1978 Toyota FJ40 LS Swap

Location: Pomfret, Maryland

Why It's Curated: This 1978 Toyota FJ40 is for sale in Pomfret, MD. The FJ40 needs little introduction to serious off-road enthusiasts, but this particular example earns its place in a curated collection through a combination of a well-executed powertrain swap and genuine mechanical sorting. Under the hood sits a GM Gen III LS1 V8 mated to a 4-speed automatic -- a conversion completed in the 1990s that has since accumulated approximately 36,000 miles on the drivetrain, unverified. The odometer shows 38,000 miles, also unverified. What matters here is that the swap has had decades to prove itself, and by all accounts it has. Recent maintenance is substantive rather than cosmetic: a new A/C compressor, replaced power steering pump, new brake calipers and rotors at all four corners, entirely new brake lines, and new transmission lines. The frame and floors are reported solid, with only typical surface rust present -- nothing structural. Aftermarket 17x8 wheels wear BFGoodrich tires, and an LED lighting upgrade rounds out the practical improvements. This is a sorted, honest-driving FJ40 for the enthusiast who wants the classic silhouette with modern V8 reliability without the years of project work.

Check out the pictures in the gallery & use the contact form to get in touch with us and the seller to ask questions and/or make an offer for this vehicle.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1978
Make: Toyota
Model: FJ40
Drive: 4X4
Miles: 38,000
Mileage Verification: True Miles Unknown
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Number of Forward Gears: 4
Engine: V8 LS1
Exterior Color: Tan
Interior Color: Black
State of Registration: Maryland
Vehicle Location: Pomfret MD
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Clean

Details:

Engine & Transmission:
Engine Modifications: Yes
Transmission Modifications: No

Drivetrain, Suspension, Tires & Brakes:
Drivetrain Modifications: No
Suspension Modifications: No
Wheel Size and Offset: 17x8
Tire Brand, Model, and Size: BFG
Type of Brakes: Stock drum

Exterior & Interior:

Interior Material: Vinyl 
Interior Modifications: Yes
Working Heat: Yes
Working Air Conditioning: Yes

Other Notable Features or Functions:

This is a strong-running, well-sorted driver that's a blast to drive and always gets attention. THE BUILD: This FJ40 features a GM Gen III LS V8 engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive. The swap was completed in the 1990s by a previous owner. The truck has been a reliable driver ever since 36,000 miles on the swap.

Recent Maintenance:
Air conditioning (compressor replaced) LED lighting upgrade with new headlight switch, Power steering pump replaced, New brake calipers and rotors (all four corners)All new brake lines New transmission lines

Mechanical, Rust, Cosmetic Known Flaws:
Typical minor FJ40 surface rust in spots nothing structural. Frame and floors are solid

Model History: The FJ40 Land Cruiser stands as one of Toyota's most enduring and mechanically honest 4x4 designs, and the 1978 model year represents a mature expression of a platform refined over nearly two decades. By this point in the FJ40's production life, the 2F inline-six had replaced the earlier F engine, bringing improved torque delivery and long-term reliability to the platform -- qualities that define the 2F-era FJ40's reputation among collectors. The short-wheelbase body-on-frame architecture, cast-iron drivetrain components, and straightforward mechanicals made these trucks capable off-road tools without electronic complexity, and they remain highly rebuildable today. Period rivals included the Jeep CJ series, though the FJ40 occupied a distinct niche built around drivetrain durability and Toyota's growing reputation for mechanical longevity. The 1978 model sits in a particularly desirable window of the FJ40's North American run -- seasoned enough to reflect accumulated engineering refinement, yet retaining the essential character that has made the FJ40 one of the most collected and actively used 4x4s of its era.