60 expedition/ dd build

[Michael Scott]

If you had a 25k budget, and wanted a fj60 expedition/daily driver, how would you go about building it? I'm not looking to do a frame off, but want a nice looking,capable rig. I would be using it to commute to work, run around town, trips to the mountains, hunting, general off reading in my region, the southeastwith trips all over the east coast.

 

[megolfer]

Vortec swap, lockers, and a very good suspension

 

[Skniper]

x2 ^^, especially the motor.

 

[Skniper]

...and with that kind of budget you could probably find one ready made in great condition, just make sure any major work/conversion isn't a hack job.

 

[Cruzerman]

Vortec engines are sweet, but they are not for everyone. I personally wouldn't have one. I want a Land Cruiser, not a Chevy. Flame on!

 

[Output Shaft]

I accept the FJ60 as it was designed. That is part of its charm to me. I would stick with the long lasting and reliable (and underpowered) 2F and have it fully rebuilt by a top notch shop if its odometer was getting long in the tooth. No corners cut. Then assess the transmission situation.

Once you've got a reliable engine and transmission/drivetrain, you could drive the thing around the world. That to me is what defines an expedition rig.

 

[megolfer]

A vortec swap will eat yp 10-15k of your budget. I am doing an FJ80 frame and suspension on a fj60 body. I am about 25k into it already. That is almost everything new or rebuilt. That also includes suspension upgrades, 5.3, 4l60, toybox, front and rear arbs, and lots more.

 

[Michael Scott]

Ok so why not 4.0 or the tundra v8?

 

[MANUCHAO]

Plenty of cruisers in stock form, and very capable out there (west coast)...

Shop around you will find one...
Will this be your first?
What was your previous vehicle?
An FJ6x is not for everyone....
The iconic look comes at a price...
These rigs ride like tractors and either you love it, or hate it..thus the question...

Good luck..!!

 

[BC40]

not sure what sort of 'expedition' you have in mind and the specific prep for that, but with that budget I'd consider an HJ61 instead of an FJ60 as a starting point. find a clean one with 5 spd, factory winch and lockers. rust proof it. catch up on maintenance. suspension and tires as needed. pack along some common spare parts. Then just drive it.

On the other hand if your daily driving is short commute, an FJ60 with vortec swap would be better suited.

 

[FJ60Seth]

FZJ80

 

[Michael Scott]

Expedition, really just means there aren't any rocks in south carolina lol. There however water crossings, mud, ditches, hills, etc..

My previous rigs have been
76' cj5
78' cj7
82' cj7
81' toyota 4x4 regular cab
91' toyota 4x4 regular cab
01' Tacoma extra cab
My commute is roughly 30 miles. But I will be taking the rig on 5hr drives up to Virginia, etc.

Thanks for the input. I actually almost had a 84' with a Tbi 350 swap, but someone beat me to it.

What are y'allsome thought on keeping the 2f? My first cj had a 258 in it with cam, intake, carb, header..... and it was pretty good for what I remember (20years ago) however I did eventually swap in a built 304.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

I cannot like this comment enough.

The 12HT has absolutely no drawbacks, aside from parts availability issues (which aren't THAT bad--and they don't break often anyway). Our HJ61 is hands down our nicest vehicle to drive, IMHO. It just does everything well, and sips fuel compared to a gas powered cruiser.

Dan

not sure what sort of 'expedition' you have in mind and the specific prep for that, but with that budget I'd consider an HJ61 instead of an FJ60 as a starting point. find a clean one with 5 spd, factory winch and lockers. rust proof it. catch up on maintenance. suspension and tires as needed. pack along some common spare parts. Then just drive it.

On the other hand if your daily driving is short commute, an FJ60 with vortec swap would be better suited.

 

[FJ40Jim]

Rust free body & frame! That is the most important starting point if money is gonna be shoveled into the project.
Get the stock stuff working correctly (engine, brakes, p-brake, PS, AC, etc...)
2F/H55/4.11 e-lockers.
medium or soft suspension lift, 255/85R16 on 16x7 wheels.
junkyard Volvo/SAAB/BMW seats.

Drive it and see what needs adjusted/changed from there.

 

[The Phoenician]

For $25k, you can build one very close to mine, probably even better.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

I'm with @BC40 and @DanS HJ-45 on this..

@joekatana is importing some nice rigs for a reasonable price.

J