Holy thread resurrection batman!
87's are the best
87's are the best
Last edited:
FJ60 or 62 & which year is best? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter ex.jeep.guy
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Iceman25th
SILVER Star
Breathe life to thread! I am thinking about trying to set up a hand crank for my 87. You know, like in the old Model T. Maybe it will be better for starting. FJ62 - Turn key, vroom!
OK, so my 2 cents on this resurrected but stickied thread.
Appearance and amenities:
The big appearance difference is the old school rectangular headlights on an fj62 vs the even older school fj60 round head lights. It's a matter of taste, but functionally speaking, 4 headlights are better than two. Amenities wise, the power windows and door locks, the push button 4 wheel drive, and the power antenna on the fj62 can be problematic. Once you get those fixed, they are great. Why would you not want to be able to lock/unlock all the doors and roll up and down all the windows while sitting in the drivers seat? Being able to engage the 4 wheel drive at the push of a button is great, and with the antenna down, it won't get broken off. The fj62 definitley has the egde as far as convenience goes. All those conveniences can be problematic, but they can all be fixed. There are threads right here on MUD to be able to permanently and inexpensively fix every one of these power options. Once they are fixed the right way, they will be good for another 20 years.
Mechanical:
Due to the single fact that the 3FE engine in an fj62 has Electronic Fuel Injection means it is better than the 2F engine found in the fj60. Yes, the 2F may have a little more low end grunt, but there is a reason you see quite a few 2F engines being swapped out for 3FEs on older Cruisers. The EFI is a big improvement over the carburetor. That is the reason all cars made for the last 20 years have EFI. For someone that has become an expert on carbureted engines, the 2F may be a better choice than the 3FE, but I think for most, an EFI engine is a better choice. Ten years from now, it may be real tough to find parts and expertise for a carbureted engine.
Many feel that the A440F automatic transmission in the fj62 is the achilles heel of the beast. The fact that most of these transmissions go 200K+ miles says otherwise. The problem is, many of us are taking possession of these rigs right about the time that the transmission wears out, so our first big hurdle is the tranny. The A440F can be replaced with a rebuilt/upgraded one from Australia and the achilles heel is now a point of strength. Yes, the Australian tranny will cost about $3K (or more depending on the rates of currency exchange), but so will swapping in a 5 speed manual, and the engine will be revving higher going down the freeway with the 5 speed than with the auto. The 5 speed is geared lower than the auto, which is the reason the 3FE feels like it gets a power boost with the 5 speed. The good news is that the issues with the auto transmission can be delt with permanently by either replacing it with the Australian (Wholesale Automatics) or by doing the 5 speed conversion--depending on your personal taste. Don't see too many auto tranny options for an fj60. So once again, the fj62 wins this round. Remember, this is my 2 cents. You can have yours next.
Conclusion:
Both the fj60 and fj62 have their proponents. Some just can't stand the rectangular headlights. This is OK. If we were all the same, it would be a boring world. But, if you are looking to buy a 60 or a 62, you should realize that even if you are starting with a clean and minimal rust rig, you are going to be looking at several thousand dollars after the purchase price before you have an updated and reliable, driveable rig. It takes a lot of work to overcome years of deferred maintenance. Then, if you want to add off road equipment, you can tack on another 3 or 4 thousand. But, I would rather spend $10K on one of these and have a rig that will take me another 100K miles than spend $30K on a new one that will take me 100K miles or so. The $20K difference in price will more than pay for the difference in gas, not to mention the difference in taxes and insurance.
So, if you are standing at the cross roads, pick the fj62. Mechanically and amenities wise, it is a more modern vehicle. You can fix all the problems with a little time and money. If you don't have the time, or don't want to spend the money, don't buy one at all. Go buy a new rig, and 10 years from now, I will still be driving my then 30 year old cruiser, and you will be making payments on yet another new vehicle.
Appearance and amenities:
The big appearance difference is the old school rectangular headlights on an fj62 vs the even older school fj60 round head lights. It's a matter of taste, but functionally speaking, 4 headlights are better than two. Amenities wise, the power windows and door locks, the push button 4 wheel drive, and the power antenna on the fj62 can be problematic. Once you get those fixed, they are great. Why would you not want to be able to lock/unlock all the doors and roll up and down all the windows while sitting in the drivers seat? Being able to engage the 4 wheel drive at the push of a button is great, and with the antenna down, it won't get broken off. The fj62 definitley has the egde as far as convenience goes. All those conveniences can be problematic, but they can all be fixed. There are threads right here on MUD to be able to permanently and inexpensively fix every one of these power options. Once they are fixed the right way, they will be good for another 20 years.
