84 FJ60 "Mystique"

Brock · 06-20-09, 05:35 PM

Well, I went up to Pelzer SC and found the gate and was able to bring the Land Cruiser home today. Took a little to get her started after sitting for a couple months without driving and even then it is down to river in 4Lo and then back up a couple times a month at most with parents driving her.

She was dusty but still looked as I remembered....so pulled her out into sunlight after starting to let her run so I could listen and check for leaks and such.

Drive the 4 hours from Upstate to Charleston in terrible heat (101*F on FJ display) and traffic was stopped three times on I-26 West of Columbia but no accidents...:(

She ran good...little rough than I remember but I am spoiled...felt some misses but figure fuel filter, plugs, points, etc should fix that. Found vacuum line off under air cleaner so reattached and remained in place rest of trip.

Filled up the 23 gallon tank and made it from there just about 1/4 tank left. Did not check mileage but will next time but guessing 12-15mpg given shitty traffic and I was pushing her 65-70mph in 4th most the way.

Got her home and went over her again...put paper under her. Let her sit for a couple hours while the air cooling fan ran. No fluid leaks showed up but I smell a oil smell somewhere getting hot so might be seepage from valve cover gaskets or a smog blow by tube somewhere....dont know crap about the 2F really as father always had it dealer maintained at West Ashley since he got it from his sister....so I am third owner.

Here are some things I am going to be checking quickly:

1- Needs tires...these are not bad and have miles left but I want new ones...so if anyone wants a set of BFG 15inch tires with 10k left on them...make me an offer.

2- Clutch pedal engages last 2 inches...not sure if there is any adjustment left but will plan on a new clutch worse case...will let Dbenke or Glenn tell me what I need.

3- Tune up....plugs, wires, points, fuel filter, etc...to see if I can get some of the rough running out of it at idle. Idles warm around 600rpms......turn on AC and shoots up to about 1100 rpms.

4- Will likely be getting different rear bumper....Slee or something with swing out to get spare from under vehicle and make room for larger tank later.

5- Has more than 2 inches of side to side play in steering wheel sitting still and while driving. I dont think it has ball joints so not sure what gives it that play...if just adjustment in steering box or another linkage item that needs tightening.

6- Offroad lights on front bumper not working...so going to look for bad fuse or connection somewhere....think he had West Ashley install everyting on truck including lights....

I could not find ANY rust, frame looks brand new still, springs look good to me, brakes felt good but will have them checked.

Going to detail it good inside and out....upholstery has a couple areas on front seats that are dirty and stained but no tears or bad spots anywhere.... Paint has touch up on it in wrong color and bug deflector has worn down to steel on front left edge so going to take off or replace with better fitting....paint corner and keep it from rusting.

Things that have already been done in past 6 years:
- new power steering pump
- AC repaired
- new alternator
- new power steering pump
- hoses and belts
- brakes
- new oil pan and diff gaskets
- new vaccuum hoses

So I think I have a great start....wife was driving FJ and called me and said...You need a new rear bumper and bigger tires and a roof rack. LOL So guess that is green light to spend a little money after I get clutch and steering addressed.

Here are a couple more pics...feel free to come by and see her.
She is called MYSTIQUE after the sexy blue vixen in XMen......

Brock · 06-20-09, 05:45 PM

Here is my list so far---

1- If I need a clutch...where are best prices as I am planning on ordering using our 25% discount at SPARKS TOYOTA if nothing else. How long did it take you guys to do one for BBQBoy and how difficult is it on a FJ60? Is it another HAMOM or should I just spend the money and pay one of you two or West Ashley to do it?

2- Any ideas of what to check for play in steering...I am going to pull out service manual tonight and look but any help would be appreciated in troubleshooting.

3- What size tire can I put on her without a new lift...she just has 2inch body lift now and is currently running 30x9.50x15....Think I want 33" tires on her at most without a lift for now. Not sure if putting a lift on her or leaving as she is...will have to see. If I find cracked springs and stuff then might consider or if I carry lots of crap might get the OME or other brand with HEAVY springs....will take opinion from Doc and DBENKE and other 60/62 guys on that.....but lift is low on the list right now.

4-I want to put an Aussie Locker in rear......Michael, you getting rid of yours I heard. If you are, give me a price....That is suppose to be a 1 hour job so hoping a HAMOM can take it out of yours and install it in mine. If you are not replacing with ARB soon...I will just pick one up.

5- Slee bumper with tire carrier for back. Anybody know another good one off top of head before I search the forum threads.

6- Rack for top....do they increase the damage to rain gutters with rust and stuff? Mine are in great shape....so dont want to add to any accelerated wear and tear unless I have to do it. If I can get spare on back and room for two jerry cans then that will leave back open for a drawer system to help with my junk.

7- service AC unit, recharge......; upgrade radio to a bit better sound maybe speakers; etc

8- Tuffy Console for center to replace factory console.

9- Sliders to replace the nerf bars on there now.

Hope everyone had great time at GSMTR......and have a Happy Fathers Day!

ocdbeetle · 06-20-09, 05:46 PM

Yeah baby! I'm excited for you......Land Cruiser brides are the best by far......."honey, you need this and this"......Gotta love it.....

Mystique looks solid as a rock.....I know you'll enjoy it.....Can't wait to check it out....

IndianDoc · 06-20-09, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

Here is my list so far---

1- If I need a clutch...where are best prices as I am planning on ordering using our 25% discount at SPARKS TOYOTA if nothing else. How long did it take you guys to do one for BBQBoy and how difficult is it on a FJ60? Is it another HAMOM or should I just spend the money and pay one of you two or West Ashley to do it?

2- Any ideas of what to check for play in steering...I am going to pull out service manual tonight and look but any help would be appreciated in troubleshooting.

3- What size tire can I put on her without a new lift...she just has 2inch body lift now and is currently running 30x9.50x15....Think I want 33" tires on her at most without a lift for now. Not sure if putting a lift on her or leaving as she is...will have to see. If I find cracked springs and stuff then might consider or if I carry lots of **** might get the OME or other brand with HEAVY springs....will take opinion from Doc and DBENKE and other 60/62 guys on that.....but lift is low on the list right now.

4-I want to put an Aussie Locker in rear......Michael, you getting rid of yours I heard. If you are, give me a price....That is suppose to be a 1 hour job so hoping a HAMOM can take it out of yours and install it in mine. If you are not replacing with ARB soon...I will just pick one up.

5- Slee bumper with tire carrier for back. Anybody know another good one off top of head before I search the forum threads.

6- Rack for top....do they increase the damage to rain gutters with rust and stuff? Mine are in great shape....so dont want to add to any accelerated wear and tear unless I have to do it. If I can get spare on back and room for two jerry cans then that will leave back open for a drawer system to help with my junk.

7- service AC unit, recharge......; upgrade radio to a bit better sound maybe speakers; etc

8- Tuffy Console for center to replace factory console.

9- Sliders to replace the nerf bars on there now.

Hope everyone had great time at GSMTR......and have a Happy Fathers Day!

Brock be sure and service the ball joints on the stearing looseness in addition the drag link (think that's the name) will often have play in the system if low on grease, so grease her up good then decide if she is loosey goosey, If the tie rod ends are worn you can have play there as well. Believe it or not even worn spring bushings can cause loose stearing in the older cruisers. But if the ends and the drag link are good an tight the sterring box has an adjustment that can take up the final slack. Real easy just back off the set screw and using a screw driver tighten up the center bolt. Trick is not to get it to tight.

Sort of nice you asking questions about a Land Cruiser that I know something about and not the computer sled you were working on (nothing bad ment by that it's one nice computer sled would not mind getting one myself someday)

Questions on lift omf HEAVY IS gREAT. i GOT THE SPECTER KIT AND HAD TO ADD SOME PARTS. Sorry did not notice the cap lock

Brock · 06-20-09, 06:59 PM

what about the HFS kits.....anyone got one.

I guess one thing at a time...need to get the clutch, steering slack, and also tires done in next couple weeks....then can work on the goodies.

jleeFJ62 · 06-20-09, 07:18 PM

you can pick up an aussie brand new for about $260

Edit: Very clean looking 60. congrats

Brock · 06-20-09, 07:24 PM

aussie? for which part?

jleeFJ62 · 06-20-09, 07:44 PM

locker

ttahara · 06-20-09, 08:31 PM

PM me about those tires..cuz we all know I need some..I dont care that they are smaller...anything is better than what i got..those would be a good replacement for a while..

BELMONT148 · 06-20-09, 08:51 PM

Drool.

Check out SOR for the clutch. I don't know of anyone else who sells an Asco kit for less than them. Atleast let Sparks price it though. I think even with the discount it will be over $300.

Sometimes it can be a combination of all components giving play at the wheel. I doubt it would be the steering shaft ujoints, so I would focus on the rod joints. If you think you need a knuckle servise, your trunion bearngs could be giving you a little play in combination with the linkage. If your knuckles aren't seeping I would just check all the rods first.

There is a complete lift for sale on the parts board for a 60.

Nice rig by the way. Love the blue.

Jeremy

BBQ BOY · 06-20-09, 09:09 PM

That looks great Brock. i love the Blue. We didn't do the Clutch because I had to train Glen all day how to rebuild the knuckles on my 40. Not getting rid of my locker yet. i am going to get an ARB air locker later but no time soon. I would not get the HFS for your 60. I read where HFS lifts are not that great on the 60's. Go with OME.

Brock · 06-21-09, 05:17 AM

I saw clutch kit for $250 somewhere....will contact SPARKS as well.

lextechautomotive · 06-21-09, 06:55 AM

Hey Brock very clean looking rig. As far as the clutch, the dealer list on all components, clutch disc, pressure plate, release brg, pilot bearing should be $410.59 with your 25% discount around $317.00. Keep in mind the dealer is going to sell you Denso Remanufactured components (CLUTCH AND PRESSURE PLATE)not ASCO or AISIN which is the OE parts for the truck. The Boxes you buy will show that the parts must be returned in the boxes for core credit. Call me Monday, i can get the new AISIN AND ASCO parts NEW not Remanurfactured, for half the cost of the dealer, even with your discount. This offer is ONLY for lowcountry MEMBERS.
As far as the steering components, DITTO on what Doc Said.

Brock · 06-21-09, 03:29 PM

I may come by your shop Monday morning...I need to get it registered, insured, etc and off my dads name so will be easier to come by. I would rather have the factory parts...thanks Glenn.

checked steering some more while sitting still on driveway..it is about 2 inches of slack using one finger so within the specs....the other movement moves wheels so does not count. If I can adjust it down a little more that would be good...spoiled by rack and pinion steering I guess

Also crawled under it today and appears it is not a body lift but a suspension lift...I see new springs front and rear and new shocks all the way around plus steering stabilizer. Cant see any name...but Lowcountry 4x4 did it so might be a spring over....but springs are under axle so need to figure that out. I thought it had a lot of room between tires and fenders.

dbenke · 06-21-09, 03:36 PM

Nice Ron, I'm glad you finally got her.
We can take her up to Doc's place when we do his HAMOM and fix a couple of things there.
Meanwhile, see if Glenn will put it on the lift and see what you might need to get done.

Brock · 06-21-09, 03:52 PM

yeah, I have every single workorder done by West Ashley Toyota the past 10 years...LOL Guys wife that worked there used to work with my dad at First Federal....and used to hook him up with pricing on repairs...but everything is Toyota...no aftermarket unless it was necassary.

I thought he put Warn hubs on it but looks like they put the Aisin....he even made them put in the Toyota windshield not an aftermarket a couple years ago.

need to order tires tomorrow as well.

BELMONT148 · 06-21-09, 06:20 PM

Yeh, if the springs are under the axle, it's not a spingover. Hence the name "springs over the axle". Might be an OME 2.5" but they would have codes painted on the top. You would definitely know it was a SOA as it would be lifted over 6".

Jeremy

Brock · 06-21-09, 07:28 PM

no not spring over....and there are codes on springs and they are made in canada...so guessing not OME.....so going to research more...maybe BDS, HFS, or some other....

informationjunky · 06-22-09, 06:26 AM

FYI, there is a adjustment screw on top of the steering box that may take some of the slop out.

Brock · 06-22-09, 11:50 AM

went by Glens today...he gave me a decent seal of approval for a guy that does not like 60/62 series....LMAO. I saw the Pig there and the new owners...it is actually going to be the guys wife that will drive the PIG...she was grinning from ear to ear in the shop.

Had Glen order parts to do the clutch for me and also ordered 5 new tires......so the ones on there while near their last leg are available if Tristan wants them. They are starting to dry rot and only have about 5-10k miles left from looks....but are welcome to them for FREE if you want. The spare is a snow tire that is still in decent shape and you can have it too. YOU NEED TO BUY TIRES THOUGH....so dont put it off too long. This is a band aid to help you through a month or two....not a solution.

Couple other things Glenn noticed for me to get fixed -
1- Transfer case slinging some fluid
2- Need to replace a couple hoses under hood that are cracking on ends....
3- Knuckle needs a rebuild I think he said as some if getting past the felt and such....

I am going to try the steering adjustment myself...first at rod ends...on both sides...and as last resort on the steering box adjustment.

Thanks Glenn....see you Wednesday afternoon to drop her off.

BELMONT148 · 06-22-09, 12:13 PM

It may be a 60 thing with the loose steering. My brothers wanders a couple inches as well. Funny thing is, my home-made power steering on the 40 with 38" tires is tighter than his factory stuff on the road. Guess it could have something to do with 20 year old stuff versus my new stuff though.

Jeremy

Brock · 06-22-09, 12:14 PM

they all stay tight if you only Cyber Wheel!

lextechautomotive · 06-22-09, 12:18 PM

PRICELESS

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

they all stay tight if you only Cyber Wheel!

BELMONT148 · 06-22-09, 12:23 PM

Well yours has been in a garage dry rotting the tires off, so they should be in as good of shape as mine.

I have wheeled mine since building it. Even had it airborne a couple times. How many of you on here can say that.

My point is that a lot of people complain about lifts, tires, wear etc. causing there steering to suck. If it is set up right and is in new working order, you can drive a 40 lifted 7"s with unbalanced 38" Swampers to Wilmington with one finger on the wheel with no problem.

P.S. Your mind tricks to get me to finish my truck will not make me move any faster.

Jeremy

Brock · 06-22-09, 12:26 PM

oh and for the record...the FJ60 was a hunting rig, camping rig and daily driver for past 25 years...he did not garage it until 2 years ago and then it was still driven about half a mile in 4LO down a ravine, through a creek, up another ravine back to the Saluda River a few times a month when they were up at property.

I am going to adjust the steering ball joints as glen showed me....and then last thing is try the box....it is within max allowable but I wanted a little tighter.

Dont get your

panties twisted...just get the rig fixed and start wearing the big boy pants again.

My work here is done!

ocdbeetle · 06-22-09, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

...it is actually going to be the guys wife that will drive the PIG...she was grinning from ear to ear in the shop.

They give any indication about joining this thing of ours?......

BELMONT148 · 06-22-09, 12:36 PM

Well, these things take time when you decide to build them instead buy them.

I might be having an engine drop party the 11th so all these concerned parties can show up and lend a hand.

Jeremy

Brock · 06-22-09, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ocdbeetle

They give any indication about joining this thing of ours?......

maybe Glen can talk them into it once the pig is running unless they have another LC they drive as well.

Brock · 06-22-09, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BELMONT148

Well, these things take time when you decide to build them instead buy them.

hahaha.... yep my aunt bought it new..sold to my dad when it was 9 years old...and now it is mine.

greenseaman · 06-22-09, 01:42 PM

I had the drag link replaced on the 4runner after sloppy steering and it seemed to fix it. Maybe that's all it is?! Great looking rig. we had a good time at GSMTR. Missed you guys.