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MOTRS

Land Cruiser 40 Series

1960-1984 / SUV / Utility / Japan

All Land Cruiser 40 Series problems All workshop issues
Common Suspension

Leaf Spring Sag

Symptoms

The vehicle sits lower than factory height, either at the front, the rear, or both. The ride is harsh and the vehicle bottoms out on bumps and dips.

Cause

Leaf springs fatigue and lose their arch over time. Vehicles that have been heavily loaded, used for towing, or driven hard on corrugated roads sag faster. In Australia, where 40 Series vehicles routinely carry bull bars, winches, roof racks, and full touring loads, spring sag is almost universal.

Fix

Have the springs re-arched by a spring specialist ($150-300 per spring pack), or replace with new springs.

Old Man Emu (OME), Tough Dog, and Ironman 4x4 all manufacture replacement leaf spring packs for the 40 Series, with options for standard height, 50 mm lift, or 75 mm lift.

Budget $400-800 per pair for quality aftermarket springs.

When replacing springs, fit new shackle bushings and pins at the same time.

Cost mentioned in fix
$150-300 per springBudget $400-800 per pair

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Other known issues

Common Suspension

Shackle and Bush Wear

Clunking from the suspension over bumps. The rear of the vehicle feels loose or wallowy. Visible play in the spring mounting points.
Critical Rust

Floor Pan Corrosion

The floor pans develop surface rust, then pitting, then perforation. In advanced cases, the driver can see the ground through the floor. The seat mounting points lose structural integrity.
Critical Rust

Firewall Rot

The firewall develops rust around penetrations, where the clutch master cylinder, brake master cylinder, wiring harnesses, and heater hoses pass through the bulkhead. In severe cases, the firewall becomes structurally compromised.
Critical Rust

Sill and Rocker Panel Decay

The sills (the structural members running along the bottom of the body below the doors) rust from the inside out. External paint may look fine while the interior is completely hollowed.
Critical Cooling System

Chronic Overheating (F and 2F Engines)

The temperature gauge climbs above normal under load, on hills, towing, or in slow traffic. In severe cases, the engine boils over and dumps coolant.
Common Cooling System

Diesel Engines and Cavitation

The B, 3B, H, and 2H diesels develop pinhole leaks in the cylinder liners and coolant passages. Coolant loss with no visible external leak. White residue around coolant hose connections.
View all 12 Land Cruiser 40 Series problems