Weak Link: Tire clearance
Models Affected: All FJ-40s
What happens: Land Cruiser fenders are stronger than most of the sheetmetal used on modern vehicles, but they still crumple after repeated encounters with rocks. The stock fenders also limit the amount of available uptravel once larger tires or shackle reversals are added.
Sturdy Fix: Instead of replacing bashed fenders with expensive reproduction units, call Metal Tech for a pair of tube fenders. Constructed from 1.5-inch, 0.120-wall tube, the new fenders will take a licking and provide an extra 2.5 inches of tire clearance. Unlike a Jeep, there is a space above the front fenders on FJ-40s filled by the upper apron. The Metal Tech fenders require you to trim the apron and move the fender higher up the hoodline.
Contact: Metal Tech
Weak Link: Three- and four-speed transmissions
Models Affected: '80-'87 FJ-40s and FJ-60s
What happens: The four-speed H42 transmission used in FJ-40s and FJ-60s does not have an overdrive gear. This makes gearing a compromise between low gearing for the trail or higher gearing for highway speeds. Additionally, these transmissions have a meager 3.55:1 First gear ratio.
Sturdy Fix: Some overseas Land Cruisers came with the H55F five-speed manual transmission, which features a 4.80:1 First gear and a 0.85:1 overdrive Fifth gear. These transmissions can be swapped into U.S.-market Land Cruisers with a split transfer case using all Toyota parts for a factory fit and finish. Cool Cruisers of Texas stocks all the necessary parts and does not require a core deposit for their transmissions.
Contact: Cool Cruisers of Texas
Weak Link: Vacuum advance distributor
Models Affected: '60-'79 FJ-40s and 55s
What happens: The stock distributor used points prior to 1977 and a vacuum advance until 1979. These parts are easy to fix and replace, but unfortunately they require fixing far too often. This can be a problem as the parts are expensive and hard to find compared to HEI parts.
Sturdy Fix: The Davis Unified Ignition from Performance Distributors is based on the popular Chevy HEI ignition and features a high-voltage coil and high-dwell module located inside the distributor. The distributor can be custom-tuned for your engine using specs such as cam duration and lift, compression ratio, vehicle weight, and octane of fuel. The combination of the custom advance curve and the high-output coil and module will give you instant throttle response, quicker starts and more horsepower. Installation only requires a one-wire hookup.
Contact: Performance Distributors
Weak Link: Rear shock mounts
Models Affected: '61-'74 FJ-40s and 55s
What happens: The lower shock mounts on the rear axle are located on the axlehousing itself, limiting travel of the stock suspension.
Sturdy Fix: Starting in 1975, the lower shock mounts were relocated from the axlehousing to the U-bolt plate, providing an additional 2 inches of shock travel. Proffitt's Cruisers has U-bolt plates as part of their large used parts inventory.
Contact: Proffitt's Cruisers
Weak Link: Front shock mounts
Models Affected: All FJ-40s
What happens: The front shock towers on FJ-40s are stronger and higher than most comparable models, but there is still room for improvement. This is particularly true when the vehicle is outfitted with a spring-over or other high-articulation suspension.
Sturdy Fix: Based on the stock upper shock mounts, Man-A-Fre designed a new tower out of 31/48- and 51/48-inch steel plate that is 211/42 inches taller than stock, allowing the use of longer-travel shocks for more articulation.
Contact: Man-A-Fre
Weak Link: Transfer-case shifting options
Models Affected: All
What happens: Sometimes on high-traction surfaces like granite or slickrock it can be difficult to turn, particularly with manual steering or a front locker. The binding can also unnecessarily stress front-end components like Birfields and knuckles.
Sturdy Fix: Advance Adapters manufacturers a twin stick that allows the transfer case to be shifted between two- and four-wheel drive, and between high- and low-range independently. This offers the control of low-range without binding the front end when turning.
Contact: Advance Adapters