I've been neglecting my '86 this year since there's a small coolant leak and a few oil leaks. I'd like to drop it off to someone that knows what they are doing and just get it fixed. I just don't have the time to tackle the troubleshooting. Does anyone have any recommendations in the Chicagoland area that they trust?
Any mechanic recommendations for 60s?
- Thread starter RoyB
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I'm new to the area and haven't had any work done, but since you haven't gotten any replies, I'd recommend calling Chitown 4x4. They do specialize in Toyotas and I had a great 10 minute convo with Rick about tires and suspension on my new-to-me 60. If they don't do the engine/cooling system work themselves, I bet he can recommend someone who does. Good luck!
Any luck finding someone in Chicago? I am hoping to find a trustworthy mechanic to work on my newly acquired '88 FJ62 if I decide to opt out of doing the work myself.
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- #5
I did manage to fix a couple of the leaks and changed the transfer case fluid. It was overfilled by a quart! Probably why it was being pushed out of everything. Tightened all the oil pan bolts and tightened all the coolant clamps. Drove it for a couple hours last week and it seems ok. Right rear smells warm, almost like brakes or bearing getting hot.
Looking at the engine closer it appears to be leaking everywhere (although not enough to drip on the ground substantially). The freeze plugs also look questionable. I think I may just yank the stock engine and either rebuild it, put a rebuilt replacement in, OR .... put a V8 in. Either option I will likely put a 5 speed in. Clean 60s with V8 transplants are going for stupid money so apparently it doesn't hurt resale as much as I though it would. I could just throw the factory engine and trans on my racking and have it as a backup if I never need to put it back in.
I think an LS motor + 5 speed would really compliment this truck nicely. Right now I am afraid of getting rearended when the lights turn green since it doesn't move very fast lol.
Looking at the engine closer it appears to be leaking everywhere (although not enough to drip on the ground substantially). The freeze plugs also look questionable. I think I may just yank the stock engine and either rebuild it, put a rebuilt replacement in, OR .... put a V8 in. Either option I will likely put a 5 speed in. Clean 60s with V8 transplants are going for stupid money so apparently it doesn't hurt resale as much as I though it would. I could just throw the factory engine and trans on my racking and have it as a backup if I never need to put it back in.
I think an LS motor + 5 speed would really compliment this truck nicely. Right now I am afraid of getting rearended when the lights turn green since it doesn't move very fast lol.
Thanks! That certainly appears to be the consensus opinion as I looked around here and elsewhere. I was just hoping for something in the city. It is the 70 mile round trip rides for drop-off and pickup that are the only hesitation. Based on their reputation, it does appear it'd be worth it if I could figure that out.
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- #7
I stumbled in there about 4 years ago when I purchased a set of take off wheels for my 4runner that the owner was selling. They seemed very knowledgable. This was before I had my 60 series and they had a few in the shop in various states of repair at the time.
chi town guys just came back from Daniel Boone Bypass in KY....lots of fun...they are busy...Rick Vance is the technical expert.
@RoyB If your transfer case was over full check the transmission fluid and make sure it’s at a safe level. Usually if the seal fails the TC gets low and the trans becomes over full (que the notorious fluid transfer hose between fill plugs that people use) But I wouldn’t be surprised to see it the other way.
HTH
HTH