1978 FJ40 Landcruiser
1978 FJ40 Landcruiser
Engine - 2F 4.2L (Yes 4.2L)
Transmission - 4 speed H42
Suspension - Ranchero 4" lift with a shackle reversal
Tyres - Toyo Open Country MT's 33x15x10.5
Equipped for - Four-Wheeling Driving/Touring
Hey Tucker, the FJ40 Land Cruiser has to be the most legendary off-road icon, and its pretty much on everyone's 4x4 wish list. What's the story behind you owning your fj40?
The FJ40 has always been on my wish list. In fact, this exact FJ40 was cruising around town even before I got my driver’s license. I always dreamed about owning such a beaut, and true to the small-town aesthetic, the previous owner worked with my dad. When talk of selling came up, my dad immediately gave me a call. I couldn’t have asked for better circumstances and obviously jumped at the opportunity of owning my ‘dream car.’
The FJ40 drove around relatively untouched all those years once the previous owner decided against modifying her into an extra cab truck, similar to an FJ45. Once I got ahold of it, I had a growing list of ideas.
You're FJ40 doesn't look like it's just driven on Sundays, it looks like it gets out and about. What type of modifications have you done do it?
Definitely. The FJ40 is an absolute thrill to drive! It’s not your typical daily driver but I put her to work this past summer. True to its name, the FJ40 ‘cruised’ on the pavement. It was also a blast to drive with the top off and the windshield folded down. Especially off-road in the summer heat.
As for modifications, while I do find a certain charm to OEM Toyota specs, I couldn’t help but get my hands greasy. The FJ40 has a 4” lift, as well as a shackle reverse in the front, which gave me a bit more clearance for off-roading. Armored with a 4 Plus front bumper, and a dual tank setup, I got a decent amount of range and reassurance too. If you want to go off-road, having proper tires helps everything along. I decided on 33” Toyo Open Country MT tires.
What are your future plans for the FJ? Do you plan on keeping her forever?
Sadly, I am no longer in possession of the FJ40. I had planned to keep working on her, making a few more modifications here and there. Honestly, you’d be amazed to see what a clay bar did for the old paint! However, I also own an FJ60 and the two vehicles were competing for garage space and attention. Eventually, I had to make a hard decision. As you mentioned before, the FJ40 is highly coveted in the off-roading community.
There’s a lot of cruiser-heads looking to buy their own ‘dream car’. The FJ40 sold in under six hours. My phone was being flooded with calls, emails, and texts. A pair of friends contacted me through Ih8mud.com. After talking on the phone, hearing about their own ambitions and hopes for owning the FJ40, I knew that she would be in good hands. Of course, I would love to have done more. Who knows what’ll come along next? Hopefully, I have more garage space by then.