FJ60 Build Date vs Model Year

NMC_EXP

Explorer
When did Toyota begin their new model year?

Specifically an FJ60 with an October 1985 build date (driver's door frame data plate) - is it an '85 or '86 model year?

Regards

Jim
 

gregnash

New member
Think it goes off the build date on the door, so it would be considered an 85. I don't think it was until the early 90s that they started doing the "produce it in 1985, call it a 1986" thing.

Was there a specific reason you were wondering? If it is in regards to parts changes, you are looking for parts that are made post 4/85 vs. pre 4/85. That is when things like the tranny spacer and such have slight changes in the FJ60s.
 

njtacoma

Explorer
I think if you look at the tag in the door it will say something like complies "with all 1986 regulations" some such thing. That is what I recall seeing on my Fj 60 (sorry its been 10 year since I owned it). My vague memory says anything built after 9/85 is an 86 model year, I wouldn't wager my own money on that info, but I might bet yours!

It could have been August.

I think yours is a 1986 model year....
 

NMC_EXP

Explorer
Was there a specific reason you were wondering?

Just bought the truck. Took it to the dealer to check if the fuel tank recall had been done. They initially had some sort of system problem with the year/VIN combo being invalid.

Title says '85, thought Toyota might have been jumping the model yr gun like the rest and '86 was correct.

The dealer eventually got the results. I did not ask how they unscrewd it because by that time most of the shop techs and all of the service dept folks were crawling all over (and under) the vehicle.

The service manager took a bunch of photos and posted them on the dealer's (Fort's Toyota, Pekin IL) Facebook page as the "truck of the day".

Regards

Jim
 

NMC_EXP

Explorer
"...but I might bet yours!"

After buying this FJ60, if you bet whats left of mine and win, you might be able to afford a cup of coffee.

I will check the data plate for the "conforms to 19XX regs" info.

Regards

Jim
 

cruiseroutfit

Well-known member
For the most part, anything 9/xx and later will be the following model year. This is particularly true for anything mid 70's and newer. Toyota actually re-VIN'ed early Land Cruisers because they didn't sell in say 1966, so they added a new tag that called them a 1967. In the case of a 10/1985, I would without doubt consider that a 1986 model year vehicle and parts would be sourced as such. Now, there are spit model year parts (such as 60 Series T-case/driveline, etc) but 95% of the parts will be specific to the model year.

Titles are not always a solid answer as it is possible for state's to mix things up. For example, I've had to do a VIN search's on late 60's and early 70's Land Cruisers. When I fill out the paperwork, I tell them what year it is, they inspect the VIN tag to verify but it could easily be 'fudged'. As such, I've seen true 1972 model year trucks (such as a Dec 1971) model year get assigned as a 1971 on the title whereas for all purposes, its a 1972. Clear as mud?
 

njtacoma

Explorer
I was hoping Kurt would chime in!

I would trust his answer and might even bet my own money now, that way we could each have a cup of coffee!

I miss my 60 and I think I'll own another some day.

Enjoy the new truck.
 

NMC_EXP

Explorer
For the most part, anything 9/xx and later will be the following model year. This is particularly true for anything mid 70's and newer..... In the case of a 10/1985, I would without doubt consider that a 1986 model year vehicle and parts would be sourced as such. Now, there are spit model year parts (such as 60 Series T-case/driveline, etc) but 95% of the parts will be specific to the model year.

Clear as mud?

Kurt

Thanks for the info. Not too worried about the year on the paperwork but when I need parts I will give them the month and year.

With my '79 FJ40 I seem to recall the month of manufacture was needed for some parts.

Regards

Jim
 

cruiseroutfit

Well-known member
...With my '79 FJ40 I seem to recall the month of manufacture was needed for some parts...

Jan 79 was a pretty big change for the 40 Series in terms of drivetrain and body changes, those mid year changes were common enough that you need to really be careful what you buy if your on one of the fringe ends. Along with that, it is not uncommon at all to see some overlap. Such as the transfer case changes in the 1985 era FJ60's. The date isn't necessarily set in stone and we have seen both varieties from what can only be considered original rigs.

Decode the VIN, it'll tell you the model year.

Good call, on anything newer than 80 with the 17 digit VIN, your MY should be easy to determine.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_Identification_Number

Older Land Cruisers didn't play by the 17 digit number :D
 

NMC_EXP

Explorer
Good call, on anything newer than 80 with the 17 digit VIN, your MY should be easy to determine.

The 10th digit is 'F'. Per Wikipedia it is a 1985.

Thanks to all - good info.

Regards

Jim
 

NMC_EXP

Explorer
ref: the Wikipedia entry on VIN's, I'll hijack my own thread:

Every time I buy or sell a vehicle, and in looking at the Wikipedia piece, I am amazed at how anal governments are about registering and licensing anything with an engine and wheels (and boats, for that matter). Brings to mind the following quote:

"The elite have long abhorred the unfettered condition of the working masses. They roam about at will, in their horrid little smog belchers, ignoring the public transportation so thoughtfully provided for them, and without so much as a travel permit."
~ Dave Barry (I think?)

Regards

Jim
 

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