So I am looking at buying this truck and I was put off by a few things, which I figured I would ask the experts about.
overall the fj is in fantastic condition, runs and drives great for the most part. However, the awd seems to be binding during sharp turns. I confirmed nothing was locked and the “4wd shifter handle” sorry don’t know the proper name, was in the piper left forward position and no 4wd light were on. The binding happened in forward and reverse trying to pull out of a parking spot as well as a u-turn. There was no audible whine from the front diff or transfer case.
The other issue is the clutch seems relatively fine, not worn out, but it had very little feeling or feedback. It was very difficult to learn the bite point and shift smoothly. It was so bad that I stalled it. For reference I daily a 2012 mustang gt 6 speed manual. So I am pretty proficient with manuals. Yes it’s a different animal but this was like trying to shift a transmission filled with melted nacho cheese. Not that the tranny felt bad, it felt solid, but the clutch feel was awful.
The final thing is the shifter itself. Seems it needs a new bushing. It has as much play in gear as it does in neutral.
So, what do you guys think? Problems? Solutions? should I pass on it? I am trading my Car for it, so I will be my new daily.
overall the fj is in fantastic condition, runs and drives great for the most part. However, the awd seems to be binding during sharp turns. I confirmed nothing was locked and the “4wd shifter handle” sorry don’t know the proper name, was in the piper left forward position and no 4wd light were on. The binding happened in forward and reverse trying to pull out of a parking spot as well as a u-turn. There was no audible whine from the front diff or transfer case.
The other issue is the clutch seems relatively fine, not worn out, but it had very little feeling or feedback. It was very difficult to learn the bite point and shift smoothly. It was so bad that I stalled it. For reference I daily a 2012 mustang gt 6 speed manual. So I am pretty proficient with manuals. Yes it’s a different animal but this was like trying to shift a transmission filled with melted nacho cheese. Not that the tranny felt bad, it felt solid, but the clutch feel was awful.
The final thing is the shifter itself. Seems it needs a new bushing. It has as much play in gear as it does in neutral.
So, what do you guys think? Problems? Solutions? should I pass on it? I am trading my Car for it, so I will be my new daily.