Land Cruiser 60 Series vs Newer Tacoma

[mhutchinson477]

No mods necessary for these heavy duty beasts to take you just about anywhere. A diesel would help with the terrible gas mileage

This makes me lean a little more towards a 60. One of my initial concerns was that it would take a lot of work and modification to make it do what I want it to. And I think I would go for a diesel. Most of my adventures are 90% highway driving. Ya, there may be some fun off-roading involved too but usually it's a few hundred miles or so to get to the fun off-roading part. Plus I just have a thing for diesel motors, and a diesel LC is so rare in the US.

 

[mhutchinson477]

I guess the ultimate decision for me will be not so much in what each vehicle can do but how they do them. Since fly fishing is my main outdoor hobby I tend to think of everything in terms of fly fishing. It's like using a modern graphite rod vs an old fiberglass or bamboo rod. In terms of just getting things done the modern rods will obviously be more efficient but the aesthetics and feel of fishing with an old fiberglass or bamboo rod just can't be replaced with anything else.

 

[Flagster]

I have a 60 which was only driven home from NM and is now in pieces being restored...only experience on the highway is trying to keep up with traffic on I40 at 65mph...which as I remember was like 3500 RPM...noisy...lots of thumbs up from other cars though

I have an 80 which I thought would be my go to travel truck...but it is slow...sucks fuel like a rocket...it looks cool...has character like the 60 but when I have a four day weekend and I am trying to bust ******** to UT or CO to maximize my cycling/fishing/dirtbiking time I would rather get there in a hurry...

I also have a Tacoma which is my go to travel truck...It has been rock solid...only tires and fluids for over 100k miles...short bed doesn't exactly swallow gear and I am outgrowing the truck since my GF and I take so much crap everywhere...but for a do it all...it is hard to beat a Tacoma...
I have heard for almost ten years how the 2nd gen tacomas aren't built like the old stuff...but it is still pretty darn good

 

[jonnyquest]

Lots of spot on comments. Flagster summed it up well. So get both. Start with a Tacoma. You can jump on the Interstate, go long, do your thing in the back country and come home. Keep your eyes open for a decent, good price, stock 60. Make it 100% and use it for close to home adventures. Win win.

 

[tanglefoot]

I love seeing the 60s and find them much more interesting than even the 62s. I like the route of the old, tinker project 4wd and a commuter car, especially if you have the space to keep them. I don't really enjoy driving 4wds on the road on a regular basis, so I like having a compact, front-wheel-drive as well.

For the 4wd, I went with the 60's little cousin, a 1st-gen 4runner (1985). It has the solid axles and leaf springs all around, manual everything, and is a blast to bounce around in and averages 20 mpg or better. It has overdrive, so the revs aren't too high on the highway. I don't even try to keep up with traffic in it...it likes to cruise at 55 mph on the highway, and I happily let it.

I don't find any modern trucks to be very interesting, so I love the old 4wd + more modern car combo.

For the old 4wd, I would look for something in the $2-5k range and focus on maintenance rather than modification. Work on getting things well-sorted and reliable and then just get out and use it. They're plenty capable in stock form. If you carry a come-along, hi-lift jack and some straps, that can get you out of trouble as well as a winch in most situations. Modifications can reduce capability/reliability (i.e. too much weight, replacing stock, durable components with aftermarket, questionable ones, etc) and burn through a lot of money.

 

[p nut]

I also have a daily commuter + an LC. I like the two car combo. Especially when it comes to repairs/mods, you have a parts-run car, which I have found to be valuable quite a few times. There is an argument of cost, but MPG, wear and tear on a commuter is much cheaper than wearing out 33" tires/shocks/etc, so the overall cost is actually cheaper. Add in extra insurance/registration/tax, and it still comes out cheaper for me (I commute a long distance). Plus, it feels so good to get in the truck after driving the commuter for a week.

 

[4Rescue]

They're kinda apple and oranges those two trucks... Ones old and slow (stock) but much more HD built, the others more modern, faster and of a "lighter" build quality

I'll just give my .02 based on my personal preferance, style, biases, ignorance etc... but me???: I'd buy a 60-series and do an engine swap (4.5L FZJ80 engine might be kinda neat, USDM or Lexus V8, Diesel -12hdt or even a Turbo'd 1HZ- most likely/desirably for me) and then find an older Toyota/Honda Commuter car. If you're the kind of person who can handle doing a project build, then a 60-series re-furb'd with a diesel engine in it would be pretty hard to beat and if built right every bit as powerful and comfy on the road as a Taco (well maybe less "comfy" with the Leafs/SA's, but a set Of Baja RS or similar suspension seats and some sound-deadening does WONDERS for old Cruisers) and I'd maintain that if you started with a brand-new taco and a "like new" refreshed 60, the 60 will last as long and likely longer then the Taco will with it's more HD running gear and simpler design/build. It all comes down to budget and your own personal preference.

