Though it is a somewhat common swap amongst FJ40 owners, it is still neat to see.
Toyota’s line of Land Cruiser trucks is iconic all around the world, known specifically for their practicality and rugged nature. However, Land Cruisers, like most Toyota trucks, can be hard to keep up with from a cost standpoint. That’s where this 1977 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 comes into the picture, sporting a Chevrolet V8 engine swap.
Main Street Motors in Denison, Texas offers this unique Land Cruiser for sale. The pictures show a rugged but mostly clean truck that is ready for adventure, with Main Street Motors stating that “there isn't a trail, mountain, back road this beauty can't handle.”
The interior of this Land Cruiser is like most FJ40 cabins – utilitarian and simple – though this isn’t a bad thing, as the rear ambulance-style doors make it easy for loading and unloading road trip items. There are some more modern features, such as an aftermarket stereo and steering wheel, but for the most part, everything looks original and tidy.
It truly is remarkable to observe the uncomplicated interior on the first-generation Land Cruisers, especially when considering how luxurious the truck has become over the years. Additionally, this example features a roll cage integrated into the interior, which will come in handy if things get a little too dangerous when venturing off the beaten path.
Of course, there’s the 350 cubic inch Chevrolet engine, which pairs to a 4-speed manual transmission to drive all four wheels. While the ad does not specify whether the transmission is a Toyota or Chevrolet unit, there are conversion kits available for adapting the Toyota gearbox to the Chevrolet V8. The 5-digit odometer in the vehicle displays 22,924 miles, which likely is not the correct mileage for either the chassis or the engine swap, but with an engine like the Chevy 350, there isn’t too much to worry about in regards to parts availability or cost.
