Flat towing a FJ40 with the KJ: Is it safe?

Spike6901 · **Posted:** Wed Jul 27, 2005 12:12 pm

I will be picking up my new project, a 1980 FJ40, this weekend and was hoping to get some input on how safe it would really be to tow it with the KJ. My KJ has the towing package, I have a 5000lb ball, and 5000lb rated tow bar. As you know, the KJ's towing rating is 5000lbs.

I estimate and from some research that the weight of the FJ40 is between 3500 and 4000lbs, it has 6" of lift and 35" Mud TA's. I realize that the KJ's brakes may not be adiquate enough here without adding a "brake buddy" or a breaking system to the FJ40. I also realize that the little v6 will have to work aweful hard but should manage ok.

I am concerned that the short wheelbase of the KJ will cause it to be pushed around by the FJ40 possibly causing unsafe situations.

Do you think I should purchase a tandem axle trailer with brakes or flat tow the FJ40 with a braking system installed? I figured that the trailer might push the towing capacity over the KJ rating.

Any input would be great!

quivvy · **Posted:** Wed Jul 27, 2005 3:28 pm

first let me tell you, i envy you. i love fj40s and i wish i could afford one! secondly, i know jaymo towed his xj on a dolly for a 3.5hr drive to to trails and back without any additional braking and was fine.

Spike6901 · **Posted:** Wed Jul 27, 2005 4:52 pm

I am unbelievably excited about this rig. It is a beater right now but mechanically sound as far as I can tell. Heck, the rust holes will just make it easier for the rain to get out when the top is off.

Thanks for the comments.

Please keep them coming!

Calvin56 · **Joined:** Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:59 am **Posts:** 345

No long distance towing here, but don't underestimate the 3.7. I towed a buddies 65 Impala about 12 miles. I really had to watch my speed, didn't want to go too fast with him back there on the other end.

jpzkj · **Posted:** Wed Jul 27, 2005 8:53 pm

Here's a pic of my longtime project....will it ever be done ?....who knows!

quivvy · **Posted:** Wed Jul 27, 2005 9:24 pm

no pic

USPLibby · **Joined:** Thu Jul 28, 2005 12:29 am **Posts:** 372

I think that FJ-40s with a hard top weighs in at 4400lbs stock. Even without the top, that's still around 4000lbs + aftermarket bumpers + whatever the trailer weighs = pushing the tow limit.

Spike6901 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 28, 2005 7:44 am

This is "the heap" that I will be driving on a daily basis that will probalby take me the rest of my life to finish. I think that I will have it weighed at a truck stop before I try anything drastic.

USPLibby · **Joined:** Thu Jul 28, 2005 12:29 am **Posts:** 372

Your going to have fun with it. My friend had a FJ-40 and my brother had the FJ-60. We used to drive them all over the local deserts. Folding down the windshield was really nice, it felt like you were in Africa on safari or something. Make sure that you secure and wrap any loose wiring near the carb, it can catch fire if it floods. My friend upgraded the exhast, manifold and installed a nice Holly throttle body after a little fire messed up the old one and got really good power. The stock carb kind of sucks and has all kinds of power robbing smog crap connected to it.

chemguy · **Posted:** Thu Jul 28, 2005 2:52 pm

You bought that sucker in Wimberly LOL! Call Mike Frismanis about doing the resto. He has two of them. One pick up and the CJ clone.

jpzkj · **Posted:** Fri Jul 29, 2005 2:28 am

Nice 40 !...the later years were much more civilized

Here is a link you may already know about...but if not , you'll be happy you do !

good luck http://www.ih8mud.com Check out the TECH section....all kinds of good stuff !

Flat towing a FJ40 with the KJ: Is it safe?

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