Entering the world of Cruisers (1 Viewer)

[illTakeitNeat]

Hello all! I'm new to the site as well as the "80" world. Before I pull the trigger I'm hoping to get a crash course education on what to look for, or avoid. Right now I'm considering where to enter: late 80s (88) an FJ62, or mid 90s (96). The 88 is supposed to be fine mechanically, but definitely needs some cosmetic love and attention. The 96 looks garage kept, and in decent shape. Both are relatively low miles (around 150k). I haven't seen either in person, but will be soon.

Are there any must read threads on the site, or any other sites that I should be looking at?

 

[Red Merle]

This is 80 Series specific. This would help with the '96.

80-series FAQ for General Info, Modification and Repairs

Try using the search function if you have questions and I think it's OK to revive old threads and ask the questions in those if the thread doesn't answer your specific question. That way everything (sorta) stays where the next guy can find it.

The 60 Series and the 80 Series that you are asking about are completely different cars. The early 80 Series did share the motor and I believe the transmission with the 62. You'll want to research both forums for questions answered as the only real crossover is the fact that you'll want to buy as rust free and in good condition as possible and you will want to get your wallet loosened up.

 

[illTakeitNeat]

This is 80 Series specific. This would help with the '96.

80-series FAQ for General Info, Modification and Repairs

Try using the search function if you have questions and I think it's OK to revive old threads and ask the questions in those if the thread doesn't answer your specific question. That way everything (sorta) stays where the next guy can find it.

The 60 Series and the 80 Series that you are asking about are completely different cars. The early 80 Series did share the motor and I believe the transmission with the 62. You'll want to research both forums for questions answered as the only real crossover is the fact that you'll want to buy as rust free and in good condition as possible and you want to get your wallet loosened up.

That's perfect, thanks! A ton to read there.

I am leaning towards the 80 based on the amount of rust the 60 has, and it's general overall cosmetic condition.

 

[Heckraiser]

The 62 series and late 80 series are very different beasts.

When you say the 62 needs cosmetic attention, I hear rust? 60/62 are notoriously rusty around rockers and rear wheel arches and if you haven't gone down that road before, body work costs a fortune, so be prepared. If just paint and minor dents, then I'd be less concerned. As for the frame, the spot towards the rear of the frame where it transitions from boxed to C channel (near the spare tire) is usually the worst area for frame rust, so check it carefully. Mechanically, the are pretty stout, so if it drives well and doesn't make any weird noises, I wouldn't be overly concerned.

 

[Marine7]

Which ever way you go make sure you question the owners on past maintanance issues..... head gaskets, hoses, how often fluids were changed, what type were used, was EVERY fluid changed regularly??? Hopefully they kept some type of documentation. Good luck and ENJOY!

 

[illTakeitNeat]

The 62 series and late 80 series are very different beasts.

When you say the 62 needs cosmetic attention, I hear rust? 60/62 are notoriously rusty around rockers and rear wheel arches and if you haven't gone down that road before, body work costs a fortune, so be prepared. If just paint and minor dents, then I'd be less concerned. As for the frame, the spot towards the rear of the frame where it transitions from boxed to C channel (near the spare tire) is usually the worst area for frame rust, so check it carefully. Mechanically, the are pretty stout, so if it drives well and doesn't make any weird noises, I wouldn't be overly concerned.

Yes, it has a good amount of rust on the body, and undercarriage. The seller has been upfront about it needing a lot of cosmetic work.

 

[Heckraiser]

I guess in that case it depends on your budget and desires. I would only consider the rusty 62 if a 60-series is your spirit animal and you want to bring one back from the brink. Otherwise, not worth the work/expense. Gone down that road and lost my beloved '85 Freeborn Red 60 to cancer. The next one I bought came from Arizona

 

[RS6tofj80]

You don't mention budget or goals for the new rig - or it'll be a DD or 2nd/3rd rig.... if a DD the 80 is alot easier to live with and less rust prone typically. Mods also are something to factor it...... it you're so inclined that may make the difference depending on your goals...

for sure Maint. history and condition are key...... I'd far rather a clean southern 80 with some questionable service history than a rusty 60 however..... if you narrow it to an 80 it's often worth looking in the southern climes for a clean rig - even moreso for an 60/62.....

good luck in the hunt - tons of great info already here if you search, or folks will assist with specific questions.

