The other day I was driving my 78. Shifted into 2nd and the gear shift stick broke clean off like a celery stalk.

I want to remove the base to see what i'm dealing with before I buy a replacement. Any advice would be welcome.

Hi FJ-Fam, I'm new to this forum and look forward to exchanging insights on my new obsession - a 1979 FJ40. It's in pretty bad shape - worked hard and not much love. I have a few mechanics working on the engine, drive train, etc. I'm prepping to get it stripped and painted while I shop for parts to replace/upgrade the cosmetics. There are a ton of bolt kits for everything - but I've hit a snag - I've purchased new latches for the rear pop-out 1/4 windows, but stuck searching for the correct screws/bolts as I replace the hinge set. Currently, the previous owner has a variety of bolts that are clearly not original. Has anyone solved this search yet? Thanks.

Been a long road and I know all my steps aren't perfect, but I'm having fun and learning a lot. I just want my kids to have the similar core memories as I did in my dad's FJ40.... Most of this has been a first time so it will be a miracle if it runs, but I builts a SBC 350, rebuilt a NV4500 mated to an orion TV ... Trying to figure out how mounting the engine and transmission mounts will work.... But enough for tonight... Just wanted to share with others.

Rebuilding the knuckles on my 78 (properly, this time. Thank you, Mr PO, for the spectacularly poor job you did) and thought I’d share some photos.

Bear in mind I’m in my 50’s and have been doing this Land Cruiser shit since I was a teenager. I also have a large shop on my property, a few lifts, and all the proper tools. So, I have the time and, more importantly, the patience 25 years of marriage affords a man. 😉 That, and sometimes, it’s nice to just let my OCD run wild.

I bought the kit from Iron Pig Off Road (Thanks Lance!) and it’s complete, soup to nuts. Seals, bearings, races, felts, trunion shims, and gaskets. Also, for those who’ve never done it before, a very complete set of instructions.

Rather than buy new hardware, I decided to recondition every single little bit. Ultrasonic cleaner with 5 gallons (16ish liters) of evapo-rust will eat everything, but for the larger parts, a good old wire wheel is the ticket. My forearms are MASSIVE now, lol.

Every nut, bolt, and bolt hole was blown of debris, cleaned with a wire wheel, and chased with a tap or die. Anti seize applied to every appropriate part. Damaged threads and heads were repaired. Paint on every head and shank (I’m not quite finished with that.) The knuckles themselves were in poor shape, too, so those were wire wheeled, sanded, and polished - inside and out.

No stone was unturned.

The hardest ones were the brake backing plates. After 48 years, I thought they’d be toast, it since the PO was terrible at any maintenance, the ½”(13 mm) of grease, oil, and mud kept them whole, though the rust was stuck in. Those took 4 hours of hand work alone. I wish I’d gotten a shot of the before and after - when I was finished, they were spotless.

I’m now contemplating the purchase of an anodizing kit, if anyone has suggestions.

Sounds like a bitch, and it is. However, after 50+ hours of labor (I’m not slow; I’m deliberate, lol) and the result speaks for itself. Next time this will need doing, I’ll be too old and it’ll be my sons’ job, but at least he’ll thank me then. 😊

Is this a good level of pressure? Or too low?

Been looking at FJs ... came upon one that was recently brought to the states from the middle east. pretty rust-free, runs nice, everything looks good. 1983 model, 2F engine. LHD, power steering & brakes (drum). he's asking 35k. Anything I should know particular to ME spec? How much less desirable are imports like this?

I have this 67 that was in pretty bad shape. I've been working on it for about 8 years or so taking my time between other projects. There is really not much more to get done. Definitely gonna put a nice fuel injection kit on her, upgrade the radiator to a push/pull, cut the doors down and then finish the custom top to include the zip in windows. Everything after that will be a bonus (nice sound system and some other creature comforts on the inside) She's got a lot done, too much to list. 383 stroker motor, disk brakes, a lot of custom metal work, just to name a few of the things. She looks great, sounds nasty, and i'm really hoping the fuel injection kit allows me to start taking it on longer distances confidently.

I e been running this FJ40 now for almost 5 years.. not my first but with the upgrades and updates it is the best running cruiser of many

Body work and paint 78 axle in front for the disc brakes. Power steering (Saginaw) Original F motor with a Rochester 2 barrel carb Complete rewire.

Finally back on the road after a lot of much needed maintenance and a new clutch

And new tires🤩

With weather reaching mid 70s here I wanted to get the top off but it not be the huge pain it is. I bought a fleximounts gl1 that’s made to be a storage basket device. Added 2x4s instead of the basket and it worked great… super easy! Just wanted to share if others are looking for a solution

So I’ve waited long enough, but it’s time for me to get new tires on my ‘78. I’ve never really liked the wheels that are on it so I thought I would also change those up. I’ve never bought new wheels for a vehicle before, so I’m looking for some advice. I’m wanting to go with a black classic wheel. Do you guys have any input on purchasing? is there a particular place to get nice classic wheels? Are some better than others? How do I know which ones to buy for the size tire? What are the things that I need to look out for? Thanks guys.

My neighbor is building a custom FJ 40. It’s a monster

Hi all — just picked up this FJ40 as a project off Bring a Trailer, and my mechanic found an engine knock once he got it running. Video of the knock is attached.

I’m mainly looking for feedback or similar experiences to make sure we’re taking the right approach (and hopefully avoid the dreaded engine swap).

Details:

• 1967 FJ40
• Original 1F engine
• Sat since ~2022 before I purchased it

My mechanic is concerned the knock sounds deep and may be coming from the bottom end — possibly rod or main bearings. His initial plan is to inspect the bottom end, check bearings, and evaluate the oil pump to see if the engine can be saved without a full rebuild.

If anyone has dealt with a similar knock on a 1F after long-term sitting, I’d really appreciate any insight, diagnostics to try first, or advice on how far to go before calling it.

Thanks in advance.

Got a good start this week on my 69 frame off resto-mode! Now get the drive train pulled and sold and the frame stripped, blasted, and primed.

The top back on for the winter...

Decided to buy one off marketplace after my father in law passed away. My wife grew up in one of these and even learned to drive in it.

Super fun car, and I’ve never been a “car guy” so I’m learning it all on the fly.

Quick question, did they make Land Cruisers back then without a tailgate or barn doors? Mine is a 1974 and has no access to the rear.

I’m considering buying a recent Venezuelan resto (1983) from a good friend in PNW.

It looks great. So I’m baffled by the difference in values I see posted on the SA restorations ($40-60k) vs US restorations ($100k+).

I understand difference between frame-off (US) and cosmetic restorations. If I get it inspected, and it’s rust-free, is it a no-brainer at <$50k? Seattle market.

I recently used the wipers and now all the lights, radio, headlights all stopped working. The brake lights and turn signals still work. I’m thinking a bad ground somewhere. But if anyone has any idea to throw around where I could find the gremlin that would be very helpful. Thank you.