What Do You Guys Think of this 40?

[Von Hayek]

My father is looking to buy a 40. He wants a truck free of rust, but he doesn't want to pay for a restored truck or a show truck.

He found this truck in Montana that someone clearly spent some time on, but I'm scared of the bedliner. I'm afraid of what's under it. But if it is solid and dependable, Dad's interested. What do you guys think?

For Sale: - 1978 FJ40

That said, if anyone knows of a solid 40 in the $10k-$15K range, please let me know

 

[Stumpalama]

BLUF: It looks like a solid truck. I will write more when I get to my computer.

 

[Stumpalama]

So, quick observations that are pertinent to the decision regarding this truck:
1 as long as the owner can confirm the truck was media blasted inside before laying down the bedliner then there are no issues there.
1a. Is it DIY or line (or equivalent)?
2. The 4" lift springs are too short and too stiff for the truck it will ride like a brick .
3. Does it come with a hard top?
4. Pics of engine bay; what are the compression numbers? What mods have been done to the engine?

'78 is a good year, 4.11 gears, thick steel (16ga as opposed to 18ga in '79 and later) fine spline everything and front disc brakes.

 

[76FJ40]

Gary just picked up a solid 45 long bed.

 

[Von Hayek]

I tried to talk Gary up, but Dad don't want' no stinkin' pickup.

 

[Von Hayek]

So, quick observations that are pertinent to the decision regarding this truck:
1 as long as the owner can confirm the truck was media blasted inside before laying down the bedliner then there are no issues there.
1a. Is it DIY or line (or equivalent)?
2. The 4" lift springs are too short and too stiff for the truck it will ride like a brick .
3. Does it come with a hard top?
4. Pics of engine bay; what are the compression numbers? What mods have been done to the engine?

'78 is a good year, 4.11 gears, thick steel (16ga as opposed to 18ga in '79 and later) fine spline everything and front disc brakes.

All good points. I'm going to see if he any photos of the truck before bedlining too.

 

[StaleAle]

Gary just picked up a solid 45 long bed.

not yours I hope!

 

[76FJ40]

Nope, Lylia would shoot me.

 

[Von Hayek]

Well, the guy never responded to my questions so the search continues.