Yes, the modern Tacoma is still an amazing truck (one of the last "mid-sized" trucks -although I'd argue it's still too big to be called that anymore- and still a benchmark of quality and reliability), but MY personal preference towards vehicles, it's a rig I couldn't ever really be happy with as offered in the US currently. Too "car-like", too many computers etc. For the ultimate Taco, (IMO and if your wallet could handle it) buy a couple year old Taco and take it to Diesel-Toys and have them do the 1KD-FTV swap to it. THAT would be a modern Taco I'd be willing to live with and a truck that no stock USDM Tacoma could hold a candle to IMO. Do some "Hilux-ing" to the frame and you;d have a truck to be buried in when the time comes aye .

Your the only one that can really know WHAT you want, but comparing a modern Taco to an average used 60-series is a bit tough cause they're very different trucks in reality, esp with the age an average 60 is getting onto. I'll tell you something too, I jumped on a 1KZ-TE and 2nd Gen 4Runner to do a build/swap, and I'm REALLY excited to get her on the road (someday)... BUT, if I had to walk away from it and start over, I'd be sourcing a Toyota 6cyl Diesel and a 60-series to build... Hell I've been wondering if my 1KZ-TE would haul a 60 around well enough to scrap the 2nd gen 4Runner. That's how much I prefer older trucks and Diesels so take everything I say with that grain of salt aye :sombrero:

YMMV, but I like to buy used/older and build to suit. Your opinion may vary. All the best with whatever you choose mate.

Cheers

Dave

 

[77cruiser77]

In another year you will be able to get HDJ81's and HZJ77's. They are light years ahead with the same ruggedness, reliability, and simplicity. I've owned a HJ61 and it was wonderful on the highways. If I went with a 60 again I'd make sure it had the turbo six 12HT. I was getting 28-30 MPG in mine. For wheeling I enjoyed the 3B a tad more but overall the 12HT is a much better engine. 1HZ is nice, behaves the best out of all the Toyota diesels I've owned.

Stay away from any diesel engine with a "E" in the end, for example 2LTE, 1KZ-TE. It will be electronically controlled and if anything happens to your injectors you're pretty much screwed. The only exception that I would consider is a 1HD-FTE. Even still I'd swap the IP.

Between a HJ61 and a Tacoma? HJ61
Between a HJ61 and a HZJ77 or HDJ81 I'd go with the HDJ81 or HZJ77 (that comparison would be for another thread if you wanted to refine down to either a HZJ77 or HDJ81)

If you decide against diesel for whatever reason go with an 80

Just remember that although a land cruiser will last forever it requires a pile of maintenance.

 

[4Rescue]

...

Stay away from any diesel engine with a "E" in the end, for example 2LTE, 1KZ-TE. It will be electronically controlled and if anything happens to your injectors you're pretty much screwed. The only exception that I would consider is a 1HD-FTE. Even still I'd swap the IP.
...

False... Sorry, but the "injectors" in an early "E" controlled Diesel aren't necessarily any different then non "E" Engines. The 1KZ-TE has the exact same injectors as the IKZ-T. Yeah, they're slightly more complicated with the added wiring,and yeah a new IP for an E-Controlled Diesel is more expensive (although considering you can;t FIND a mech 1KZ IP to swap to very easily, maybe not MUCH more expensive) but the 1KZ-TE -vs- the KZ-T give better mileage and slightly more power. Now if you're talking modern common rail then yes, your injectors are of concern and expensive to deal with (sometimes, depending on what happened).

Otherwise I agree completely about the 12HT, HDJ81 and the 70-series. Having owned/run a AM Turbo'd 1HZ 70 Series ute in Australia as well as an HDJ81 of a friends, I can say that they're simply magical trucks, but the 70's not really much different from a 60 series at that age as they'll still have leaf-spring suspensions. Unless I'm mistaken, the 77 (4dr Wagon) will be the same as say the 75 Troupy and Ute untill later when they got coil front suspensions.

Cheers

Dave

 

[DaveInDenver]

I'll offer a dissenting opinion. I had a FJ40 that was sold for my current '91 Pickup. We added a 1st gen Tacoma a year ago with the intention of moving from the aging truck, she is getting tired. We sold that because it was such a slight improvement (the only thing we liked better was the 3.4L engine) it didn't make sense practically or economically. The FJ40 and Tacoma were each owned for about a year to 18 months. I've owned the Pickup now for 15 years.

