As a regular on this site, I am starting a 3rd build thread in a 3rd LC tech section since first logging onto this site 5 yrs ago. I have officially been injected with the cruiser bug and wish I could own 1 or 2 or every generation of the 40 thru 200 series. I totally dig the old to the new.
My first LC was a (white) 80-series '97 model where I first cut my teeth.
As a Texan I purchased this one from the NE of USA just because I could not be patient enough to find a deal locally. It turned out to be rusty in some areas but still drove like a tank anywhere. I later sold knowing I wanted 3 main areas of improvement:
1) rear air (it's damn hot here)
2) no rust (I live in TX and this should not be a problem some patience)
3) V8
Well, I found the buyer I needed for the 80 and moved on to a (white) '99 100-series. Aside from the IFS limitation issues, it has become the supreme family cruiser in every aspect.
The 2UZ-FE is one of the best motors out of TEQ and that A/C works easy in a climate like TX. Since, I have my two young ones + to haul around now. I had to find a daily driver than can also hit any medium trails on the weekend. This rig has been a perfect lifetime TX truck with a clean history and will remain in the family for quite some time. After that was settled, I still had a craving for another… LC
By this time, I had been staring at other people’s 40's on-and- off for about 3 years and the FJ40 is just a classic bad ass that can not be repeated. I knew I did not want to start with a basket case that would take me a LOT of work and time to get on the road/trail. I also wanted a 40 that was still true to the design, as I am somewhat of a TEQ purist at heart. Next choice up… what year model to buy?
This thread https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/16760-best-year-40-a.html told me a 78 FJ40 would probably suite me the best. (Woody said ).
· 4 spd
· 4.11’s
· Fine spline
· Disc brakes
So, what next... another white LC (unintentionally ).
This one is in good shape from what I have seen in comparison. It was originally freeborn red and the previous owner painted the exterior white after an incident with front fenders and a cow. Has the Aussie locker already installed and a electronic fuel primer.
Engine looks decent but is way behind on maintenance so that is my first set of tasks. Also vaccum hoses seem to be disconnected in spots and the air filter assy is a mess. New fluids and right the wrongs to see if it will run good at 60mph.
My first LC was a (white) 80-series '97 model where I first cut my teeth.
As a Texan I purchased this one from the NE of USA just because I could not be patient enough to find a deal locally. It turned out to be rusty in some areas but still drove like a tank anywhere. I later sold knowing I wanted 3 main areas of improvement:
1) rear air (it's damn hot here)
2) no rust (I live in TX and this should not be a problem some patience)
3) V8
Well, I found the buyer I needed for the 80 and moved on to a (white) '99 100-series. Aside from the IFS limitation issues, it has become the supreme family cruiser in every aspect.
The 2UZ-FE is one of the best motors out of TEQ and that A/C works easy in a climate like TX. Since, I have my two young ones + to haul around now. I had to find a daily driver than can also hit any medium trails on the weekend. This rig has been a perfect lifetime TX truck with a clean history and will remain in the family for quite some time. After that was settled, I still had a craving for another… LC
By this time, I had been staring at other people’s 40's on-and- off for about 3 years and the FJ40 is just a classic bad ass that can not be repeated. I knew I did not want to start with a basket case that would take me a LOT of work and time to get on the road/trail. I also wanted a 40 that was still true to the design, as I am somewhat of a TEQ purist at heart. Next choice up… what year model to buy?
This thread https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/16760-best-year-40-a.html told me a 78 FJ40 would probably suite me the best. (Woody said ).
· 4 spd
· 4.11’s
· Fine spline
· Disc brakes
So, what next... another white LC (unintentionally ).
This one is in good shape from what I have seen in comparison. It was originally freeborn red and the previous owner painted the exterior white after an incident with front fenders and a cow. Has the Aussie locker already installed and a electronic fuel primer.
Engine looks decent but is way behind on maintenance so that is my first set of tasks. Also vaccum hoses seem to be disconnected in spots and the air filter assy is a mess. New fluids and right the wrongs to see if it will run good at 60mph.
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