Hi everybody, I have an 89 Land Cruiser, 238,000 miles, is in great condition, runs well, no electrical or mechanical issues. My only concern are the brakes, it seems to me it is hard to brake. Also is it Ok to use regular gas? I have been driving it just on weekends but I would like to use it to go to work on a daily basis (45 miles round trip). What would you recomend I should pay attention to if I decide to make my daily driver? thank you for your comments.
Daily Driver
- Thread starter zorro171
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Regular gas is fine, the 3FE engine is nothing special.
I'm going to assume the brake system has received minimal attention over the years.
Replace all the soft lines with new OEM lines, check the rear brake shoes and replace if needed, check the front pads and replace if needed. Flush the system with new fluid. Adjust the rear brakes properly. Unless the calipers, wheel cylinders, or master cylinder is leaking no need to replace these. You also have a LSPV and it will need to be bleed with the system and if you have a lift it will need to be adjusted to accommodate the increased rear ride height.
I'm going to assume the brake system has received minimal attention over the years.
Replace all the soft lines with new OEM lines, check the rear brake shoes and replace if needed, check the front pads and replace if needed. Flush the system with new fluid. Adjust the rear brakes properly. Unless the calipers, wheel cylinders, or master cylinder is leaking no need to replace these. You also have a LSPV and it will need to be bleed with the system and if you have a lift it will need to be adjusted to accommodate the increased rear ride height.
- Thread starter
- #3
Hi Jim, before I bougth it three years ago the car was lifted 2 inches and a strongman suspension was installed. At that time the brakes were done, but not sure ifd they bled the lies. I just looked at LSPV (Load Sensing Proportioning Valve) and will look into adjusting it. Thank you.
Brakes might be OK. They are kinda lame from the factory. Pay attention to the transmission, a weak link in this model.
Also, pay attention to rust. Are those flares covering up rust issues?
Also, pay attention to rust. Are those flares covering up rust issues?
Daily driving a 60 can be expensive, but I look at it as cheap therapy. Unfortunately my employment benefits provider does not agree and they refuse to reimburse my fuel costs.
The A440F transmission is an engineering marvel, full stop. But they don't like to overheat. So, if you're in an area that gets hot, adding an external transmission fluid cooler is cheap insurance. Lots of info on this forum on how to do that, if you feel so inclined.
I daily drove mine for 3 years in the past. Driving everyday I used regular gas. If only using on the weekend I put in supreme as it tends to sit in the tank a lot longer and the octane reduces over time. But these engines are bullet proof and nothing special and can probably run on the worst gas found in the worst country. The old parts on the engine will show themselves quickly daily driving. For example my power steering pump was original and one day it just puked. I have updated everything on my engine now except the alternator. Keep an eye on the old parts or preemptively start replacing them.
If I were going to daily a 62, the first thing I'd do is swap in a brand new H55 so it's fun to drive. The second thing I'd do is get some tint on those windows.
If you're driving it every day then I agree with the above, regular fuel is fine. For occasional driving I only use non-ethanol because it keeps MUCH longer.
If you're driving it every day then I agree with the above, regular fuel is fine. For occasional driving I only use non-ethanol because it keeps MUCH longer.
Last edited:
Don’t have to live in a hot climate to overheat. Mine did in both Alaska and Canada when temps were 60s or less. Uphill grades were the culprit, with a light passenger load.
I daily drive mine. So as you are in San Antonio (78258), I would check/replace every coolant hose and do the citric acid flush to clear out any deposits in the system. Also, make sure your A/C is working properly. Flush and replace your tranny fluid and filter. Don't worry, as a daily driver the truck will let you know when it needs something. In the past year, mine has consumed a power steering pump, a steering box, an A/C compressor, accessory bearings, various bulbs and hoses. Check your oil and tranny level at every fill up. Keep a log book of repairs and issues.
Otherwise enjoy the truck! It's great to see them on the road!
Otherwise enjoy the truck! It's great to see them on the road!
Your lspv will be bad if its original. Booster is probably bad as well. May as well do a new master while Your at it.
You can put in a non ABS 80 series master cylinder and booster to enhance braking. I did a brake job on my friends fj62 with above, new rotors, calipers, new drums and shoes. It can throw you through the windshield.
100% possible to fix it such that it will lock the brakes without issue. Go through each part and evaluate. If your unsure, replace
- Thread starter
- #14
What exactlyu shluld I look in the transmission. Somebody suggested to add a trans,mission fluid cooler, whihc I will look into it. I definetely have to look unde the flares.
- Thread starter
- #15
I would love to install a manual transmission. I will look into it. Thank you.
- Thread starter
- #16
I replaced the evaporator a few monhts ago so the system was flushed and it maintains the temperature. I havent check the tranny fluid levels so I will today. Thank you for the advise.
- Thread starter
- #17
Thanks for the advice. I will check it out soon.
Not sure where in Texas you live, but @cruisermatt in florida has done a number of 62 swaps to manual. It becomes a more simple and tremendously fun rig Instantly. I did this swap on my friend Willy's 62 back in the late 90s in Santa Fe and we were both amazed by the result.
@CenTXFJ60 is close to you in Spring Branch TX. He has done numerous fj62 auto to h55f swaps. Know him well. Great long time Mudder. Recommend him. He may take you on depending on what else he has on his plate.
Check the condition of the fluid, make sure it’s at the appropriate level. Be aware of the AT temperature warning light coming on when driving on long uphill grades.What exactlyu shluld I look in the transmission. Somebody suggested to add a trans,mission fluid cooler, whihc I will look into it. I definetely have to look unde the flares.