Our 1976 FJ40 Land Cruiser (Tonto)

[@hoghopper]

Love Tonto. My soul mate is a 1975 factory soft top I've had since '89. (I think all the chrome door handles are orig.) Thanks for sharing!

[@drewschumann1]

I pulled a 1969 FJ40 out of a junkyard a year ago and it is now my daily. Good to see an FJ40 doing work

[@40ChannelCruiser]

Very practical and great to see the FJ40 used in everyday touring. Thanks for sharing.

[@westwardbound8817]

Love Tonto, If you decide to sell keep me in mind ha ha! Back around 1990 me and my father was in Daytona FL and we met a couple who was selling their FJ40 for $5500, it was a creampuff in the bluish green color, but they backed out at the last moment. I still think about the one that got away!

[@billyoungberg3207]

Great video and thanks for sharing. I originally bought my first FJ40, a 1973, when I was 21 years old. Then bought a used 1968 from Alaska. In 1978 I bought my third FJ40 new. Still have it. 62,000 miles. Continue to fix what is needed but need to drive it more. With 2 4Runners, 2000 and 2018, and my 2007 FJ Cruiser, the old '78 just doesn't get the road time it deserves. Maybe this year. Thanks again for sharing.

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Sounds like you have a pretty great fleet of vehicles! Cheers!

[@brisonpalmer6730]

Beautiful 40 I have always loved the old cruisers even though I’m a Jeep guy

[@mikehogan27]

I enjoy all your videos. I really enjoy the videos with Tonto in them. We have two FJ40's. A 1962 project truck and a 1971. I really enjoy driving the 71 three on the tree. Your right it slows things down and life is going by so fast it's nice to slow things down once in a while. Safe travels

[@Fe_lix]

Finally the full presentation of Tonto, nice! Some notes on what is original: - All door handles are actually factory chrome, PO is not guilty for those =) - Fresh air pull on your truck is not for the top grill, it actually open/close a hatch (visible in the footwell of the passenger) for air-recirculation (push for recirculation and pull for fresh air). Your top grill does not do anything, your cold air comes from the same fan than hot air and exits at the top of the heater block (before to go through the heater core). Top grill is only active for direct fresh air on trucks from hot countries which does not have the heater and fan. - The factory position for the mono-speaker is inside the glovebox on the right.

[@mikehogan27]

Our top grill works for fresh air on our 71 and was sold new in TX.

[@Fe_lix]

@@mikehogan27 Yes you are right, I tried to keep my original comment simple of all variants but yes up to 1973 the top grill was functional on all FJ40. The heater block is only used for heat on older ones (if you look at your heater block you won't have the upper grill as Tonto has). Starting with 1974 they added the cold air to the heater block but kept the grill on all trucks even when inactive. Then later (1977 I think) they removed the top grill from truck with a heater.

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Thanks for the info Felix.

[@sethpieper9053]

Love it. I’ve watched your story on mud. You really give me inspiration on getting my 40 restored and chugging along.

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Thanks Seth!

[@drewschumann1]

Wait. You're on mud? Gotta find your build thread

[@johndiaz7240]

Good to see Tonto in all it’s glory , we have a 77 for the past 20 yrs and like you love it’s simplicity, looks like it’s time to order a new T-shirt.

[@chrishoward4546]

Thank you for sharing your classic nice 👍

[@FurthurOffRoad]

Best bumper sticker ever

[@nickward8887]

Go Tonto... nice tour of the truck...

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Thanks Nick!

[@Fourwheeljive]

Great video! Makes me miss Ol ‘76 that I sold years ago. At highway speeds I couldn’t hear my radio. LOL It had a cassette and off-roading the vibration would make the belt come off the cassette so when I got home I had to take it apart to fix it. Someone broken into my FJ once, couldn’t figure how to get the radio/cassette out so they stole my knobs and stick on clock. Lots of great adventures in Ol ‘76! Thanks for sharing. Loved it!

