any truck that is 75 or older is exempt from smog in Ca. In late74-75, the FJ55 got the 2F engine. The earlier ones had an F engine and usually a three speed trans. FWIU the early t-case has a lower lo gear. In 77 these rigs got disk front brakes, and in 79 their engines came w/ provisions for p/s pump brackets and a/c compressors. It IS possible to get a truck that is later than a 75 that has even been "de smogged" and bring it back to smoggable/drivable condition. I just got the registraion sticker on mine a couple months back-now I'm swapping out that old dead motor-kind of amazed that it passed now that I see it had a dead cylinder!!! Lots of usefull info on this site. Finding a good pig is not that easy, if you're going to keep it somewhat stock enginewise (I recommend), don't limit yourself as far as the smog years go. Perhaps more important than smog rules- the rules of rust. Whatever rig you end up looking at, get into every corner and seam of paneling to look for the silent death. These rigs can be rotting under the paint- years of road. If it were me, I WOULD limit myself to a western states pig. Unless you plan on spending a ton upfront, plan on doing some major work to your rig when you get it- maybe even from time to time. These rigs get repaired used and stored and used and the po' s wouldn't be selling them unless there is an accumulation of little (or big) things that need addressed that weigh into their decisions to sell. (IMO anyway.) good luck, don't be affraid to post pics of and ask q's here about any prospective trucks you will be considering!!!
