1979 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40

This US Spec, 1979 Land Cruiser was built for the California market. It likely rolled off the lot of Bob Reynolds Toyota in San Francisco. The frame and body retain matching serial numbers, and the 3.9 Liter, 2F engine was replaced at the same Toyota dealership early in its life (indicated by a lack of serial number).

This truck retains most of its OEM pedigree. One of the previous owners fabricated an extended roll cage (which was welded on to the OEM roll bar), and installed an aftermarket, 45" front bumper which has been powder coated in black. It also has a 2.5" Man-A-Fre lift and sits on 33x10.5 BFG Mud Terrain tires. The rear jump seats were sourced from a 1978 model, and reupholstered in grey vinyl (sourced through Spector Off Road). It also has custom, marine grade carpet on the cabin floor and rear bed (also from SOR). It has a Tuffy Box center console (I have the original center tray in storage). The Warn locking front hubs were installed by the dealer back in 79.

Since purchasing the truck I have replaced all of the soft lines in the fuel delivery system and cleaned the hard lines. I performed a coolant flush, and repaired a small leak in the radiator. The brake master cylinder has been replaced (OEM), as well as the clutch master cylinder and slave (also OEM). The brake lines were flushed. The fluid has been changed in the transmission, as well as front and rear differentials. The vacuum system has been tested and refreshed with new silicon lines where necessary. The oil has been changed regularly, and the drive shafts greased at least once a year.

The truck runs exceptionally well, and is driven almost daily. It is comfortable at highway speeds up to 75 mph (depending on the grade). The original emissions system is fully intact, and easily passes California smog tests. All the electrical components are in perfect working condition with the exception of the rear heater fan, which needs a new motor. The truck has been exclusively fed top tier 91 octane fuel.

As is typical for this model year, there are some rust spots on the rear quarter panels and in the drivers side foot well. Under my ownership, the undercarriage has been liberally coated with Fluid Film every winter. The paint was refreshed by a previous owner, but matches its original Cygnus White. I have removed the roof and rear ambulance doors but they are all completely intact, and kept in storage. It currently wears a grey, SOR bikini top.

This Land Cruiser has been exclusively garage kept, but it has also seen plenty of trail use and is capable of taking you wherever you need to go, and getting you home safely. It is rock solid.