Anyone know much about old Toyota's?

The Raven · Post by **The Raven** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 7:30 pm

I know of a old 79 BJ41 SWB available that needs some work which can be obtained for zilch. Are these any good for the occasional 4WD camping trip etc?

Apparently drivable (farm beast) but hasn't moved for a few years. Pics show it to have no body damage but, I'd realistically expect some rust somewhere in it. Looks 100% complete with hardtop.

Being a 79 it couldn't be too complex a beast to fix up. However, I know little about the 40 series Land Cruisers so any experience or opinions appreciated.

fallingblock · Post by **fallingblock** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 5:54 am

petrol motor? ... drove a few of them as bullcatchers in the NT early mid 80s. They went alright.

Ride might be a bit harsh given SWB & 4 leaf springs and comfortable cruising speed 80-90kmh

memory is fading ...too many beers and years ago

Con · Post by **Con** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 6:21 am

BJ were the diesels. Id rather a petrol personally, but if its for zilchyou can always part it out for parts.
Cheers....
Con

The Raven · Post by **The Raven** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 7:28 pm

Thanks guys. It's a diesel and presumably a 4 speed.

I've considered it as a project but the cost of relocating it to Vic, and the time/money required, makes it an unlikely proposition.

kickinback · Post by **kickinback** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 7:56 pm

Mate, these Cruisers are worth a few bucks these days. If it has bugger all rust it could be worth the trouble. I had a BJ40 with the powerhouse 3 litre B engine. Not real fast but would do 100 into a headwind. 4 speed box and reliable as. Might be worth a look as these are a VERY capable 4wd. With a lift and new leaf springs you would be suprised.

The Raven · Post by **The Raven** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 9:08 pm

kickinback wrote:Mate, these Cruisers are worth a few bucks these days. If it has bugger all rust it could be worth the trouble. I had a BJ40 with the powerhouse 3 litre B engine. Not real fast but would do 100 into a headwind. 4 speed box and reliable as. Might be worth a look as these are a VERY capable 4wd. With a lift and new leaf springs you would be suprised.

I've attached a pic. It's not very informative but it's all I have.

Any expert opions?

Post by **GriMo** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 11:29 pm

Body looks pretty straight, no major dents up the side or rust I can see. Bonnet is still nice and square, even gap/clearance all round. My concern would be underneath/door sills etc. looks like there is a fair bit of grass around it that would keep it nice and moist for rust.

For a freebie I'd definitely be taking a crack at it though

Camel · Post by **Camel** » Wed Sep 19, 2012 7:39 am

Definately would be a good project, comes with all the attachmens as well, I noticed. Even the little bubble light on top.

The Raven · Post by **The Raven** » Wed Sep 19, 2012 11:33 am

Con wrote:BJ were the diesels. Id rather a petrol personally, but if its for zilchyou can always part it out for parts.
Cheers....
Con

Any reason why you prefer the petrol? Besides choice of fuel, is one engine 'better' than the other?

kickinback · Post by **kickinback** » Wed Sep 19, 2012 8:55 pm

The petrol was a direct copy of a chev straight 6. A very lazy motor but would run for years.

The Raven · Post by **The Raven** » Wed Sep 19, 2012 9:19 pm

kickinback wrote:The petrol was a direct copy of a chev straight 6. A very lazy motor but would run for years.

Used to drive a 40 Chev pickup. If it's based on that then it's bullet proof...albeit lazy.

Con · Post by **Con** » Thu Sep 20, 2012 10:02 am

The Raven wrote:
Con wrote:BJ were the diesels. Id rather a petrol personally, but if its for zilchyou can always part it out for parts.
Cheers....
Con
Any reason why you prefer the petrol? Besides choice of fuel, is one engine 'better' than the other?

I'm better at breaking than fixing things ... but even I could recondition an FJ motor and give it a new lease of life. Knew a guy that refreshed a SWB FJ40 and its 'thirsty' straight 6 ran at 14L/100km on the highway. That's pretty acceptable to me.

I'd gas it and replace the exhaust valves as necessary as well.

Those diesels were slow but virtually unbreakable. First gear low range is a revelation in crawling compared to the more modern 4wds.

Cheers...
Con

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