What to look out for?

[TeleScooby]

Hey Cruiser folks -

I mentioned this in another thread, but thought I should post here to get some more targeted advice.

I've decided to save my money and finally get into the fj62 I've been lusting for since I could drive...since we're talking about 18-22 year old vehicles I know there are issues I'm going to need to beware of. What are some of these issues?

I will take any prospective rig to a mechanic for an inspection, since as of now I know exactly nothing about mechanics (I'll be learning as I go with this truck)...but what sort of red flags can I look for before even getting that far along in the purchase process?

Thanks in advance for any and all ideas, thoughts, advice, recipes for brownies, etc...

Jesse

 

[IZZYDUSIT]

Along with the mechanical inspection by someone whom is familiar with the beasts, I'd suggest to get a Carfax(spelling) report to show any red flags
with mileage, accidents and title problems!

 

[ChuckB]

This is kind of obvious but find one with the least amount of rust possible. I made that mistake already once with my FJ60. I can't think of anything major off the top of my head that I have read about. Good luck with the search!

 

[TeleScooby]

This is kind of obvious but find one with the least amount of rust possible. I made that mistake already once with my FJ60. I can't think of anything major off the top of my head that I have read about. Good luck with the search!

Luckily they use sand on the roads around here, not salt, so rust is less of an issue then elsewhere...do I want to ask about your 60??

 

[cruiser guy]

'60's rust in the rear area of the frame. Look CAREFULLY at the rear shock support tube, they often rust off. Also the inner frame rails in that area are also often weak or perforated.

Any frame weakness would need to be carefully evaluated.

Other rust "hotspots" are the "A" pillar, roof edge at the gutter and the rear cargo area around the rear wheel wells.

 

[TeleScooby]

Thanks Cruiserguy!

That is exactly the kind of information I need...and don't have...keep 'em coming guys!

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Check the front of the front doors (while open), water seems to get trapped by the w/s and rust begins to take its toll on the doors.

Front axle, you can tell alot about the service a Cruiser has received in its life by looking at the front axle. Knuckles leaking? Wheel bearings and trunnion bearings tight? Realize if these items need overhauling, and you were to pay a shop to do the work, it can be a $750-1000 job, around $300 if you do it yourself. Last think you want to do is spend that kind of money right after shelling out for the rig itself, and don't be afraid to barter over the needed repairs.

Rear axles are pretty bomb-proof, u-joints and drivelines too. Minor cost items if/when they do fail. Rear axle seals, inspect for leaking, can be a $300-400 job if paying a shop to fix leaky rear axle seals.

Drivetrain. FJ62s are blessed with somewhat indestructable automatic trannies... they do fail, but in all reality its pretty rare. I know of some 250k mile trannies still shifting smooth. The transfer cases are 100% non-issue, rare to have an issues other than long-term wear, again if there is play it can be a $700+ repair.. As long as it shifts smoothly, including the front drive (vacuum actuators are a fail point on the 62) I wouldn't worry too much about them. The 3FE is a great motor, it has a few quirks but nothing to speak of, I would do a compression test and call it good based on that. Oil leaks, etc are somewhat pricey to fix ($500+ to replace seals on a 3FE), small leaks are OK.

Interior, get as clean as you can find... same with exterior.

Hope that helps!

 

[ChuckB]

Look CAREFULLY at the rear shock support tube, they often rust off. Also the inner frame rails in that area are also often weak or perforated.

Any frame weakness would need to be carefully evaluated.

That's exactly what happened to mine. I also bought it in CT...

 

[TeleScooby]

Thanks all!

I'm putting all of this into a checklist I can have with me when I go to look at a rig...yeah, there are some things I am that anal about...

 

[metalonmetal]

i jumped into my cruiser purchase without knowing mechanics past basic maintenance. i've learned things as problems have come up, things have yet to get overwhelming. the thing that inspired me to buy my fj40 was the fact that it was COMPLETE, and the previous owner worked on cruisers for a living. your truck is out there man, and you'll know it when you find it.