I'm stoked on fuel prices!

[WhereTheHellIsJames?]

I've wanted an FJ40 since high school, but until now, have not been able to justify purchasing one since most of the cruisers that I have seen over the years either have a low value-to-price ratio, or simply cost a bit too much for a once or twice a month weekend driver.

The cost of fuel seems to be providing some releif to the traditionally high prices for these rigs, and a dramatic decrease in the desirability for these vehicles due to said fuel prices is good news for me. I've been purusing the classifieds recently, and am seeing prices that are in alignment with what I can justify spending on a "toy" car... so I'm stoked!

I went and had a tire-kick session a few days ago on a 1978 model (seems like a pretty good vintage), and could tell the guy was chomping at the bit to sell it to me for $5k. It looked pretty good, but I didn't end up driving it home. I'm realizing that at this particular point in time, one can pretty much have the pick of the litter for less that $7500, and thought I'd look around a bit more for "the one."

BTW, any thoughts on what are the best years to consider as far as drivability in today's world in a relatively stock setup? It seems like around '77 and up are pretty good... thoughts?

So, I thought that I'd share with you all my reason for being stoked on high fuel prices and a slight downturn in the economy. Maybe soon I'll be behind the wheel of my new (to me) FJ40 and be even more stoked!

:safari-rig:

 

[gillti]

If I were doing it again I would go with a 1978--Still had a stronger sheetmetal, 2f engine, etc.

Just my .02

Enjoy.
tjg:jumping:

 

[Christian P.]

I think this applies to a lot of things these days. My coworker is trying to sell his 1960 MGA and I am trying to decide if I should buy it. I'll start another post.

 

[arcteryx]

While I agree partly with what you said, the majority of my two cents disagrees. Why? Yes, there are rigs that are cheaper to buy - I personally have seen very inexpensive Ford diesels trucks/excursions here in Texas.

As for offroad/cruisers, there seems to be more for sale, but not what I would consider bargains. Most people seem to want to sell their rig, and are somewhat feeling the crunch. But most are not there yet where bargains can really be had.

I look at this as the first wave. If you have patience, wave two (gas at > $5) will allow you to nab some very good deals.

 

[kcowyo]

My understanding, such as it is, is that the '78 40 was the creme de la creme. Bigger brakes, ambulance doors and something else that made them a little better value than previous years.

Keep in mind I have no experience with the 40s, but I do recall those tidbits & tips for a buyer....

 

[DaveInDenver]

The 1978 is a good year, no catalytic converter required, fine spline axles, 4.11 gearing, ambulance doors, etc. In 1979 FJ40s got 3.73 gears and before 1976 they had drum brakes on all 4 corners and in 1977 and earlier they still had 10 spline axles. So 1978 is the sweet spot for lower gearing, stronger 30 spline axles and all the other stuff. But in reality it only matters IMO if you are looking for a stock truck because re-gearing isn't a big deal, swapping in FJ60 axles or putting on disk brakes is just parts scavaging. The catalytic converter requirement is by model year, so that depends on local laws. You can also use mini truck parts to get bigger steering knuckle stud patterns and better brakes, so an older truck can easily be a hodge-podge of parts to eliminate some of the older truck weak spots.

 

[Jacket]

^Thank you Dave. I was just about to type a less informative version of that info....

To the gas prices argument though - I'm not sure I'm bought into the theory that FJ40 resale would be affected. They lack so many qualities that would allow them to be driven daily, and they represent for most a collector's item, trail rig, or garage queen. I can certainly see the 80's and 100's being affected, and maybe the 60 series, but 40's should be mostly immuned to the "2nd coming of 1974". Unless you correlate an economic recession and consumer price spike into the reality that less folks have money to burn on extra vehicles - then maybe I agree.

All that said, I'm glad you found a reason to find yourself a nice Cruiser. For that, I'm in full agreement!

 

[AndrewP]

Just a minor correction to what Dave said above. The 10 spline axles (that's 10 splines at the side gear) went away in 1970. The only meaningful difference between 76 and 78 is the fine spline pinions in some (most) of the 1978s.

The down side of the early disc brake FJ40s is the non-standard and now orphan birfields that were only used 76-78. They are a pain, and very difficult to find as spares. 79 and up use the standard birfield used in 79+ cruisers, all solid axle mini-trucks, and all FJ60s and 62s. The later birfs are the pattern for all the aftermarket replacement birfs like Longfield and the like.

