1970 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, 2F Eng / 4-Speed, Wilwood Disc Brks, Pwr Steering
Description
1970 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ70
Fashion Green (T303)
Grey Cloth SeatsActual Milage Unknown2F Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
4-Speed H41F Manual Transmission
3-Speed Transfer Case Retained
Weber Carb
Late-Model Style Fuel System w/ Vapor Recovery
JTO Long Tube Headers
Custom Front Axle
Saginaw Power Steering Pump / Toyota Truck Box
2.5" Pro Comp Lift from Cool Cruisers of Texas (CCOT)
Wilwood Front Disc Brakes from MAN-A-FRE
Toyota Factory Roll Bar w/ CCOT Seat Belts
Best Top Cloth Seats
Smitty Built Lockable Center Console
Factory Heater Present and Operational
Iron Pig Off Road Headlight Upgrade
Bikini Top w/ Redline Tubular Doors
Swing Out Rear Tire Carrier
15-Inch Black Steel Wheels
33" x 10.5" BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO Tires
Factory Placards In Place
Factory Tool Roll
Lots of Spares Included
Clean Colorado Title
Background
The FJ40 series Toyota Land Cruiser was the most evolved of the off-road dedicated Land Cruisers offered in the US market. Tracing its origins to reverse engineered WWII and Koren-era Jeeps, the FJ40 was the product of thirty years and two successive models of dedicatedly off-road Land Cruisers. The FJ40 is unapologetically focused on its mission. It's simple, reliable, and easy to fix on the side of the trail--which is why so many are still in service in remote regions of the world. Luxuries consisted of roll up windows, power windshield wipers, and the only option was a factory heater that has two settings: on or off. The late model years are the most desirable, featuring Toyota's venerable 4.2-liter 2F 6-cylinder engine, a 4-speed manual gearbox, power steering, and disc brakes. Their downside, like all early Toyota's was rust, but they weren't nearly as susceptible to corrosion as other Toyotas of the period. The recipe of a classic, focused, reliable off-roader has ensured the FJ40 is just as popular today as it was when it was available new from Toyota.
Summary
This 1970 FJ40 as been built and converted to all of the late-model FJ40 specs outlined above by a long-term owner of the past seven years. The owner is an airport fireman who cared for it with the same attention to detail as the fire trucks he is tasked with operating when on duty. Highlights include a 4.2-liter 2F engine sourced from an FJ60 breathing through a Weber carburetor and exhaling through JTO long tube headers. The engine was re-sealed when it was installed, along with the brake booster, radiator, hoses, starter, clutch, and exhaust. The fuel tank was replaced and a late-model fuel vapor recovery system was fitted. A 4-speed gearbox (shifter on the floor) was fitted to the 3-speed transfer case using a transfer case saver, custom driveshaft, and removable frame cross member to allow access to the parking brake. Power steering and Willwood Disc brakes were fitted to a custom front axle under a 2.5-inch Pro Comp lift. Inside, Best Top seats and a Smitty Built metal center console are fitting upgrades. All factory gauges and placards are functioning and present, as is the optional heater. A bikini top with Redline tubular doors is included for top down excursions. It is riding on very fresh BFGoodrich T/A KO tires mounted on black steel wheels. The rear is mounted to a swing-out tire carrier. The result of this build is an FJ40 that you can use everyday. It will cruise at 65mph all day long at engine-friendly RPMs and take you literally anywhere you need to go on or off-road.
Exterior
The exterior color appears to be closest to Fashion Green (T303). The paint is not original and is in descent condition for an FJ40. It was originally Sea Foam Green. I would describe it as a mid-grade paint job. Glaring flaws are few, with the worst being minor rust spots below the lower doorsills (pictured on our website if you are reading this elsewhere). Underneath, the frame and floor pans are corrosion-free other than light superficial surface browning. It has the minor "Land Cruiser Lean" that can be correct by shimming the body mounts, but does not affect usability at all. The factory VIN plate is present and frame is straight. The Land Cruiser, Toyota, and 4Wheel Drive badges are present and in good shape. Iron Pig Off Road upgraded headlights were fitted and are an excellent improvement over the original headlights. The windshield is crack-free and the side and rear window glass are in good condition. The hard top seals, but not perfectly. The bikini top and Redline doors are in great shape. The BFGoodrich tires were mounted less than 1000 miles ago and have over 90% tread remaining.
Interior
The interior is in excellent shape. There are no odors and it has never been smoked in. The inside has been lined with Durabex liner. The Best Top seats are in great shape and have multiple adjustments. The Smitty Built center console is a great upgrade, with a padded armrest, cup holders, and a locking compartment. There are a few small cracks on the dashboard padding above the glove box. The factory gauges all function correctly except for the odometer, which is inoperative. The speedometer reads about 5 mph low at 60 mph due to tire size, i.e. 60 mph indicated equals 65 mph. The shifter was relocated to the floor when the 4 speed was installed. The 4-wheel drive and locking hubs placards are present. The door locks, roll-up windows and power windshield wipers work correctly. The passenger side door handle can be finicky to open until you get the hang of it. The heater blows warm. The rear seats are absent. The swing arm rear tire carrier is high quality and locks open. The factory tool roll present. A 2F manual, Weber manual, and Haynes manual are included.
Mechanical
The 2F engine was installed from an early '80s Land Cruiser FJ60 by a previous owner. The 4-speed gearbox was installed from a late model FJ40 by the current owner in 2013 utilizing the original transfer case. At the time of installation both resealed, along with the engine rear main seal and a clutch kit. The 4-speed gearbox and transfer case were installed using a transfer case saver, custom driveshaft, and a removable cross member that allows access to the parking brake. In recent years, virtually every mechanical component was either replaced or upgraded. This includes the starter, alternator, belts, cooling system, brakes, suspension, clutch, shifter, front axle, power steering system, and tires. All wiring in the rear half was re-wired while the drivetrain components were out. I have records and receipts dating back to 2010 that are included with the sale. The result is a turn-key FJ40. The 2F starts on command, idles smoothly, and has plenty of power and torque. It doesn't smoke, drip, or leak any fluids. The transmission shifts smoothly and the clutch take up is correct. It is theoretically easy to grab reverse by accident due to the shifter layout, only if you were shifting fast without paying attention--which you shouldn't do in any FJ40. Power steering is an excellent upgrade and the disc brake upgrade is a significant improvement. The 2.5" Pro Comp lift adds ride height without compromising driveability. The suspension is firm, yet compliant. There are no driveline or wheel bearing vibrations.
Spare parts include: new turn signal assembly, spare exhaust manifold gasket, 3 speed transfer case housing, rebuilt rear heater.
This is a properly built and nicely upgraded FJ40 ready to used and enjoyed by its new owner. You can buy one that needs all of the work done or buy this one and just go an enjoy it--it is priced accordingly. We would like to find a new owner who will continue to care for it and enjoy for on and off road adventures.
Glen Shelly is a low volume auto brokerage focused only on the highest quality vehicles. We are two airline pilots, mechanics, and auto enthusiasts who bring a high level of professionalism and attention to detail to the automobile business. Our philosophy is to keep our inventory small so that we can focus on thorough mechanical and cosmetic preparation of the vehicles we select. We have over 20 years of experience restoring and repairing automobiles and are intimately familiar with our cars. We do the inspections, service, detailing, and corrective maintenance using only OEM parts and service manuals. We offer an informed and low-pressure sales environment resulting in a premium buying experience.
More Toyota classic cars for sale