A New Life for a Classic 40

This 1979 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 arrived at Legacy Overland for a mechanical and aesthetic renaissance—an effort to preserve the spirit of Toyota’s most iconic 4x4 while transforming it into a flawlessly functioning classic. The client’s vision was clear: retain OEM authenticity, but rebuild every key system for modern reliability and driving confidence. Over ten months of labor, Project Ash underwent a meticulous renewal from full engine engine rebuild to the smallest dash switch.

Rebuilt to the Core

Underneath its vintage shell, nearly every mechanical component was restored, rebuilt, or replaced. The legendary 2F engine was fully torn down, machined, and reassembled with new pistons, bearings, and seals—then refinished in its original Toyota Sky Blue. The transmission and transfer case followed suit, resealed and refinished before being tuned for smooth shifts and optimal power delivery. The chassis, axles, and suspension were renewed with new leaf springs, shocks, and a recalibrated steering box—bringing back the poised, truck-solid ride that defined these Land Cruisers when new.

Electrically, the truck gained a modern heartbeat: refreshed wiring harnesses, LED headlights, a Bluetooth-enabled RetroSound unit, and refined grounds for long-term reliability. Inside, layers of Dynamat insulation and German Square Weave carpet in Charcoal added refinement to the bare-bones cabin, while OEM components like the original steering wheel retrofit and fresh sun visors kept its period-correct charm intact.

The body and undercarriage were finished in satin black, silver bumpers and a white grille bib adding crisp definition. Stainless hardware now holds every panel with a purposeful gleam, while custom-painted half rear doors round out the look. Final detailing and road tests confirmed what hundreds of hours of labor promised—a Land Cruiser that feels as tough as ever, yet smoother, tighter, and truer to its original spirit.

Feature Highlights

  • Full 2F engine teardown, rebuild, with ancillaries

  • Coling system upgraded to aluminium radiator

  • Transmission & transfer case rebuild with new seals

  • Differential, axle, and suspension rebuilds

  • Rebuild of brake system

  • Steering box and linkage restored

  • Repaired and upgraded electrical harness and lighting system

  • RetroSound Bluetooth radio and LED headlights

  • Full Dynamat soundproofing & German Square Weave carpet

  • Restored OEM steering wheel and interior hardware

  • Satin black chassis & silver refinished bumpers

  • White grille bib and stainless hardware throughout

  • Painted select body components (hinges, rear bumperettes, side steps etc)

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