FJ5.3

DANNY SOLIS' LS-POWERED 1963 LAND CRUISER FJ40

- Verne Simons

Even if the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 wasn't the first mass-produced, open-top, body-on-frame 4x4, it is arguably the world's best. These durable SUVs, along with their predecessors (the FJ25 and the truck-based FJ45), are probably the most widespread and globally recognizable 4x4s on the face of the earth. Toyota did a great job of mimicking many great designs from other automotive manufacturers to build a bulletproof 4x4 that has a hard-earned reputation for durability, capability, and reliability. Built between 1960 and 1984 (and between 1968 and 2001 in Brazil), hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of these venerable 4x4s were produced.

Daniel (Danny) Solis' '63 FJ40 is simple yet effective. With GM LS power, a reliable TH350 transmission, dual Toyota mini-truck transfer cases, a built FJ40 front axle, and a shaved GM full-float 14-bolt rear axle, this thing is anvil-tough in the dunes and as reliable as a Toyota or GM product can be. Danny grew up riding in the back (and later, the driver seat) of his dad's Jeep, but when it came time for him to build himself an off-road machine, he decided he wanted to be different and went with the Toyota. After following Danny during some recent 4x4 dune surfing, we knew we had to get more details on the FJ40 so we could share this simple yet effective rig with you.

Toyota FJ40s can be found off-road around the world. Danny's '63 is a fine example that's built with care and vetted, reliable parts that excel in the dunes, paved roads, or trails.