Mechanical:
Due to the single fact that the 3FE engine in an fj62 has Electronic Fuel Injection means it is better than the 2F engine found in the fj60. Yes, the 2F may have a little more low end grunt, but there is a reason you see quite a few 2F engines being swapped out for 3FEs on older Cruisers. The EFI is a big improvement over the carburetor. That is the reason all cars made for the last 20 years have EFI. For someone that has become an expert on carbureted engines, the 2F may be a better choice than the 3FE, but I think for most, an EFI engine is a better choice. Ten years from now, it may be real tough to find parts and expertise for a carbureted engine.
Many feel that the A440F automatic transmission in the fj62 is the achilles heel of the beast. The fact that most of these transmissions go 200K+ miles says otherwise. The problem is, many of us are taking possession of these rigs right about the time that the transmission wears out, so our first big hurdle is the tranny. The A440F can be replaced with a rebuilt/upgraded one from Australia and the achilles heel is now a point of strength. Yes, the Australian tranny will cost about $3K (or more depending on the rates of currency exchange), but so will swapping in a 5 speed manual, and the engine will be revving higher going down the freeway with the 5 speed than with the auto. The 5 speed is geared lower than the auto, which is the reason the 3FE feels like it gets a power boost with the 5 speed. The good news is that the issues with the auto transmission can be delt with permanently by either replacing it with the Australian (Wholesale Automatics) or by doing the 5 speed conversion--depending on your personal taste. Don't see too many auto tranny options for an fj60. So once again, the fj62 wins this round. Remember, this is my 2 cents. You can have yours next.
Conclusion:
Both the fj60 and fj62 have their proponents. Some just can't stand the rectangular headlights. This is OK. If we were all the same, it would be a boring world. But, if you are looking to buy a 60 or a 62, you should realize that even if you are starting with a clean and minimal rust rig, you are going to be looking at several thousand dollars after the purchase price before you have an updated and reliable, driveable rig. It takes a lot of work to overcome years of deferred maintenance. Then, if you want to add off road equipment, you can tack on another 3 or 4 thousand. But, I would rather spend $10K on one of these and have a rig that will take me another 100K miles than spend $30K on a new one that will take me 100K miles or so. The $20K difference in price will more than pay for the difference in gas, not to mention the difference in taxes and insurance.
So, if you are standing at the cross roads, pick the fj62. Mechanically and amenities wise, it is a more modern vehicle. You can fix all the problems with a little time and money. If you don't have the time, or don't want to spend the money, don't buy one at all. Go buy a new rig, and 10 years from now, I will still be driving my then 30 year old cruiser, and you will be making payments on yet another new vehicle.
Last edited:
Well put slcfj62. I agree that the 4 headlights might function better, but this is one case where I'm going to take form over function. I have a soft spot for the roundies.
OH SNAP!!!!
fj62 rocks!!!! though i am jealous of round headlights and simplicity.
fj62 rocks!!!! though i am jealous of round headlights and simplicity.
Off Duty
SILVER Star
I like the round eyes simply because they remind me of my old FJ40
I have the 62 (1989) and have seen several tht once fixed up properly, the 4 across look pretty damned good
It's all about personal preference.
I love the 60 with the availability of the 5 speed.
I love my 62 for the comfort of the auto and the creature comforts (mainly for the wife and kids) of power windows and doors (something else to break!).
I agree w/slcfj62 above.
If you want all the modern whistles and bells and don't want to figure out how to DIY, then go buy a Powerstroke, Ram or an Excursion.
If you want long term reliability, durability (if you can beat the rust demons) and a unique vehicle at the same time, stay with the 60/62.
You can haul a load of people, tow medium sized loads, pack out in the back when camping and it'll get you there and back.
And if you really want a kick in the pants, do an engine/trans swap to an LSx or Vortec and it's associated auto trans.
The LS and the Vortec are proven reliable engines (100k+) as is the transmission. Not an overly expensive swap if you shop around and are able to do the work yourself. Otherwise, shop around, gather your parts, then get it done by someone. Either way, you're still WAY UNDER the price of a new truck, still have less crap on the engine and more reliability, and still have the uniqueness of the truck itself.
Being able to "light 'em up" in a brick is just a side benefit
)
Nice thing about it is, it'll be PAID FOR while doing it
And I'll give you odds, if you take the time to really kick it up a notch, then take it to a truck show, line it up next to all the new "factory ready" truck, you'll get more attention than they do
JMHO
I have the 62 (1989) and have seen several tht once fixed up properly, the 4 across look pretty damned good
It's all about personal preference.
I love the 60 with the availability of the 5 speed.
I love my 62 for the comfort of the auto and the creature comforts (mainly for the wife and kids) of power windows and doors (something else to break!).
I agree w/slcfj62 above.
If you want all the modern whistles and bells and don't want to figure out how to DIY, then go buy a Powerstroke, Ram or an Excursion.
If you want long term reliability, durability (if you can beat the rust demons) and a unique vehicle at the same time, stay with the 60/62.
You can haul a load of people, tow medium sized loads, pack out in the back when camping and it'll get you there and back.
And if you really want a kick in the pants, do an engine/trans swap to an LSx or Vortec and it's associated auto trans.
