comments on a 60

[7echo]

I am looking for a new to me vehicle to purchase in the fall, or sooner if I find the right deal. I posted in the taco/tundra/4 runner forum and got some good feedback. Now I am looking at cruisers. I like the way the 60s look and want some information. I have been and will continue to search this site. We will do a little traveling, maybe pull a trailer(small), car camping, etc. No serious off road work, but I might get a winch just in case. Needs auto tranny and AC, but after that I am open to options. I plan on spending maybe 10k to 13k max. And I am open to other models if you all think I can get more bang for the buck/less maint issues/less expensive cost.

I guess my questions are-

1)What to look for and look out for in this model.

2)Point me to some additional areas to research.

Thanks!

 

[jsnow]

I think the model you would be happiest with would be the FJ62. It has an automatic, and a/c. The model years were 88 to 90(?) They are very solid trucks. There is a ton of info on ih8mud. Good luck on your search.

 

[7echo]

I am reading these beasts get 10 to 12mpg-OUCH! Is this the case?

 

[Root Moose]

Pretty much. In a good state of tune you may be able to get as high as 17-19 mpg on the highway - at least that is what I've read at ih8mud.

 

[MoGas]

1)What to look for and look out for in this model.

If you require an automatic and like the 60 style, you will have to go with an FJ62. The A440F in the 62 has issues with cooling when towing. I would at the very least add a tranny cooler. For the 10-13k range, you can find a very nice FJ62 and have lots left over for modifications.

For 10-13, you could find a very nice 80 series, too. For what you sounds like you are doing, The 80 may be a better fit. I would recommend a 93+ with the 1FZ-FE engine, A442F automatic, and rear disc brakes. (meaning that you get the Full Floater, too..

We have both, so I know the limitations of the 62 compared to the FZJ80.

They both get ~13 MPG in the city, the FJ62 gets about 15 on the highway, the 80 gets ~16.5. That is holding them to 70 mph. They both get even better mileage at 55-60.


I see others have already pointed you to IH8Mud.com.
Dave

 

[redthies]

Regardless of whether you go 60 or 80, your budget should get you a sweet cruiser. The main issue with the 60s is rust. Frames from rear spring hangers back and body from rear doors back are the main spots to look. I understand the 80s are more prone to electrical or emission issues as they are more modern/complex. Also, more comfortable... Ih8mud has a vehicle classified section with a fairly regular flow of clean rigs. I am shopping for the same type of truck but am in the northwest. You should have more rust-free trucks down where you are. Good luck!

 

[esh]

I would buy a clean (dead?) 60 for $2-3k and stick a Vortec in it- 5.7 or 6.0L with a 4L60e or 4L80e. You would have your look, your power for towing, and a mean auto (still have to cool it well). You would likely get the better mileage than a 62 (and you can program the engine and trans) and be right at your budget.

You could also do this with a Toyota I6 diesel swap and have Wholesale Transmissions in Australia beef up an A440, but cost is going to be a lot more considerable after everything is said and done.

Vortec is probably the most efficient route to get what you want. You will be miserable with any stock pre-98 cruiser especially towing. You will have to spend the money on a better flowing valve body and the billet torque converter, as well as add a real trans cooler to deal with temps.

 

[7echo]

I don't mind doing some mechanical work, but I would have to have an engine install done at a shop. I don't really have the time to swap a motor and run down all the little issues that go along with that. Just not up for a major project right now.

So, I will look at the 80 series and do a little research on those models. Truth be told, I want the look of the 60s, with the creature comforts of the modern cars, and easier to work on older technology, and blah, blah, blah : )

Thanks for the comments!

 

[Ducks]

Do what Ken says, get a dead 60 and put in a V8 or diesel. Also get a non-usa full-float rear axle. With your budget you should be able to get a very nice cruiser out of the deal. If you have a hard time finding a rust-free 60 look on craiglist in the southwest and northwest. Still a lot of nice 60s around without rust. Stay away from rust. If you find one that is not local you can probably get someone from ih8mud to look at it for you.

 

[chet]

An FJ-62 fits in your description perfectly. i would find a clean one and fix it up suspension and expedition wise and do th engine swap down the road if your not happy with the stock engine. Its not that bad. Think of it more of an Ox than a thouroughbred!

 

[151fab]

DO NOT!!!, buy and build your own FJ60 beast. It sounds like you know your limitations and therefor you should be able to realize that taking advantage of a vehicle that already has the features you desire will put you money-ahead. Let someone else spend twice what they can sell there vertical for. Heck, there's a FJ60 on mud (ih8mud) right now with a V8, AC, york compressor, arb locked, Dana 60 axles, crawler gear box, 700r auto, double bead-lock, etc, etc, etc... He's got way more than the asking price in just the axles and motor/trans (the motor's a beast); he's only asking $12500!!! If you want diesel conversions they're way less to buy finished than to make yourself as well. There was an FJ80 on ebay not too long ago with a 4bt conversion and all the bells-and-whistles for within your budget too. No way, could you get all that done yourself for within your budget, especially if your not doing all the work yourself.

V8 FJ60 ad: http://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-trailers-sale-wanted/271647-built-1-ton-stroked-efi-fj60-fs.html

FJ62, stock engine, tons of the best parts: http://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-tr...-sale-trade-nice-built-fj62-land-cruiser.html

Anyways, good luck.

 

[lynchmob]

Here is a link to a 62 that I built. It needs some things here and there, but it has about 4K miles on the conversion at this point. Id put a suspension on it if I was keeping it.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-trailers-sale-wanted/238955-diesel-88fj62-w-13b-t-auto-trans-c.html