I personally hated the constant maintenance and seeking parts to keep the FJ40 on the road. Sometimes you can hit the dealer or parts stores but most of the time you're trying to find used parts or have to pay Specter's prices. I wasn't (and still am not) in a position to have two vehicles, so whatever I drive must work for trails, grocery shopping, errands, commuting. Old Cruisers are needy drama queens. Blah, give me a nice boring Hilux or Tacoma that just starts and goes and can be fixed with parts from any NAPA to at least get going again.

Trucks to me are tools, a means to an end. It's not because I'm not a motor head, I've built engines, rebuilt drivetrains, turn all my own wrenches. It's just that I don't care to be doing an emergency master cylinder repair by pulling around the clock Tuesday night wrench fest to get to work the next day with parts you have to bum from another club member (you ARE a member of a collectable Land Cruiser enthusiast club, right?). My hobbies are mountain biking, skiing, backpacking, camping, seeing stuff and it turns out I'm just not interested in restoring an old car, too.

I'm an oddity, but I don't miss my FJ40 and haven't felt any desire to get another Cruiser. The FJ60/80/100 are just too big, too inefficient, too much of a PITA, none of them appeal to me for various reasons. No question, if I had the money and didn't already have an OK truck I'd just get a Tacoma and be done with it. At this point our intention is to keep my truck going as long as possible to see what Toyota does with the next Tacoma. If it re-converges with the Hilux, gets a factory diesel, etc. We might jump ship to a diesel Chevy Colorado or Nissan if those look promising and Toyota screws it up.

 

[Clutch]

Good afternoon all,
Since this is my first post on this forum (and please let me know if it is not in the correct forum) I figured I'd give a quick introduction. Right now I drive a 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71 4x4 and it has been a great truck for the most part but over the past few years I've started to become a Toyota guy.

I am a looooong time Toyota owner, however I would keep the Chevy, from reading your other responses it will do the job you want to do much better than a Tacoma and especially the 60. (man those 60's are dogs and ride like a board, I wanted a 60 until I drove one) One must think to themselves...is it the vehicle's capabilities or is the way the sheet metal is bent that you desire?

The Silverdado wil run down the highway and haul loads much better than the other two...it isn't that much bigger than the Tacoma to be a hinderance off pavement either...if anything upgrade the suspension a bit...and be done with it.

The 60 will require a ton of work to get it to modern standards...(not that there is anything wrong with that)...question is: are you willing to toss the time...and money at it? Or would you rather be out exploring right now! in something you already have? I own a Tacoma...telling ya I like my buddy's Silverado better. Ton more power, higher capacities, and gets nearly identical mpg's as my Taco. You'll be down grading if you go with a Tacoma or a 60.

Silverado Adventure Rig

Just remember that although a land cruiser will last forever it requires a pile of maintenance.

I find that comment rather comical.

Anything will last forever if you toss a pile of maintenance at it.

>snip< ....and Toyota screws it up.

I would say the chances are very high for Toyota screwing it up.

 

[AndrewP]

If you decide on the FJ60 route (not a bad idea as a second vehicle) do yourself a big favor and start with an FJ62. It's basically an FJ60 with bullet proof fuel injection. If you don't like the automatic transmission, an H55f 5 speed is a good swap. It's hard to beat a wagon for adventures. Being able to sleep inside your wagon during a big wind/rain is not to be underestimated.

I've owned 60s and 62s for close to 15 years, and an 80 for 15+ years. All are very good solid reliable trucks. The only downside is fuel economy, but then a Taco isn't great in that department either.

If your plan is to drive a long distance, wheel and drive home, get an 80. If your uses are local, get whichever one you like the best. My favorite Land Cruiser is my FJ62. Not sure why. My 80 is basically only used these days to go to Utah, but for that, it is an ideal truck. Don't even think about a long commute in a 60 though. It will spend all your money in gas.

One last thing. Don't focus on the vehicle. If buying a 60 means working on it for 3 years before you go somewhere in it, you'd be better off just doing some slight mods to your Chevy and going on a trip now. The trip is more important than the vehicle. I don't know if a Chevy pick up is particularly off road friendly, but at least you already own it.

 

[Clutch]

I don't know if a Chevy pick up is particularly off road friendly, but at least you already own it.

Wouldn't be that much different than a Tacoma...I know my Taco wheels better than my buddy's 60 (that is him saying that after he drove my Tacoma)

The Border Patrol uses them here, and beats the tar out of them.

Just need minor suspension upgrade... say a 2.5" coil over lift, either take off the front bumper completely, or remove the bottom valiance...to increase the approach angle...it doesn't take much.

Can always SAS it as well...

