40 guy lurking about... thinking 60-62?

[F-junker]

I've been fooling around on mud for a while with the FJ-40 project I started. I've been debating getting rid of my 87 4runner. I 've it but with the 22re and automatic its just a dog on the road. I love the forty and will most likey keep it but it is no daily driver.

So my questions abound here, 60 or 62? I like the little round lights but understand there are some differences here. Mainly I want decent road and highway travel and wheeling to be secondary. I can't drive my 40 for any great distance and wonder if a 60/62 could even be a decent tow vehicle. Towing is just a curiousity right now and not a neccessity. I had thought about an 80-100 series as some have a v8, but they seem to pricy and don't want IFS on any truck ever.

How hard are these trucks to find in good shape? I live in the rust belt of the Northeast but wouldn't be against the idea of buying a truck from west Texas- Arizona. Would there be a great advantage to this?

Ah yes, price. we all know this one. Well what is a realistic value for a truck in excellent shape? I know it would vary with model and year but give me a ballpark range. I don't believe in Barrett-Jackson prices like many who own FJ-40's but I know the days of really nice $500 trucks have long since past.

I understand there are differences in the springs between a 60 and 62 and wonder about other issues like transfer cases (gears or chain) 5 speed availability etc.

I like the 40 series but think a 60-62 series might be a good move for me. My concerns are over lack of power and dealing with all of the damn emissions crap, ancient fuel injection crap.

Is it more or less difficult to drop in a SBC vs with a 40 series? I'm thinking easy maintenance, FI, good power and towing ability, reason fuel economy and cheaper parts. Emissions might also be similified as well.

I'm looking forward to your replies, please don't bash me too hard over the SBC

 

[F-junker]

I've read the Faq, should have done this first... duh.

Can I cruise 75-85 on the highway in either of these trucks?

mpg=10?? really that bad???

carbs vs. FI understood no need to discuss this

Seems to me after reading the Faq the biggest difference is 62= automatic trans. That's ok with me as long as I'm not in the same automatic boat as my 874runner 22re w/ auto (DOG NO POWER).

How much worse off would I be as far as running 33x9.50's or up to 35" tires with a 62 vs 60?

Transfer case with the auto? is it weaker or troublesome? Regearing possible of the auto transfer?

Would an H55 converison with split case be bolt in and fairly easy (bolts up, no machining to the crank) Does it complicate the engine control stuff?

Towing? a 40 or a Corvette on a trailer? Is this likely?

I don't give a hoot about the lights really, we all know which one looks better. I'm a little more than the skin deep beauty.

 

[chicago]

Hey...
If youre looking for power, look for something with a V8 already installed, and the auto tranny in the 62 is a DOG!
If you keep it stock it might not be that bad, but IMO...I think youd be really disappoited.
Off road, I LOVE MY RIG, but getting to and from the trails....HORRIBLE!
Ive driven a 60 with a manual, and you do get a noticeable amount of pep from it as compared to the 62 with the auto, but from all ive read, These rigs are not gas savers, nor are they speed demons.
Some here may have a different opinion, but that is my .02 for what its worth.

Chicago

 

[F-junker]

Chicago
Thanks, your words of wisdom on the auto were what I though. I would like to find a rig already converted but what scares me is the folks who have done it. I've had some PO issues before on various cars and trucks. So buying one already done has it's plus's and negatives for sure. Maybe I should just buy a 90's Chevy Sub. to haul the 40 with ???

 

[Heartworm]

I don't think that you would be happy with a 60 for what you are describing unless it was converted to a V-8. I tow a drift boat or jon boat with mine but would balk at towing another vehicle. It has enough trouble getting itself over the hill, not to mention a vehicle. That said, I am much more satisfied with my 60 than I was with my 40 for comfort and carrying capacity.

 

[CodeRed]

They're can be bought cheap if you take your time and look around.

If I were going to do it again, knowing what I know now, I'd get a unit with a decent body and blown engine.

I'd do a V-8 swap for some balls and mileage, and leave the auto alone unless you like dicking around with a clutch in heavy traffic

Comfort? It'll probably never be as comfortable as a fully decked out Escalade. Then again, the E's not gonna make it where most LC owners do not fear to tread

I've got an 89 FJ62 and frankly, even with stock seats, it's relatively comfortable.

