First Post as an owner!

[chuckirons]

Though maybe not for long...

I just picked up my first Land Cruiser last night - an '85 FJ60.

I had driven it once and it was perfect - a project for me to start out with - the only problems were a little rust on the quarter panel and what the PO said was a tiny piece in back that needed to be welded in place, but it didn't affect anything. I know, I should have looked, but it had been raining and I thought since he was a friend of my brother he would let me in on anything serious.

So I look under the truck this morning and that little piece of welding is actually the whole cross member that attaches the rear shocks to the frame.On each side there's about an inch of space - the bar itself seems pretty solid and the shocks keep it in place, but it only gives the appearance that it's functional.

I'm not sure what I should do about this.

Is this a killer as far as the truck is concerned ( I know that I won't be driving it very far in this condition)? Is this something I should cancel the deal over?

I got for a good price and had intended on working on it, (doing the body work, new suspension, brakes, etc.) but this thing came as a shock and is a bit overwhelming on the first day.

Oh, and hey - it's really nice to be here, it will be nice getting to know all of you!


Chuck

 

[Taildragon]

Throw a pic up of the cross member if able, so we can get a better idea of what your dealing with. I would venture to say that if its rusted completely through there might be other areas to investigate further. I'm no 60 person though. Justin

 

[66fj40x2]

What does the rest o the frame look like? If it's good and the price is right go for it. I know there is a FJ62 frame in Dallas fir sell if you're interested in doing that much work on it

Welcome to Cruisers, Mud and Tornado Alley Cruisers. If you can bring to the Asher's farm, meet some folks and you can get tons of input, great BBQ and drive an FJ Cruiser.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=157921

 

[MOfj40]

If that's the only area of the frame that's bad, I'd say go for it.

I know I guy in Joplin that's parting out a 60 and a 62. If you decide to buy it and need some parts, I'll put you in touch with him.

 

[chuckirons]

Thanks guys -I'll get some pics together this weekend and see what you all think. I had done a search where basically people had just welded in a new cross member, but yeah, I should make sure I'm not going to be needing a lot more work first.

I actually already bought it, and I'm wondering if this is a deal breaker - I had a dream last night where he had created an eBay listing for it where he said "major structural frame deterioration" and woke up in a start.

Thanks for all the advice, any more opinions would be welcome!

 

[toyotology]

I hate those kind of dreams.... I wouldn't consider it a deal breaker if the only place rusted on the frame was that crossmember. That would be an easy fix in an afternoon.

 

[Eddy]

Welcome - x2 on Ashers - come up even if you have nothing to wheel. This is a great group of people.

Im not a 60 person - but if try to get some good light on the frame - take a hammer and hit along the frame to find any other areas that might be ready to go...

 

[chuckirons]

I just talked to my wife about coming to Asher's and that's something we might be able to do -

My wife was really excited about having the truck as well and driving it - in fact she wants to drive it to Springfield this weekend. How do I tell her we shouldn't take it? Or is it okay-ish?

 

[chuckirons]

By the way, thanks for everyones help, I really appreciate it

 

[eyezlee]

My wife was really excited about having the truck as well and driving it - in fact she wants to drive it to Springfield this weekend. How do I tell her we shouldn't take it? Or is it okay-ish?

I'd not take it on the road if the rear shocks aren't functioning... is this cross member rusted off the frame? if so I'd be looking at other key parts of the frame the rear "C" where the boxing ends as well as the boxed area above the spring mounts (drivers side next to the muffler) are popular areas for rust. take pics for us please.

oh, and welcome from a '60 owner

 

[chuckirons]

I'll get those up as soon as I can, thanks again

 

[Craig C]

Chuck,
If you want we can put it up on my lift and check it out.
CC

 

[chuckirons]

Chuck,
If you want we can put it up on my lift and check it out.
CC

I'd really appreciate that - I'll PM you about when a good time to be!

I was out of town all weekend and will get some pictures up this evening, but this guy is having similar issues and what looks like to be similar looking frame. I also like the bolt on idea but wonder how much movement there could be...

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=155396

 

[tornadoalleycruiser]

The crossmember you are referencing is a common issue on wagons.. Seen many midwest trucks with those broken.. Simple fix.. Go buy some Cromoly tubing that just fits in the crossmember tube.. use about a foot section push it into the crossmember from the outside of the frame as you pound it into the crossmember it will conform to the curve of the crossmember. Then just weld up and your good to go. simple fix that's actually very easy.

 

[chuckirons]

The crossmember you are referencing is a common issue on wagons.. Seen many midwest trucks with those broken.. Simple fix.. Go buy some Cromoly tubing that just fits in the crossmember tube.. use about a foot section push it into the crossmember from the outside of the frame as you pound it into the crossmember it will conform to the curve of the crossmember. Then just weld up and your good to go. simple fix that's actually very easy.

Wow. That DOES sound easy.

I still probably wouldn't be able to do it myself just yet, but I'm thankful that it's looking more and more like it's not an absolute killer.

 

[Dmidlfing4]

We've patched the frames on both the 40's an the 60. Not a big deal.

C Ya, Don