What’s the difference between the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, FJ43 & FJ45 Model?
Toyota built the first legendary Land Cruiser “BJ’ prototype in 1951; however, the FJ40 model’s regular production did not begin until 1960. Global production surpassed 50,000 vehicles by 1968, making the Land Cruiser the best selling Toyota vehicle in the United States up to that point.
FJ40
The 1960 FJ40 model was an upgrade from the previous FJ25 series model built in the 50’s. Toyota made many smart production changes after buying new state of the art heavy-duty steel presses. The FJ40 was mechanically given the new 93 kW (126 PS; 125 hp), 3.9 Liter “F” engine, and the 40 series Land Cruiser finally received improved low-range gearing but continued to employ the same three-speed main gearbox.
Toyota made significant improvements to the 40 series over the next two decades, including many variations on the main design, including heavy-duty diesel engine options and even front disc brakes by the early ’80s. Toyota ceased production of the FJ40 in 1984, with the final models only being available in Canada.
FJ43
Nearly the same vehicle design as the FJ40, the FJ43 introduced more payload opportunities for your FJ. It offered a longer wheelbase as well as more space in the bed for either cargo or passengers. The used market shows that Toyota exported most of these FJ43 models to the South American region. In recent years, the FJ43 has commanded a premium from collectors, given its limited availability in the US and other core markets.
FJ45
Two more versions of the 40 series were introduced within the FJ family: The FJ45LV ambulance and FJ45 pickup truck. Have you ever seen an old UN ambulance from yesteryear? That was probably an FJ45LV! A long covered cabin paired with Toyota FJ’s reliability made this a natural choice for civil service and military vehicles worldwide. This model variation also introduced removable hardtops as an option with its pickup configurations. In 1977 the Irish Army took delivery of the first FJ45 Land Cruiser trucks. Although it was fast, reliable, and had good off-road performance, the vehicle tended to rust excessively in the wet Irish climate. The few that did not succumb to weather effects were repainted in gloss olive green and survived as ceremonial gun tractors at military funerals. A rare collectible short-bed pickup version was also available and is now very hard to find. Toyota produced the FJ45 truck up until 1984 when it was retired & replaced by the FJ70 series truck.