I'm planning on changing out the stock seats for some nicer ones, maybe something out of a Volvo, Land Rover, or some after market brand, just not sure yet. What I do know is they'll likely be leather with more padding

I have the OME lift and 33" Goodyear AT's (Kevlar banded) and it rides as good or better than my stock suspension.

Power?
The engine SUCKS!!!! I've tried to stay true to the 'Yota, but it ain't gonna happen.

Off road, it does fine and the auto does it's job well; however, as many here have stated, on the street, it won't get out of it's own way. And, it gets a whopping 9.5 mpg doing it (regardless of driving contidtions)

I drive on average 100-200 miles per day in mine in all sorts of conditions. On a regular basis, I find myself going from highway to city to dirt roads and muddy/sandy fields, pastures and swamps.
It's an occupational hazard I guess?

I've found the 62 to be reliabel overall (some minor nuances that bugged me but I think we got them worked out), comfortable and secure.

I've never felt as though it was going to leave me stranded in the middle of nowhere.

I'd opt for the 62 with it's power options if you are going to use it as a DD.

Good luck with your search and final decision.

BTW, I once owned a 40 as well.....sure wish I'd kept it

 

[Phrog]

I owned a 60 (sold it to a friend), and currently have a 1972 FJ40
and a 1988 FJ62. Here's my take:

-Can I cruise 75-85 on the highway in either of these trucks?
75, yes, as long as its not uphill. It might go up to 80-85,
but I for one don't think it was built for that.

-mpg=10?? really that bad???
Rarely. I usually get 13-15 in my 62.

-Seems to me after reading the Faq the biggest difference is 62= automatic trans.
I agree - 62 has auto trans and FI, those are the key differences. There
are lots of other small differences (such as headlights and dash design), which may or may not be important to you.

-Towing? a 40 or a Corvette on a trailer? Is this likely?
Not a good idea...not enough power, and brakes are not that great either.

Phrog

 

[Ducks]

Rust-free 60s can still be had in California and the southwest. I think a good one would probably be $4-5k. You can put an h55 fairly easy in a 60. For 60s built before 4/85, you have to change the length of the driveshaft. I think 15mpg is average but it can vary quite a bit from engine to engine. I get 17mpg and once got 19mpg. The emissions crap isn't as daunting as it first seems. Still annoying as hell of course. I like the 60 as a daily driver but I don't mind rolling down my own widows.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

The ideal truck would be a 62 with a blown tranny. Then swap the auto tranny for an H55f manual. That will be a net 15-20% power upgrade without the dogginess associated with the autobox. I would also swap the front clip, since everyone knows the FJ60 with it's round head lights is better looking.

I don't know that I'd bother with a v-8 swap. These really are not meant to be driven all that fast, and stock power will get you there. Fuel economy is not their strong suit regardless of motor.

 

[hank14]

I'm not comfortable driving my stock 60 with 31 inch tires over about 65 on the highway- I just don't like the 3,000 RPM's it requires- 5 speed is on my short list of mods. Others (Texx) say the 62 is great because you can cruise 80-85 all day without a problem.

 

[Marc311]

At the risk of being flamed . . .

Get an FZJ80.

In stock form, a better all around vehicle (aside from looks) and would likely fit the bill as you have described. I don't think they are known for speed either, but they certainly can cruise at highway speeds. Solid axles, but coil spring suspension. A clean 93+ won't be much, if any, more expensive than a clean 60/62. They are cheaper to lift and can fit 33s in stock form more readily than a 60/62.

It will be newer, likely have less miles, be more comfortable, and less prone to rust.

 

[RockDoc]

Might want to look at the 80 series again, they have solid front axles (100s?) and greater towing ability (the FZJs atleast, the FJs have the same engine/tranny combo as the 62).

If you intend to do lots of highway driving, you would want either the 62's A440F, or a H55F 5-speed, as they both have overdrive. A 4-speed with a rubber overdrive may also fit the bill, but with a bit less umph in first. The 62's auto gets a bad rap. If it has been taken care of, it will serve well for a long time (the early 80s and the some HJ diesels use this tranny, and they stand up to alot of abuse as long as you keep them cool). Swapping in an Extreme Valve Body (search) would help with heat and shifting/lock-up...