In my opinion, the very best FJ40s are 81-83. They use the infinitely stronger split transfer case that lasted through the FJ62 in 1990, and they used the more modern large cap distributor ignition. That large cap distributor uses ball bearings to support the shaft instead of bushings, and will not develop the shaft wobble of all the older ones. It's also waterproof and vented into the cab. The later 2Fs are alleged to be better balanced as well, so the motor is smoother running and should last longer. Lastly, the split case FJ40s use a much better drum brake on the rear axle, that is self adjusting, and the parking brake is at the rear drum and not on the back of the t-case.

What is cool about Land Cruisers is the mix and match aspect of parts that allow the building of really cool stuff combining the best stuff from all the years.

The best California truck:
1975 (smog free forever) 2F motor, 4 speed tranny, very good base for improvements
Swap in FJ60 front axle parts from the knuckles out (better brakes, good birfield etc)
4.11 Diffs from a 78 or 88-90
Ignition from 60 series to include the waterproof distributor and coil/ignitor.
If you want to really get fancy, swap in the tranny and t-case from 81-84 with it's matching rear e=brake axle.

Anyway, the point is not to get too hung up on the year. Look for a Cruiser with a working strong 2F, and everything else is easily swappable to the stuff you want. Avoid the pre 1970 models unless you want to do even more swapping to eliminate weak parts.

I have a 1971 Frame and title, 1976 tub, 1978 hardtop, 1976 motor, 1983 large cap ignition, FJ60 front axle parts, FJ60 gear reduction starter. 1959 SM420 tranny, 1973 t-case etc. You get the idea about the mix and match aspect to these trucks.

I would recommend any of the 1970+ FJ40s and then swap in what you want. The 75s are desirable (because of the 2F motor and lack of smog requirement in Cali), but even that can be swapped into an earlier truck if desired.

 

[WhereTheHellIsJames?]

Thanks for all of the tips guys! The search continiues, and I'll keep folks updated if I find anything worth yapping about. I may take a look at another '78 tomorrow, and it's even my favorite color on a cruiser... that totally 70's mustard yellow.

 

[Hltoppr]

I've noticed that prices of 100 series are coming down....fast! I think it's the demographic of sellers....most don't really use the rig for what we here do....

Some FJ40 prices have come down to what I see as reasonable levels. For too many years the prices just got a bit out of hand, IMO.

Now...I haven't seen the prices of more niche rigs, like Defenders and Troopys, coming down. I think the demographic who is looking for these rigs likely has more expendable income and is willing to pay a premium for the relative rarity of the rigs.

It is getting harder to find motorcycles for cheap....

-H-

 

[maximumrob]

Being a Rubicon guy, I might get shot if I were to say this on the trail, but an H2 might be in our future. We live in town and drive so little miles that MPG has little effect on us (we're NOT wealthy!). Now that I have children, but still love to be outdoors, an H2 with 37" Mud Grapplers just might be the hot ticket for the family, a dog, and a bunch of camping gear.

I'll bet I could find an older one for ~$15k with a bit of searchin' and I'll bet another $2k that it's never been off road. :hehe:




.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Hope you are able to find an FJ40 that fits your needs and budget

I will agree with the others, I don't think gas prices are doing anything to the FJ40 resale market... at least not in my neck of the woods. I think there are more of them for sale, as people are downsizing fleets, trying to stay in homes and pigeon-holing cash/ditching debt with the market uncertainty. So for that reason there should be a proportional amount of good deals out there.

As for the best year of Cruiser for you to buy. The one that has a clean body, straight frame and is complete. Everything else is upgraded/added for a modest price.

Consider the following:

Power Steerings Swaps: $500 - 1500 ($1500 being turnkey installed by a shop)
Disc Brake Swap:" $500-1000, again $1000 being installed by a shop.

In either disc-brake setup, the birfs can be upgraded using aftermarket shafts or just the bigger 79-90' shafts. Likewise the knuckles are easy to upgrade on a 76-78' LC... just source the parts and install when your ready for a knuckle rebuild.

 

[Bruce Behnfeldt]

I've noticed that prices of 100 series are coming down....fast! I think it's the demographic of sellers....most don't really use the rig for what we here do....

i agree, just picked up another 80 last weekend for $2800. the guy had never touched the transfer case shifter....

 

[WhereTheHellIsJames?]

What to look for...

So on my search, I'm sure that there will be some things that I overlook with regards to "trouble" or more of a project than I might want to take on. Folks who are 'in to' 40's probably have some good tips for things that I ought to watch out for, and I'm hoping that you'll share those tips with me.

 

[nickw]

Be Careful

James,
Be careful about the 78's as not all are created equal. Some late model 77's, were sold as 78's and did not have fine spline axles, FYI.