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Gonna be buying another Land Cruiser soon in Costa Rica

El Flaco

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May 1, 2020
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Hello all -

I had a 1980 FJ40 back before I realized how truly awesome they are (in my twenties) and now that I'm much older, I want another one. Fortunately, I'm living in Costa Rica and there are tons of good used options at reasonable prices. I plan on driving it around here for the next year and half, then shipping it back to the US when we move back home to CO. Not planning on getting seriously into 4X4 activities, I prefer it mostly stock. Leaning towards the 40, but I might also look at the 60s too. I'd like to keep value in mind; if I choose to sell it when I return, I'd like to make some $$ on one of the more coveted models.

My biggest questions as I start shopping are engine selection (diesel or gas), model years to seek or avoid, other tips. I plan on posting some of my options here for feedback; hopefully that will be interesting for some folks here. Gonna start actively shopping once the lockdowns start to free up. Thanks!
 
Hi El and welcome,

Sounds like you've got a plan, a good one that is, I am a big fan of the 40 & 60 series, I have owned 3 60's in the past but never a 40, at the moment I've got a 100 series Diesel. Don't forget to post some pictures when you do buy a Land Cruiser or two.

Why not buy a 40 & 60 to take back home to the US and make some money on both. :thumbup: :smile:

I exepct you'll get some good advice from the boys in the 40 series fourm soon with regard to Diesel or Gas.

Good Luck.
 
Hello and welcome.

Being in Costa Rica is definitely advantageous to your plan as Pilgrim Restorations are based there. PR make body panels for 40 series and they used to, and indeed may still do, make the panels, tubs etc for Cool Cruisers of Texas. They may well be a good place to start your search as, although it is sometime time since I've been on their website, they have vehicles that they have restored for sale.

The first choice would be an FJ40 LX from 84/5 as they came with AC, PS and discs on the front and therefore perhaps most attractive to US buyers. But in the US there are always numerous FJs for sale (in various conditions) so it may be worth looking at some of the rarer models... Courtesy of Alexander Wohlfarth's book The Land Cruiser Legend, I'll try and summarise for you:
Model codes: B = diesel F = petrol
Engines: B= NA 4cyl, 2977cc 76hp/138ft lbs.
2B= NA 4cyl, 3168cc 84/148
3B= NA 4cyl, 3431cc 90/159
H= NA 6cyl, 3576cc 90/151
2H= NA 6cyl, 3980cc 103/178
F= carb 6 cyl, 3878cc, 125/209
2F= carb 6 cyl. 4230cc/ 135/217
Models: 40= hard & soft tops/ B & F engines/ 2285mm w/base (BJs production started Jan '75)
41= H&S/ 2B only/2285mm
42= H&S/ 3B & F/2285 (FJ42 was rear wheel drive only)
43= soft/ B & F/ 2430mm
43v = station wagon/F/2430mm
44= H&S/2B only/ 2430mm
BJ45= soft or Pick up/3B/ 2950mm
FJ45= H or SWagon or pickup/F, 2F & H/swb 2650mm or lwb 2950mm (SWagons or troopy carry 'v' in number
and also come in 2 or 4 door configuration but only with F engine)
HJ45= H or S or pickup/H/ 2950mm
HJ47 = H or S or pickup/2H/2950mm

There are numerous other variations depending upon which market they were originally made for i.e. 12/24 volt etc - 3, 4 or 5 speed gearboxes - stock or LX and so on.
Pre 79/80 have a rounded bezel and post are more squared off.

Possibly you should start by seeing how many 40s are for sale in CO compared to other models via AutoTrader/ebay/Hemmings/etc.

Regards,

Rodger
 
Hello and welcome.

Being in Costa Rica is definitely advantageous to your plan as Pilgrim Restorations are based there. PR make body panels for 40 series and they used to, and indeed may still do, make the panels, tubs etc for Cool Cruisers of Texas. They may well be a good place to start your search as, although it is sometime time since I've been on their website, they have vehicles that they have restored for sale.

The first choice would be an FJ40 LX from 84/5 as they came with AC, PS and discs on the front and therefore perhaps most attractive to US buyers. But in the US there are always numerous FJs for sale (in various conditions) so it may be worth looking at some of the rarer models... Courtesy of Alexander Wohlfarth's book The Land Cruiser Legend, I'll try and summarise for you:
Model codes: B = diesel F = petrol
Engines: B= NA 4cyl, 2977cc 76hp/138ft lbs.
2B= NA 4cyl, 3168cc 84/148
3B= NA 4cyl, 3431cc 90/159
H= NA 6cyl, 3576cc 90/151
2H= NA 6cyl, 3980cc 103/178
F= carb 6 cyl, 3878cc, 125/209
2F= carb 6 cyl. 4230cc/ 135/217
Models: 40= hard & soft tops/ B & F engines/ 2285mm w/base (BJs production started Jan '75)
41= H&S/ 2B only/2285mm
42= H&S/ 3B & F/2285 (FJ42 was rear wheel drive only)
43= soft/ B & F/ 2430mm
43v = station wagon/F/2430mm
44= H&S/2B only/ 2430mm
BJ45= soft or Pick up/3B/ 2950mm
FJ45= H or SWagon or pickup/F, 2F & H/swb 2650mm or lwb 2950mm (SWagons or troopy carry 'v' in number
and also come in 2 or 4 door configuration but only with F engine)
HJ45= H or S or pickup/H/ 2950mm
HJ47 = H or S or pickup/2H/2950mm

There are numerous other variations depending upon which market they were originally made for i.e. 12/24 volt etc - 3, 4 or 5 speed gearboxes - stock or LX and so on.
Pre 79/80 have a rounded bezel and post are more squared off.

