Which Would You Pick

[frabal]

Trying to get a read on which you all would prefer given these two options (and why if you are so inclined).

1) FJ40, original engine, no top or doors, orig. paint (largely).

2) FJ40, recently rebuilt V8 (SBC), hardtop, doors. good paint but not original -$1000 (maybe).

Body good on both as well as the frame. Neither is restored, all mechanicals working (afaik - or would be able to tell).

Purpose is not as a base to build a crawler or to restore to original just to update/upgrade as necessary to have a fun driver. Both are about the same year, both have pretty much original dashes. Each will need some work, it’s really a matter of what work. Neither are show queens nor will they be. It really comes down to hardtop and v8 (and maybe 1k cheaper) or no top, original engine and in, general more original.

 

[brooklyn]

I have had two V8 fj40s and one was done correctly and one was not done so correctly. Both ended up needing work and having owned each for 5 plus years I ended up putting a fair amount of money and time into each. I am pulling the V8 out of my FJ40 and putting an F2 into the truck. I have driven a few stock FJ40s and liked the feel original drive train, so I thought why not convert back. I would say drive both and then you will know the answer to your question. Curious to the other mods to the V8 as that will provide more details on which might be the better choice.

 

[AlaskanWheeler]

I wouldn't take either, I prefer the power curve of the straight six, wouldn't make it an Alaskan winter without a hard top and doors.

 

[Canarias]

Buy the one with the hardtop, throw the V8 out and put a 13BT in.

 

[JohnnyC]

Need pics

IMO (until pics that may sway my choice ) I would go for the no top ... Put a FST on it and enjoy life

 

[edwjmcgrath]

It depends on where you live and what you need for a top.
Frankly, an OEM engine is easier to source than an oem hard top.
I used to live in Pasadena (1980) back when these trucks weren't classics yet (makes me a classic?)
If I were there, I'd vote for stock engine/no top or soft top.

 

[snaggletto]

I love my 2F, but it uses lots of oil now. Pistons are getting hard/impossible to find and rebuilds are pricy. I generally try to get stock vehicles that haven't been hacked on, then do my own hacks. I would be wanting a hardtop and doors though. Maybe keep looking instead of compromising. Good luck.

 

[alabamatacomaguy]

With these it's more than what drivetrain is in the truck. Rust is very prevalent in these and often times bad and in expensive places to repair unless you can weld. I bet if you saw in person one truck would require more work than the other. Pics would help people on here give you advice but I would check out the FAQ section for what to look for on buying one.
I'm a Toyota enthusiast so I wanted only Toyota for mine, but if you don't care that might not be a big deal. And you could get one with a powerful motor you like more maybe even for less money.

I would do what another poster said and test drive them both and figure out which one fits your needs. Your mechanical ability and what you are able to work on and willing I learn should be taken into account.
You never know just seeing them in person it might be a easy choice.

 

[john657]

Original engine. Not a big fan of V8's.

 

[sggoat]

Original engine. Not a big fan of V8's.

x-2

 

[frabal]

Great feedback so far.

 

[JohnnyC]

Pics?

 

[Usernametaken]

For me? V8 and hard top, then lose the hard top.

 

[Howard705]

Depends what you are going to use it for and whether you need a top. I have v8s and 2fs and like both. Buy them both-use the best of what's there-put everything else on the other one then sell it.

 

[pb4ugo]

Usually on this site the recommendation is to buy the most rust free & complete body you can afford because mechanicals are easier to fix. I'd opt for the top, if in fact, both the tubs are in similar condition. Especially , at a $1000 less. If you want a 6cyldr put 1 in it, they can be found for way less than a $1000. You should be able to sell the V8 as a "can hear run" for $500 or more.. If you don't want the top you can sell it too. You state you want to "update/upgrade" the 40, so it sounds like the 6cyldr 40 will not stay original. I must say I am a owner & a fan of V8 40's, but good running stk 6cyldrs are cool too. Remember it's your money, look at it logically.

 

[Rock40]

Spent a ton of money on a professional rebuild of an original "F" motor and was never happy with it. Parts are usually special order and expensive, the motor is hard to time, needs mechanical valves adjusted fairly often, etc. I'd go with the V8 personally since I've driven both but many V8 swaps are total hack jobs. If there's an original 3 speed transmission behind that V8 it's probably shot too. Every unit I've ever removed/taken apart the input shaft bearing has literally just fallen apart.

Just my opinion but if the V8 was swapped well and the PO put some thought into it's the better choice. Parts are EVERYWHERE and they are much cheaper than the factory Toyota stuff.

 

[Weber Sarge]

Original and complete is where it's at , but that always comes at some sort of cost anyway ....
Sarge

 

[mtn2roady]

I've had both in a four speed. Love the feel of the 6 and vehicle just seemed to operate better. Agree with the others tho, hardtop is much harder to source than a 2f, people are practically giving them away

 

[platypusREX]

Is the V8 auto?

 

[FJ404345]

Pics?

Pics?