 |
| Years |
1974.5-1983 |
| Origin |
Japan |
| Wheelbase |
90" |
| Engine |
4.2 Liter I6 135 HP / 210 lb-ft |
| Transmission |
4-speed manual |
| Transfer Case |
Toyota 2-speed
(1.959:1 low range) |
| Front Axle |
Toyota corporate 9.25" |
| Rear Axle |
Toyota corporate 9.25" |
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The FJ40 is one of the toughest, out-of-the-box 4WD rigs ever
made. With sheet metal so thick it could almost pass for light
armor the FJ40 is a venerable four wheel drive that will surmount
nearly any obstacle, even in stock form.
Introduced in 1974 as a 1974.5 model the FJ40 Land Cruisers were
powered by a torquey 4.2L inline six putting out 135hp. It will
woof down fuel like Ned Beatty on a corn dog but it will last
for hundreds of thousands of miles. Many owners swap out the stock
6-cylinder and transmission in favor of a Chevy small-block yielding
much more power, better fuel economy and easier and cheaper parts
availability.
 Leaf
springs mounted under the axles are found at all four corners
giving it a stable, supple ride that is easy to lift. Parts availability
is still strong, but expensive.
The 1974 FJ40 is a bit of an odd duck, as Toyota mix-matched
parts during the early portion of the year. Prospective owners
should check the VIN tag on the driver’s side door opening
and make sure it was made on or after June of 1974. Even so, be
sure that you’re driving a rig that has a 4-speed transmission,
which means you’ll get the stronger transfer case, as well
as the stronger engine. 1975 and up should pose no problem as
they all came with the 4-speed transmission, the upgraded engine
and transfer case. Don’t worry about finding a unit with
power steering, as the multi-pivoted, bell-crank style steering
systems were total garbage – you’ll need to rip it
out and convert it to a Saginaw system – trust us.
Did I mention that FJ40’s are durable? FJ’s can still
be found with more than 300,000 miles on them, traversing the
most brutal terrains in the world without modifications.
There is plenty of room in the rig to hold 2 adults and two midgets
(or kids) in the back, along with room for coolers and camping
gear.
Two big options, air conditioning and power steering, appeared
in 1979 and were available until the final units made it to America
in 1983. Front disc brakes showed up in 1975, but previous units
had complex drum brakes with dual pistons and dual wheel cylinders
at each wheel.
Many FJ40 owners will confess that their three favorite things
about owning one are:
- Not everyone has them
- You’ll be able to identify all of the idiots in the
world when they say “Nice Jeep, dude!” to you
- It’s an incredible, all-around off-road machine that
is nearly indestructible
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