Should I or shouldn't I...

"RPM esq." (rpm3)
04/23/2014 at 17:56 • Filed to: None

....buy an FJ60 or FJ62 Land Cruiser? It's the safari wagon/winter truck of my dreams. But if I did buy one, what should I look out for other than rust and steering knuckles? As always, thanks for the insights Oppo!

DISCUSSION (16)

HammerheadFistpunch > RPM esq.
04/23/2014 at 18:06

if you aren't on Ih8mud.com , you need to be right now. Check this out as well. My condolences; you are not going to get any sleep until you finally break down and buy one. and then you will go broke making it sweet.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > RPM esq.
04/23/2014 at 18:06

Oppo will never tell you to not buy something, especially FJ-anything.

HammerheadFistpunch > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
04/23/2014 at 18:12

I...um...think i did already.

RPM esq. > HammerheadFistpunch
04/23/2014 at 18:16

That second list with the buyer's guide is a great resource. Thanks!

My92SSEisn'taTardis > RPM esq.
04/23/2014 at 18:17

Fuel economy is bad, if I recall correctly and the engine is underpowered in the gasser, diesel swaps are quite popular from what i can see

HammerheadFistpunch > RPM esq.
04/23/2014 at 18:20

No probalo. im not much for 60s (im an 80's man myself) but If you have any questions I can be a reasonably reliable source.

RPM esq. > HammerheadFistpunch
04/23/2014 at 18:23

Let me ask you this then: the one reported flaw on one that I'm looking at is a small transfer case leak. Is that something to be hugely concerned about assuming everything else checks out, or is that in the nature of the no-biggie minor fluid/oil leaks that one expects with an older truck?

HammerheadFistpunch > RPM esq.
04/23/2014 at 18:24

in addition to that list, make sure to ask when the birfields were last serviced and check for "birf soup" a condition where the inner seals fail and mix gear oil with diff oil (it looks like cloudy semi viscous gear oil) or check to make sure the wiper seals on the knuckles aren't bone dry either (no gear oil)

HammerheadFistpunch > RPM esq.
04/23/2014 at 18:31

here is the story with old cruisers: they leak. if the T-case is leaking AND he's kept up with the leak and not let it run dry...no biggie. In fact, repairing a T-case leak is not a big deal, you shouldn't even have to drop the T-case of the Trans. Just drop the shaft, pull off the seal, replace the seal and refill.

RPM esq. > HammerheadFistpunch
04/23/2014 at 18:39

Sounds good, thanks very much.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > RPM esq.
04/23/2014 at 19:02

Ah I've been there too, hopefully you're not in too deep.

Basically it came down to it not being a realistic daily driver. I don't have the space or the $$ to have a third vehicle, so if I bought this something else would have to go...and I'd have to drive this everywhere. Bad fuel economy, slow, the manuals on the FJ60 only came with a 4 speed if I remember correctly (?), and the FJ62 which I prefer the interior and square lights on came auto-only, correct? - for those reasons alone it didn't really make sense for me.

They're gorgeous and awesome though...if you can afford one and don't need it for daily highway duty, go for it!

RPM esq. > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
04/24/2014 at 03:25

I think you're right that the 62 is auto only. Certainly I haven't seen a manual, but I'm no expert. It would be a second, winter beater, skiing rig, and summer camping/hiking vehicle, but cool as they are ultimately something a little more highway-comfortable and fuel efficient, if possible, would probably be more practical.

RPM esq. > HammerheadFistpunch
04/25/2014 at 16:44

The 62 I looked at will make a good truck for somebody but had just a few more issues than I wanted to deal with. I'm checking out an early FJ80 today...any pointers in addition to all the helpful info about the 60/62? Thanks!

HammerheadFistpunch > RPM esq.
04/25/2014 at 16:45

I can tell you ALL the things on an 80. If you are going from an FJ80 (not a later FZJ80) there are a few engine specifics to look for, what year are you looking at? This is required reading

RPM esq. > HammerheadFistpunch
04/25/2014 at 17:02

1992 FJ80. Thanks for the reading material!

RPM esq. > HammerheadFistpunch
04/28/2014 at 18:44

Thanks for all the helpful links and info...I ended up buying an FJ80 this weekend.