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Haha yeah we definitely have to turn the volume up at highway speeds!

[@bwwhaler1]

Your reasoning is exactly why my daily's are 80 CJ7 with 258 t176 and an 87 GW with factory 360... you can't beat the simplicity of the older vehicles.... Tonto is a great example of what a FJ40 should be, built for the long haul... keep on truckin Dirt Sunrise.

[@jamesbingham4538]

Great vehicle! I have an 82 with ARB front & rear. Such a classic

[@jamesprescott2290]

Loved this video! I was 17 years old when I saw my first one in 1973. Brand new at a Toyota dealership. IIRC MSRP was $5799! It was love at first sight. It was not to be though. Had to buy an old beater with my 17 year old income. Thanks for sharing.

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Thanks James!

[@jeffanderson1091]

Thanks for that. When I was a kid dad bought one new for mom. It was our suv! When I turned 16 it was mine. It was 10 years old at that point and only had 42,000 miles. When I turned 21 I got a new CRX si and my brother took over the fj. He handed it back to mom a few years later and dad decided to sell. He offered it to me and I foolishly turned it down. I still kick myself. It had like 120,000 miles on it. He sold it for $8500, he thought that was great as he had paid less than 6 new. A great vehicle, never gave problems, other than vapor lock on hot days after restarting. I think that was because the heat shield material between the carb and header had fallen off. Its in several family photos as an old friend. Thats part of why its so lovable as like a loyal dog it just wants to be part of the family.

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Jeff, Love that! We feel like Tonto is part of the family like a dog too!

[@T1DSUX]

Hubcaps = Must have, I agree! What a cool ride!

[@philjachowski1709]

I enjoyed that video and love Tonto. In my non-traveling time I'm slowly making an extremely rough 1975 Chevy K20 drivable again that was gifted to me and I agree that simplicity is actually fun! I had a couple friends with FJ40's growing up but I was always a Scout / Scout II guy.

[@paltek_philippe]

Simple truck, presented in a most simple and honest way. Greatly enjoyed your video. Thanks! Btw, love FJs.

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Thanks Philippe! Glad you enjoyed!

[@mastervoni1285]

Tonto camping trip 👍🏻 and trail adventures 👍🏻

[@lwclark]

The vintage air in my ‘79 makes a huge difference in these Texas summers, and the 2F doesn’t seem bothered by the compressor. I know that’s not your style, but I’m happy with it.

[@alexstern3583]

Such a sweet old 40. Nice to have the rear window vents meaning the top was from a '77+

[@REMAX_CCA]

What a nice video, thank you! It took me back to 1975 in Central America, where my best high-school friend used to own an FJ40, while I used to own a Land Rover 88. We had so much fun with those rigs! I now own a 2007 Hummer H3 and I'm again in love. Cheers!

[@nmelkhunter1]

Where in Central America? My dad and I lived in the Canal Zone in the mid eighties when I was in middle school. He had a BJ40; the diesel version of the FJ40.

[@REMAX_CCA]

@@nmelkhunter1 This was in El Salvador, before the civil war started.

[@rufinoacosta9289]

Tonto is Awesome...thanks for the tips

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Haha Tonto is awesome! Cheers!

[@craigdouglasmartens7037]

Wonderful drivetrains! I learnt to drive inthe Zululand bush in an FJ45 when wa 12 years old. I can tell some stories... My dad was a Park Ranger ( Warden inCharge) at St. Lucia, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Very cool!

[@james1965]

I found something to do on a7 degree night! Thanks for the fun tour. Tonto is a pretty cool little truck. Enjoy, you two Lone Rangers!

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Thanks James! Sending warm thoughts your way!

