Caught the Cruiser bug – New member from Miami with an ‘88 FJ62 🛠

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ChaleTito

ChaleTito

Joined
Oct 14, 2025
Threads
2
Messages
16
Location
Miami FL
Hey Mud family,

After years of admiring these rigs from a distance, I finally joined the club about 3 months ago - picked up a 1988 FJ62, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

I’m new to the Land Cruiser world and officially new to IH8MUD, but I’ve been quietly following threads here for a long time. The amount of knowledge and passion in this community is unreal - it actually gave me the confidence to take the plunge.

Based out of Miami, FL, I’ve already started tinkering with a few things and learning as I go (and yes, making my share of rookie mistakes).

Excited to finally be part of the conversation, share progress, and connect with others keeping these classics alive.
Sharing below a couple of pics of my old lady.

Cheers,
Carlos
‘88 FJ62 | Miami, FL
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 10.29.24_eef11458.webp
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 10.29.24_5912b90d.webp
 
As others have said, nice rig!

Don’t be tempted to mess with the transmission (still has the A440 auto I assume?).
I’ll leave that there.
 
RevISK said:
As others have said, nice rig!

Don’t be tempted to mess with the transmission (still has the A440 auto I assume?).
I’ll leave that there.
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Thanks. It actually has a manual transmission. Previous owner did the upgrade. Works super smooth (4 speed + reverse)
 
ChaleTito said:
Thanks. It actually has a manual transmission. Previous owner did the upgrade. Works super smooth (4 speed + reverse)
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That’s awesome. I did the conversion, it’s not for the faint of heart.

Wonder what gearing you have in there?
 
S
ChaleTito said:
Good question! Not sure but will check. I’ve got all the documentation about it.
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Stock would be 4.11 but 3.70’s and an H42 is a great combo.
Basically if you feel like you’re running out of headroom at around 65mph you probably have 4.11’s
 
RevISK said:
S

Stock would be 4.11 but 3.70’s and an H42 is a great combo.
Basically if you feel like you’re running out of headroom at around 65mph you probably have 4.11’s
Click to expand...
That's correct - around 65mph the engine is asking for a 5th gear!
 
ChaleTito said:
That's correct - around 65mph the engine is asking for a 5th gear!
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I have both the H55f with 4.11 and the H42f with 3.70… I kind of like the latter to be honest.

There are many configurations but if I still had the 4sp in my 62 I’d swap to 3.70 gearing before going to a 5-sp knowing what I know now.
 
Clean piece @ChaleTito . Welcome to the asylum of the toyotaly insane. N cuz no one has stepped up with one these :flipoff2: (official mud welcome) i'll pass one on to you
Yup, it's a good rabbit hole to be lost in
 
kirvesmies said:
Clean piece @ChaleTito . Welcome to the asylum of the toyotaly insane. N cuz no one has stepped up with one these :flipoff2: (official mud welcome) i'll pass one on to you
Yup, it's a good rabbit hole to be lost in
Click to expand...
Haha, thanks @kirvesmies

Appreciate the warm welcome. Already feeling the rabbit hole effect — glad to be part of the asylum!
 
Skniper said:
So nice. Tasteful. Not a 62 color but the best color, IMO.
Anything interesting in the Department of the Interior we need to see? Other than the weird third pedal in a 62 and that shifter that moves around a lot.
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Thanks. Agree with you! Insane color. Here are some pics from the Department of the Interior

IMG_6262.webp


IMG_6261.webp


IMG_6260.webp
 
Whereby in Miami are you? I'm also in Miami and drive a 1990 FJ62. Happy to meet for coffee on a weekend.
 
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