my buddy wants a FJ

[SWbySWesty]

Here's the info he got from a craiglist seller:

I will not be around the first weekend of April, but will be here this
weekend, and the one after. I can arrange to have someone let you
check out the vehicle.

Here are some pics of the FJ.

There is some rust on the vehicle, but pretty minor. Theres a strip
in the back by the tailgate that needs attention.

Not sure how many miles on the engine (told it was a rebuild from the
previous owner). Approx. 8k miles since the rebuild on the motor, and
the transmission is a rebuilt fj40 toyota transmission with less than
2k miles on it.

The power steering has a leak in the line, and theres a little bit of
wiggle in the steering.

Runs well.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
________


Since I'm a Jeep guy, but can spot a project when I see it, what kind of advice would you give him? He's 25, wants a sweet ride and is willing to put in the sweat. oh yea - not a daily driver as he already has a car.

 

[Rab89]

not to bad, how much is the guy asking? and has your buddy done any body work? gotta get rid of that rust asap.

 

[SWbySWesty]

I think it was $3,000. As for body work and stuff, I don't know...I'll try to get him on the forum.

 

[Rab89]

I don't know anything about those vehicles, but I wouldn't pay $3,000. I don't know if it's just dirty, but the engine bay looks like hell, and the rust on the back makes me wonder where else is rusty. but I'd have to see it in person. tires look great though!

 

[The911S]

hey there

OK, so I'm the buddy in question! Yep, the asking price is $3k and that rust is definitely a concern. Body work is not my idea of fun and if there's rust under the tailgate, there's probably a lot more hiding under the body. If it's still for sale I may take a look this weekend, though.

As a sidenote-- does anyone have a favorite Buyer's Guide for the FJ40, something that would list the models/engines offered, changes year by year and the common problem areas. I am still pretty uneducated about these cruisers. What are the most desirable years?

 

[rusty_tlc]

OK, so I'm the buddy in question! Yep, the asking price is $3k and that rust is definitely a concern. Body work is not my idea of fun and if there's rust under the tailgate, there's probably a lot more hiding under the body. If it's still for sale I may take a look this weekend, though.

As a sidenote-- does anyone have a favorite Buyer's Guide for the FJ40, something that would list the models/engines offered, changes year by year and the common problem areas. I am still pretty uneducated about these cruisers. What are the most desirable years?

Read the FAQ's in the FJ40 section on IH8mud.com

Market price for FJ40's varies quite a bit with local, around here that wouldn't be a $3K truck. I'd be willing to bet you can find a truck with less rust just over the hill in Las Vegas, or try to find an AZ truck.

With the V8 you probably want someone who is familiar with conversions on these trucks to look at it and see if the conversion was done well. IH8mud can help you on this front too, there are a ton of great guys there that know everything about the FJ40. Probably a few who live close to you. A bad SBC (Small Block Chevy) swap is expensive to fix. And there are a lot of bad swaps out there.

Take your time and look around for a good starter truck, it will pay off in the long run. But be warned, Land Cruisers are a sickness, once you have them in your blood it's a tough habit to break.

Hope this helps.

 

[The911S]

rusty- thanks for the advice. you have a great point about LV and AZ, i will expand my search there as well.

I am staying away from motor swaps for the reason you mentioned. too many variables to keep track of for someone who doesn't know the vehicle that well. i'm looking for something as original as possible anyways.