Basic checkup/tune up required to start wheeling your 60 ??? (1 Viewer)

[MDK]

Tried searching to see if this had already been covered but couldnt find anything (maybe I didnt search hard enough). I have been obsessing over the multitude of problems I inherited after taking home my new-to-me 1985 FJ60. As it is a Land Cruiser, meant to be wheeled and beat up- "fun", I would love to make sure it doesnt fall to pieces as soon as I take it out on a trail. I know this could be opening a can of worms when I use the word "required", but I would really appreciate opinions of more experienced Mudders when it comes to this subject. I'm running a partially desmogged stock 2F, stock suspension, Goodyear Wrangler A/Ts, and nothing else special. As I am 21 and on a very tight budget, I'm not searching for a SEMA spec setup, but basically what are the bare bones basic setup options I should check out for Grandpa before he makes his maiden voyage under my command.

 

[mattressking]

Go wheel it. Bring a chain and a buddy and a spare in case you break or get stuck.

Get off the internet and just try it Then you’ll learn what you actually should improve upon, not just throwing parts at it.

Otherwise Make sure your cooling system works correctly and that steering isn’t a mess. Grease the points on chassis and off you go. Don’t overthink this.

Oh and air down if it’s rocky. I don’t get why people don’t air down.

 

[pawnthatdude]

You're talking about just stuff you should check before you head out on a trail?

Check the level and visual quality of the oil, transmission fluid, differential fluid, transfer case fluid, and coolant. Check the tightness on the trunion nuts on the front axle. Check your brake pad thickness. Tighten your lug nuts. Check your tire pressure and visually check your tires for damage/dry rot. Check your spare tire for the same. Verify that 4WD and 4-lo work as expected. Make sure the engine starts and sounds as expected. Listen for any other rattles, grinding noises, ticking, squeaks while the car is running and driving. All of that should be free, provided you have some basic tools (you should bring at least some tools wheeling).

 

[3_puppies]

don't go alone, have communication device, leave word with someone as to where you are going and expected return.

 

[Willard]

Like others said bring a buddy. A snatch strap and or a come a long (better than nothing).
check all fluids and have fun.

first time I wheeled a Land Cruiser I had nothing but the stock bottle jack, a 1.5 or 2” diameter rope (cannot remember actual thickness), a shovel and a buddy in a CJ5.
It was amazing how far we went and how much trouble we dug ourselves out.

 

[Cruzerman]

I agree with the others. Go have some fun, but don't be stupid. Go with someone else. Have tow strap, shovel, basic tools, etc. Use common sense, but don't look for miracles either. Others say these will go anywhere. They won't, especially the way it sits. Don't expect it to. It is low, has a lot of rear overhang, no traction aid devices, etc. But it will do enough to have some fun. Enjoy!

 

[OSS]

Try easy trails first (more like dirt roads). When you feel confident about it and you, explore something different. Any 4WD can get stuck. It's up to your experience and judgment to not let that happen in a way that requires someone else to rescue you.
Avoid big rocks and ignore freinds that egg you on to try something (hill) you're not comfortable or confident with. These vehicles definitely have their limits. Try to forget about any video or picture of hard core off roading and use common sense.

 

[GeologistFelix]

The only thing that comes to mind which hasn't been said already is recovery points. On the front end, I assume you still have the factory tow hook, which should work great (just remember to only loop straps over it, no hook to hook!)

Now, what about the rear end? I can't tell from the picture -- do you have anything to use as a recovery point on the back? A hitch works in a pinch, whether it's a receiver or just a tongue like my truck came with; you can just put a honking big shackle through the hole the ball mounts to. The tow chain loops on either side of the tongue or receiver aren't beefy enough to safely tug on, though, for situations where you're seriously stuck in mud/snow.

 

[hj 60]

I have learned to always have a tractor standby.

 

[BlackCat]

i carry nothing but a tool kit and some spare 5/8” hoses and some fluids, and my Viair compressor. Go have fun. The first trip or 2 will tell you what may need attention.

 

[MDK]

The only thing that comes to mind which hasn't been said already is recovery points. On the front end, I assume you still have the factory tow hook, which should work great (just remember to only loop straps over it, no hook to hook!)

Now, what about the rear end? I can't tell from the picture -- do you have anything to use as a recovery point on the back? A hitch works in a pinch, whether it's a receiver or just a tongue like my truck came with; you can just put a honking big shackle through the hole the ball mounts to. The tow chain loops on either side of the tongue or receiver aren't beefy enough to safely tug on, though, for situations where you're seriously stuck in mud/snow.

There is a hitch and actually a hook on the rear bumper as well (my skull found the hook was when climbing underneath to pull fuel tank)

 

[MDK]

I have learned to always have a tractor standby.

Looks like there’s 2 tractors in those pics - who’s pulling who?