[@paulsthormes251]

Thanks for sharing love the truck 👍

[@rael6_4wd]

I love seeing Tonto. My dad had the same tan colored FJ 40 through the late 70’s and early 80’s. I was heartbroken when he sold it. If I were a better mechanic, I’d still have it, or I’d have found one somewhere long ago, to fix up and cherish. What a treat owning one must be. My 2017 (2 door) Jeep Wrangler has been a pretty decent substitute though these last few years. Love seeing your videos pop up in my feed. Always looking forward to the next one.

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Thanks Sean!

[@cruiserkev1976]

Glad you did this walk around, Tonto is an amazing cruiser. It's hard to put in words how cool it to hop into a 40 and go bouncing down the trail not needing any fancy gadgets just plenty of fuel. Bought mine in '95 and still go adventuring in it often. 👍

[@gregjoubert5118]

Awesome video of Tonto! Glad he got to come by along with you guys a few years back. Keep on enjoying!

[@chuckpense8717]

Enjoyed your video, and glad I caught it to view. Last year I bought a blue 76 FJ40 (I even have the same Warn 8274) from a guy in Vegas and I am in NW AZ.... ...so it has been in the desert for awhile....has some upgrades (some of which you have (Emu) ). It has a lot of patina, which I love and want to keep it stock for the most part.....so fun to drive.....so utilitarian and simple, I want to make it my daily driver.... but not running at the moment.......I would love to see more videos on what you do with Tonto in the future......this is inspiring for me to get busy on my "76, which I call "Crystal Blue Persuasion"..... (love that song) ......Thanks again....safe travels through the wilderness.....take care....

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Thanks chuck! Love the name!

[@fj40landcruiser10]

The senser is a small cubid metal box under the handle of the handbrake unit .

[@fernandorosas2116]

Love it I have a 1977 fj40 myself

[@shanevonharten3100]

Love it, currently rebuilding a bj40. Can't wait to get her out

[@WestsideCruisers]

Been following Tonto since you first got it. And continue following you with Dusty. Always nice to see you guys driving it. I use Bill Lee also to do my carb rebuilds and can say he knows his stuff and then some. I have always owned land cruisers And I drive my fj60 as a daily and working on a 71 FJ40. Thanks for sharing! always great to see Tonto.

[@guidok3762]

Great looking Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser. You are lucky that it was original from Arizona. A friend of mine owned one here in the Netherlands, but changed the complete body into a polyester one because of the rust. Keep it, never sell this one. Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱❤️🇺🇸✌️🥇💪👌👍

[@bajavisitor]

So wish I still had mine, Tonto is awesome! Hey @slowbaja did you see your sticker at 10:41? “Ask your doctor if Baja is right for you”

[@jamesnelson6513]

I have a 80 model fj40 that I bought in 85 and the only chrome that was on it were all the door handles and the antenna.

[@sicardmd]

Last year I purchased a 1984 FJ40 which had lived in Saudi Arabia. It has a non-working, in dash stereo and I too wondered about speakers. I did find two installed up under the front corners above the ventilation kick outs. I don't think I'll even bother with testing them.

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Interesting! I'll have to take a closer look at ours.

[@ramcentralstation]

nice rig! I love it.

[@T1DSUX]

Anyone can do a walkaround on a new vehicle that they spent 60,000 plus, along with accessories = another20-50k, and yes that is nice and fun. (Follow the Jones's) One of the MANY reasons I watch your channel, is your walkaround of this vehicle, which sets you apart from the norm, to me that is cool. Blessings to you both!

[@fj40landcruiser10]

Hi i am from saudia arabia i loved your video and your truck is a beauty .just your remark about the light of the hand brakes there is a small sensenr check it ,it might just need w40 single spray will ease the tiny spring inside it and check the wiring leading to it from the passenger side hope to see you guys if i travel to the usa bless you .

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Thank you! Great idea. We'll check next time. We hope to visit your country in our other Land Cruiser.

[@fj40landcruiser10]

@@SaltySunriseSailing any time you are welcome bless you and your family .

