Third time's the charm? - hunting another FJ40 (9 Viewers)

[drooartz]

There's a stk blue 82 40 listed in the classified section. Plus several other candidates.

I keep a close eye on the classifieds here. That blue 82 does look really lovely, but sadly above my price range.

Every day or 2 I do a looksie through the classifieds here, Autotempest, Hemmings, etc to see if anything new has popped up. It’s nice to not be in a rush. I’ve got a pretty good idea of what I want, and am willing to be a bit picky.

 

[sofj45]

Have a 62 fj45 if that’s anything you’d be interested its not a 40 but super fun. I Have to get serious about selling off some of the fleet for future projects.

 

[Living in the Past]

Didn't realize your considering early 40 with a column shift. Haven't figured a value but have a 1970 model I purchased from the.original owner fourteen years ago. Have only started a few times in the last year. Its been kept in an insulated garage at milder Northern Arizona temperature. No rust with original paint.

 

[drooartz]

Have a 62 fj45 if that’s anything you’d be interested its not a 40 but super fun. I Have to get serious about selling off some of the fleet for future projects.

That’s a lovely truck. I’m going to pass as I’m still focused on a 40, but thanks for sharing it.

 

[drooartz]

Didn't realize your considering early 40 with a column shift. Haven't figured a value but have a 1970 model I purchased from the.original owner fourteen years ago. Have only started a few times in the last year. Its been kept in an insulated garage at milder Northern Arizona temperature. No rust with original paint.

I wasn’t originally considering an earlier truck, was really focused on the later 4-spd/disc brake models. As I’ve gone through this process I’ve opened up my search a bit to include the ’71 and earlier column-shift trucks. I’m not a hardcore wheeler, this is really for exploring the dirt roads and trails around me and doing some camping. So the 3spd is likely a non-issue and I could always upgrade the fronts to discs. The only years I’m really not that interested in are 72-75 as the floor-shift 3spd is not of interest.

Your 40 looks nice, I’ll PM for some details.

 

[EWheeler]

I wasn’t originally considering an earlier truck, was really focused on the later 4-spd/disc brake models. As I’ve gone through this process I’ve opened up my search a bit to include the ’71 and earlier column-shift trucks. I’m not a hardcore wheeler, this is really for exploring the dirt roads and trails around me and doing some camping. So the 3spd is likely a non-issue and I could always upgrade the fronts to discs. The only years I’m really not that interested in are 72-75 as the floor-shift 3spd is not of interest.

Your 40 looks nice, I’ll PM for some details.

FYI, there is a member that developed an adapter to retain column shift, and swap in an H42 4spd. It may be a good option for you if you find the truck you want with a 3spd, but get the itch for some mechanical upgrades. There are at least 2 of these installed & functioning in the wild, you can find in @Skreddy and @red66toy respective FJ40 build threads.

Some info here.

tranny tech 403-thats 4 on the tree!

Sorry for the delay! Gaskets are made and bolts are here. I’ll assemble the kits and they will be available soon. :)

forum.ih8mud.com

Not to dissuade you from considering a 3spd column shift 40, but the 3spd has a terrible split 2nd-3rd. At elevation and in the mountains, 3rd is likely unusable unless going downhill. My 3 on the tree 40 is my favorite to drive, but only in the flat lands. There are other contributing factors for me like possibly low power output of a tired F engine and 35" tires with stock gearing, but I would try to drive a 3spd truck locally if you can.

 

[EWheeler]

I was going to PM you, but apparently you've turned that function off. This 40 is very nice, and looks to be worth investigating if you want a late model.

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[EWheeler]

Another one that is local to me. This seller knows 40 series. This specific 40 has been for sale for a while. I know they sold an almost identical 40 for quite a bit less to a member here in the past. 1981, original blue paint, 45k original miles. $40k asking

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[drooartz]

@EWheeler thanks for sharing those links, I’ll take a look.

Didn’t realize I had PMs turned off, fixed now.

 

[EWheeler]

@EWheeler thanks for sharing those links, I’ll take a look.

Didn’t realize I had PMs turned off, fixed now.

