I am looking to buy an FJ60 or 62 very soon and would like to get the opinions of those who are in the know about which series is better (I am tending to the FJ60), which year is considered the best and anything in particular to look for if the rig is reaching 200k miles?
FJ60 or 62 & which year is best?
- Thread starter ex.jeep.guy
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I'm no expert, but I think it's just personal opinion in regards to which is better. I have a 60. I don't like the automatic tranny and power windows and locks of the 62, but I do like the fuel injection. I don't think it makes much difference which year you get, the condition of the vehicle is gong to be way more important than the year.
The only thing I've ever heard in regards to one year being different than the rest is that in early FJ60's it is harder to swap in a five speed tranny from an HJ60 should you ever decide you want to do that.
The rest should be common sense and no different than shopping for any used utility vehicle. Avoid rust and one that looks like it's been taken care of and doesn't look, sound, and feel like it's had the hell beat out of it off-roading for thousands and thousands of miles. If you can determine that the truck has recently passed an emissions test that would be a good thing.
Again, I'm no expert. I'm sure that those who are will correct me if I'm wrong.
The only thing I've ever heard in regards to one year being different than the rest is that in early FJ60's it is harder to swap in a five speed tranny from an HJ60 should you ever decide you want to do that.
The rest should be common sense and no different than shopping for any used utility vehicle. Avoid rust and one that looks like it's been taken care of and doesn't look, sound, and feel like it's had the hell beat out of it off-roading for thousands and thousands of miles. If you can determine that the truck has recently passed an emissions test that would be a good thing.
Again, I'm no expert. I'm sure that those who are will correct me if I'm wrong.
I chose the FJ60 because I needed a manual transmission. I also prefer the looks of the 60. Later model 60's (mid '85 to '87) have a few mechanical advantages.
60wag
SILVER Star
Not sure what your smog testing situation is, but here in the Denver area the older 60s have looser standards than the later ones - ie 82 is easier to pass than 86. Since the engines and smog systems are indentical (except for the tranny length) I'd rather have an 82 than an 86.
rehashed over and over, but....
1981/2 FJ60's are odd balls with poor parts support (ala it's own steering box).
1981-1983 and even to 1985 headliners suck (esp the early). The "foam" style are really better.
H55 swaps can be done to any, but t-case will not work from 8/80 to 1983 (7th month, maybe earlier). I had one in my May 1983 (used H55/t-case combo) easy fit.
4/5 1985s and later directly take a H55- but I did not say you can't go earlier (see above). Driveshafts (retube about $100-$200 depending on location), gear shift lever (t-case) and a 5 minute grind on bellhousing that's it.
11/1985+ get 38mm t-cases- the best case Toyota made IMNSHO.
4/5 1985 + will even accept FZJ80 steering boxes as replacement.
FJ62's- I don't have a fondness for them, especially the common 10mpg feature (most get that, don't argue the truth!). E windows and auto are downside. Steering wheel/dash is much better than FJ60, rear sway bar, and rear shoulder seat belts are common.
I'd like FJ62's if they were EFI 2F's (3F head on 2F) or carb 3F's (non US) and a H55.
1981/2 FJ60's are odd balls with poor parts support (ala it's own steering box).
1981-1983 and even to 1985 headliners suck (esp the early). The "foam" style are really better.
H55 swaps can be done to any, but t-case will not work from 8/80 to 1983 (7th month, maybe earlier). I had one in my May 1983 (used H55/t-case combo) easy fit.
4/5 1985s and later directly take a H55- but I did not say you can't go earlier (see above). Driveshafts (retube about $100-$200 depending on location), gear shift lever (t-case) and a 5 minute grind on bellhousing that's it.
11/1985+ get 38mm t-cases- the best case Toyota made IMNSHO.
4/5 1985 + will even accept FZJ80 steering boxes as replacement.
FJ62's- I don't have a fondness for them, especially the common 10mpg feature (most get that, don't argue the truth!). E windows and auto are downside. Steering wheel/dash is much better than FJ60, rear sway bar, and rear shoulder seat belts are common.
I'd like FJ62's if they were EFI 2F's (3F head on 2F) or carb 3F's (non US) and a H55.
kling-on
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[quote author=ex.jeep.guy link=board=1;threadid=12682;start=msg116562#msg116562 date=1078633974]
I am looking to buy an FJ60 or 62 very soon and would like to get the opinions of those who are in the know about which series is better (I am tending to the FJ60), which year is considered the best and anything in particular to look for if the rig is reaching 200k miles?
[/quote]
the only thing I can say it look for factory A/C my dealer installed one suck it come loose and kills P/S and ALT
bad set up .... but other that that and good runnig rust free( or close to) driver is more importand that year I think I dont like all the power BS on the 62 I hear windows and locks fawk up all the time ... and the round head lights do it for me 
I am looking to buy an FJ60 or 62 very soon and would like to get the opinions of those who are in the know about which series is better (I am tending to the FJ60), which year is considered the best and anything in particular to look for if the rig is reaching 200k miles?
