Toyota: Land Cruiser FJ40, 1972 fj40, Landcruiser, Defender 90,

1972 Toyota Land Cruiser Description

The Formula

The Formula is a blend of what I feel is the best of the FJ40s. The older body style 40s are dimensionally identical to the newer body styles however they were made of a higher grade of steel that is heavier and less prone to rust. They were made with rear doors or a tailgate that stay on the tub when the hard top is removed. Though it’s a matter of preference, the interior of the older doors are all metal, with metal access panels and a vent window. Even the emblems on the side aprons are made of metal with chrome. There are several other details such as fuel door openings, configuration of the hard top side panels, seats and blinker/marker lights that separate the models. However, It’s almost undisputable that the drive trains of the newer models including a 2F and a 4 speed were superior in power, reliability and comfort than the 1F and the 3 Speed. Safety was also increased in newer FJ40’s with the addition of disc brakes and roll bars. So, why not blend the best aspects of all of the years and add a necessary dose of modern technology that did not exist on any models. Such as greaseable spring pins/ shackles, auxiliary power ports, modern distributors and carburetors, Tuffy locking center consoles with a stereo compartment and cup holders, improved interior/ exterior LED lighting (gauges too), and top of the linepower steering. The result is a Vintage looking Toyota Land Cruiser that in many ways exceeds the performance,safety, reliability, and drivability of any model that was produced by the factory.

Frame and Body

This Formula started out as a super clean rust free 1972 body and frame from Kentucky. The body and panels were completely disassembled, sanded and primed, before the seams were sealed to reduce the chance of rust, then the floor of the interior, firewall, and undercarriage were coated with a slightly textured material that reduces heat and sound. It’s also much tougher than paint. It was color matched and also applied to the underside of the fenders to reduce chipping. The color chosen for this project was a factory Toyota 2012 FJ cruiser color, Army Green. It was painted using the modern base coat clear coat finish. This color looks amazing with the old school factory color Cygnus white on the bezel and hard top cap.

The excellent frame was stripped, sanded, primed and painted in a very durable semi-gloss black finish.

We used the Factory front and rear bumpers, plus stainless steel hardware including bolts, door hinge pins, and washers were used throughout the vehicle. They make it easier to make adjustments, and to take the top and doors off without chipping the paint off of the bolts and surrounding paint. All of the seals needed to replace the hard top are new factory seals. I used new factory emblems and marker lights, upgraded head lights, interior lights, and auxiliary rear lights.

Under the hood- The 2F inline six cylinder was completely rebuilt by a highly respected builder using top quality components including factory intake and exhaust valves, dome pistons etc. The Block was bored and the heads milled to perfection then balanced and blue printed. The valve cover, intake manifold, and thermostat housing were all media blasted then painted with hi- temp paint for great looks and a durable finish. We chose TPI 6 into one ceramic coated headers, complete custom 2.5 inch exhaust with a quiet flow master muffler, a Weber 38 mm carburetor, HEI distributor/ coil, and top of the line spark plugs and wires. Finished with all new hoses, water pump, alternator, voltage regulator, fuel pump, heavy duty 3 row radiator, powerful Hella horns, upgraded wiring, and much more.

Steering- A heavy duty Saginaw power steering box and pump were used with a jointed and compressible Borgison shaft.We used the factory steering column and a steering wheelfrom a '78 FJ40,atruly a top of the line set up that maintains the look of a Land Cruiser but makes the driving experience easier and more enjoyable.

Axles/suspension/ tires - Factory axles with 4:10 gear ratio, and completely rebuilt disc brake front end. Including Warn premium hubs, new calipers, rotors, bearings, axle seals, braided stainless steel brake lines, and brake pads. All bearings repacked with synthetic grease. 2.5” lift springs from Cool Cruisers of Texas, used with greaseable pins and shackles. (5) 33x10.5x15 B.F. Goodrich KM2 (mud terrain) tires mounted on the factory steel wheels in grey with new factory hub caps. The axles have been filled with synthetic gear oil. The shocks are the matched for comfort and full suspension travel.

Interior- The front and rear jump seats have new pads, hardware, seat belts, and super high quality custom covers that look amazing and feel like leather. The seats were redone by a very talented professional upholsterer and are top notch. All new door seals, no rattles! It has a new dash cover and a new factory style headliner. I’ve added LED access lights and interior lights as well as LED’s in the instrument cluster. Another great feature is the sliding rear windows with screens. These provide excellent ventilation and come with a light 20% tint. I matched the rear corner glass and rear hatch glass with the same tint. This Land Cruiser has its original jack and handles included.

Delivery- I have a flexible schedule and will assist the buyer by making the vehicle available to the shipper of their choice.Another optionis to fly in to our local airport, and driveher home, where ever home is. This Land Cruiser is absolutely ready for a road trip, daily driver, car shows or weekend warrior. I will be happy to answer any questions or provide additional photos. Thank you and bid with confidence.

Countless hours of skilled work and attention to detail have been poured into this project by people that know, love, and drive Land Cruisers.. The parts chosen for this FJ40 represent the best available options, and the knowledge of what works from experience on and off the road. In many ways this vehicle exceeds in quality, safety, performance, and comfort than what Toyota originally built. This Land Cruiser was built to be driven. Quality is never an accident. Drive a legend, drive a Land Cruiser!