For an example of what is possible, here is IMO one of the best "deals" i've seen in a long time, posted right here on the forum by a well known member. Its unfortunately sold, but your budget should be able to get you a very nice all original 40.

SOLD - 1982 TOYOTA FJ40 LAND CRUISER *** U.S. Specs

1982 TOYOTA FJ40 LAND CRUISER U.S. Specs *** This FJ40 has the most desired features: late model year, highway differentials (3.70), Factory, larger factory fuel tank in rear, All original emissions. Purchased new in California. It was formerly a Los Angeles...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[drooartz]

For an example of what is possible, here is IMO one of the best "deals" i've seen in a long time, posted right here on the forum by a well known member. Its unfortunately sold, but your budget should be able to get you a very nice all original 40.

I missed that one by about a month, hadn’t gotten serious yet when that one sold.

I do feel like I have enough budget this time around. It’s the most I’ve ever considered spending on a vehicle by a pretty reasonable factor, but life is short and I want to find something I can use for many years before I get to old/creaky to really enjoy it. Dirt roads are an irresistible addiction for me, I want to drive them all.

 

[Wasatch Jay]

Didn't realize your considering early 40 with a column shift. Haven't figured a value but have a 1970 model I purchased from the.original owner fourteen years ago. Have only started a few times in the last year. Its been kept in an insulated garage at milder Northern Arizona temperature. No rust with original paint.
View attachment 3945747View attachment 3945748View attachment 3945749View attachment 3945750

Wow!

That looks close to "time capsule" condition. Very nice, VERY!

 

[royal cake]

Have a 62 fj45 if that’s anything you’d be interested its not a 40 but super fun. I Have to get serious about selling off some of the fleet for future projects.

View attachment 3945762

Was looking at your truck with the wife the other day. Beauty!

 

[drooartz]

Have another inspection scheduled on a ’71 up in Washington state. Had a nice chat with the seller and got some good pics. Truck looks really clean based on the pics and my conversation, and I had some local cruiser friends look the pics and video over as well to positive review. Seller was willing to work with me, so I offered a small deposit to hold it for me while I get the inspection done since my schedule won’t let me get up there anytime soon. I’m feeling some excitement for this one, but getting my due diligence done to make sure all is as it should be.s

Should know more sometime next week.

 

[charliemeyer007]

I'm all for a deposit to hold it for you, especially if its applied to the price when you buy it. Good luck, hope it works out.

 

[Skreddy]

Have another inspection scheduled on a ’71 up in Washington state. Had a nice chat with the seller and got some good pics. Truck looks really clean based on the pics and my conversation, and I had some local cruiser friends look the pics and video over as well to positive review. Seller was willing to work with me, so I offered a small deposit to hold it for me while I get the inspection done since my schedule won’t let me get up there anytime soon. I’m feeling some excitement for this one, but getting my due diligence done to make sure all is as it should be.s

Should know more sometime next week.

Where in WA? Come drive mine or @red66toy (if he’d let you) 4 on the tree!

 

[drooartz]

I'm all for a deposit to hold it for you, especially if its applied to the price when you buy it. Good luck, hope it works out.

I figure it’s a good indication of intent, and if I’m asking the seller to take a little chance on me, I need to be willing to put up a little as well.

 

[drooartz]

Where in WA? Come drive mine or @red66toy (if he’d let you) 4 on the tree!

The ’71 is in Sonomish. I’m in UT. 4 on the tree sounds a lot of fun!

 

[Skreddy]

The ’71 is in Sonomish. I’m in UT. 4 on the tree sounds a lot of fun!

Chase is not far from Snohomish and that’s pretty much where I used to live but moved to the east side of the state.

Are you having Torfab in Everett do the inspection?

 

[drooartz]

Chase is not far from Snohomish and that’s pretty much where I used to live but moved to the east side of the state.

Are you having Torfab in Everett do the inspection?

Actually just using LemonSquad for an inspection. They’re not Cruiser experts by any means, but give a reasonable 3rd party look and make sure things are at least ok (and that the truck actually exists, etc). I’ve used them a number of times in the past on this search and others, and it has given me enough confidence to either buy or walk away.