i've been itching to buy something like this..
 

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1296846808.jpg

here is a decent 1974 that would be under smog inspection exempt.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1296846832.jpg

Me too, but a rust free or restored FJ40 is pricey!

Pre 77 will have drum brakes up front, 75 and down will have the three speed manual. Both should be avoided. Oh and how good are you at rust repair?

Would love to have one..but like Matt posted...good examples are crazy pricey. I'd rather get a new Jeep Wrangler and send it to the custom shop...if were to spend the kinda money some guys want for them.

Guy by me just sold one restored. $14,000 :eek:

yeh - you have to get a hold of these things BEFORE they become a cult item

but how hard is it to swap the tranny & brakes to something better?

My 72' has a 78 axle under it for the disc conversion. There are other methods like using the knuckles from a early Toyota mini truck that can be done as well. It's a matter of finding good parts in either case to swap in.

The four speed is a bolt in option with the 2F and the 1F, you do however also need the transfer case with it, or you need to modify the 4 speed output shaft or the three speed t-case input gears to mate it it.

Beyond that there are other issues with these cars.... The 2F engines are getting very expensive to rebuild, not 911 expensive, but not cheap. The 1F's.. forget it, they had issues anyway and are not generally worth saving.

Power steering normally needs to be added to make them comfortable to drive. That's a GM Saginaw conversion, or sourcing of power steering parts from, say, a 1980.

To get a "perfect" Fj40 or 55 takes years of work. Rust repair, updates, finding parts all are a chore.

My 72' factory soft top is a frame off restore that I did myself. It has a 350tbi engine, GM power steering, power disc brakes, 4 speed transmission and 3 speed case. Between body work, parts sourcing, and conversion pieces it was a four year job. And I still can't source a set of factory canvas doors anywhere.

There are so many items on these trucks that are terribly hard to find. Wiper motors, dash knobs, hubs, wheel cylinders, the list goes on. These were sold in a somewhat limited fashion in the states and a lot of parts need to come from the third world at this point.

For instance there is one guy that makes a factory soft top reproduction, he's in Pakistan and you have to do a group buy for the tops. It takes a year to turn the order around. You have to love these things to even consider getting into one.

Here is mine on it's maiden voyage after sitting for 10 years.

YouTube - FJ40 First Run

Here was a ncie one sold through BaT last year

upgraded with fuel injected later 80's LC engine

BaT Exclusive: Upgraded 1970 Toyota FJ40 6-Cylinder « BaT – The best vintage and classic cars for sale online

My uncle bought a new '77 FJ40 when he finished his residency. Moved to a little backwater town outside of Sun Valley, ID. Felt self-conscious about being the new doctor in town, so he spray painted a section of a door and the hood louvers primer gray to age the car a bit.

Man, now you've got me scanning Craigslist, too.

(rare)1986 toyota landcruiser wagon 4x4

Vash,

What would you do with it? Hunting? We had this conversation when you were wondering if you should get an old (same vintage) bronco. These things aren't good to take on road trips, with the short wheel base. You better have a modern truck you tow it with into the boonies. Of course it depends how miserable you want to be or if you have a hunting spot close by.

I do agree that they are cool but Id take a Bronco or Scout over it. They can be had with a nice V8, a lot more fun to offroad ...

G

Those are good trucks. there are two of them running around the canyon where I live. I talk to them sometimes st the local gas station. They seem to hold up well. I have a 80 series LC that I drive most of the time beside my truck. I think if you want durability, the 80 series LC is considered by most the go everywhere truck and it will take you back home without issues. however, I like to have a newer 100 series.

So you'd recommend 80 > 62/60? This one's been sitting on Craigslist for a few weeks, now. And my office is in Encino...

1995 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER

If I were to get an older LC, I would like to have one in truck configuration. If not, I like the Iron Pig. Ugly but cool.The Leader - Iron Pig photo - Bill Smith photos at pbase.com

Yes, in every ways, more comfort too. They have more power and a much better engine, but mileage sucks for both truck. (11-12 mph). The last years to have the solid front axle. They still make them for the rest of the world in the newer 100 series trucks.

The 80 is an absolutely fantastic SUV, but that one is overpriced without the differential locks. You can legitimately take the 80 damn near anywhere off-road, but it's still comfy to take on a highway road trip. I had a 1991 that I sold with almost 200k, I would have quite literally driven it anywhere. When we sold my wife's van and were looking for a new car for her she used the 80 as her family car, including trips alone out of town. I wouldn't let my wife drive just any 30 year old 200k mile vehicle out of town with my kids, but I absolutely trusted the 80. One of the best cars I've ever owned, I still miss mine and consider buying another.

The 60/62 is nice as well, but not as good for daily driver duty. The only complaint I had with mine was MPG, with larger than stock 33" AT rubber it was doing really well to get 13 MPG. Check out iH8mud, which is the only BBS I've encountered that has a similar level of knowledge to the PP 911 technical forum. Excellent support.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1296910704.jpg

Denis and I talked about this very vehicle two weeks ago...I have started the search:cool:

Here you go. I'm afraid to call for the price.

