1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ45 Pickup

Description

1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ45 Pickup

The 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ45 comes from the tail end of Toyota’s long wheelbase 40‑series pickups, a model dating to the 1960s and long intended to serve agricultural and industrial needs. By 1978, the FJ45 was powered by the 4.2-liter 2F inline-six and a four-speed manual transmission, reflecting Toyota’s focus on durability and torque. Most FJ45 pickups were sold outside the United States, including Canada, Australia, and developing markets, where heavy‑duty frames, leaf‑duty frames, leaf-sprung suspensions, and simple mechanical systems were valued over comfort.

This 1978 Toyota FJ45 pickup is said to have been imported to the United States from Canada in 1990, and was reportedly cosmetically refurbished in 2009 while retaining a 4.2L 2F inline six-cylinder engine, 4-speed manual transmission, and 2-speed transfer case. The truck is now finished in Freeborn Red with a new white metal roof, hood and front fenders, and it features Cool Cruisers of Texas-sourced bed and tailgate sheet metal as well as half doors. Additionally, it has a powder-coated frame, ARB Old Man Emu suspension components, a full-float rear axle, front disc brakes said to have come from a later Land Cruiser, a Vintage Air air conditioning system, and Rhino Lining applied to its bed, lower cab interior, and underbody.

This 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ45 is now offered with service records and a clean Texas title.

Highlights

• Refinished in factory Freeborn Red

• Long-wheelbase pickup body (FJ45)

• Vintage Air air conditioning system

• Rhino Lining bedliner in cab and bed

• Old Man Emu suspension equipment

• Audio system

Factory Equipment

• 2F 4.2L inline six-cylinder engine

• 4-speed manual transmission

• 2-speed transfer case

• 16-inch steel wheels

• Floating rear axle

• Sealed-beam headlights

• Manual steering

• Split bench seat

• Heater

Modifications

• Repainted Freeborn Red

• Rhino Lining applied to bed and cab floor

• Color-matched Rhino Lining underbody coating

• Powder-coated frame

• Cool Cruisers of Texas metal half doors

• Roof cap, hood, fenders, and bed sheet metal said to have been replaced

• FJ40 front disc brakes with power assistance

• ARB Old Man Emu suspension components

• Aftermarket air conditioning by Vintage Air

• Aftermarket stereo and speakers

• UWS toolbox

Servicing & Documentation

• The seller states that the sale includes “two binders full of receipts”

• 255/85r16 Cooper Discoverer S/T tires with 2005 date codes

Known Imperfections

• Paint chips on the front bumper

• Odometer is inoperable

Ownership History

This 1978 Toyota FJ45 was reportedly imported to the United States from Canada in 1990 and was acquired by the seller in 2025. According to the seller, a frame-off refurbishment was completed in 2009. The truck is claimed to have been utilized by Vintage Air as a development and testing vehicle for their custom-fit air conditioning system.

Included Items

• Receipts from two previous owners

• Spare wheel/tire

• One key

Additional Information

From the seller, “At 6’5 and 290 lb., I’ve realized this truck is just a bit too small for me. Still, it puts a huge smile on my face every time I drive it, and people absolutely love it. I hope she ends up with someone who appreciates her as much as I have!”

This vehicle currently has a loan, which the seller will pay off to transfer ownership to the winning bidder.