Wanted New to FJ world what should I go with a FJ or BJ40?

Hi All,

I'm a huge Toyota fan and have just convinced my wife of allowing us to have some fun with an FJ or BJ 40. Since I'm new to the forum I'd like to hear what you all think of each. I hear great things on both sides which is making my decision even harder. Please lend your input to help a future cruizer out.

Thanks!
Chris

 

[overton]

This is purely opinion but I would say FJ versus BJ ... if we're talking about Land Cruisers that is!

 

[NYIronPig]

Hard to ever pass up a good BJ....

 

[day23z]

Love the responses, while crafting the post I had the same thoughts, wish my wife did too

 

[greenbeast]

Ok, I would love to comment on the BJ thing but have been married too long!

I've owned 2 bj40's and 2 fj40's. I currently have a 82 fj and a 79 bj project. Since it looks like you live in Atlanta go diesel!
One of mine was turbo'd the other was not. Turbo made a huge difference. Although I wouldn't say MPG is important with a cruiser but the diesel rocks this area. Non turbo can be a little rough in the mountains. Diesel parts may be a little more difficult to come by when needed.

Go diesel and don't look back!

 

[day23z]

Ok, I would love to comment on the BJ thing but have been married too long!

I've owned 2 bj40's and 2 fj40's. I currently have a 82 fj and a 79 bj project. Since it looks like you live in Atlanta go diesel!
One of mine was turbo'd the other was not. Turbo made a huge difference. Although I wouldn't say MPG is important with a cruiser but the diesel rocks this area. Non turbo can be a little rough in the mountains. Diesel parts may be a little more difficult to come by when needed.

Go diesel and don't look back!

Thanks for the information. you hit on one of my concerns with diesel, parts availability. Thanks for lending your experience!

 

[overton]

I needed a starter for a BJ once and it was not easy to find. Think I ended up having to rebuild the old one. I've had a few BJ's and one ran like a top while the others somewhat were gutless. Drive some and you will get a much better education.

 

[greenbeast]

This is true. We owned the turbo and non turbo at same time. However with normal driving the turbo was non issue unless I was on a highway. Onur and I drove a turbo from Atlanta to Colorado all interstate without an issue.

There is something cool about the diesel though!

 

[joekatana]

Diesel parts are not that hard to find anymore, most mecanical parts are the same between the 40 and some of the 70 series and you can see how the market reacts to these.

I only drive diesel Cruisers , I have had 2F,3F,3FE and 1FZ powered cruisers also and the Diesel versions are better suited for me.

 

[shawnfj40]

Yes!

 

[day23z]

This is true. We owned the turbo and non turbo at same time. However with normal driving the turbo was non issue unless I was on a highway. Onur and I drove a turbo from Atlanta to Colorado all interstate without an issue.

There is something cool about the diesel though!

i might have to build another garage for hers

 

[day23z]

Sounds like most are diesel pundits. Now I'll have to find one to give it a drive.

 

[esh]

For a first 40, I would go with an FJ40. It is a solid known quantity for a beginner. They are easier to find in decent condition, have common parts and more people that know how to work on them, and you can spend the money saved from the diesel premium on modifications that make you and your wife happy. One thing that gets annoying over time is the clatter of the B series motors.. sometimes it affects relationships too. After having had a few of both, and having lived with the F, 2F, 3FE, 3B, H, 1HZ and a 454, I would go with livability. You really need to want the diesel for a specific reason to pursue it IMO.

It's easier to lower expectations for a first 40 and just have fun and drive it. A 2F is a solid motor. You can always sell it if you've a burning desire for a BJ42 (or BJ74).

Anyways that's my take without knowing what your intentions.

 

[greenbeast]

Clatter ....thats nothing but he diesel purr!