1989 FJ62, what are some common issues that one should know about?

[Droopynut]

I just got a really nice '89 FJ62 with 175K, I plan on doing the basic tune up stuff like plugs, wires cap, rotor. I might even take it to AAMCO and have them check everything out. Is there anything else I should keep my eyes on or have checked before I put this rig on the road?

P.S. How do I take the spare tire down?

thanks

[3_puppies]

Originally Posted by Droopynut

P.S. How do I take the spare tire down?

thanks

if you have the tool bag, there should be a rod assembly in there to stick thru thewhole between the rear bumper and the tailgate, and crank down......but in your neck of the woods it might be all froze up rusted tight, if it hasn't been used much

[Droopynut]

Yeah...It was pretty seized up... luckly the four bolts holding up the bracket (cross member thing) came loose after spraying them with penetrating fluid and breaking the torque. Now I need to find a spare tire bracket for my roof rack.

Any suggestions?

[mmw68]

Yes - join the 3FE yahoo group. Everything you have ever wanted to know about a FJ62 with the 3FE engine.

Keep the tranny serviced, and add a tranny cooler.

[Droopynut]

Yeah...I joined earlier today.

Thanks.

I just thought I'd ask the folks at ih8mud real quick.

[overhanger]

DON'T take it to AAMCO! Seriously, they will find thousands of dollars of work that HAS to be done before you drive off their lot. Same with a dealer. Spend time with your new vehicle and let it tell you what needs to be done. Seriously.

[mmw68]

YES...I second what Steve says...

Most of the people on the 3FE group are around here also.

[Droopynut]

Any of you guys know where I can get a rack bracket for my spare tire?

[gaylon]

Originally Posted by Droopynut

Any of you guys know where I can get a rack bracket for my spare tire?

You want to strap your spare tire to your factory roofrack? I do not think I would do that. That is a lot of weight in a small area.

[tonkota]

The FAQ
http://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wa...%2A%2A%2A.html

And please, don't take it to AAMCO or Midas or (BOX STORE MECHANIC).

[madsdad]

Have the #5 oil galley plug replaced. Mine let go at 325k. :(

[89GASHOG]

If your spare tire apparatus is/was rusty and no longer operational, I'd suggest you check out the possibility of rust along your inner rear frame rails. This is a common problem area on the 60 series.

[jpeg]

get a second job so you can afford the gas

[Droopynut]

Amen to the get another job for gas...this gas thing is out of control. I may need to modifiy my cruiser to run on Coca-Cola

The roof rack on my rig is not factory...off hand I don't remember the manufacturer, but I've seen spare tires on roof racks. I always wondered how they mounted on to them.

[akarilo]

"Commom Issues"? Lack of noticable forward momentum when the accelerator is pinned to the floor! At least in stock format.

[RockDoc]

Make sure you give the transmission some attention when you baseline things. Search "Rodney Flush" to see how to change all of the ATF in one go. Synthetic ATF is supposed to run 10-15 degrees cooler, an aux cooler down-flow from the stock one is always a good idea if you live somewhere that sees decent heat. Check the kick-down cable, if it has more than a touch of slack in it, you'll like the difference after tightening it up again. Ditto for the throttle cable from the skinny pedal.

Changing the fuel filter is easy, and the 3FE is supposed to be pretty sensitive to a dirty air filter. Give the intake air chamber and throttle body a good cleaning if they're gummed up, running something through for the injectors would be a good idea (BG44K (?) is said to be the best...). Check the air hose between the throttle body and air flow meter for cracks, they'll let un-metered air in and screw with drivability and power......

[89s rule]

Be careful doing a rodney flush if your tranny has never been serviced, it can make crud come loose and screw up your tranny. Its best to do changes at every oil change.
Its a great truck if well cared for. Tranny would be the weak link if there is one, but its tough if maintained.

[archtimb]

The Rodney flush is a passive flush, IE: it uses the tranny's pump to move fluid. It is not going to stir up or loosen anything, no more than driving the truck will.

It is the ACTIVE flushes you want to avoid. In this case pressurized fluid forces new fluid in. Faster? Sure. Easier? Sure. A fast and easy way to kill your A440F.

Do the PASSIVE flush & clean the filter. You may be surprised.

Mitch

[89s rule]

Ah, now I know the difference. My fluid was so clean when i finally changed it I dotn think I need to do the rodney flush.

[cruiser88]

Originally Posted by overhanger

DON'T take it to AAMCO! Seriously, they will find thousands of dollars of work that HAS to be done before you drive off their lot. Same with a dealer. Spend time with your new vehicle and let it tell you what needs to be done. Seriously.

AMEN...

[Droopynut]

what about checking the ATF level... I know, dumb question.

I'm guessing start it up, run the shifter through the gears, put it in neutral and check the dipstick.

Is this correct?

[archtimb]

I also think the tranny is supposed to be at operating temperature as well. Other than that, I think you got it.

Mitch

[Droopynut]

Can someone tell me what the gap is for spark plugs in an FJ62.

I'm gonna change them and I don't have that info.

Thanks.

[RockDoc]

0.031" or 0.8mm

[Droopynut]

thanks pal...

[gaylon]

Originally Posted by Droopynut

The roof rack on my rig is not factory...off hand I don't remember the manufacturer, but I've seen spare tires on roof racks. I always wondered how they mounted on to them.

If you post a picture, someone here will most likely be able to help you identify it. Then one of us would be better likely to offer a suggestion for a rack mount for the tire. You can always ratchet strap it down for now...

[Droopynut]

It's no big deal, I see online there are a variety of different universal tire brackets... I'll just do a little research.

Thanks