88 fj62

[Dudleyfj40]

So I am wondering, why is there so many 88 Fj62's being parted out right now?

I bought a non running Fj62 in an attempt to get it running for my daughter's school vehicle.

I bought it, rebuilt the starter to get it to turn over, then replaced to fuel pump to get it running, now I see the water pump rattling like the bearing is out, so I need to replace the water pump.

This doesn't bother me at all, I say it is the best way to get to know my new Cruiser.

But, I can see the auto tranny going out of it once I can drive it around.

Is this a problem with the first year of the series? Is there anything I should look for?
It has 240,000 on the ticker.

Thanks,

 

[Front Range 4x4]

I would guess after 20 years many of them are reaching the end of the tranny life and people choose to give up a great truck rather than fix it.

Of course I'm biased.

 

[DirtyLittleSecret]

Plus, add that most owners of these rigs had them for occasional duty. Now that the economy has tanked, petrol costs have gone up, and regular maintenance sounds more costly as people tighten thier belts, it only makes sense that people are parting way with our dinosaurs...
Hate to say it, but a year ago there were few FJ6x's on Craigslist. Today, there are literally dozens for cheap or are being parted out.

 

[Dudleyfj40]

I would guess after 20 years

Yes, I keep forgetting it is 20 years old. It seems new since my other Cruisers are 40.

My wife is ok with it, but if the tranny craps out... Man

 

[Front Range 4x4]

My tranny did fail and agreed a 5 speed would be nice.

Though she suggests I sell the 55 to pay for my new H55F.

 

[Dudleyfj40]

Did you price a rebuild for it first?

 

[Front Range 4x4]

No, I could have replaced it with a couple that were available but I grew to dislike to auto and really didn't even want to consider anything but the 5 speed.

I still think it's the best mod I've done.

 

[FJ40_Nut]

I agree, economics are tight. All I have to say is that I'd rather have two FJ62s that are paid for and are cheaper on the DMV fees than one Tahoe. Plus, I can always rob part off my wife's if I get in a bind.

 

[Rigger]

Of the Cruiser wagons, I sometimes think of the FJ62 as the odd step-child. The FJ60 is more old-school with its 2F motor, 4 speed tranny, and those cool round headlamps. Easy to work on, so they tell me. The FJ80 is more advanced and has been described by some as the best Cruiser ever built. But here is the lowly FJ62; sort of caught in the middle.

I have spent hours wrenching on my FJ62, and have had some very satisfying moments making repairs and upgrades, but if the motor or tranny ever goes out, mine will probably head to the parting out section, too. Either that, or I spend $10,000 to have a Vortec put in it!

Gas prices here are back down; I saw it at $2.13 per gallon just an hour ago. But the $4.00 per gallon gas sure took it's toll. The Prius drivers are gonna keep driving them things, and there won't be a spike in Cruiser prices!

Dudley, if you have not yet replaced a water pump in an FJ62, you have a real treat in store for you. I replaced mine a while ago, and it was a big job. I can give you some points to consider if you want me to.

 

[Rigger]

"Hate to say it, but a year ago there were few FJ6x's on Craigslist. Today, there are literally dozens for cheap or are being parted out."

That reminds me: if anyone is parting out a 60 series and has an extra hub, I could sure use one. The other hub-hunters beat me every time!

 

[Rigger]

But, I can see the auto tranny going out of it once I can drive it around.

Is this a problem with the first year of the series? Is there anything I should look for?
It has 240,000 on the ticker.

Thanks,

Here's a thread for you, Dudley:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/184676-official-how-long-does-a440-last-thread.html

 

[jvazquez53]

Look at it this way, if after 240,000 miles you have to rebuilt a transmission, you should be able to keep the truck for at least 240,000 mile more. How many American vehicles transmissions can last this long?

 

[Texx]

Of the Cruiser wagons, I sometimes think of the FJ62 as the odd step-child. The FJ60 is more old-school with its 2F motor, 4 speed tranny, and those cool round headlamps. Easy to work on, so they tell me. The FJ80 is more advanced and has been described by some as the best Cruiser ever built. But here is the lowly FJ62; sort of caught in the middle.

I have spent hours wrenching on my FJ62, and have had some very satisfying moments making repairs and upgrades, but if the motor or tranny ever goes out, mine will probably head to the parting out section, too. Either that, or I spend $10,000 to have a Vortec put in it!

Gas prices here are back down; I saw it at $2.13 per gallon just an hour ago. But the $4.00 per gallon gas sure took it's toll. The Prius drivers are gonna keep driving them things, and there won't be a spike in Cruiser prices!

