Overview
The story
Toyota began developing the F engine in December 1948 as it looked to export vehicles, and first fitted it in November 1949. Its block and bottom end were loosely based on a GMC six, its head on the Chevrolet Stovebolt six, and it gained fame as the Land Cruiser engine. A published reference
The 4.2L 2F followed in 1975, and the 4.0L 3F in 1985, reaching the US in 1988 with fuel injection. A published reference
Specs
Versions
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3.9L F A published reference
3,878 cc, 90 × 101.6 mm. Built from 1949 to 1975
In 55 Series Toyota Land Cruiser, 1967–1974; FJ40 Toyota Land Cruiser 40 Series, 1960–1974
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4.2L 2F A published reference
A larger bore than the F
In 55 Series Toyota Land Cruiser, 1975–1980; 60 Series Toyota Land Cruiser, 1981–1987; FJ40 Toyota Land Cruiser 40 Series, 1975–1983
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4.0L, fuel injected 3F-E A published reference
A shorter stroke than the 2F, 20 hp more
In 60 Series Toyota Land Cruiser, 1988–1990; 80 Series Toyota Land Cruiser, 1991–1992
Figures
- Valvetrain: Pushrods, with a gear-driven camshaft A published reference
- Block and head: Cast iron A published reference
Watch out
No warning is written up yet. That means none is recorded, not that there are none.
Owning
Maintenance
No service schedule is added yet.
What owners and buyers say
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Sought after
Slow-revving and long-lived Every version
One source so far
The family is known for high reliability and low-speed torque, and with its low revs and cast-iron block and head it is not uncommon to see one pass 300,000 miles before a major overhaul. A published reference