1967 Toyota FJ40 Convertible (only 10000 miles)

I loved every second of owning my 69 fj40....after we switched to a better carb and upgraded to a buick High output electronic ignition. The rust eats through these faster than it does 914's. make sure if you go look at one you check the steering linkages etc because it has more angles, rods than ive ever seen and it really is a poor set up and will be scary to drive down the road if not properly maintained. But it never got stuck and went places other 4x4's needed 34 inch boggers to go, you just gave it alittle skinny pedal and you were golden.

I've been on a FJ40 information diet for the last week or so, being 'schooled' by a iH8mud guru. He says 1978 was the best year overall, but like most things -- the newer the better. Cool Cruisers (probably the most respected FJ restoration company in the US) won't consider restoring a pre-1976 model for inventory. He's looking at a 1983 this week on my behalf. One of 260 for the US that year, one of 30 with factory A/C and P/S. A similar low-mile rig sold for $35K. This one is more affordable.

Here are a few more to think about: TLC - Toyota 4x4 Land Cruisers - Sales Stock List

or they will build you a new one: ICON

I don't need one but it makes me happy just knocking around in it.

icon = $80-110k

I pass by ICON on my way to work. Their rigs are more like in the 145K range, IIRC.

"Quality isn’t cheap, and the entry point for an Icon is $105k. Go nuts and you’ll hit $170,000 adding things like six-piston brakes and Chilewich seat covers. A typical build up runs $125,000 to $140,000k. He’s having no trouble selling them, either. Icon has sold 57 so far."

I was seeing the CJ3B they sell for $78K and assuming the FJs weren't $30K more. I was wrong.

I guess I don't have a $10,000 Toto automated toilet either. My $150 Kohler does just fine.

i REFUSE to own another "almost smog exempt" vehicle here in california. if we move, i would buy a 78..

I was going to suggest TLC but I have become dumb that late in the evening. They are out in the valley. If you are serious, stop by and talk to them. I would have them do work on my LC, but I never need anything but tires, and oil changes. they did recommended getting all the parts re-torque under the truck. My wrench did it for forty bucks. Oh, one important thing, they eat brake pads. YOu could mod, but I just have them change out and be done with it.

OR, buy a real decent old Willys for around $6-10K.

1942 willys jeep

TLC is good. Here is another:

Rocky Mountain Cruisers

This is bad-ass. For some reason I like the mid 80's ones as well...

http://www.tlc4x4.com/sales/gallery/...s/DSC00665.jpg

Love the old ones. There was one I saw locally that had on it's spare tire cover....

"Hummer Rescue Vehicle"

Dropping Jack at a friends two months ago, made the turn down a cul de sac to get home.

Uh oh: FJ, Alaska plates at the bottom of the turn.

Two guys outside. I'm just stupid enough to stop and ask if I can look at the FJ.

"You want to drive it?"

Yes, yes I do.

The owner is a Navy Senior Chief.

His rig is a little rusty, a bit tired, but clean. It all comes back.

The search started then.

Australian Land Cruiser ad, 1978

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cqq0K8_S9xY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I keep getting the 60/62 itch every now and then. I was drooling over this awhile back..

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1297123176.jpg

There's a guy in Santa Monica selling a -60 with 124K miles, asking $7900, IIRC.

Yeah, you'll be drooling from the pain and nausea it will introduce to your wallet the first time you fill up after about 120 miles on a tank. ;) Especially with those tires.

I like those a lot but they are real gas hogs ...

G

Let's have an FJ vs. Jeep Smack Down

10 may be 12 miles a gallon. And they are gutless. unless you get then going on the highway. Off road, you better carry extra gas with you. the only thing is, that thing will get you home.

I was in deep snow in the middle of a dead winter storm in the Candian rockies, my 80 kept on rolling like it was in a dry parking lot.

This is the real ticket. I've been lusting after a Pinz for ages...passed up at least 3 in the past 10 years. Never seem to have the room for one when I have the opportunity to get one at a good price.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1297151067.jpg

Would make the perfect mobile hunting shack for popping prairie dogs up in WY...

I had a 62 as a DD for years. As long as you kept it under 70mph (which wasn't hard) you could get decent mileage (15 hwy). Gas prices are what keep me from picking up another one right now but the one pictured is a "1/2 cut" diesel. 18 to 22 mpg and it will pull the grade at Castaic heading north on the 5 at 80mph.

Specter Off-Road Land Cruiser Parts - Page 035 Land Cruiser Engines

Hmmm...... $9-11K for a half cut diesel. Plus shipping. Plus labor.

All to save 3-7 mpg using a fuel that costs 10% more.

That'll pay itself off in, oh, say, fourty years.