[/quote]
the only thing I can say it look for factory A/C my dealer installed one suck it come loose and kills P/S and ALT
bad set up .... but other that that and good runnig rust free( or close to) driver is more importand that year I think I dont like all the power BS on the 62 I hear windows and locks fawk up all the time ... and the round head lights do it for me
[quote author=rick_d link=board=1;threadid=12682;start=msg116695#msg116695 date=1078673615]
4/5 1985 + will even accept FZJ80 steering boxes as replacement.
[/quote]
Really? I didn't know that. Is it the same box or is it a better compatible choice for a replacement?
Mike S
4/5 1985 + will even accept FZJ80 steering boxes as replacement.
[/quote]
Really? I didn't know that. Is it the same box or is it a better compatible choice for a replacement?
Mike S
yep up thru(sometime in) 83 the fj60 used a YorK compressor, the AC and Alt in oposite locations(AC up, alt down)
like most other Cruisers the latter models are the best(IMOP). So 86-7 fj60 or 90(all 90's were built in 89) fj62. Not much cnanged in the 62, 89-90 got 3 point rear belts. Power window, locks and mirrors were optional on all, but 9 out 10 got em.
Can swap a fj62 rear sway bar to a fj60(at least a latter on) the mounts are on the axle and the frame
[quote author=kling-on link=board=1;threadid=12682;start=msg116699#msg116699 date=1078673826]
the only thing I can say it look for factory A/C my dealer installed one suck it come loose and kills P/S and ALT bad set up .... but other that that and good runnig rust free( or close to) driver is more importand that year I think I dont like all the power BS on the 62 I hear windows and locks fawk up all the time ... and the round head lights do it for me
[/quote]
like most other Cruisers the latter models are the best(IMOP). So 86-7 fj60 or 90(all 90's were built in 89) fj62. Not much cnanged in the 62, 89-90 got 3 point rear belts. Power window, locks and mirrors were optional on all, but 9 out 10 got em.
Can swap a fj62 rear sway bar to a fj60(at least a latter on) the mounts are on the axle and the frame
[quote author=kling-on link=board=1;threadid=12682;start=msg116699#msg116699 date=1078673826]
the only thing I can say it look for factory A/C my dealer installed one suck it come loose and kills P/S and ALT
bad set up .... but other that that and good runnig rust free( or close to) driver is more importand that year I think I dont like all the power BS on the 62 I hear windows and locks fawk up all the time ... and the round head lights do it for me [/quote]
I've got an '83 60 - my first LC. It's a love hate thing, because the learning curve is a pain - plus, I'm a pretty bad mechanic.
Likes on the 60 - manual transmission, better looks...
Likes on the 62 - fuel injection, fuel injection, fuel injection. I don't care what anyone says, I'd take fuel injection any day (see earlier comment about lack of mechanic's prowess...)
One thing no one has mentioned is the rust. You just can't escape it. I live in N. Texas, and rust is starting to show rust under the front bumpers (the PO had it repainted 2-3 years before I bought it, and I've had it for 2.5 years)
But I love my truck.
Likes on the 60 - manual transmission, better looks...
Likes on the 62 - fuel injection, fuel injection, fuel injection. I don't care what anyone says, I'd take fuel injection any day (see earlier comment about lack of mechanic's prowess...)
One thing no one has mentioned is the rust. You just can't escape it. I live in N. Texas, and rust is starting to show rust under the front bumpers (the PO had it repainted 2-3 years before I bought it, and I've had it for 2.5 years)
But I love my truck.
Holy old thread...and I will re-vamp my previous statement.
I have done frame offs on fj60s and fj62s I think the fj62 is a far better built rig from the axles,frame,springs, etc etc...
they are normally less rusty. The only thing they are lacking is an H55 and Round head lights.
I have done frame offs on fj60s and fj62s I think the fj62 is a far better built rig from the axles,frame,springs, etc etc...
they are normally less rusty. The only thing they are lacking is an H55 and Round head lights.
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I much prefer the round headlights of the 60 myself. I have kinda part 60 part 62, 60 has 62 mirror, 62 sway bar, 4.10 gears, gonna have a 62 wheel and grab handle........soon. All thats left is the H55F 
I like the dash in the 60 better.....more manly
Connie LOVES her 90 fj62, the only power stuff I wish the 60 had that the 62 has is the power locks. Personaly I like the 3fe motor in the 62(but not so much in the fj80) the auto trany is VERY nice if you commuting(ie stuck in freakin trafic)
3 point belts in the rear of the latter 62's are nice and rear headrests........but I dont sit back there
[quote author=lowtideride link=board=1;threadid=12682;start=msg116860#msg116860 date=1078704546]
dude,
get the 60 for style points and no auto, but find a sway bar off the 62 and dont they have 4.11s? so you might want to snag them too... the 60s just seem more ruggged to me, but thats just me....
cheers bradah
-al
[/quote]
I like the dash in the 60 better.....more manly Connie LOVES her 90 fj62, the only power stuff I wish the 60 had that the 62 has is the power locks. Personaly I like the 3fe motor in the 62(but not so much in the fj80) the auto trany is VERY nice if you commuting(ie stuck in freakin trafic)
3 point belts in the rear of the latter 62's are nice and rear headrests........but I dont sit back there
[quote author=lowtideride link=board=1;threadid=12682;start=msg116860#msg116860 date=1078704546]
dude,
get the 60 for style points and no auto,
but find a sway bar off the 62 and dont they have 4.11s? so you might want to snag them too... the 60s just seem more ruggged to me, but thats just me....cheers bradah
-al
[/quote]
4.10's in the 62...
