I was surprised upon first meeting Danny Harp and seeing his '72 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser. The rig was a beauty, but that's not what surprised me. The surprise came when Danny revealed that this was his first effort at building a 4x4. Street trucks were his passion prior to finding interest in four-wheel-drive rigs and becoming a member of the Feather River Rock Crawlers of Oroville, California. With help from the club, Danny set out to build his '72 from the ground up, and after two years of toiling, the FJ was ready for the trail (and the spotlight).
Even after all of his hard work, Danny still isn't afraid to use his "Trail Whale" 'Cruiser as intended. In addition to club runs to the Dusy-Ershim and the Rubicon Trails with his pals, he hits a number of larger events, such as CA4WDC's Winter Fun Fest and others. Further assistance in the buildup of his rig came from North Valley 4 Wheel Drive, High Angle Driveline Service, Bent & Twisted 4 Wheel Drive Sales & Service, Superior Axle & Gear, and not to mention Danny's loving and supportive wife, Raquel. Though street trucks may have gotten Danny's attention during his early years, 4x4s are sure to keep him busy for years to come. After all, he has the rig for it. But more importantly, the 4x4 bug got him.
| SPECIFICATIONS |
| Year/Make/Model: | '72 Toyota FJ40
Land Cruiser |
| Owners/Hometown: | Danny & Raquel Harp
Oroville, CA |
| Engine: | 5.7L GM 350 Vortec V-8 |
| Induction: | EFI |
| Transmission: | SM420 |
| Transfer Case: | Stock Toyota w/Marlin
Crawler 4:1 gears |
| Front Axle: | GM Dana 44,
Superior axleshafts,
Detroit E-Z Locker |
| Rear Axle: | GM 14-bolt, Detroit Locker |
| Ring-and-pinion: | 4.11 |
| Suspension: | SOA, custom shackle
reversal, OME leaf springs |
| Tires/Wheels: | 38x14.50R16 Toyo Open
Country M/T/16x10
American Racing |