[@goku.lc80]

Tonto looks solid. So lucky you are in AZ, I have been looking for options to bring mine to California from Colombia but it’s not looking easy.

[@wanderingtundra6310]

Happy Birthday Tim. I love Tonto, but then again I grew up in a June/'75 production FJ40. I think all your chrome isn't from the last owner. I belive that package was offered in California. Anyways, always great seeing Tonto. Could you do a patch or sticker with all 3 of your Land Cruisers on it? Or at least 1 with Tonto?

[@petepeters5630]

Love it!!

[@jonstewart7800]

Two comments. My 1969 FJ40 has chrome door handles. I have a second set of doors, that also have chrome door handles. Second, that aux gas tank looks like one of the old Northwest Metal Products tanks. I have one in my 4Runner. Suggestion. Cut the bottom off, clean it up inside (sandblast?), and have a new bottom welded on. I just cut the bottom off mine to get rid of the spare tire crank donut hole. The steel was substantial.

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Great idea! We took it off and it is sitting in storage. We decided it wasn't the time to take on another project but it's a great option when we do dig into the aux tank!

[@ryansearlybronco]

Love it. Good video!

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stevesalsman5184]

Like your videos that includes Tonto plus your others are nice too but I can relate to him because I own a 1971 fj40 that I bought off the original owner .we call him yeti ,loves cold weather and when I brought it home it kinda smelled bad .it still had the headliner in it that was falling down along with household carpet in it.he had put a roof rack from a grand Cherokee on it so there is holes drilled in the roof which makes it leak. I live in Western Montana so in the winter even when it's below zero I can go out pull the choke and it starts . It is still the column shift 3 spd and vacuum shift transfer case , I keep thinking about upgrading the transmission but if it's not broke why screw with it .I live about 100 miles from any town of size so I have to give myself enough time to get there. He tops out around 55 so I just don't push it. I also own a couple of other 4wd vehicles but this one is my dogs favorite. Thanks Steve

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Haha I love it!

[@0731mm]

I have very fond memories in a ‘74 FJ betsys pond fairfax county Va. Sweet. Got any leads on one?

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

So hard to find reasonable ones! Look everywhere!

[@thomassanio8745]

Hey Tim and Kelsey. Good to see you guys still have Tonto. I remember the day I learned to do tie rods assisting you and Kelsey doing them in Tonto in Phoenix. How do you like the Med/heavy OME springs? My ‘78 is pretty heavy for considering “reversing” the reverse shackle up front and going OME. Stay in touch and best to you both! Tom

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

We really like the springs. For camping gear we're glad we went with them vs the lighter springs.

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Also, seems like just a couple years ago we were working on trucks in our car port

[@bradleedenney]

Every time I replaced something in my 75 FJ40, the part next to it would fail. Money pit, but a great time.

[@bradleedenney]

For my roof, glue down pad and glue down berber carpet deadened the sound and kept it cool in summer and warm in winter.

[@seanbowie7966]

Hiya! I have a 9/74 capri blue 40 that I’m restoring. How’s the highway travel with OME suspension? I’m still stock and seem to get rattled to death driving over 50mph. Thinking about OME as an upgrade. Love your channel! Subscribed.

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

It rides great. We just did a few hours of 65-67mph highway driving the other day. It takes concentration with the short wheelbase, but does well. I wonder if the vibration is the lift or something else? U-joints or something maybe.

[@theawesomejeep3599]

We have a 1972 land Cruiser FJ 40

[@DriftaholiC]

I wish I could just leave well enough alone and be happy with it.

[@Scottybk]

Are you still in Tucson AZ?

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Scott, not there anymore.

[@esquire9445]

How do people find these in great shape?

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Luck and lots of looking. 👍

[@putragiarta]

Please wrap the rusty roof 😁

[@SaltySunriseSailing]

Roof is fiberglass! 😁

[@joesilva4479]

make more videos please

[@scod3908]

Door handles were all originally chrome, leave them be!