23 Things To Check When Servicing a 40 Series Landcruiser (At Home)

Published by John on 22nd May 2020

Guest post by MadMatt 4WD. Follow him for great 4wd tips and tricks on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or Website

FJ40 FJ45 BJ40 BJ42 HJ45 HJ47 may sound like digits of a Medicare Card or Tax File Number but not for the passionate four-wheel driver enthusiast. He/she knows that those are the models of one of the most iconic 4wd of all time: the Toyota Land Cruiser 40 Series.

In this article, we’re going to cover off a few simple 40 series Landcruiser maintenance tips you can complete at home with a basic set of skills and tools.

But before jumping in, it's fair saying that 4wd owners' friendly rivalry between the different brands of 4wds is one of the joys of being a passionate owner of an off-road machine.

There are a few 4wds that unite owners together: the Willys Jeep, a G60 Patrol or a Land Rover Series 1 short wheelbase. Such vehicles that we tend to agree are “just cool”.

There’s another 4wd that this article is going to cover off that arguably has no haters and that is the Mighty 40 series Landcruiser Troopy.

The 40 series Landcruiser Shorty has explored every corner of Australia numerous times and made itself famous for its exploits crossing remote deserts, floating across the Jardine River, to competing in the Tuff Truck Challenge.

Like all things man-made it has a couple of areas that need to be kept an eye on so let's explore how you can do them at home.

Let's dive in:

Check #1: Steering system

The 40 series Landcruiser power steering system has the bell crank Steering Idler Box out front on the chassis rail which is well known to wear and will cause sloppy steering response. It’s worth checking all Tie Rod Ends and Steering Box along with the steering system for play in any of the components. These are usually easy to adjust or change out although you may need to get a wheel alignment after this work.

Check #2: Wheel bearings

Jack up the front wheels and use safety stands, then hold the tyre top and bottom, push and pull the tyre to feel for play in the wheel bearings. Rotate the wheel feeling and listening for ‘rumbling’ that will indicate failing bearings. A slight rubbing sound could be the brakes and would be seen as normal. The rear bearings are a little harder to feel because the axle is connected to the wheel hub on full floating rear diffs from 09/1975 on. In an ideal world, you should remove the axle to check the rear bearings.

Check #3: Oil leaking

Look for oil leaking onto the inside of the tyre, this would be from the wiper seals on the front steering knuckle. This would often require a swivel hub rebuild as it is you will need to replace the inner axle seal fitted to rectify.

Check #4: Inlet manifold

On the petrol 2F motor, the inlet manifold is known to warp which will cause vacuum leaks that cause rough idle, a lean mixture and poor running

Check #5: Ignition components

Consider changing the spark plugs, leads, points, distributor cap, and rotor button. Having the ignition in good working order will keep the motor performing it’s best.

Check #6: Ignition base timing

Check the ignition base timing and vacuum advance with a timing light.

Check #7: Diesel injection pump

The 2H Diesel injection pump on an HJ47 is vacuum operated and has a tendency for the leather diaphragm to fail to cause fast idle issues. This can be easily fixed by All Fourx4 but does need the expertise to change. If your oil pressure gauge reads high it indicates the common issue of a sticking oil relief valve. It’s easily fixed with an updated valve.

Check #8: Air filter

Clean the air filter with compressed air by blowing from the inside out.

Check #9: Fluid levels

Check all fluid levels and condition by making sure the differential, gearbox and transfer case oils are not water contaminated. If the oil looks grey there’s water present and the component needs to be drained and flushed. You could consider fitting an extended diff breather system to stop water ingress in the future.

Check #10: Brake and clutch fluids

Consider flushing the brake and clutch fluid depending on when it was last done.

Check #11: Rubber hoses and belts

Inspect all rubber hoses and belts for cracks, leaks and signs of perishing, change as necessary.

Check #12: Fan Belt tension

Check Fan Belt tension. The correct tension is about 15mm of play in the longest run of the belt.

Check #13: Handbrake system

Check and adjust the handbrake system, this is normally located at the back of the Transfer Case.

Check #14: Inspect the radiator

Visually inspect the radiator for signs of coolant leaks around the core and tank joints.

Check #15: Spring shackle bushes

Using a pry bar, lever all spring shackle bushes inspecting for wear and play.

Check #16: Inspect the springs

Inspect the springs for any broken leaves.

Check #17: U-bolt tension

Check U-bolt tension.

Check #18: Shock absorbers

Inspect shock absorbers for leaks and rubber bushes for wear.

Check #19: Grease nipples

Grease all grease nipples on the steering and drive shafts.

Check #20: Universal joints

Check the universal joints for play or signs of wear.

Check #21: Differential drive flanges

By pushing up and down feel the differential drive flanges for play and signs of leaking from the pinion seal.

Check #22: Body mounts

Visually look at the body mounts to see if they are compressed or cracked, If they are they’re relatively easy to replace and will ensure the body stays connected to the chassis which is a good thing.

Check #23: Tyre pressures

Check all the tyre pressures and their condition. Look for deep cuts and irregular wear patterns. Consider doing a tyre rotation.

If you end-up needing new 40 series parts and start typing on Google things like "40 series Landcruiser Parts Australia" etc, you may not always find what you really need.

40 series Landcruiser body parts, Landcruiser 40 series chassis parts, or 40 series Landcruiser roof console, for example, are not always easy to come by, however, can be found in specialist 4wd shops such as the one you are reading right now.

All Four x 4 Spares stocks a wide range of 40 series Landcruiser parts for sale in this website and they provide a massive help whether you are doing a 40 series restoration or just a service.

If unsure give them a call on (02) 4041 4041 for any of the service items you may require such as 40 series power steering kit, 40 series air conditioning parts or if you need quality second hand 40 series doors, you may find them in their 40 series Landcruiser wreckers department.

Of course, if you find something during these checks and you would like their professional team of Landcruiser service mechanics to do the work for you on your 40 series ute, call their fully equipped Landcruiser repairs workshop in Kotara on (02) 4041 4003.

Useful 40 series servicing videos

(From one of the most iconic 40 Series in Australia - Roothy 4WD Milo)

Buy the Terrain Tamer Filter kit here

Conclusion

If you’ve got through all this, go for a drive to the shops as a test drive and enjoy the iconic 40 series cruiser you own.