FJ40 Buyers Guide
Cool Cruisers of TexasThis page is designed to assist you, the buyer, in your quest to purchase the right FJ40 at a fair market price. Here at Cool Cruisers of Texas, we receive dozens of calls each week from customers eager to learn more about FJ40's and what to look for when shopping for the right Land Cruiser.
Below are some basic and general qualities to consider in buying a FJ40:
We buy ‘76 through ‘83 FJ40's. These year models have the features most desired by the mainstream market; i.e... Disc Brakes, Larger 2-F Motor, 4-speed Transmission, and Rear Ambulance Doors . We will occasionally purchase a ‘75 and older if the body is rust free.
FJ40 Motor and Transmission: ‘75 to ‘83 models feature the larger 2-F, 6 cylinder motor with 4-speed transmissions. ‘74 and older models have a slightly smaller F motor, 6 cylinder motor with 3-speed transmission.
FJ40 Brakes: In 1976, the FJ40 went to front disc brakes; a ‘75 (and older) does not have this feature, however, our experience has been very favorable toward the drum brake system if it is working properly (usually new brake wheel cylinders will greatly improve the brake stopping power of these older models). For Great Prices... see Brake Parts
FJ40 Rear Doors: In 1975, Toyota switched the FJ-40 rear door configuration from a 3 door hatch back system to an ambulance door system (1975 through 1983), making it possible to access the rear cargo area of vehicle without having to swing away the rear spare tire rack.
FJ40 Painted? We will not buy an FJ40 that has ever been re-painted. We want to know the original clean condition of the FJ40 body. There are too many Bondo paint jobs out there concealing major body problems...
FJ40 Rust and Metal: 1974 and older FJ40's, though lacking in some modern features, have the best metal of all. You won’t find any spec's on metal quality, but after restoring hundreds of body tubs, we can clearly report the differences in year models. FJ40's have been sent to us by customers for rust repair and installation of our body panels from all over the U.S. and Canada, and the 1974 and older FJ40's have the highest grade (most rust resistant) metal of all. 1975 to 1978 have the next best metal and 1979 to 1983 have a more corrosive metal.
FJ40 Gearing: ‘75 to ‘78, all FJ40's have 4:11 gears (hiway speed approx. 58 mph @ 3,000 rpm). ‘79 to ‘83, all FJ-40's have 3:70 gears (hiway speed approx. 62 mph @ 3,000 rpm).
FJ40 Emissions, Federal E.P.A.: Emissions and smog devices are mandatory (per the Federal E.P.A.) to register and/or safety inspect your FJ40 in all states. When buying an FJ40, make sure emissions are present; no state is exempt of these Federal Emission Requirements.
FJ40 Equipment you don’t want missing or Modified: ‘75 to ‘83, Hard Top & 4-doors: all steel body tub / steel fenders; running boards; rear jump seats; center console; sun visors; good headliner; tool kit & jack; original front seats; floor mats; upper dash pad board / lower dash knee pads; roll bar; seat belts; glass; tire rack; license plate brackets; bumpers; original paint; unmodified body; turn signals; emblems; keys - ignition / gas door key, and small rear door key; skid plates; emissions; exhaust; intake; carburetor; air cleaner; 2F motor; original transmission and more.
FJ40 Mechanical check: No exhaust leaks; no carburetor problems / proper choke function; straight line brake stop @ 45 mph; motor compression checked; transmission / driveline & 4WD checked / function; color of exhaust & oil; sound of motor at low idle; sound of motor and drivetrain @ highway speed (does, or has, the motor ever run hot?); hoses and belts new; cooling system restored (i.e. radiator, fan clutch, thermostat, water pump, belts, hoses; Motor ever run Hot? Service records and more.
