Search for a 60......what do I look for, what to avoid?

[bdp1978]

Sorry for another thread on this type of subject. Ive done a lot of reading but just looking for a concise list.


My wife and I have decided to part with our Trail/Garage Queen Wrangler. We have decided on a 60 to join our family next. I dont want a 40, 80, or 100 series. I'm set on a 60. I've restored Boats, Motorcycles and Jeeps so I'm pretty well versed in looking out for glaring rust and electrical issues etc.


Are there very specific issues to look for on the 60's? Certain years and combos to avoid? I'm looking at my first one on Friday.

FWIW, this truck will become a pretty light duty use truck. Occasional trail rides with a dog and 2 kids, but mainly a take me to work on Fridays, Cruise around town on the wknds truck.

 

[mtndude23]

Rust is really the biggest issue with the 60's. Just buy the one with the least amount of it, cut it out-then stay on top of it year to year. Second is, most I've seen always have been somewhat neglected-get ready to replace and fix 30 years worth of it. Front axle knuckles almost always need to be done, suspension usually is worn out. 82-83 60's had different bellhousing, so swapping to a 5spd is a bit more money, otherwise no glaring differences until the fj62 came out.

I wouldn't trade mine for anything else though!

 

[NCFJ]

As stated RUST. I'd look south in your case. Common at drip rail and up 3", under glass on rear hatch, bottom of tail gate, bottom of doors, A pillars, rear wheel archs, lower front fender behind wheel, front footwells

You are looking at a 30 year old truck that more often than not has been rode hard and put up wet. Figure $2K minimum for base lining and you will probably be safe.

Usual items

Rebuild front axle, knuckles, all bearings and seals
Rebuild rear axle, bearings and seals
Suspension if original
Pinion Seals
T-Case output seals
Hoses and belts
Full tune up
Vacuum hoses
Battery cables
Battery tray
Radiator
Full brakes

It'll have 30 years of people adding all things electrical. Aftermarket security systems are the worst.
Change all the fluids, all of them.

There will be more.

You would be looking at the same level of work if you were expecting the same out of the same year Chevy Pick up

 

[toylandcruiser]

Rust is really the biggest issue with the 60's. Just buy the one with the least amount of it, cut it out-then stay on top of it year to year. Second is, most I've seen always have been somewhat neglected-get ready to replace and fix 30 years worth of it. Front axle knuckles almost always need to be done, suspension usually is worn out. 82-83 60's had different bellhousing, so swapping to a 5spd is a bit more money, otherwise no glaring differences until the fj62 came out.

I wouldn't trade mine for anything else though!

The bellhousing isn't different. There is just a spacer on the newer trucks between the tranny and t case.

 

[mtndude23]

sorry, I had my info wrong

 

[Arktikos]

Since your state has no emissions testing, you can purchase an old, dirty 2F powered 60 with impunity.

The downside of driving these tank like beasts is the acceleration of a cripple and 10 MPG.

 

[MarcFJ60]

When you say 6o series, do you actually mean a FJ60 only, or are you also considering FJ62s (88-90)? The difference being the pre 87 FJ60 had a 4 spd, carbed, manual windows and locks, and round headlights. The FJ62 had EFI, auto, square headlights, and power windows and locks. After owning an FJ60, if I get another it would be an FJ62. I wasn't crazy about the 4spd and manual locks are a dealbreaker with small kids.

The posts above cover most everything. There are a bunch of vacuum switches on the FJ60 that can fail. Really it is only an issue if it will be emissions tested. The only other big thing, which I think effects both 60 and 62 series, is the oil galley plug. It is a press fit plug in the head that can fail, releasing a high pressure stream of oil which can kill the engine quite quickly if you don't realize what is happening. It can be prevented by removing the plug, tapping the hole, and using a threaded plug. Not really something to be checked, unless you notice it already leaking.

 

[bdp1978]

When you say 6o series, do you actually mean a FJ60 only, or are you also considering FJ62s (88-90)?

Sorry, 60's and 62's....

Correct, we have no emissions testing here so pretty much anything flies. I really appreciate the advice from everyone. It sounds like its pretty concise that RUST is the main factor to consider.

I will baseline it and go through the whole thing and fix whatever it needs when I pick one up. I just wanted to make sure there wasnt a particularly failure prone year etc to look out for. Hearing nothing but rust and standard 30 yr old truck issues makes me feel a lot better about looking at them. I will most likely end up pulling one from the Colorado area or down south.

