Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

Im looking at buying a 1976 fj40 with a chevy 327 and what the owner claims is a frame off resto....I've read a bunch of posts about what to look for in a used fj40 - the rust on the body and the axle stess points, frame joints, potential leaking of oil and from the pumpkin. The cruiser comes without any doors or top at all, a lift large enough fit 35's comfortably but suspension install/parts and mileage is unknown. It fires right up, has compression of 140-150 and seems to shift relatively smoothly. It seems odd that the owner doesn't know about the mileage or any detail about the lift, claiming it was installed by the previous owner (I was asking b/c I was curious if mods were professionaly installed). Not sure it matters too much if installs look right but I wanted the info anyway. Last inspection was Va two years ago. I'm looking to diump my tj since i only use it locally (almost no highway miles) and can pick this up for about $6,000 - 1/2 what I can sell my jeep for (in theory). I know ill spend 2k right out of the gate having a mechanic do a once over, refill all fluids and get top/doors, radio, rear doors and possbily line it. Anyone have any thoughts or advice on buying a cruiser under these conditions? Thanks.

Can u put up any pic. If it has not had an axle over then it has a 4in lift they are very simple to put on cant really screw them up. For the 327 is it still the stock trans and diff or did they up date? Also i would see what they cut or modified to get it to fit.

These things are very hard to find and when you do they are rusted out and still go for $4 to $5K. Unless you buy one from a place like Cool Cruisers which is all they do, restore FJ's you're going to have to undo some stuff done by well meaning past owners.

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Please Click for Sarah's Wish

Not sure abou trans. I know its not much to go on...i don't have pix. I'm going to see it sat so I'll spend a bunch of time going through it. I can probably pick it up for 5 or 6k, 7-8k after soft top, doors and full fluid service so it seems like its not overpriced. Thanks for the responses - if I pick it up, I'll post pix and be looking fo some guidance - all my experienc is with a tj.