Looking at 1990 FJ62 today

[JasonRedwood]

It has 223k on the original engine.
Im new to the cruisers but I think this the route that is best for me.
1st gen 4runner is kinda cramped at times.
What should i look out for????????

here is what the ad says:

223,XXX miles
32x11.50x15 Pro-Comps All-Terrains 85% thread left
Complete Old Man Emu Heavy Load suspension kit ($2000)
ARB Roof Rack ($700)
Scion iPod radio.
Interior is in good condition.
All electrical inside works

At approximately 220,000, the following was replaced:
New NGK ignition wires
New OEM Denso spark plugs
New OEM Denso Cap and Rotor
New complete custom exhaust with both catalytic converters and muffler replaced
All oils replaced (Front and back diff, transfer case, tranny)
Transmission filter and oil replaced (no shaving or anything unusual appeared)

It does have a salvage title. It WAS NOT in a major accident. The previous owner explained that a drunk driver in a short car ran into it from behind on the rear driver side. It went underneath and broke the rear leaf spring. He had the rear end inspected by TLC for any damage, but it was fine. The insurance did not want to fix it, so it was given a salvage title.

 

[Boss Hog]

How much? What part of. the country? (Ohio or Arizona?) Have you seen it?

 

[Boss Hog]

How much? What part of. the country? (Ohio or Arizona?) Have you seen it?

 

[1911]

223K is not excessive mileage for a 3FE, but make sure it has recently passed smog there in Kalifornistan. The intake does tend to get really clogged with carbon from the EGR after that many miles. If the radiator hasn't been replaced by now it probably will have to be soon. There is a pressed-in oil galley plug that can possibly come loose at an inopportune time and dump all the oil in a short time; doesn't happen on all F-series engines by any means but it has happened on a few. If it hasn't already been done, you do a preemptive fix by drilling out the plug and replacing it with one or two threaded plugs. Other than that, the 3FE has few issues and is a very long-lived motor if it has been maintained at all.

The A440F auto tranny is a beast of a tranny, but again maintenance is the key. Do a "Rodney Flush" (look it up on IH8MUD) with synthetic ATF; expensive but worth it.

You didn't say what the seller is asking for it, but the salvage title would savagely gut the purchase price for me.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

1911 covered the 3FE/A440F well. Check the knuckles for leaking, front axle for clicking in 4WD (tight turns), consider that a knuckle overhaul to remedy leaky axles can cost anywhere from $200 to $1000 depending on the severity and who is doing the work. Any signs of leaking on the drivetrain. Check the frame for tweaks or rust issues particularly the rear frame portion from the rear axle back. Rust in the hatch, front doors near the w/s, rear wheel wells for signs of rust or repair. Check for a notable 'clunk' in the t-case when going from drive to reverse, sign that the A440 output shaft may be worn at the TC input gear splines, very common on high mileage 62's. Check the accessories for age and wear, a true Old Man Emu (marked springs) is going to be 5+ years old, still fabulous springs that may have lots of life left in them but worth noting. If the leafs themselves are OME Dakar springs it could have been installed yesterday. With the salvage title if everything else checks out, I'd guess it to be in the $3500-4500 range, super clean body/interior possibly more.

 

[MarcFJ60]

$3500-4500 for a 223K cruiser with a salvage title??? I realize cars are pricier in CA, but there's no way I would pay that much. I haven't 60 shopped in a while, but the car sounds like maybe a $4k rig if it had a clean title. I could be wrong, but I would think $2500 if it was SUPER clean. I don't think a salvage title would keep me from buying a nice FJ62 if I knew the story, but I would expect a hefty discount.

I'm thinking there's more details to the salvage story. Not that it takes a lot of damage for an insurance company to total a 21 year old ride, but they aren't in the business of paying out $4K for a $500 repair either.

 

[JasonRedwood]

THANKS FOR THE INFO

Thanks to all the info.
So to answer a few questions the seller was asking $5500. The pictures he sent me showed a pretty clean rig for sure and what i have seen for sale around here in Los Angeles in the FJ60-62 market I wanted to check it out in person. In short it was kinda a sloppy driving and shifting vehicle with leaking knuckles, dakar OME's, new cheap exhaust, some tranny seepage from some where, no rust but a small bit lower pass windshield. While trying to find a spot on the freeway to get it above 35, no avail, it was made clear he was firm in price. Seller wasn't going to provide a smog certificate. I think its kind of a law here.
Oh and it kind of smelled funky.
All and all, Im going to keep looking for the right FJ62 or 84-85 4x4 truck.
Thanks again and if there is anything else I should keep an eye out for let me know.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

$3500-4500 for a 223K cruiser with a salvage title??? I realize cars are pricier in CA, but there's no way I would pay that much. I haven't 60 shopped in a while, but the car sounds like maybe a $4k rig if it had a clean title. I could be wrong, but I would think $2500 if it was SUPER clean. I don't think a salvage title would keep me from buying a nice FJ62 if I knew the story, but I would expect a hefty discount...

A 'running but rusty' FJ62 will fetch $1500-2500 out this way, clean frame and body goes up from there. I paid $1200 for a super clean FJ62 lacking motor, trans and axles and had no problem finding a home for it locally.

$5500 sounds out of line given the condition and issues, keep searching.

 

[randito]

Good choice. To me any seller that won't provide smog and isn't significantly dropping the price can't be trusted. Take your time, there are a deals out there, especially in the LA area.

 

[MoGas]

I sold mine for $5600 with a trailer and other extras. Keep looking.