The LS and the Vortec are proven reliable engines (100k+) as is the transmission. Not an overly expensive swap if you shop around and are able to do the work yourself. Otherwise, shop around, gather your parts, then get it done by someone. Either way, you're still WAY UNDER the price of a new truck, still have less crap on the engine and more reliability, and still have the uniqueness of the truck itself.
Being able to "light 'em up" in a brick is just a side benefit
)Nice thing about it is, it'll be PAID FOR while doing it
And I'll give you odds, if you take the time to really kick it up a notch, then take it to a truck show, line it up next to all the new "factory ready" truck, you'll get more attention than they do
JMHO
Last edited:
The beefier frame started with the 1988 fj62. I stripped the vehicle when I was prepping for my paint job, and when I took the rear bumper off, I couldn't believe how stout the rear crossmember is. It's two layers of beefiness.
I believe the HJ61 is actually the best 4x4 ever produced.
Hey hks3sgte: I'm here reading old posts and recognized your rig. A few weeks ago I was returning from Mammoth heading up the hill on the backside of the 241 and you powered by me. Sweet ride you have...plus I like that turbo.
Funny thing is the entire trip we laughed at how many people passed us but I found redemption when I passed an FJ60 through a pass and then you fly by us going up hill...
...as if we were standing still...my kids are still razzing me.Regarding the difference in frames...does anyone know if all 62s had the beefier frames? I'm looking at an 88 right now, it's missing the 3 point seatbelts in the back (it has the same rear seatbelts as the 60) and it made me wonder other things (like the frame) were changed for the 89 model year?
I don't suppose there are pre-cut holes for the rear shoulder-belts in the column??
Thanks for any info...
I don't suppose there are pre-cut holes for the rear shoulder-belts in the column??
Thanks for any info...
I was talking with some guys out in Portland who run a Landcruiser shop and they told me that some 88 fj62s had the pre-drilled and some didn't. I'm assuming Toyota started drilling the holes at the end of the 88 model year. I havn't looked yet to see if I'm one of the lucky ones with the pre-drilled holes.
I'm only too happy to point out to you that you are wrong on this one. My FJ62 gets 12 in town and 17 on the highway. I can't speak for most, but then neither can you.
Life is fine in my '89!
62 that's what I say 
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2003
- Threads
- 117
- Messages
- 11,199
- Location
- Lancaster, Ohio, USA
- Website
- www.tlcperformance.com
The best 60 series cruiser is the one w/ the least rust.
period.
period.
The shop is Landcruiser NW, www.landcruisernw.com, great guys. I went and hung around for 30 min just picking their brains on some things and they had no problem taking the time to do so, they actually enjoyed it. It was obvious to see they really love doing what they do.
When I asked them about the 3-point seatbelts they told me about the possibility of pre-drilled holes. I assumed they were talking about fj62s, but now that I think about it they may not have realized I had a 62, and may have been referring to the 60 series in general.
A "poverty package" 62. No power windows, no power locks, rust free. I don't mind a stick shift, but only really enjoy them in sports cars. However, I'd love to have the round headlights. Every now and then I get used to four eyes, but they never look better then the 2 round headlights.
Anyone converted their 62 to 2 round headlights?
Anyone converted their 62 to 2 round headlights?
I own both a 85 FJ60 and an 88 FJ62. I love them both. (Wife
hates them). I have had problems with the 85 and power steering pumps. After that no problems
. I had the 4speed tranny replaced with the 5 speed for better gas on the freeway. it works great.
The 88 is a work of art. I got it from TLC 4x4, they converted it to a 5.7L VORTEK. I have had little problems with either.
The main concern is what fits you as the driver. Do you fit the cruiser? not "Are you big enough to reach the pedals:whoops:" rather; do you fit in the seat?
Does the cruiser wrap around you like you are wearing your favorite jacket
? or do you have to do those little things like unkink your back so that you can stand up straight after a long day driving:whoops:?
That is the question. The mech
and tech 
of the veh. will come, but if you dont "feel"
the comfort of driving your cruiser choose a different cruiser. Its not about the year its about the fit.
Good luck on your FJ future.
Dave
hates them). I have had problems with the 85 and power steering pumps. After that no problems. I had the 4speed tranny replaced with the 5 speed for better gas on the freeway. it works great. The 88 is a work of art. I got it from TLC 4x4, they converted it to a 5.7L VORTEK. I have had little problems with either.
The main concern is what fits you as the driver
. Do you fit the cruiser? not "Are you big enough to reach the pedals:whoops:" rather; do you fit in the seat? Does the cruiser wrap around you like you are wearing your favorite jacket
? or do you have to do those little things like unkink your back so that you can stand up straight after a long day driving:whoops:? That is the question. The mech
and tech of the veh. will come, but if you dont "feel" the comfort of driving your cruiser choose a different cruiser. Its not about the year its about the fit.Good luck on your FJ future
.Dave