 

[MDH33]

If you've never had an FJ60 before, be prepared for poor gas mileage and the slow lane. They don't like going above 3000RPM or 65MPH. 10-15mpg.

This is coming from a long time Landcruiser owner of both 40's and 60's. I Love Them, but most folks used to modern vehicles will be terribly frustrated driving them. :ylsmoke:

 

[bdp1978]

If you've never had an FJ60 before, be prepared for poor gas mileage and the slow lane. They don't like going above 3000RPM or 65MPH. 10-15mpg.

This is coming from a long time Landcruiser owner of both 40's and 60's. I Love Them, but most folks used to modern vehicles will be terribly frustrated driving them. :ylsmoke:

:sombrero: Haha, got it! The 60 will be a garage queen for the most part.....light duty trails......wknd cruiser......and take me to the office on Fridays with no expressway. Basically, anytime I'll be in it.....we wont be in a hurry.

 

[DCH109]

If you've never had an FJ60 before, be prepared for poor gas mileage and the slow lane. They don't like going above 3000RPM or 65MPH. 10-15mpg.

This is coming from a long time Landcruiser owner of both 40's and 60's. I Love Them, but most folks used to modern vehicles will be terribly frustrated driving them. :ylsmoke:

Most yes, all no.

I currently drive a 2007 F150 Lariat (fully loaded) 4X4, 5.4L Triton V8 it has an extended range tank in it (good thing). I get on average 10-14MPG. If I am towing that drops to 7 mpg. It is a slug and a gas guzzler. Automatic and 3:73 gears you would think it would be better. top speed comfortable is about 75-80MPH.

I am selling it to a dealership (whom ever will take it) in November when my FJ60 is ready.
I am going from all power everything, leather etc etc, to Cloth, no power aside from steering and brakes. A 4 Speed manual, utility vehicle.

Why, because I own it, I can fix it with duct tape and chewing gum and it is a rock solid vehicle.
I am tired of hearing how poor the gas mileage is on the FJ60, compared to what? I can compare it to what I am driving and it is about the same. 0-60 is slow but who cares, people are in to much of a rush anyways, believe me i am not speeding to go to work in the morning.

Worst case drop a 5 speed in there and life is better. that will also help your top speed.

What to look for. Well I am rebuilding mine. Basic.
Fix the rust
Update the carb
new carpet
remove and clean the seat covers
better radio
cleaner interior
new tires
etc etc

What I have discovered
Leaking transfercase output shaft (new seal)
Rust in the wheel wells
Rust on the drivers floor <-- look for this, it may be hard to see under the Skid plate so bring a flashlight and a magnet.
Previous owners wiring. This is a bid deal and i pulled out over 40 feet of crappy wiring for lights etc. If it has an aftermarket radio this will be messed up for sure.
Rust on the upper and lower tailgates (my lower was ok but had been replaced a few years ago)
If you are lucky like me, you will find one with a rebuilt engine
Knuckle leaks <--lucky here again
Rusted brake lines
Check if the gas tank recall was done. http://www.arfc.org/autos/toyota/land_cruiser/recalls/000006200000014061000000146/recall.aspx

Do not buy one just because
It has and aftermarket front or rear bumper
It has fancy wheels
It has cool aftermarket crap

Try to find one as stock as possible. you can add all that later and you will be confirmed of three main things
1. it was done right
2. the abuse wheeling may be little to none
3. it was done right

They are amazing vehicles, and are bullet proof if treated well.

 

[mongoose2231]

What he said^^

 

[NCFJ]

If you've never had an FJ60 before, be prepared for poor gas mileage and the slow lane. They don't like going above 3000RPM or 65MPH. 10-15mpg.

This is coming from a long time Landcruiser owner of both 40's and 60's. I Love Them, but most folks used to modern vehicles will be terribly frustrated driving them. :ylsmoke:

There is a cure for this A 5.3L/4L65e or NV4500 swap is a game changer. 320 HP an 17-20 MPG

This is the latest 62 in my shop

 

[DCH109]

There is a cure for this A 5.3L/4L65e or NV4500 swap is a game changer. 320 HP an 17-20 MPG

This is the latest 62 in my shop

That is pretty, but the cost may be prohibitive for most who buy a LC around 5-8K

although it would be nice!

 

[njtacoma]

I had a 60, all the stuff people talked about is important

If I didn't have emissions I would get a 60, strip it down (no emissions), swap a 5 speed, and enjoy. If I lost my mind I would add air lockers, or a auto locker, OME Suspension.

Just drive and enjoy.