1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ43 Fj40, FJ45

1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ43 Description

This 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ43 underwent a body-off restoration in 2013 in Saudi Arabia. As compared to the FJ40, the FJ43 was never sold in the U.S. market and featured a slightly longer wheelbase and body which benefits the passengers with much more stable ride and comfort.

This truck was updated to include new paint, interior upholstery, and a rebuild of its suspension and axles.
This example is equipped with the legendary 2F 4.2-liter straight-six. In addition, the truck has the 3-speed transmission which was refreshed as well. All new wiring and more as detailed below.

This machine was legally imported to the United States from Saudi Arabia where it spent its past life in the dry desert climate. As such, this FJ43 exhibits no body rust or rot and has never been exposed to salt or a wet environment. The truck is currently in an environmentally controlled location in Upstate NY and will be sold with a clean Montana title.

All-steel panels are free of aluminum covers and undercoating. Factory gray-painted 16″ steel wheels wear period correct 7.5×16 off-road rubber, and a spare wheel and tire is included on the rear factory spare tire mount. A new khaki soft top features roll-up side windows and all new bows and framework.
Inside, new door panels were installed and the seating was reupholstered in the factory style. The classic long rear jump seats are in place and in perfect order. Rubber mats cover the new floor panels. The dashboard is refinished so as to be as it was originally.
Factory stock gauges rest in a silver-painted bezel and include a working backlight. The 6-digit odometer shows just over 300 kilometers. Mixed switchgear is shown, and accessories work as they should. No heater was equipped from the factory.

The 4.2-liter 2F gasoline straight-six was refreshed here in the States to factory specifications and resealed. The valves were inspected, dressed and adjusted. Compression measures to factory specs across all six cylinders. Rocker arms and shaft were cleaned, inspected and re-installed. A new water pump, carburetor, alternator, distributor, battery and starter were fitted along with fresh belts, spark plugs, and plug wires. The engine runs smoothly and is very strong with no oil usage. All fluids have been changed with synthetic fluids.

The 3 speed manual transmission shifts perfectly. Power is routed through a two-speed transfer case to front and rear differentials. The transfer case works perfectly as does the 4 wheel drive in both hi and low range. Anyone who is familiar with maintaining these trucks knows that the axles are bullet proof but can be leaky and expensive to seal. The axles on this truck have been overhauled to factory specifications with the stock gear ratios of 4.11 in place. All bearings, bushing and seals have been replaced. You will not find any leaks under this truck.

This Toyota is equipped with manual steering which is smooth and easy to handle. The drum brakes received new shoes and easily stop the truck. Suspension and steering benefit from many new parts, new stock duty Gabriel shocks, a steering stabilizer, new leaf springs, and fresh bushings.
Although the majority of this Toyota was built to remain in its original form, there were a few items that were upgraded in consideration of drivability, reliability and future options. The wiring in this truck was completely replaced with an updated wire harness that utilizes HD waterproof connections as well as heavier gauge wires for future options like Air Conditioning, winches, radios etc. The upgraded GM alternator was installed for these purposes as well. In addition, a high torque starter was installed as well as an updated distributor with electronics that replace the points type ignition.

This FJ43 is a perfect driver. The truck starts easily and runs smooth and strong. This truck will easily maintain 65MPH on the road. As it should, the truck demonstrates the perfect patina around the edges with a few nicks and scrapes here and there. Light surface rust can be found on some places, as any 39 year old truck may exhibit. This rust is not cancerous and adds to the looks only. The goal for this truck was to offer a period driver that is tough and reliable and with all the esteem of a legendary foreign market Land Cruiser.

The truck will bring much attention with thumbs up and questions at the gas station for sure. Jeep drivers will drool and be wide-eyed as you pass by them. We wave at the Jeeps to make them feel less humiliated.
Shipping can be arranged or we can assist the new owner as needed.

This truck is advertised elsewhere so this listing may end early if sold.

Feel free to ask questions.

One other note regarding eBay and my credibility...my rating is 100% and I work hard to keep it that way. I'm a straight up guy and a Boy Scout. The description above is accurate and I make no effort to misrepresent anything or harm anyone in the process.