Possibly you should start by seeing how many 40s are for sale in CO compared to other models via AutoTrader/ebay/Hemmings/etc.

Regards,

Rodger
That's awesome info. There are a ton more BJ options for sale down here, but the occasional gas engine models come up. My cousin is more of a car guy than I am, and his initial thought was that a gas model would be more appealing in the US because the diesels are harder to find mechanics that know how to work them. But if that's not as big of an issue, then I'll look at both equally.

Labor is inexpensive here, so I plan to get all body / mechanical work done down here before bringing it back. I love the pickup model, but it's not as practical for me since I have 2 kids and it'll be a bit of a daily driver (which isn't much because I work online from home). I reached out to Pilgrim, but I'm not sure he's still in CR. We'll see.

Thanks! I'll post images and specs as options come up, in separate posts
 
First up
1588354880649.png

Seller Description (translated):
Modified. Disc brakes on 4 tires, Hydraulic Direction, original pieces, year 1971, clean RTV, F1555 engine, gasoline, 4200 cc, 6 cylinders, box 4th,
Listed for ~$9K.
 
The first option:
Very modded, so be careful as to the quality of workmanship/engineering and especially the wiring. A 71 model was originally very basic with metal door cards but the body looks reasonable although personally I wonder about the flares as they look modern. I do not know anything about F155 engine but as far as I'm aware it's not a LC engine but I could be wrong.

Your original post suggested that you wanted a fairly stock 40... this is far from stock

www:sor.com - Spectre Off Road in LA supply parts for both BJ and FJs They specialise in 40s but have parts for 60 series etc.

Next?

Regards,

Rodger
 
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Yeah, unfortunately the collectors around here are inclined to modify (personalize) them. Some moreso than others.

1588376319125.png


1980 BJ40 Tires 33 x12. 5 5 luxury hoops SOA suspension Rancho Compensers Direction damper Records on the 4 tires Series differentials 80 Free brand wheel Engine in perfect condition Well whole seats
 
1588376901807.png


bj40 original diesel model 79
Asking: $9500.

That's the extent of the description. No other photos. Kinda typical.
 
Hi,

Those two look much better....

I would suggest that the white one is far more stock whereas the blue one, with its suspension mods and big tyres is acceptable to many potential buyers, it does have the US indicators and IMO many people prefer the look if the stand alone indicators.

Both worth a look. When you are going to look I can tell you the points to look for.

Regards,

Rodger
 
This might be the one:
1589988555298.png


1589988579190.png


"Toyota Land Cruiser BJ40 diesel. Year 76. RTV of May, all up to date, sign one. It was rebuilt with love, excellent condition. It's a 44 year old gem. "


I think I can get it for $10,000
 
That looks very nice, nice colour too.
It has the 'non-USA' window vents (quarter lights in the UK) which you will probably find advantageous in the warmer weather. Looks like it is lacking the door weather seals but ccot and sor supply them. Sor also do the weather kit for the non-US door, should you ever need to replace them.
Hope it is as good underneath as it looks on top.

Let us know how you get on.

Regards,

Rodger
 
Well the hood has certainly been modified and IMO detrimentally to the airflow that takes the engine heat out of the top vents. I don't think this is a good as the previous one as personally I don't like the hood cathes, screen-down supports, etc being colour matched. The interior on the other one is much more original in look.
IMO the other one is better.

Regards,

Rodger
 
I like the look of the burgundy one through the white window and the owner of the white one has put some see through plastic on the pull handle you got a lot of photo opportunities where you are sickening as it is please post up some more
 
I haven't pulled the trigger yet because I'm having trouble tracking down an available mechanic that knows these engines. I know I've been targeting the 40 series, but this came up and I'm curious about what you guys think:

1590855363798.png


1590855418146.png


The reason for consideration is that it's so unique, as a 70 series Troopy.
2H motor, 160km. No pics of the inside yet.

$13K. What's this worth in the US?
 
If I was planning to travel round the world - off road- this is what i'd get.
One of the medical NGOs has over 800 of these inservice in the remote parts of the world.
No idea what it's worth in the US but the vehicle you decide upon needs to be over 25 years old otherwise you will incur duty, arguments about value etc...
The 70 series was the natural progression from the 40 series and the Troopy is the ultimate IMO.
This looks , to me, like an HJ75 - 2H with leaf springs. 70 series came in heavy duty or light duty - lots of differences im spec but the Troopy is Heavy Duty...
70 series started production in November 1984 and they still, albeit upgraded, make them. That to me just says how good they are.

70 series was/is a great truck, particularly the Troopy, but it's not a 40 (but that's just me)

Regards,

Rodger
 
Thanks, that's great info. This is an '85 (forgot to put that in there).
 
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