1974 Toyota FJ40 - Search & Rescue

As a member of the US Coast Guard, Jason Puma spends a lot of time on the water. When he came across this '74 FJ40 he was stationed in Newport, Oregon, where he drove 47-foot motorboats in extreme weather conditions to perform search and rescue operations. Judging by his description of the Toyota when he first found it, it would seem Jason has a natural inclination for rushing in where others fear to tread. Apparently, the old FJ was pretty much stock when he stumbled across it, but someone had painted it forest green with several cans of spray paint. In Jason's words, "It looked pitiful."

The best thing about his new rig was the V-8 engine rumbling beneath the hood, a Chevy 307. The unusual powerplant was actually in pretty good shape, but with a lot of time on his hands during those long Oregon winters, he began to equip it with a range of upgrades, including an Edelbrock intake manifold, a Carter Competition carburetor, Summit headers, a Chevy HEI ignition, a Holley electronic fuel pump, and a custom exhaust. Jason estimates it puts out about 180 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. Backed up by an SM420 transmission and an NP 205 transfer case, the drivetrain setup is a good combination of power and reliability.

While power wouldn't be a problem, Jason knew he needed more ground clearance to get through the kind of terrain he wanted to tackle. So he installed a shackle reversal kit, a Rancho 4-inch lift, and four Pro Comp shocks. Coupled with 35x12.50-inch Dunlop Mud Rovers on 15x10-inch American Racing rims, the FJ40 now has plenty of ground clearance. And because turning 35s in rocks and mud can take all the fun out of an exciting day on the trail, Jason also swapped in a Saginaw power steering setup with the help of Downey.

Because the stock FJ axles are reasonably stout, Jason decided to keep them under his rig and simply make them a little more trail-ready with Lock Rites at the front and rear. Together with the 4.11 gears, Jason says the little Toyota will roll right through just about any obstacle.

Before installing the remaining accessories he had lined up for his rig, Jason bought several cans of Corvette Yellow paint and kept spraying until every last vestige of the forest green was completely hidden. He then started bolting on the finishing touches: a custom shorty front bumper, a Warn 8,000-pound winch, a custom cooler rack, a spare tire rack, Spectre off-road fender flares, and BTB rocker guards.

Since completing the current round of modifications on the rig, Jason has has his FJ on a slew of trails up and down Oregon and California, and while the upgrades will almost certainly continue, this cruiser has already been rescued from rusty oblivion and returned to its rightful place on the trail.