No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you, this FJ really is that long! Toyota’s FJ Land Cruiser series has long been popular with anyone wanting a rugged rig that can move people and equipment through the roughest of terrains, making it a popular choice with militaries around the world. That being said, the standard FJ40 isn’t exactly spacious, so Toyota built this extended version so there was plenty of room for people and equipment. This one was used by the Australian Military before making its way stateside. Land Cruisers are extremely popular these days and this one looks like a great example, especially if you are looking for a Troopy! You can find it here on craigslist in Litchfield Park, Arizona with a $26,500 asking price. Special thanks to Rex M for this tip!
As you can see, there’s quite a lot of space here for passengers. I’ve seen these in several different configurations depending on how many passengers you plan to carry and how they will be exiting the vehicle. This configuration allows for 4 passengers (more if they aren’t loaded up with equipment) to quickly exit out the rear doors. There’s not much in the way of creature comforts and I’m sure it’s a bumpy ride back there, but it will certainly get the job done!
Powering this Troopy is Toyota’s 4.2 liter inline 6. FJs seem to have a habit of losing their original engines, so it’s nice to see that this one still retains its original powerplant. It looks a little crusty, but a good detailing would have this engine bay looking great again. I’m pleasantly surprised to see that it’s equipped with AC, but Australia isn’t a particularly cold place, so it makes sense that it would have AC. There’s no word on the truck’s mechanical condition, but we can only assume that it still runs and drives. If the AC blows cold, you could easily daily drive this truck year-round and possibly even convince the significant other that it’s a practical vehicle to own!
I love the simplicity of these FJs, especially when you take into account that this one was built in the ’80s. By the time this truck was built, most other vehicles were loaded with new gadgets and electronics. Just about anyone could work on this truck and as long as you keep up on basic maintenance, it should keep running for years to come. Lately, I’ve been thinking about building an SUV for Overlanding but had written the FJ off as being too short, but this one would take care of that problem! Thoughts?
These are heavy trucks, starting with the fully boxed frame, that 6 cylinder can get overwhelmed and leave you rowing through a lot of low gears, and you need some strong arms to turn that manual steering, a small block, and automatic transmission, and powered steering can turn these tanks into an capable off road rigs
I had a FJ55 ( wish I had it today) and a friend had a FJ40, great trucks. I had no idea, but these came in all kinds of configurations overseas, and that motor, a direct knockoff of the Chevy 235, ( without the leaks), was the power for a slew of Toyotas for years, from big trucks to limos. None better. Nice trucks, not cushy by any means, but I feel, Toyotas best offering in trucks. Maybe that’s why everybody wants one.
“4 passengers”???
Heck, I’d load at least 8 in the back of that thing!
…+ the 2 up front. (y) :-)
If you had 8 kids, this would be the perfect transportation for you. But if you had 8 kids you wouldn’t be able to afford the $26,500 price!
The Troopie in Australia was a popular vehicle with the normally aspirated 4.2 litre diesel with standard power steer many were converted to pop top campers and has been carried through to the 79 series with power steering and AC still popular but the early models are starting to get scarce and rust free ones even rarer
Ummm, there’s no such thing as a normally aspirated (carbureted) diesel, they are fuel injected in one way or another.
“…Thoughts?…”
For every application there is an automotive answer.
Would’n wrk 4 me as I don’t do that/go there.
The bronk duz hwy, back way, anything in between, stop @ pavement edge, 4WD (& in some cases air dwn), hit the ‘way back”. Reverse procedures…
This rig has 45 top speed (& is ‘screemin’).
It is a lill more durable ‘back there’ but mine would B w/mods.
Sweet looking Toyota Land Cruiser troopy. For some reason, this version was never offered here in the USA. I’ve seen plenty of FJ40s, but never an FJ45.