1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
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Year
1978Make
ToyotaModel
Land CruiserOdometer
159,000Engine
3B 3.4L I-4 Diesel w/TurboFuel Type
dieselTransmission
manualDrivetrain
4×4VIN / Chassis #
FJ40258085Seller
private partyLocation
Fairfax, CATitle Status
cleanOffered by a private seller in Fairfax, California, this custom 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser pairs classic styling with an aluminum tub and fenders, a 3B diesel engine fitted with an AXT turbo, and an H55F 5-speed manual transmission. Showing a seller-reported 159,000 miles, it was restored and custom built by Toyota mechanics, according to the seller, with upgrades spanning the drivetrain, steering, brakes, and interior.
The current owner purchased the Land Cruiser approximately ten years ago from its original owner in Canada, who reportedly owned a Toyota dealership. Front and rear ARB air lockers, Saginaw power steering, four-wheel disc brakes, and a custom roll cage anchor the build, while the included hardtop components and aluminum half doors provide options for enclosed or open-air use.
- 3B Turbo Diesel & H55F 5-Speed: A Toyota 3B diesel engine equipped with an AXT turbo is paired with an H55F 5-speed manual transmission. The seller also reports electric shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive engagement, bringing additional convenience to this extensively modified classic.
- Aluminum Tub & Fenders: An all-aluminum tub and fenders are central to the restoration, preserving the Land Cruiser’s recognizable shape with custom body construction. The sale includes a hardtop, full doors, hardtop side panels, custom aluminum half doors, and a rear door. The seller discloses rust along the edge of the hardtop, on the hood, and around a kick vent that should be repaired.
- Front & Rear ARB Air Lockers: ARB air-locking differentials at both axles provide selectable traction, supported by an onboard air compressor. A Safari snorkel, front-mounted winch, and custom bumpers further complement the trail-oriented equipment.
- Upgraded Steering & Braking: Saginaw power steering is paired with front and rear disc brakes, a hydraulic brake compensator, and stainless brake hoses. These upgrades address two key areas of the driving experience while retaining the hands-on character of a vintage Land Cruiser.
- Custom Cabin & Practical Storage: Corbeau leather seats and a Tuffy security console upgrade the cabin, while a custom roll cage incorporates gauges and switches. Additional equipment includes recently replaced dual batteries with a shutoff switch, a rear-floor storage compartment, and a swing-out rear carrier configured to hold a spare tire, jack, and fuel can.
This build brings together several substantial upgrades: aluminum bodywork, turbo-diesel power, a 5-speed manual, selectable lockers at both axles, and revised steering and braking systems. Its appeal lies in how those components work toward a common purpose—a classic Land Cruiser configured for hands-on driving and off-pavement exploration.
The included hardtop components and alternate doors add versatility, while approximately a decade of current ownership provides useful continuity. Buyers should also account for the disclosed rust repairs on the remaining steel body components when evaluating its condition.
Powertrain & Drivetrain
- Toyota 3B diesel engine
- AXT turbo
- H55F 5-speed manual transmission
- Electric shift-on-the-fly 4×4 engagement, per seller
- Front and rear ARB air-locking differentials
- Onboard air compressor
Steering & Brakes
- Saginaw power steering
- Front and rear disc brakes
- Hydraulic brake compensator
- Stainless brake hoses
Body & Exterior
- Aluminum tub and fenders
- Custom front bumper
- Custom rear bumper with swing-out carrier
- Spare tire, jack, and fuel-can carrying provisions
- Safari snorkel
- Hardtop, full doors, and hardtop side panels included
- Custom aluminum half doors and rear door included
- Disclosed rust at the hardtop edge, hood, and kick vent
Wheels & Tires
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires
- Matching-style spare wheel and BFGoodrich tire mounted on the rear carrier
Interior & Electrical
- Corbeau leather seats
- Tuffy security console
- Custom roll cage with integrated gauges and switches
- Recently replaced dual batteries
- Battery shutoff switch
- Rear-floor storage compartment
Recovery & Lighting
- Front-mounted winch
- Front auxiliary lights
- Rear-mounted jack
History & Ownership
- Restored and custom built by Toyota mechanics, per seller
- Purchased approximately ten years ago from the original owner in Canada
- Original owner reportedly owned a Toyota dealership
For buyers seeking a classic Land Cruiser with aluminum bodywork, turbo-diesel power, and an extensive collection of trail-focused upgrades, this custom 1978 Toyota offers a distinctive combination. Contact the seller to discuss the build, included equipment, and condition, or to arrange an inspection.
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