78 Mustard Yellow FJ40

I picked up this 78 Land Cruiser from my father-in-law about a year ago, and have been wrenching away on it ever since. It was parked in 97 and towed to my house in 2021 to get running so they could sell it. Once we drove it up and down the street he couldn't see it go to anyone else, and made me an offer I couldn't refuse.

I replaced the head gasket and any/all replaceable parts from the head up to the valve cover. The entire fuel and cooling system was serviced, gave it a warm valve adjustment. Set the ignition timing with a timing light, which got it running great, but it was far from roadworthy. That is when I went on this crazy path of what I call a "mechanical restoration". The front axle and knuckles have been fully rebuilt, and I am just finishing up the rear axle rebuild. The entire hydraulic system for clutch and brakes are all new, and all of the suspension will be swapped out.

*MOST RECENT PHOTOS 1/24*




You can also see the progress on my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcVlXqxztIMPQh5lJabBZ2yt_P1Q0M8Vd

 

I forgot to mention that it only has 52k original miles.

 

That's a beauty!!!

 

Amazing work OP! Subbed for future updates.

 

I would keep any lift and body modifications pretty light because that is a ridiculously well preserved body.

 

Thanks guys!

I understand your view, but there has been some cutting on the factory body that is irreversible. This takes away from the true originality, so I don't mind changing it up a bit

For reference: CB Antenna hole cut into the side, aftermarket aux fuel filler cut into side, fender flares cut on both quarter panels. There is also an aftermarket sunroof cut into the roof that's not seen in the photo.

 

Got the rear shoes and drums back on with rebuilt wheel cylinders all around.

 

Rear Diff cover installed with a new oem gasket

 

Well, that does it, I need to start shopping for a better family.

 

Nice project.

 

Thanks guys! Here’s the latest part of the restoration


Restoring A Toyota FJ40 | Part 9
https://youtu.be/_61XapMAhWw

 

Love it! Sub’d for some LC goodness.

 

Got the leaf springs off and hit all the hard to reach places with rust reformer and steelit. Then I started putting on the new leaf springs and realized I was missing the bushings for the frame side. Ugh! I got a set on order from Amazon, but they won’t be here until Sunday.

 

I got a ton of work done over the weekend. Finished up the rear lift install and got everything put back together (drive shaft, brake lines, gear oil, etc.). After that I started taking the front end apart and decided to just power through it, to get the lift on before the night ended. Right now the mechanical restoration is complete and there are just a few small things I need to address. Time to get started on the paperwork to register and drive it!

 

First fuel up since '97

 

This is just awesome. I miss my ‘76 FJ40.

 

Yeah, badass... If I missed it in the previous posts, I apologize. Do you know what the tiger graphic and striping is all about? I don't know that I've seen that before.

 

Thank you, it's definitely a keeper!

They were dealer added way back in 78. I did not like them at first and wanted to take it off, but they grew on me for sure lol.

 

Yeah, leave it for sure. Period correct character.

 

The million dollar question is has the top ever been off and will it going forward?