Searching for a 40

[offr0adlim0]

I'm starting my search for a 40 series but don't know what to look for. What years are better. Or what price is reasonable. I'm not in any hurry just want the right one. Feel free to chime in with suggestions.

 

[offr0adlim0]

Not looking for a pristine one but not looking for a basketcase either.

 

[Bossman]

I'd be glad to offer some suggestions but you need to define your intended use. Mall cruiser, light trail use, 50/50, mostly trail? How much work can/are you willing to do yourself? A little information like this will make the search easier.

 

[dnp]

Isn't '76 the first year for front disc brakes? If I'm recalling correctly, that's where I'd start............the trucks just seemed to me to be better overall about the time they started with discs.

Just my initial 2 cents.........

 

[euclid]

78 has always been my favorite. Right body panel thickness and oil path and some other stuff.

 

[wngrog]

78 Cruiser is like the 77 Bronco...all the good s***.

All the years after that are great except for the square bezel....the only real difference in drivetrain is that 78's have fine spline 4.11's like Fj62's and 79-83 have 3.70's, a bigger fuel tank and often p/s, a/c, and things like that.

To me, the 76 and up is most favorable as they all have 2F and disc brake front axles.

 

[offr0adlim0]

It would be a mall cruiser that sees the ocasional trail use. I'm an auto tech by trade so don't mind wrenching. Looking for one that is drivable and will add to it later down the road.

 

[Bossman]

This is a tough question to answer for someone elsa. I like the earlier sheet metal but I also like the 74 and up for the 2F (if you are going to keep the original motor). Disc brake front axle is an easy fix and the tech section here on mud has several good write-ups on the process. If you don't get in a rush and find good deals on your parts you can convert an older rig to 4 wheel disc for not too much $$. As said before, 78 is "the" best year for North American FJ40's.

My.$.02 - the next fj40 I would build would be early sheet metal, FJ80 locked axles, and either a fuel injected v8 or diesel powerplant. But that's just me....

 

[77TLCFJ40]

Rob, you've got an 80 on 40s. What do you need a 40 for?

Oh, thats right. 40s are cool as shunt!

There was one listed in the "Anyone?" thread in Lafayette, LA. Very motivated seller. Early 70's with a later 2F and disk brake front axle if I remember it right.

 

[lenross1]

I say the later model the better. all the kinks for the most part should be worked out by the last models. Just look at Chris and Bodean's they are impervious to scratches even..

 

[wct49]

I say the later model the better. all the kinks for the most part should be worked out by the last models. Just look at Chris and Bodean's they are impervious to scratches even..

impervious and my junk go hand in hand

 

[wngrog]

The one in Lafayette is a GOOD deal.

 

[lenross1]

The one in Lafayette is a GOOD deal.

I think rob checked on that one. I believe he talked to some of the bayou state boys about it..
Rob?

 

[MEMCruiser]

If I had Rob's skills, I would already have bought that FJ40 in LA. That looks nice.

 

[offr0adlim0]

The one in lafayette is in need of a lot of work and money to be road worthy. Currently it is not running. The disc brake swap is not complete. All other parts are included but not currently on the truck. Still thinking about it though.

 

[Bodean]

Yep, 78 is the BEST!!!!!!

 

[lenross1]

Yep, 78 is the BEST!!!!!!

i think this opinion may be biased

 

[wct49]

Yep, 78 is the BEST!!!!!!

you got pics to prove it?

 

[Bodean]

Damn right!

 

[wct49]

NICE! the white letter tires kick some ass.