 

[4Rescue]

I guess the big question is do you really need a new truck??? Want is one thing, believe me I GET that, but if getting out and exploring is the ultimate goal, load up the Chevy (maybe give it some new tires and some load helper springs, not sure how it's set-up) and go for a drive aye. Far be it from me to tell someone NOT to get into "being a Toyota guy" (the benefits far outweigh the costs IMO), but timing can be everything and despite how it feels sometimes, the old (IMO) "good" Toyota's will still be around for many years to come when you decide you can take the time and spend the money to buy/build exactly what you want. With the New Tacoma on the horizon I'd be far more tempted to wait a year or so and see what we get from them (or maybe even Nissan as much as it pains me)and enjoy the Chevy NOW and get some 'splorin in aye. Maybe save your money and do some homework on your options and then build/buy the truck you REALLY want as you ultimately determine exactly what that is.

...to see what Toyota does with the next Tacoma. If it re-converges with the Hilux, gets a factory diesel, etc. We might jump ship to a diesel Chevy Colorado or Nissan if those look promising and Toyota screws it up.

I'm holding my breath on this one too... The simple fact that they're making such a push to sell off the presumably "end of design cycle" current truck stock with all these faff "Pro" versions makes me hope that a major change is coming. I don't know what that "change" will be beyond a body re-design, and I'm getting nervous along with the curiosity aye. My hopes, as I'm sure I share with others, are for a more "Hilux-y" truck with their D4d's as an option, but I'm not sure I believe it'll happen. Sadly the Toyota that built our old trucks is no longer the same today with the 70-series being the only link to that by-gone era/philosophy. You'd think MAYBE a company that's selling as many vehicles and making as much money as Toyota is and has the resources world-wide that they do MIGHT just be able to take a chance and do something truly revolutionary.

Cummins getting in bed with Nissan (and their "design study" Cummins 2.8L CRD Fronty esp.) is nearly enough reason for me to trust and notice Nissan US again, I couldn't bear to drive a modern GM vehicle diesel or no esp. not within the first few years of model production (plus the trucks hardly "compact" and will likely be filled with all the things I think a 4wd P/U doesn't need in fine modern GM tradition) and the 1500 Ram "eco" Diesel is just WAY too big and way to much of a "Rhinestone Cowboy" truck for me. I really don't like chrome and Gee-Gaw OEM gizmos one little bit. I wish VW would have the sense to bring us the Amorak but that's sadly/likely a pipe dream. It was so funny reading about the Nissan Frontier they stuck the little Cummins in because they were talking about a small diesel as if it were some revolutionary thing us Americans had no concept of, "...more torque, greater load and towing capabilities and a 35% fuel econ. increase!!!" [*sarcasm on*] NO WAY!!!!! {Sigh}. I shake my head daily at the sheer number of clearly... "insecure"... FS truck drivers on the road.

Sadly, I feel we've also crossed that paradoxical point/crossroads where technology was doing useful, helpful things for us and now we are in fact doing things for technology (or it's corporate underwriters/masters). Basically if it has a TV screen in the dash and WiFi capability I personally won't touch it. How long before "4wd" means that IF the computer/GPS decides you might buy something at the end of that dirt road, it will then allow you to possibly engage 4wd and then drive you there it's self and should you not actually purchase anything refuse to drive you back until you do... I hate to say it, but personally, in a lot of ways I see the "terrain select" features of the LC200 and 5th Gen 4Runners etc. as simply "allowing stupid people to get stuck ever farther from help then ever"... It's all about Gee-Gaw gizmos because apparently that and that alone sells vehicles to the average consumer these days, and nobody's willing to take a chance (other then Jeep, solely with the Wrangler) that maybe it isn't.

Cheers

Dave

 

[4Rescue]

Wouldn't be that much different than a Tacoma...I know my Taco wheels better than my buddy's 60 (that is him saying that after he drove my Tacoma)

The Border Patrol uses them here, and beats the tar out of them.

Just need minor suspension upgrade... say a 2.5" coil over lift, either take off the front bumper completely, or remove the bottom valiance...to increase the approach angle...it doesn't take much.

Can always SAS it as well...

Those are all more then a "2.5" coil-over lift"... Have a read on Petersens "Red Sled" and how much GM's IFS front suspension can't handle when pushed with a load on and bigger tires... I'm not saying that it can't work, but it's not quite as simple as you're leading him to believe.

Taco's are great trucks and yeah, they do well off-road, but "wheels better then a 60" is ALL dependent on the terrain and the trail you're talking about. Without an SAS the Tacoma will hit a point on more extreme trails where it simply can't easily follow even a mildly built 60-series Cruiser. You also have to spend more money on the Taco to get it there cause 2 Detroits, maybe new gears, bigger tires and some OME leaves and the 60-series is going to be a pretty formidable trail rig compared to the average Tacoma. Going fast in the desert, sure, running the Rubicon... not really.