Last fall, almost a year ago, I dragged home, finally, my very own FJ40. My first exposure to these fine machines was back in high school, 30 years ago. A buddy had one, smirf blue, and for some reason that vehicle found a place way back inside some brain cells. I remember a few years later while in Anza-Borrego talking to another FJ40 owner. For some reason Jeeps just didn't fascinate me much, but Land Cruisers were another story.
I'm not new to Toyota 4x4's. I've owned a 1982 short bed, 1985 xcab, 1998 Taco, and still have a 1985 4Runner. It's almost criminal to admit this is my first LC. Yes, I'm ashamed.
Anyway, as the pics show I've taken this junk a part. All of the exterior paint (rattle can) is gone and I still need to strip the underside. When acquired the defroster vents had mice nesting inside and the space between the "seats" had a packrat nest. The vehicle came with a 2F from a 1978 truck, and the original 3-speed tranny/tc. To date I've:
- done a spring over using Proffitt's perches, and a Proffitt's cut and turned axle.
- done a shackle reversal using Proffitt's hangers and Alcan springs.
- installed mini-truck disk brakes using V6 calipers and vented rotors.
- installed disk brakes in the rear.
- installed 35" Goodyear MT/R.
- installed a FZJ80 elocker up front.
- in the process of installing FJ60 power steering, which I will probably screw up.
- cross-over steering using 4x4Labs arms.
- motor is left over from a v8 conversion in a FJ60.
- H55F is bolted to a Mark's 3.05 geared and rebuilt TC.
- converted the under-seat gas tank to a lockable storage box.
- started acquiring most of the parts needed to put 'er back together.
- given most of my paychecks to CruiserDan.
Still need to repair the rear quarters, replace the rear sill, replace some other misc sheet metal, and paint. Over all, considering its age, the rust was not that bad. I also need to finish the rear end including a locker, wire, and do enough little schit to keep me busy for a long time.
I'm not new to Toyota 4x4's. I've owned a 1982 short bed, 1985 xcab, 1998 Taco, and still have a 1985 4Runner. It's almost criminal to admit this is my first LC. Yes, I'm ashamed.
Anyway, as the pics show I've taken this junk a part. All of the exterior paint (rattle can) is gone and I still need to strip the underside. When acquired the defroster vents had mice nesting inside and the space between the "seats" had a packrat nest. The vehicle came with a 2F from a 1978 truck, and the original 3-speed tranny/tc. To date I've:
- done a spring over using Proffitt's perches, and a Proffitt's cut and turned axle.
- done a shackle reversal using Proffitt's hangers and Alcan springs.
- installed mini-truck disk brakes using V6 calipers and vented rotors.
- installed disk brakes in the rear.
- installed 35" Goodyear MT/R.
- installed a FZJ80 elocker up front.
- in the process of installing FJ60 power steering, which I will probably screw up.
- cross-over steering using 4x4Labs arms.
- motor is left over from a v8 conversion in a FJ60.
- H55F is bolted to a Mark's 3.05 geared and rebuilt TC.
- converted the under-seat gas tank to a lockable storage box.
- started acquiring most of the parts needed to put 'er back together.
- given most of my paychecks to CruiserDan.
Still need to repair the rear quarters, replace the rear sill, replace some other misc sheet metal, and paint. Over all, considering its age, the rust was not that bad. I also need to finish the rear end including a locker, wire, and do enough little schit to keep me busy for a long time.
Last edited:
