Bought a 90 FJ62

[Hank]

Woody says to post up an intro. I'm new to the Cruiser ownership thing. I've been a Jeep Junky for many many years but here goes nothing. SO, yesterday I drove 420 miles and picked up an obviously Native Midwestern truck. Some rust to be fixed and a few mechanicals. Plans are a month to get the mechanicals right and drive it, then to the body shop to get the rust off, then drive it a while, then springs, shackles, pins, the normal. I'm not sure on bumpers yet, maybe ARB, maybe I'll build but it will be winched asap and have a hitch on the rear asap. I will lock the rear first and if that isn't enough, the front also. I'd like to get it on 285's so if I need more gear I will. I will DD and wheel the unit when possible. I'd like to ice race it this year if we have ice and get at least one trip up snow wheeling in the Northwoods.
Specs: 1990 FJ62
137xxx miles
stock as hell
beige with brown interior
power most things
235/michelins for now
Pics to come, it was dark by the time I got it off the trailer last night.

 

[euclid]

Good stuff.

Tons of info on the truck in the FAQ. Post up if you run in to anything we can help with.

You won't have to have gears, but 4:88's would be nice.

Welcome to mud.

 

[fowldarr]

I would also like to welcome another convert. Sounds like you are on the right track, keep us posted. And everybody loves a good bumper build, so if you build your own, show us.

 

[SleekFJ62]

Welcome to the ever-so-excelent world of the FJ62 owner! You won't be missing your past Jeep's...

 

[Front Range 4x4]

Let's see some photos of that 62!

 

[Hank]

Drove it to work today

What a treat!!!!!!! I have to say though, I never knew it didn't have CRUISE CONTROL!! Some other issues I noticed, the brake light flashes on bumps but if the e-brake handle is pushed down it won't, must need adjustment. The Alternator light is on some times at idle but the gage shows it is charging so I'll check it but probably not to worry. I need a CD Player for sure, did 62's ever come factory with one? The oil pressure gage reads two lines above "L" at 70mph/2500RPM which doesn't exude confidence but I know it needs an oil change, the PO's last oil change sticker is 7000 miles ago, the filter though looks new and the oil is a nice tan, not black and crappy. I'm going to do all the fluids tonight anyway. I tried to test fit some 16x8.5 Centerline's last night with some LT 265/75r16 Destination MT's. The tire hits the whole well enough and turns with enough clearance but the damn rim hits the calipers. It was fairly dark out so I couldn't see how much I'd have to take off or even if that is a viable option. I did notice that the PO must have done a 4 wheel brake job very recently which is nice. The truck also appears to have all new leaf spring bushings and shackle bushings, no broken leafs and what I thought was an oil leak is actually sloppy work when taking off the oil filter and filling the crank case. I'll clean that up tonight also. Other than that, it is getting a new windshield today, $145 installed seemed like a pretty good price.

Pics to come, maybe later today.

 

[woody]

suhweet...always fun to drive 'em to work!!

Ya might get lucky and only need some 1/4" spacers for those rims to work...those should allow you to use stock studs still...also, I've been known to take a careful grinder to the caliper and remove the offending bump...usually doesn't take much....

 

[Hank]

NO go on the spacers and Centerline rims, these bastids are so thick they eat up much of the stud alone. I'm not a big fan of the factory lug nuts either so those will be going away soon. I'm going to try the grinder deal another night when I can get in the garage. Last night it was raining and I was in the driveway since the Honda and Ex and they and the Jeep are all in the garage. Not great conditions in the dark. My biggest thing with using these rims is the most awesome price. FREEEEEEE

 

[Hank]

It must be a cruiser thing. The glass guy didn't bring my damn windshield so tomorrow on that. However, my tire dude owed me so I'll have some 33x9.5 BFG's tomorrow for street cruising and I'll put the 16's on for wheeling after I grind the calipers.

 

[woody]

uummm...pics? any day now....

 

[Hank]

I'm still working on it damn it. Last night I go the fluid changed in the diff's, the oil and the T-case as well as a cleaning of the IAC and a new fuel filter. I can't believe how people neglect that stuff. Hopefully the windshield will actually happen today. I also found out this AM that I have no damn heat so I just ordered a thermostat/gasket and seal. I am going to by pass the rear heat also. I'm sure the dogs would like it but as per the above post, it's a midwestern truck, the rear heat lines leak. I also have to order a fuel sending unit, it works great but the steel lines are seeping a bit. I'm not a big fan of fuel leaks. Also have to order birf kits, the driver's side one is leaking a bit. Also getting the tires on it today hopefully. Pics will be up soon enough. Be patient.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Wait a second. In your first post you said that you were planning on ice racing this rig. Were you serious?

 

[Hank]

Very serious. I have not lost my class (SWB or MWB) in many years on Lake Winnebago. I run non studded class. We make a twisty course that takes anywhere from 60 sec to 2 min depending on how much snow we have for banks. It is an awesome time. Superbowl weekend in Oshkosh, WI in conjunction with the Otter Street Fisheree and the weekend after with the Paynes Point Hook and Spear Fisheree near Neenah. Woody and his pals have been out for many of the races. I hope the ol'girl has the pep for it.

 

[woody]

I'll be racin the 80 and the 40....course, we gotsta to HAVE ice first....lol

pics..........

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I never even thought for a second that cruisers would be used for ice racing - cg too high. Do you have pictures of this????

 

[Hank]

It's not like it's a sanctioned event or anything, just bragging rights for the warm months. I'm sure Woody has some pics in his archives. Mine are all at home.

 

[Hank]

pics

Awww screw it, Woody sent them to me resized and they still show to be to big.

 

[woody]

dan sucks at the interweb

 

[zcruiser]

Sweet!



BTW, here's mine... (for now)

 

[Hank]

Nice, way clean. I'd bet that isn't from the Midwest!

The 33x9.5x15's are on and are a drastic improvement in ride and handling over the 235 michelins. The windshield is in after three tries by the glass company (and two windshields later). The thermostat is changed as is the sadly degraded o-ring above it. I still don't have decent heat so I am going to flush the heater core tonight with some CLR and see what I get out. I have a feeling sitting has not been good on this system. I am also going to eliminate the rear heat, after that, I have a new fuel sending unit coming to replace some rusty lines that leak.

Carry on