Advice for new member.

[Nichostiles]

Hi all -

I should start by saying, I know very little about cruisers.

I've made the decision to sell my 08 tacoma and get into a fj62 because of my enjoyment of everything old.

I've been starting to browse, but am unsure of major red flags to keep an eye out for.

I'm looking for a fj62 (1988-1990) year and color arent huge. I have a buddy who agreed to help with an engine swap, and I'd like to do some of the easier stuff on my own. (Lift, interior work, etc)

I drive about 5-10 miles a day, so fuel efficiency isn't huge, but this will be my daily driver once projects are complete.

Any tips on what to look out for are greatly appreciated.

Thank you all.

PS - any thoughts on diesel vs vortec engine swap? Better mpg?

NS

 

[mattressking]

read read read read read. These threads pop up constantly on what to do.

Get the CLEANEST truck you can afford with the least amount of rust. If you don't know how to inspect a truck, have someone who is well-versed in it tag along. Watch for bondo, bubbling, and the obvious rust, especially if the whole truck has been resprayed.

If you're wanting a swap, its more so personal preference on diesel vs gas. V8 swaps are sweet, powerful and if you do an LS based motor, super accessible for parts. Diesel depends on what motor you go with on part accessibility.

These trucks won't be good on fuel anyway you put it. Diesel will definitely be the best, but only by a small margin.

 

[PortFJ62]

x2 on the above. Educate yourself from the countless threads here on the reality of owning an old truck like a 62. The idea and cool factor can quickly go south if you are not prepared. Good Luck and V8 it.

 

[rrv333]

Read the FAQ section for 60's and educate yourself on some of the nuances of these trucks. Type in questions in the Search feature and then just read away. As mattressking stated read and then read some more. Good luck on your search and post photos when you score a truck.

 

[Nichostiles]

@mattressking @rrv333 @PortFJ62

Thanks a lot for the input. Yeah, I've been doing a lot of reading. This is a great resource.

Thanks again.

 

[Rustic76]

Why a 62 of you plan on an engine swap anyway? Go for a 60. More to choose from and the more classic round headlights. Just my personal opinion

 

[Nichostiles]

Why a 62 of you plan on an engine swap anyway? Go for a 60. More to choose from and the more classic round headlights. Just my personal opinion

I've had that thought too, and it's a good point. I think I got set on a 62 before I decided on a likely engine swap. But if I'm for sure going to do a swap, I will look into 60's. Thanks @Rustic76