85 vs 87 FJ60

[CBDanger]

I am relatively new to the forum, I have used it the past few months to research FJ60's, as I have always wanted one and am now in a position to pull the trigger on one. Two rigs I am looking at, from what the owners say they sound to be in similar condition body/interior-wise:

1985 - 130K, original engine. Owner replacing clutch before he is selling. Stock. $4000+

1987 - 205K, rebuilt engine, leaks oil. Stock. Asking $3850

 

[CBDanger]

Correction - 84 or 85, owner just decided to sell

 

[cruiserpilot]

Post the listings, let people see what you're looking at. Pics required.

 

[gregnash]

Depends onwhat you want to do with the truck. 4/85 is when some things changed in the FJ60s, most notably the use of a spacer for the transmission. The later model FJ60s (4/85 and up) were a direct swap for the H55F 5spd seen in the diesel versions, where as the 4/85 and older had the spacer making it a little more difficult for the swap of the H55F though it was still possible (someone correct me if I have my years wrong).

The one with the rebuilt engine that leaks would make me a bit wary depending on where the leak is coming from, could be a bad rebuild, or could just be a part that was not swapped out when the rebuild was done.

None-the-less give us some more information, pictures, etc on both trucks.

 

[DrivingMissRosey]

Based on the provided information, the one with 130k miles would be the clear choice in my book. It has 1/3 less miles than the other, has a new clutch (I just had one done, dont ask the price because it was too much on my franken-cruiser), and apparently doesn't leak. Assuming they drive the same, suspensions in equal condition, it really boils down to color then doesn't it?

But to echo the others, pictures and links to the listings are needed for people to give their two cents. I dont think people would snipe your top choice if they see your two options.

 

[MANUCHAO]

^^^^ I would......

I would go with the one with the least amount of rust.....mechanical condition can be fixed easier than rust.......

I would also asked who did the engine rebuild......
Where does it leak oil from ?

 

[CBDanger]

1987 Seller post

I use it often, about 3500 miles/yr.* It has typical oil leaks on the rebuilt engine, has a Weber carb and gets normal (poor) gas mileage.* Only thing it doesn't do right is the low range in 4wd malfunctions at times, so I use high range and it works fine.* Good tires, AC and heater.* Interior is very good.* 
I bought the car at a dealer in Smokey Point in 2004 with 168 K.* I may have been 2nd owner.* It has a rebuilt engine but I have no records.* Since I owned it, it's had AC rebuilt, a new radiator, new tires, gear lube changed to synthetic, new carburetor.* Not much else except oil changes.
Price is fairly firm.* I had 3 vehicles to sell this fall.* Thinning out my fleet
By the way, check on rules for emissions testing for this old car.* When we installed the Weber carb, we discarded all the old plumbing, which wasn't working, anyway, probably.* No way would this car pass modern testing.* I don't know if that is necessary to license it there.* No one seems to care in*this county. 205k

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...5699916.-2207520000.1353473477&type=3&theater

 

[CBDanger]

Pros Cons

I really appreciate your guys input, I am not much of a gear head, but I hope to cut my teeth on the cruiser, I plan on having it a long time
I just found out about the 84/85 second hand from my parents co-worker, so not much info on it yet.
I think I mostly need the pros cons of the 84/85 vs 87. I understand you guys dont have much to go on so I do appreciate your understanding.
Thanks again for the help, and also thanks to this forum, its going to be my new home page.

 

[Haggis]

Welcome to mud!

 

[jonnyquest]

If your location has emissions testing don't buy the 87. Some of the components to make an FJ60 comply are VERY expensive. My opinion is that a 60 in original condition is much better than a modified one anyway because you can refer to manuals for repairs. If you are inexperienced you will have to rely on someone for advice. This forum is a great resource, but if you are unsure about a problem and can't describe it clearly, correct solutions may be difficult to find.

 

[CBDanger]

Thanks! Stoked to be on here. Even more stoked to get my cruiser

 

[CBDanger]

I checked on the emissions testing and they start @ 1988 and on (WA St.).

 

[american psycho]

Frame rot is the biggest problem. Check inside the rails and the rear open sections. You don't want a bad frame.