What's the best year for an FJ40?

[yotarage18]

I'm considering replacing my tricked out 4Runner with an FJ40 for 4wheeling, but seeing as how there are 23 years of FJ40s and myriad changes made over that time I need some educated opinions on the best years for FJ40s. Thanks in advance, it's hard to find good info on the history of FJ40 specs and changes. Also, what lifts and performance modifications would be recommended?

[Brian Passey]

I would say the newer the better or nicer the better.
A 1977 on is considered to be one of the best to get, It will have front disc brakes, 2F, 4 speed, possibly A/C, later ones came with power steering.
However you could find a older rig that has had alot done to it.
Alot can be found for $2,500-10,000 it depends on what you want to start with.
Look for a good frame , alot rust by the rear spring hangers and cross members, Not to mention ALOT of body rust.
Have a look here for more good info.... http://forum.ih8mud.com You will need to go to the forum pages if its not a dirrect link.
Im Vitesse_6 there
Good luck :redspotda

[64-Driver]

I have a 1972 only because that is what I could buy cheap while in college. I have since replaced several body panels for rust correction, moved the tank out of the cab, installed nice buckets and better seat belts, swapped shackles on the front, and installed power steering to include the tilt steering column from the doner Chevy truck. I have disks around now also. I would recommend 1976 or later as the disk brake switch is a pain (in the pocket book). The 2F makes more power than the F but with a header and a weber carb on the F you can get fine torque for playing, just don't plan on freeway racing. The trick stock part though is that the cruisers use a driveline disk e-brake allowing for easy 4 disc installation. Avoid at all cost the Sept 1970-Sept 1971 with the vaccume engaged transfer case......and if you can find a 1977 with the pto driven winch, buy it at all costs.....Good Luck and happy cruisin. Skyjacker makes a nice softride 4" that allows 36" of rubber to fit nicely. A spring swap (axle to the bottom of the bundle) gives 6.5" with the stock springs, if you do not swap the springs, build or buy U bolt sliders as they WILL hang u up on stumps and such, not to mention never being able to get the suckers loose after a solid impact.

[SUPERFLY]

its all personalbut for me it would have to be the 84 john deer green(i think thats right, correct me if im wrong) power steering a/c 2f newer style axles, disc brakes and the green, who could resist not to mention the bad a$$ square grill :grin: but for sure 79 and newer would be the best i would think

[Scott39]

76 and newer have alot of emission crap on them, get a good builder and put the 2f in it and front disc brakes, and no emissions to deal with. All the 75 & newer ones came with a 4 speed, you can`t get a 5 speed without going to the Australian imported model. alot of the older ones had 3 on the tree shifting.
I have a complete 1970 rust free, and the frame is rust free rolling chassis. Has a new in the box windsheild, new in the box softop, new wiring harness, chevy tilt steering column, stock axles, no engine, tranny, or t case.
New style gauges, custom made tailgate 4 sale.