A Hopeful FJ Owner

[derek l]

Hey guys, hope it's okay to post here. Figured I'd post the question here since I'm in the Nashville area.

Probably been asked/said before and if so I'd appreciate the link, although I searched with no luck. I've been looking at LC's for a while and also been reading these forums for a bit. I've never had a LC, and I'm no mechanic, but I'm pretty handy and don't mind learning. The hard stuff I usually take to a pro though.

I guess my ideal setup would be something I don't have to worry about it getting me from point A to B, decent mileage (would like to avoid 10 mpg), a daily driver with bit of off-roading (nothing too crazy...for now) but mostly for camping trips with the family. As far as driving, I work from home and put around 4-5k a year on a vehicle. So while this would be my daily driver, I don't really drive daily...if that makes sense.

So with that said I'd love to get some advice.

I'm looking at the FJ60 and 62s and I'm seeing a common trend, correct me if I'm wrong. The 9-13k range gets you, typically, a solid truck with modifications and possibly a 5.3 motor. The 5-8k range usually gets you a solid truck with high mileage on the stock 2F, maybe some mods. It seems the FJ62's are rough on gas mileage so the engine swap is nice, and I'm a bit leery of buying a truck with 250+ on it. Any advice for someone who isn't a mechanic? I assume around 250-300k either model will be needing an engine? Is it worth it saving a few thousand and sticking with the stock until you need a replacement?

I know there's more to consider than just the motor, and there are so many things to consider, any help is appreciated. I know getting an older vehicle is always a risk, just trying to reduce that and make a good decision.

Sorry for all the questions, and any advice is welcomed. I don't really know anyone who has had a LC so I'm stuck reading these forums and coming up with my own conclusions. Thanks again!

 

[FJCRAWLER]

I would recommend a FJ80 . You can pick one up for 5-9 k and in my opinion the 80 is a much better truck . That's my two cent worth .

 

[jynx]

I am not well versed in the 60/62 realm, but will say that the old 2f/3FE motors will run forever if halfway taken care of. I have seen 3FE's with upwards of 400k on them and still running strong. They are pretty much tractor motors, iron block, iron head, so they just keep chugging along. There are some other guys in the club that are a little more versed in them that wI'll be able to elaborate.

I will also speak to FJCRAWLER's comment. If you are set on the styling, etc of the 60/62 then disregard this. But for the money you could buy a nice decent mileage 80 series and get coil springs on all 4 corners, beefier front end, leather interior with some extra creature comforts. They ride better and if tuned up will get you in the mid teens on mileage. I'm an 80 guy so I am biased in that regard, but if it will be a DD and the will be riding in it, you might score some points for comfort.

Also, glad you found the clubhouse. There are some rides coming up and we will be having a meeting locally sometime soon that you are welcome to come and hang out.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Elbert]

get something with fuel injection...like a FJ80 LC 96-97 year model is preferred from what I hear. Or I would buy a 4wd four-runner. If you buy a FJ60 or FJ62 LC in the 85-89 year range with an engine swap...you will need to know how to work on the truck yourself or have a good understanding of what was done. For someone new the best route in my view is to get a truck that has a stock engine and minor drive-train modifications. While the cool part is the mods for the most part...those things can be really a royal pain to deal with if you are new to the 4wd world or you end up with something someone else has setup poorly.

The stock FJ60's are ok, but they are not fuel injected and parts are hard to get and finding someone to work on them is a challenge. Plus in my view they are underpowered.

 

[derek l]

Thanks so much for the suggestions thus far. I guess I’m a sucker for those older models but also don’t want something that’s not a good fit for me so thanks for the FJ80 suggestion. Any advice on choosing a solid 80? I'll check out the 80 forums, while I've seen them around and read up on them some most of my research has been about the 60/62.

A 4runner isn’t completely out of the question, but I just liked the looks of those 60s/62s. Seems like most of the 4runners I see out there have a ton of miles or are beat up. What years are desirable? Visually I prefer the older models myself. Seems 4 runners and cruisers are soccer mom cars now factory until you mod them out a bit.

Elbert, yeah I was a bit concerned about power with the 60. So I have been eye’ing a couple posted in the classifieds, but it’s so hard for me to tell what’s setup correctly like you mentioned. I do like the fact that it has the same motor as my silverado (which I'll be selling once I find something), so that part would be somewhat familiar.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/1990-fj62-with-5-3-vortec.821259/

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/19...ilt-fj60-5-3-4l60e-soa-armored-dfw-tx.824421/

Jynx, thanks for the invite. I’d love to hang out and check out some of your rides. I’ll keep and eye out for a posting about it.

Thanks for the quick comments guys, it’s much appreciated. Any more knowledge or advice welcomed as well.

 

[jason in tn]

I'm a 4Runner guy so I'll throw something in. Mileage on older runners seem to be to be high I agree, however with proper maintenance they will last well into the 350k range even the dreaded 3.0.
As far as what year or model to go with in my opinion depends completely on what you plan to do with it, if you're building a hard core wheeler I'd stay with a first or second gen, they are easy to modify "SAS" etc and cheaper to get into up front, the 22re is a great engine and the 3.0 does fine.
A daily driver weekend wheeler a 3rd gen up would be great, they can be modified to work great on the trail and still have good road manners. Jmtc good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Elbert]

Yeah...even though I say stock engine....I'm not really pointing to the FJ60 in that case...because I like many others have dumped the stock 2f in favor of something else. But generally speaking I think a stock engine/transmission is the best route, and then gain power via gears and transfer- case modifications if required. LC parts are expensive and hard to find at times and they are being discontinued left and right. I like the classic style of the 60 too....but I've changed a lot of stuff from the time I bought mine to present date. If I were to buy a LC for dual purpose...it would be a 96 or 97 FJ80. I think you can have as much fun in a four-runner too...with some modifications or even a yota pickup if you wanted to stay toyota.

