What year FSM?

[ChuckB]

I have a few issues that I would like to start taking care of but I'm not sure exactly what FSM to buy. My ('72) piggy is an 11/71 production date.

On the SOR site its broken by Chassis & Body Manual-Fits 1968-1971 55 Series-USA and World

and

Chassis & Body Manual-Fits 8/70-1974 40 Series & 1972-1974 55 Series-USA and World-For FJ40 steering box order #221-40.

TIA.

 

[Hltoppr]

From the production date, I'd use the 1972 manuals; however....I doubt there's really much difference betwee a 71 and 72 55 series....

-H-

 

[DaveInDenver]

Toyota's model year's generally start around August, but some years they push the model year all the way to December. This happens usually because of some new regulation that is required, like 1978 Land Cruisers were built until the end of the year because 1979 required catalytic converters. But I wouldn't sweat it, mechanically the 1971 and 1972 FJ55s are very similar, particularly your production would be covered pretty well by both the 1971 and 1972 FSMs. The change to a mechanical transfer case linkage and floor shift happened in 1971 (3/71 production date) and there was a steering box change in 1972 (4/72) and major changes (domed pistons, smog pump and in the case of a FJ55 there was some misc body stuff) happened for 1973 (9/72). Most everything else in 1971/72 was minor cosmetics.

 

[Grim Reaper]

Toyota did a lot of mid year changes. Example: My 89 Supra (5/89 build) had a transmission that on the books at parts stors and dealers siad didn't go into production till 90 model year. Found that out while trying to replace a leaky tail shaft seal.

Best bet is the 72 since it was such a late production date it is more likely to have the newer parts then the left over 71 parts. You just wont know till you run into something out of the blue. There is also the possibitly that it doesn't have all of its original parts as well.

 

[KMR]

The FSM year aside, my advice would be to stop using $OR for your parts needs.
I get all my OEM parts from John Hocker at Sierra Toyota, he will be more than fair with you and will not shaft you on the shipping like $OR.
In the same boat would be CruiserDan at American Toyota, he is the venerated Toyota parts guy from MUD.
You will get much better service from either of these two gentleman, and very fair pricing.

 

[Hltoppr]

SOR/Man a Fre are good for parts that Dan or Mr. Hocker can't get, which sometimes happens with the older stuff.....

That being said...I just got off the phone with Dan this morning...and saved a bundle over going with SOR for some odds and ends!

-H-

 

[ChuckB]

There is also the possibitly that it doesn't have all of its original parts as well.

Yup, like the front disc brake conversion!!! Which is part of what I'm dealing with right now.

All, thanks for the input. I will try Cdan as I am aware of his reputation. I was merely using SOR because it was the first place that I found the manuals listed. I appreciate the help on saving a few $$$, especially when shipping to Hawaii.