Dudley, if you have not yet replaced a water pump in an FJ62, you have a real treat in store for you. I replaced mine a while ago, and it was a big job. I can give you some points to consider if you want me to.

Pull the radiator. Fastest, easiest way.

 

[Rigger]

Pull the radiator. Fastest, easiest way.

If I had to do it again, that's what I'd do.

I'd get a new radiator, a new water pump, thermostat, gaskets, all hoses and belts. Then, I'd go in there and replace it all at one time. I'd go ahead and clean out the heater core at the same time, too.

My sequence went like this: first the radiator leaked, so I pulled it and replaced it. Two weeks later, the water pump started making noise. I had been advised to put a new water pump in it when I had the radiator out, but no, I just couldn't listen! So, when the water pump went south, I pulled it and replaced it, along with all the belts and the front hoses. Now, the heater core is plugged!

Live and learn, I guess!

Right now, I'm thinking about a Vortec conversion, but I also have my eyes peeled for a '95 to '97 80-series!

 

[Devils Paw 80]

If I had to do it again, that's what I'd do.

I'd get a new radiator, a new water pump, thermostat, gaskets, all hoses and belts. Then, I'd go in there and replace it all at one time. I'd go ahead and clean out the heater core at the same time, too.

..Right now, I'm thinking about a Vortec conversion, but I also have my eyes peeled for a '95 to '97 80-series!

In other words if the water pump fails on a 62 it's time to replace the engine, or part it out and buy another cruiser equally expensive to maintain
Dudley, depending on where you live it might be a good idea to consider picking up a used auto tranny from another MUD member for the future, providing you plan to keep it indefinitely. Considering my locale, I'd probably have to buy a new tranny off the shelf. How's the rust? If not rusty, it's worth keeping for the long term. The only difference between the 88 and 89-90 models is that the 88's don't have shoulder seat belts in the back seat.

 

[Rigger]

In other words if the water pump fails on a 62 it's time to replace the engine, or part it out and buy another cruiser . . .

Ummm, no, that is not what I said.

What I said is if the engine or tranny fails, and I were faced with replacing either, I'd be thinking of major replacement (Vortec) or parting out the truck.

I have been concerned about my tranny, but as that thread that I linked to shows, these trannies last a long time if they are maintained. Well, even if they are not maintained, it seems!

When I was discussing the water pump, I was simply telling Dudley that the way mine went, it would have made more sense to replace some other components while I had it torn down, because I had to go back into the thing again.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

If I had to do it again, that's what I'd do.

I'd get a new radiator, a new water pump, thermostat, gaskets, all hoses and belts. Then, I'd go in there and replace it all at one time. I'd go ahead and clean out the heater core at the same time, too.

My sequence went like this: first the radiator leaked, so I pulled it and replaced it. Two weeks later, the water pump started making noise. I had been advised to put a new water pump in it when I had the radiator out, but no, I just couldn't listen! So, when the water pump went south, I pulled it and replaced it, along with all the belts and the front hoses. Now, the heater core is plugged!

Live and learn, I guess!

Right now, I'm thinking about a Vortec conversion, but I also have my eyes peeled for a '95 to '97 80-series!

Rigger,
I did the exact same thing on my cruiser. I repalced the radiator. Fortunately the previous owner had the water pump and new belts already replaced. My trany now slips when going from park to drive and reverse. i picked up a cheap spare for $170 and now I'm back in business.
I also had to rebuild the starter and replace the fuel pump. All of this within 3 months of owning the rig. When I swap tranys I will replace leaking rear main seal and oil pan gasket. After that my rig should be pretty solid for a few years to come with regular maintinence. My rig has 280,000 miles on it.

My point to DudleyFJ40- rebuild the sucker and it will run forever. Find a spare A440F or go the H55 route, witchever floats your boat.

 

[Dudleyfj40]

I kinda like having a Cruiser that I don't have to shift gears in.

Plus if I do find it capable of getting my daughter from home to school safely I would like it to be an automatic.

The rust is pretty good for Iowa. I bought it from the original owner and he had a rust preventative put on at the dealership when he bought it.

I am going to pull the radiator when I do my pump, I'm not going to get a new one but will take it in to the local shop to have it gone over.

Thanks guys for your help.

 

[Mud Shark Rosey]

I have an 89 62 with 345000 km on the orginal tranny. I pull a small tent trailer and off road this truck and have no problems so far.
Dave

 

[Dudleyfj40]

Here's a thread for you, Dudley:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/184676-official-how-long-does-a440-last-thread.html

Interesting,

BTW I thought I would post some pix of my 62 to give you a better idea what I am talking about.