Cheers

E

 

[illTakeitNeat]

You don't mention budget or goals for the new rig - or it'll be a DD or 2nd/3rd rig.... if a DD the 80 is alot easier to live with and less rust prone typically. Mods also are something to factor it...... it you're so inclined that may make the difference depending on your goals...

for sure Maint. history and condition are key...... I'd far rather a clean southern 80 with some questionable service history than a rusty 60 however..... if you narrow it to an 80 it's often worth looking in the southern climes for a clean rig - even moreso for an 60/62.....

good luck in the hunt - tons of great info already here if you search, or folks will assist with specific questions.

Cheers

E

I'm initially looking for a 3rd vehicle for us, which can be a DD while I'm getting my truck sorted out 2012 F150 FX4 (need to spend a couple k on it, and be able to leave it in the shop and still get myself and family around). Initially I'm looking to spend around 9k, but can go up a bit higher for the right one. I've been reading up trying to get a decent understanding of what the costs are for upgrades. Based on the threads I've read so far I'm thinking about 10-15k in mods, but am a bit flexible there as well. I'm new to the off-road scene when it comes to trucks, so going to take it slow.

The more I've thought about it the less attractive the FJ62 is...just too much initial work required for it to look decent, then on top of that a bunch of mods. I did find a pretty decent 96 with low miles, and what looks like good shape...hope to see it this weekend, and bring it home if all is kosher.

For the most part I will not be doing the work myself. Generally I am too busy with running a business, kids, school, working on the house/land, and other hobbies at the moment to take this on. A good friend of mine is a mechanic, and I'll most likely have him do the work and I'll try to help as much as possible to learn.

 

[jksinton]

I ended up purchasing an 80 series early last month, but was initially drawn to the 60 series. I love a manual and wanted that 1980s look. In the end, I'm really happy with the 80 series, especially the late 80 (96 or 97 model years). You still get a truck with soul and history, but you're also going to get more power, coil spring suspension on all four wheels, anti-lock brakes, OBD-II, and a whopping two air bags.

Some other resources to consider outside of mud:

Slee's newbie guide: Slee - 80 Series Land Cruiser Newbie Guide

Ryan's 80 series inspection tips:



Ryan's channel also has some great repair and maintenance videos (oil leaks, knuckle rebuild, suspension, etc.).

 

[bajaphile]

Since you've posted on the 80 series, I think you'll get more of a positive bias for the 80.

The 60 series have been getting popular again for sure it seems. I've seen more on the road the last couple years than I had in a while. You should definitely drive one before making a decision. Personally I think the 60's feel very outdated for a DD or something you'd take on a long road trip. My dad had a 1989 he bought new and we drove it through Baja for years and it was awesome. About 10 years ago I bought another 1989 FJ62. I drove it for about a week before realizing I couldn't stand driving it after having a newer 80 and various 4Runners.

 

[CaptClose]

I’ve only skimmed through the replies, so I may be repeating some information here. I have both a 60 (1983) and an 80 (1997). Although my 60 series is a manual 4-speed, I’m pretty familiar with the 62 as well.

I think your only smart option here is the 80 series. Because you have a family and are looking for at least a temporary daily driver... a later model 80 fits that bill much better than a 60-series.

Also, a garage kept 80 will have a lot less baselining to do, which means more time and money left over for mods and upgrades.

My prediction is that you’ll soon fall in love with the Land cruiser and that Ford you’re working on will be in the classifieds soon. That’s about the time when the real money will start flying out of your pocket haha.

Good luck man.

 

[illTakeitNeat]

Well, the 96 FJ80 I was looking at sold before I could see it in person, but found a 2000 grey FJ100 that I'm going to look at tomorrow hopefully. Any thoughts on the 80 vs 100?

 

[slow95z]

The 100 is a better rig for 99% of people. What do you plan do do with it?

 

[illTakeitNeat]

The 100 is a better rig for 99% of people. What do you plan do do with it?

Plans have not changed: 3rd vehicle DD for a while until my truck is 100%, then I'll get to play with it some. Plan to do tires, lift, sliders, front and back bumper, etc.

 

[Marine7]

I would (and did) buy an 80 series 10 out of 10 times compared to the 100 series. 80 has front “live” axle, where the 100 does not.... so right out of the gate your limited on quite a bit. Sort of like comparing a 88 Chevy 4x4 to the 86 and earlier Chevies..... once they lost the front axle, they lost all credibility.

 

[DSRTRDR]

That's perfect, thanks! A ton to read there.

I am leaning towards the 80 based on the amount of rust the 60 has, and it's general overall cosmetic condition.

also very good info: Slee Off-Road 100 Series Newbie Guide