Entering the Cruiser world ('88 FJ-62)

[Jory]

Hi, I'm Jory.

I'm an avid car enthusiast who has recently become interested in Cruisers. I hadn't really started looking for a Cruiser yet because of being tied up with other car projects, but when I came across a 62 last week, I couldn't pass it up.

It's a 1988 FJ62. 250,000 miles, runs great (from what I can tell... I can't take it for a drive currently), rust around the rear left fender flare, but no frame rust.
The owner's father has a local car repair shop, so it's had regular maintenance. Within the past 2 years, it's had and alternator, starter, radiator, and water pump.

The owner noticed a puddle of ATF under it one morning, so he had it towed to his father's shop. It will still drive around the parking lot, but you can smell ATF as soon as it starts up. They suspect a line, but I haven't been able get under it and get a good look.

We struck a deal for $600. I'm gonna go leave a deposit today

Here's the only picture I have at the moment (sorry for the quality):

I just wanted to introduce myself and ask for any advice you all can give me about things to check over and maintenance to do after getting it. I've read about the oil galley plug fix. I'll probably do that pretty quickly.

Thanks

 

[3_puppies]

$600? robbery!

good deal, looks nice, yes probably a line, could be either the flex lines out of the trans or one of the solid lines along the engine.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

A trany cooler would be a good cheap addition once you get it. Toasted trany fluid is what kills these tranys and having a cooler is cheap insurance and an easy installation. It allows you to flush the fluids at the same time to give you a fresh start.

 

[Jory]

A trany cooler would be a good cheap addition once you get it. Toasted trany fluid is what kills these tranys and having a cooler is cheap insurance and an easy installation. It allows you to flush the fluids at the same time to give you a fresh start.

Thanks for the replies so far.
I also think a cooler is a good idea. I'm definitely going to be hitting my fair share of trails with it. Any recommendations on where/what to buy?

I'm obviously going to be looking to lift it and go with some meatier tires, so any advice in that area is greatly appreciated.

I'll hopefully get a few more pics today. Stay tuned

 

[smkymntn]

That is a steal. good luck with it.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

Any generic trany cooler will work. The bigger the area the better. Remember, at slow speeds while on trails your trany is working hard and needs the added cooling power. Snow and sand are even worse on the auto trany. Read the cooler install thread in the FAQ. It's a good place to start and then search trany cooler. Tons of threads and installs to start you off.

 

[BG_TX]

How does the transmission fluid look? Dark, burnt, etc... does it smell bad? 600 is a steal.

Welcome

 

[Jory]

How does the transmission fluid look? Dark, burnt, etc... does it smell bad? 600 is a steal.

Welcome

I didn't look at it, but it smelled fine. The truck has not been driven in its current state.

I drove over to give him the downpayment and snap a few pics. Enjoy

 

[Randy88FJ62]

$600 bucks is a steal!

 

[Jory]

$600 bucks is a steal!

I think so too I can't wait to get her home!

 

[mkguyvr]

i would have paid $600 just for the interior. man you should play the Lotto.

 

[Jory]

Just throwing this out there-
Anybody have a red 60 that wants to swap for a 62 front end?

 

[sls019]

Welcome to Mud. That is one very clean rig you 'stole' From that guy. Wow, $600! Great find. Make sure to keep us updated on any mods.