With my 62, I can reach 90 mph (slowly), and get around 15 mpg keeping it below 70 mph. The stock seats aren't bad, but I just swapped in a pair of Iron Pig's seats (Procar?) over Christmas. Now 12 hours on the highway is even more comfy...

Anyway, my 2 cents.

 

[89s rule]

No way you are doing 85 or 75 for that matter comfortably in a 62. I agree with Chicago, on the trails my 62 is great but gettign there is slow and easy. I would not consider any 60 series to tow another vehicle. If you want to do that then go buy a 100 series.

Might I ask what is the purpose of this vehicle? Looks like you have posted a few details, but not really what it will be used for. I woudl think that a 1st gen 4runner with a manual would be a decent little truck. Yeah the 22re isnt a beast of power, but with a manual you can keep the RPM's up to keep it in the powerband.

No matter what good luck.

 

[Texx]

I regularly run around 90mph in my 62 when traveling back and forth to my place in the mountains. Runs cool., doesn't stress any and would go faster if I chose. There's a magical equation to making that happen. Stock size tires. I deliberately ditched the 31's and went back to a 235 when gas prices went through the roof. A little wimpy looking, but still performs well and is not offroaded other than snow and sand anyway. It truly made it a diferent vehicle. I've had several 62s and always ran at least a 31" tire, struggled on every hill and the tranny hunted back and forth out of overdrive with any headwind. (a constant here in W. Texas). Our 62 is my wife's truck, I have other rigs for wheeling. MPG went up, power increased considerably, and I gained some loooong legs for highway trips. At 450 miles door to door from here to our other place, I'm not interested in 65 mph. Speed in question is mostly on one 90 mile stretch of road between Roswell and Vaughn, NM. Not one damned thing between the two.

 

[bigbertha]

60vs62

I own one of each. Both in very good running shape. The a440f in the fj62 is not ideal, (automatic is never ideal,) but it will outrun and out accelerate a H42 manual 60 any day of the week and twice on Sunday. It is a pleasure to drive a tuned and healthy 3FE with A440F auto. I can run 70+ MPH all day in the Fj62. The FJ60 is most comfy around the 60MPH area, (different gearing and all.) There are some pretty simple mods to help your 3FE run with more power and a full tune-up will put you in a good place. There is no question that for a daily driven rig that will see some off-road stuff, an FJ62 is the way to go. If you end up hating the A440F then swap in an H55F or skip the auto altogther and find a manual FJ62 all ready to go. You will not be disappointed in the road manners. You can expect 7-18 MPG in the stock fj62. 7-17 MPG max in a stock FJ60. Miles per gallon depends completely on how your rig is tuned and built.

 

[F-junker]

At the risk of being flamed . . .

Get an FZJ80.

In stock form, a better all around vehicle (aside from looks) and would likely fit the bill as you have described. I don't think they are known for speed either, but they certainly can cruise at highway speeds. Solid axles, but coil spring suspension. A clean 93+ won't be much, if any, more expensive than a clean 60/62. They are cheaper to lift and can fit 33s in stock form more readily than a 60/62.

It will be newer, likely have less miles, be more comfortable, and less prone to rust.

I've thought about this alot over the past few years. (FZJ80). They are not a bod looking Toyota, well I'm still hung up one the older style trucks, suspension mods and power are my main concerns. I am not opposed to automatics at all provided they don't leave me sitting in front of an on coming tractor trailer.

I'm really set on keeping a vehicle to wheel and in doing so am coming around to the fact that I'd almost rather tow it than drive it back and forth. I don't like having to worry about breaking something all the time and not making it home. Of course a nicely built 80 series could wheel and tow huh?

There is a good chance I'm going to wind up in the Houston area within the next two of three years. I've taken a good job with an drilling company (Seadrill), while they pay my travel to and from home in Maryland, I see them wanting me to move into the Houston- New Orleans area. With a brother in Houston, it's a no-brainer were I'll go. My brother and I are both car geeks and Racing will likely follow as we are prepping a 71' Covette big block car for next years Big Bend Race. This is another reason I think towing would be a likely future duty for this mystery truck in my future.