The FJ80 LC in 96-97 year model is very capable...especially with electric lockers or if you were to install ARB or soemthing else. All it really needs in a suspension lift and some larger tires and they will go about anywhere reasonable.

 

[derek l]

Thanks for the advice guys, really appreciated. So it sounds like if I gotta have a 60/62 (man I love the look of these) you recommend stock, or better yet for dual purpose a FJ80 (96-97) or 4Runner (3rd gen) may be a better choice for a dual purpose vehicle. If you guys see any of these for sale, would love a heads up.

Question, how in the world do some of these guys use their 60 as a daily driver? Better yet how about these guys that travel in their 60s? Are they just sinking a ton of money into the vehicle to keep it on the road or just very prepared and capable in case it breaks down? I guess that's maybe where I got the idea that I could have the best of both worlds.

Any other info or advice is welcomed. Thanks for helping out!

 

[DSLTOY]

My son Rob uses his 60 for a DD, but he installed a GM 6.2 l diesel and gets around 22-24 mpg.
The issue is if you are going to drive a 25-30 year old vehicle you need to learn how to work on it or plan on spending money at the local mechanic if you can find one that works on old vehicles. For Many of us part of the wheeling adventure is repairing and modifying our trucks.

 

[jason in tn]

Well said roger.

 

[derek l]

Thanks Roger, understood.

I'm going to check around and see what I can find while determining what's the best option for me. Again guys, thanks for the feedback and advice. Any more info on the topic appreciated.

 

[jynx]

If you really love the 60s then I would suggest a 62 so you get the fuel injected 3fe. Mechanically they are solid, some basic maintenance and they will keep on chugging. Unfortunately parts for the 60s are getting hard to come by, but so are certain parts for the 80s as well.

Just my $0.02, if you love the looks of the 60s then buy a 60. Learn it and mod it to suit your needs. I have always been a firm believer in get what you want so you don't have buyers remorse.

 

[derek l]

Pretty true Jynx, I've made that mistake before. There's always the debate about what you SHOULD get and what you WANT to get. Thanks for the input.

Found a couple clean, supposedly rust free stock 62's (although high mileage) I plan on checking out soon so I'll get a better idea of what I think about them after that. Maybe I'll hate them and save myself some heartache!

 

[derek l]

Looked at a 62 today in pretty good condition, no rust, no issues that I could see, good tires, steering knuckles rebuilt recently, everything works and looks like it's been taken care of, but my only concern is the mileage. It's at 260k.

Any of you guys that have replaced the motor or have experience know what sort of cost would a replacement be? I would obviously not be doing this myself, unsure what the going rate is for a swap.

Thanks fellas. Hopefully soon, or one day, I'll be riding with ya.

 

[DSLTOY]

Call Barry or ACC in Atlanta, ask them for an estimate. From what I have see they are the only ones I woold recommend.

 

[sk8salomon]

"Decent mileage" in a LC only can occur w an engine swap
Even a perfectly tuned 2F on 31s maybe gets 14-15mpg. I drove my 60 as a DD for years but like Roger said makes you learn how to wrench your own stuff plus know all the local parts guys by name. Best setup for stock (well modified with stock parts) is Andys 60 w 3FE & H55 (5spd manual)...best of both worlds.

 

[derek l]

Just wanted to drop in to say thank you for the suggestions and advice. I researched a ton thanks to this site and sites like it and looked at several rigs and finally settled on a 2002 Limited 4Runner. In the end I think it serves my purpose and skill set for being a solid DD and also capable of some weekend fun.

I'll be lurking around these forums a bit, but they seem more geared toward LCs more than anything. Either way, thanks again guys.

 

[jason in tn]

There's a lot of good guys around here with 4runners, good choice on the truck.

 

[jynx]

Don't be afraid to throw out pics and such of your new 3rd gen. True that MUD is mostly LC's, but like Jason said there are several 3rd gen guys around the area and everyone is alway welcome, no matter what your driving. We really just want to grow the sport and help where we can. Look forward to seeing some pictures of your rig.

I have a 3rd gen myself, @ugamurph & @jason in tn both wheel well built 3rd gens and there are a couple more guys in east TN too. We just love guys who share the passion. Welcome and we look forward to meeting you and helping you learn the limits of your new ride.

 

[derek l]

Thanks guys.

Pretty much stock at this point with Daystar 2" coil/strut spacer lift sitting on new 265/75/16 BF-Goodrich All-Terrains. It's got 170k on it right now and has been maintained pretty well. The PO even had the motor replaced so the antenna works. My plans for now are just go over it with a fine tooth comb and sort of baseline it, and probably take off those running boards after I find some flaps for the front. It's in pretty good shape so I hate to take those off and throw rocks all over the body...or maybe I will.

I believe this color is called something like Silver Metallic.