FJ40s remain one of the more desirable vintage 4x4s on the market today, but their starpower has dimmed a bit. It seems only the best-of-the-best are commanding big money, similar to how the 911 market has cooled considerably on basketcases. This isn’t a basketcase, but it’s far from perfect and shows much more potential as a beater trail rig than a trailer queen. Find it here on eBay for $5,000 or best offer.
If you’re going to attempt to live with an FJ40 or any other vintage 4×4 or van, you really need to find one that’s as close to complete as possible. Otherwise, it’s best to keep your visions limited to trail hopping and beach cruising. There’s enough good FJ40s out there (albeit more expensive) to buy one with a few more creature comforts built in if long-distance drives are on the menu.
According to the seller: “There is rust through passenger side gas tank area and rocker panel, the rest of the body is perfect to be stripped and repainted.” The inline-six is the original mill but not running; however, it does turn freely. A new Texas title is included with the sale, which may also point to why it appears to have years of sunburnt paint coated with surface rust (but isn’t porous.)
Doors and a top would make a big difference in terms of this FJ40 looking a tad more livable; fortunately, the aftermarket for FJs is as vast as the desert, so you should be able to find a roof that suits your needs. A full interior re-do, mechanical overhaul, brakes, tires, basic electrical sorting – this one needs a lot, but if the best offer function is to be taken seriously, perhaps the seller will give a little up to see this FJ40 live again.
Serious question. Why are these more desirable than a jeep of the same vintage? To my untrained eye they look very similar, and the mechanicals look almost identical? Seems like parts and costs are way higher for the Toyota to get basically the same thing.
I’m more of a Jeep guy for your reason of aftermarket support and cost. But, having owned both (‘78 FJ40) will say that the FJ40 is far, far stronger than the Jeep counterpart. The Toyotais better designed, drives better on the road, heavier and better off-road, minus the steering system, which can be fixed. I miss my FJ, but can’t stomach the cost of replacement. Also, Jeeps tend to take to modification far better. The Toy was great as designed, but modifications tend to change the reliability drastically.
Thank you.
Growing up, we had a ’72 (IIRC) FJ. That thing was indestructible. Seriously. And the heater pipe in directly from the 8th plane of hell (i.e. – it was H-O-T). We later had a ’78 CJ5 (that I learned to drive on). Also, strong and sturdy, but even as a kid, the Toyota just seemed for H-D.
The supply of Jeeps is also much greater.
Far many more Modified for rock and mud Jeeps around that wrested old Toyota’s in all categories for less by far what bringing this back to street presentable.
Throw roll cage, clean up rust and dents, quick garage prime and spray paint, off road seats, few guages, webbing for doors, rebuild the 6, have fun driving and beating it back into shape it is in now.
I have a 73 FJ40. This seems like it should cost less
I had a 1974 model and loved it, drove for better than my TJ does but not as much power and it rusted to the point of being unsafe as did many of them. I had it repainted once and kept after it to the best of my ability but body cancer won and I sold it. I don’t think it was any tougher than my TJ but it was a bit more rugged in appearance and was a great driver even when you could see through the body. I think it is more the fact they are tough looking and have a great reputation that makes them bring the high price point. The frames are traps for moisture and tend to rust as do the body seams. A new frame, fiberglass or aluminum body, Atlas T case, LS engine, and Dana axles and you have a cool looking and tough rig. Sorry I love the looks of them but also like reliability.
If you are going to replace the body,frame,engine and axles,whats left. Why buy this vehicle.
I have had a 1971 FJ40 for 35 years now. The Chassis and drive train have been completely rebuilt and the body is 75% done. It never left me stranded. I was a Toyota parts manager for a few years. One day the whole dealership stopped and looked in awe with dropped jaws. An FJ40 came in on the hook for repair! No one had ever seen that before! (It had actually run out of gas and the driver never thought to check the gauge!) Being in the Sierras, there were/are many many FJs around. So seeing an FJ around here is the norm.
Having helped restore a CJ and having rebuilt mine. The FJ40 Frame is twice as stiff/rigid as the CJ. IMHO. Also the engine is actually a copy of a Chevy 6 cylinder. (235) the manifold gasket (intake/exhaust) is actually the same! The rare part on this advertised Cruiser is that it still has the 3 on the tree shifter. Downey Off Road had sold more floor conversions than Toyota had ever “officially” imported with the 3 speed transmissions!