I'm going to keep my eyes peeled this summer and next fall for a decent FZJ80 (which one has the best power options?) or a nice FJ 62 V8 conversion.

Anyone have any knowledge of Texas emissions laws of V8 or diesel conversions??

Thanks to all how have given their input here, I didn't want to make any impulsive decisions that I would later regret. I'm going to continue to plug away at this and what prices on these truck.

 

[Sarcastro]

I've been fooling around on mud for a while with the FJ-40 project I started. I've been debating getting rid of my 87 4runner. I 've it but with the 22re and automatic its just a dog on the road. I love the forty and will most likey keep it but it is no daily driver.

So my questions abound here, 60 or 62? I like the little round lights but understand there are some differences here. Mainly I want decent road and highway travel and wheeling to be secondary. I can't drive my 40 for any great distance and wonder if a 60/62 could even be a decent tow vehicle. Towing is just a curiousity right now and not a neccessity. I had thought about an 80-100 series as some have a v8, but they seem to pricy and don't want IFS on any truck ever.

How hard are these trucks to find in good shape? I live in the rust belt of the Northeast but wouldn't be against the idea of buying a truck from west Texas- Arizona. Would there be a great advantage to this?

Ah yes, price. we all know this one. Well what is a realistic value for a truck in excellent shape? I know it would vary with model and year but give me a ballpark range. I don't believe in Barrett-Jackson prices like many who own FJ-40's but I know the days of really nice $500 trucks have long since past.

I understand there are differences in the springs between a 60 and 62 and wonder about other issues like transfer cases (gears or chain) 5 speed availability etc.

I like the 40 series but think a 60-62 series might be a good move for me. My concerns are over lack of power and dealing with all of the damn emissions ****, ancient fuel injection ****.

Is it more or less difficult to drop in a SBC vs with a 40 series? I'm thinking easy maintenance, FI, good power and towing ability, reason fuel economy and cheaper parts. Emissions might also be similified as well.

I'm looking forward to your replies, please don't bash me too hard over the SBC

buy mine

 

[IH8Wood]

I love my 60. My only gripe with it is all the vacuum hoses and associated smog crap. I'm no expert on 62's, but from reading posts, a big plus is the EFI and a big heart breaker is a bad tranny. If I was doing it over again, I'd buy a 62 and start collecting parts for an H55f manual swap. I think CruiserDrew nailed it.

You can find clean ones in SoCal pretty easily. Check Craigslist Los Angeles to get an idea. I'd be happy to check out some for you if they're nearby.

 

[fjman]

After swapping my 60 for my buddy's 40 one weekend, I have to say that my 60 almost felt like an Escalade...... okay maybe for only a little while but they are pretty comfy for longer trips, especially on the highway. The speedo is usually around 60-65 on the highway as its not adjusted for the 33s. My best Highway milage was about 15 - 16 mpg on the highway. Generally, with mixed driving I'm pretty dead on for 11.66 mpg... (it really seems to equal that no matter what, weird), but again that is without adding 10-15% to compensate for the tires. Unfortunately, given gas prices, my DD sees a lot of road time and the 60 is parked all but once or twice a week. I can comfortably cruise at 75 mph if want too.

I bought an 86' for the slightly more desireble transfercase.. Otherwise all 60's are pretty much the same. 62's never really appealed to me due to the automatic. Same is the case for the sluggish early 80's. I drove an 91' 80 that made my 60 feel fast!

IF I COULD START FROM SCRATCH AND CALL A DO OVER...
I would have found a diesel or a good body and dropped a diesel into it. Not only for the improved MPG but resale too. I'm not too sure it would do much towing though even with a turbo, but some seem to do some towing with their 2Fs.

And lastly, once you come to peace w/ the smogg crap, its not to bad. If you can get away with it, yank it all out correctly to clean the rubber spaghetti mess up. Obviously the less rust the better. Somewhere between 3-5K should get you a really nice 60 without any big issues. I seem to feel 62s tend to be a little more expensive w/ a little less character....

 

[FJ60Cam]

Get a 60 (or 62) and swap a Vortec and H55, and put in some comfy seats, sound deadener, and a decent stereo....

You could pass the 80's while towing your 40