I’ve loved FJ40’s as long as I can remember (who hasn’t?). I‘ve always been a Toyota enthusiast and have owned many Toyota’s but this is my first 40. After searching throughout the western U.S., this 40 popped up 3 hours away. The owner had passed away recently, so his son was trying to sell it for his mom. The original owner purchased it new off the lot in 1972 and had the dealer add the winch and radio. Unfortunately the radio is no longer there. The original owner had previously had rust repaired with new metal and paint so the body is in great condition. Mechanically, the engine seems in good shape but that will get inspected next week.
I’m finding a couple of leaks on my garage floor. I’m sure I’ll hear about that next week. My biggest issue right now is the steering. I’m actually a little worried about driving it 30 minutes away to the mechanic. The steering wheel has a lot of play in it and it seems to wander on the road. I’ve tried adjusting the steering box but it didn’t make a difference. I’ve since purchased some new 555 TRE’s. Any suggestions on tightening up the steering would be awesome.
I have a laundry list of “wants” for the 40, but mechanical inspection will come first and then we’ll see what I can do next. As with other build threads, I plan on documenting my progress here. Thanks for checking it out!
Me and the son of the original owner after loading it up on the trailer
Checking out my new FJ in the rearview of my Tundra
A quick stop at Whataburger in Colorado Springs. Hey Whataburger - please add a location in Northern Colorado. Thanks!
It was dark when I got home and I had barely gotten out of my truck before the first person stopped to chat with me about it. He has an 80 series and was telling me about his regrets selling his 75 40. I was getting eaten alive by mosquitos so we agreed to talk Land Cruisers later at his place down the street.
After a long day, the 40 was resting in my garage
I’m finding a couple of leaks on my garage floor. I’m sure I’ll hear about that next week. My biggest issue right now is the steering. I’m actually a little worried about driving it 30 minutes away to the mechanic. The steering wheel has a lot of play in it and it seems to wander on the road. I’ve tried adjusting the steering box but it didn’t make a difference. I’ve since purchased some new 555 TRE’s. Any suggestions on tightening up the steering would be awesome.
I have a laundry list of “wants” for the 40, but mechanical inspection will come first and then we’ll see what I can do next. As with other build threads, I plan on documenting my progress here. Thanks for checking it out!
Me and the son of the original owner after loading it up on the trailer
Checking out my new FJ in the rearview of my Tundra
A quick stop at Whataburger in Colorado Springs. Hey Whataburger - please add a location in Northern Colorado. Thanks!
It was dark when I got home and I had barely gotten out of my truck before the first person stopped to chat with me about it. He has an 80 series and was telling me about his regrets selling his 75 40. I was getting eaten alive by mosquitos so we agreed to talk Land Cruisers later at his place down the street.
After a long day, the 40 was resting in my garage