Is the 62 rear bar worth anything? I'll be selling mine shortly LOL
Is the 62 rear bar worth anything? I'll be selling mine shortly LOL
yep, 88-90 4.10,
91-97...4.11
79+fj40/60 3.70
early Cruisers had a "supposed? 3.70 and 3.30 option.
98+ are I think 4.30
bar and stuff is maybe worth $50-100, if I didnt have one laying around I prolly wouldn't have made much effort finding one. Not sure all 60 have the brackets on the axle or the holes/threads on the frame, 86+ does.
[quote author=TOZOVR link=board=1;threadid=12682;start=msg116932#msg116932 date=1078711758]
4.10's in the 62...
Is the 62 rear bar worth anything? I'll be selling mine shortly LOL
[/quote]
91-97...4.11
79+fj40/60 3.70
early Cruisers had a "supposed? 3.70 and 3.30 option.
98+ are I think 4.30
bar and stuff is maybe worth $50-100, if I didnt have one laying around I prolly wouldn't have made much effort finding one. Not sure all 60 have the brackets on the axle or the holes/threads on the frame, 86+ does.
[quote author=TOZOVR link=board=1;threadid=12682;start=msg116932#msg116932 date=1078711758]
4.10's in the 62...
Is the 62 rear bar worth anything? I'll be selling mine shortly LOL
[/quote]
So to sum up all the previous:
FJ60 - carbed 2F 4.3 L engine, 4spd manual (5spd swap possible), round headlights, manual windows and locks, 4/85 and later generally considered preferable to earlier models.
FJ62 - EFI 3FE 4.0 L engine, auto tranny, power windows and locks, square headlights.
Aside from body and suspension they are really two different beasts so you'd have to consider you're intended use.
My recommendation: FJ60 with a 5 spd and a 350
FJ60 - carbed 2F 4.3 L engine, 4spd manual (5spd swap possible), round headlights, manual windows and locks, 4/85 and later generally considered preferable to earlier models.
FJ62 - EFI 3FE 4.0 L engine, auto tranny, power windows and locks, square headlights.
Aside from body and suspension they are really two different beasts so you'd have to consider you're intended use.
My recommendation: FJ60 with a 5 spd and a 350
kling-on
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with the 5spd you should look for a 86-87 FJ60 to make the install easyer ... but above all else the truck needs to be clean and i dont mean dirt 
[quote author=rick_d link=board=1;threadid=12682;start=msg116695#msg116695 date=1078673615]
1981-1983 and even to 1985 headliners suck (esp the early). The "foam" style are really better.
[/quote]
I have a 83' FJ60 and i have to agree with the headliner's suck comment. But i am interested in what the "foam" style is?
1981-1983 and even to 1985 headliners suck (esp the early). The "foam" style are really better.
[/quote]
I have a 83' FJ60 and i have to agree with the headliner's suck comment. But i am interested in what the "foam" style is?
not in fj 60's but EARLY fj40s, like 61-65.
[quote author=lowtideride link=board=1;threadid=12682;start=msg116943#msg116943 date=1078712844]
3.30?? damn i dint know that but i guess you would pimp.. i sure hope there not in my 60 but i dont think they could turn the 35s im sittin on...hmmmm
[/quote]
[quote author=lowtideride link=board=1;threadid=12682;start=msg116943#msg116943 date=1078712844]
3.30?? damn i dint know that but i guess you would pimp.. i sure hope there not in my 60 but i dont think they could turn the 35s im sittin on...hmmmm
[/quote]
Go with the 62
I'd take the 62 if I were you.
1. The Auto tranny can be replaced with a h55f. its been done
2. fuel injection,man
3. my power windows & locks have never given me trouble
4. 89&90 have rear shoulder seat belts, and the steering wheel & dash are better than 60 in my opinion
5. the square headlights will definitely grow on you, & they have bigger more attractive (power) mirrors
6. stock 4.11's
good luck
Mike M
88' Fj62
I'd take the 62 if I were you.
1. The Auto tranny can be replaced with a h55f. its been done
2. fuel injection,man
3. my power windows & locks have never given me trouble
4. 89&90 have rear shoulder seat belts, and the steering wheel & dash are better than 60 in my opinion
5. the square headlights will definitely grow on you, & they have bigger more attractive (power) mirrors
6. stock 4.11's
good luck
Mike M
88' Fj62
fj60, 85-87 easier to swap a h55, 81-3 had odd PS box and york AC.
fj62, 89-90, only for 3 point seat belts, other then that they are all the same, 88 AC/PW/PL/PM optional.
fj62, 89-90, only for 3 point seat belts, other then that they are all the same, 88 AC/PW/PL/PM optional.
