. My plan for my FJ would be hauling, and 4x4 offroading. My current house hold doesn't have any cars that are capable of larger jobs, so this would be that car. It would be my toy.

Thanks all! All the posts on here have been really encouraging, and I'm very excited to start saving, and planning my restore. Can't wait to get to know you all.
-Akotom

There's a FAQ for that.

 

[akotom]

Thanks for the scorn/helpful information...I'm mechanically uneducated, but plan on taking the summer to fix that. Will hit up the FAQ page for info.

 

[Fast Eddy]

7 81 ... easy to Chuck in a 5 speed.

Still not so easy. Drive shafts are different and it's nearly impossible to find the fj40 h55f top cover, so you will probably have to modify the tranny tunnel and the shifter.

'78 is the only year with electronic ignition 4.11 gears, and fine-spline pinions; my favorite.

You don't say where you're from, but if you're going to do it once, buy one from the southwest so you start with the least rust you can.

 

[nohuri]

Try to find one with the best "no rust" body you can find, everything else can be repaired. And as others has said, buying one in the best condition you can is cheaper then restoring it. I like the 77-79 the best but thats just an opinion.

 

[oldmuddog]

I agree with the above. Find an "FJ40" with the least amount of rust, a running "FJ40" would be preferred (you mention limited mechanical knowledge). The less you have to spend on body work, the more you'll have to spend on the mechanicals. As stated above these vehicles are 30 years old and older. But they are "Toyota, FJ40's" (little tractors) , parts are still available ($$). If you are not prepared for this (You also mention limited funds), buy something you can afford that will be more of a daily driver until you can buy an FJ40 that you can work on. I have owned two FJ40's ,one while I was young ,And the one I have now. I'm better prepared to take care of the one I have now. I've always been able to turn a wrench and follow instructions, and I'm no mechanic, but I'm better now than I was years ago.Not trying to discourage you ,just relating my experience. If you do go forward, you won't find a better place than MUD to help you and your "40" , Some Of these guys are amazing with their knowledge. By the way , what are we fix'en to haul? Welcome to the fever.

 

[akotom]

I agree with the above. Find an "FJ40" with the least amount of rust, a running "FJ40" would be preferred (you mention limited mechanical knowledge). The less you have to spend on body work, the more you'll have to spend on the mechanicals. As stated above these vehicles are 30 years old and older. But they are "Toyota, FJ40's" (little tractors) , parts are still available ($$). If you are not prepared for this (You also mention limited funds), buy something you can afford that will be more of a daily driver until you can buy an FJ40 that you can work on. I have owned two FJ40's ,one while I was young ,And the one I have now. I'm better prepared to take care of the one I have now. I've always been able to turn a wrench and follow instructions, and I'm no mechanic, but I'm better now than I was years ago.Not trying to discourage you ,just relating my experience. If you do go forward, you won't find a better place than MUD to help you and your "40" , Some Of these guys are amazing with their knowledge. By the way , what are we fix'en to haul? Welcome to the fever.

I'm good a following instructions, and using tools, so I'm not so worried about the mechanics of it, but you're right, I was thinking that getting one that runs is a better deal. I want to be able to haul a small camping trailer, or something like a flatbed trailer with mulch or whatever on it. I have a daily driving car (new), but there is no car in the house hold that can haul...anything...