FJ60 Questions/fuel tank

[sdbrassfield]

FJ60 Questions/fuel tank (Pics now attached)

First off I going to get you before you get me.... This is my 1st post on the 60 forum and have been lurking here about a week doing some research. I am likely going to acquire a 87 FJ60 dd w/ 238K in the next few days as the price is right. Needs a little resto work but I should be able to make it look and run great with a little work. I own a 92 FJ80 and am pretty much done making it a cherry and want another project.

This 60 runs well and the body is straight and little to no cancer and a few small dents/dings. Only problem(s) are the gas tank leaks, and the 4 spd does not have a second gear. I have called the Toy dealer and the recalls were done on this rig (tank and seatbelt) in 1994.

Q1: Where is a good source for a new or good used fuel tank, and how interchangeable are the earlier model FJ60 tanks?

Q2: Tranny issue I think is the synchronizer, but what model is the tranny (4spd), and is there a good source for a rebuilt unit w/ core or should I find an 5 spd tranny and how easy is the swap?

Thanks for your help in advance guys...

 

[jgordon]

Welcome. Nice purchase too.

A1: go to your nearest reputable toyota dealer. Ask them to run your VIN and see if the safety recall on your gas tank has been performed. I'll bet you a beer it hasn't. Free gas tank for you, labor included.
Edit: I'm an idiot. And I owe you a beer.

A2: with the number of guys doing 5-speed/V-8 swaps, the stock 4-speeds are a dime a dozen. I've seen them go for $50-150 on here. I wouldn't mess with a rebuild, as that will be (should be?) signifincantly more.

Oh yeah -

 

[REKCUT]

My syncro was out when I bought mine. biggest hindsite regret i have is that I spent the money rebuilding it instead of putting in a 5sp. IMHO any money spent on repairing a 4sp should be spent installing a 5sp. That said, SOR and CCOT make rebuild kits for very little. $200 or less i think. The 5spd on a 87 should be simple R&R job.

 

[Ducks]

Where are the pics?

The 4 speed transmission is an h42. They changed in 1985 to add a spacer to it. Good for you if you want to put in a 5 speed (h55). It is a drop in replacement. However if you put in a super cheap used h42, make sure it is one that has the spacer on it otherwise you would have to change the lengths of your driveshaft. Not too hard to do but would be a complete waste of money in this case.

 

[Kninja]

I had my leaky tank repaired by a place in PA. gas-tank.com, I believe. It certainly wasn't cheap due to the number of baffles in the tank, but it was cheaper than buying a new one. Looks great and all the holes are fixed. They were pretty quick too, I think it was less than 2 weeks between when I shipped it out and when it came back.

 

[sdbrassfield]

Thanks for the responses. Just started lurking the parts/parting out sections and the h42 trannys definitely seem to be plentiful and cheap. If I go that route, sounds like I have to have a 1985 donor truck and up to make the swap easy (Thanks Ducks). Is that correct?

Whew, the h55 tranny prices seem a bit steeeep so far but will keep looking.

Gas Tanks also seem to be plentiful on the parting out section maybe not cheap after shipping though. I will look into the repair route also (thanks kninja)

 

[Ducks]

Thanks for the responses. Just started lurking the parts/parting out sections and the h42 trannys definitely seem to be plentiful and cheap. If I go that route, sounds like I have to have a 1985 donor truck and up to make the swap easy (Thanks Ducks). Is that correct?

Yep. I think 4/85 and newer will work. It is easy to tell just by looking at it. I have a 10/84 that doesn't have the spacer.

 

[REKCUT]

I believe you can get a new one for around $1700. I known its a lot but it is supposed to be one of the best upgrades out there and will increase the value of your truck. I would have gone this route if my truck was a year newer.

 

[Ducks]

I'm being somewhat random but attached is a table comparing the gearing on an h42 and an h55. With the h55 you get a granny 1st gear and an overdrive. Many people think it is the best mod you can do for a 60. The h42 is supposedly more "refined" since the gearing is closer together. I think a used h55, if you can find one, is ~$1000. New is $1800 including the shifter.

 

[sdbrassfield]

I believe you can get a new one for around $1700. I known its a lot but it is supposed to be one of the best upgrades out there and will increase the value of your truck. I would have gone this route if my truck was a year newer.

10-4...

 

[sdbrassfield]

I'm being somewhat random but attached is a table comparing the gearing on an h42 and an h55. With the h55 you get a granny 1st gear and an overdrive. Many people think it is the best mod you can do for a 60. The h42 is supposedly more "refined" since the gearing is closer together. I think a used h55, if you can find one, is ~$1000. New is $1800 including the shifter.

Thanks for all the good info....I will search a while for the h55 and see what I can come up with...

Will try to post some pics tomorrow folks...

 

[Skniper]

Leaks??....as in plural? Can you verify where the leaks are coming from, are they from abuse, trail damage?...or seeping leaks from a seam or spot welds around the inner baffles?

IMO, if you can see where the leaks are coming from and it appears to be a failure in the tank, like at a spot weld, you may be able to raise a stink about the recall performed and get another Recall job done....at least maybe get a deal on it.

The original tank on my fj62 actually failed for the reason the recall was issued. The spot weld popped loose and created a constant slow seeping leak. It was completely hidden under the tank strap.

It's worth a shot, you can claim it a big safety issue and maybe they didn't replace it with the "upgraded" tank at time of recall. Put your trial lawyer hat on!!

If it's from damage, looks like it's your dime.

 

[FJ40Jim]

Q1: Where is a good source for a new or good used fuel tank, and how interchangeable are the earlier model FJ60 tanks?

I have a tank here that was recalled (installed) in 1993? that has popped a seam because a PO "Desmogged" the fuel system, causing the tank to contantly overpressurize until it cracked.

It's on the scrap pile. If you want a clean one to get repaired, come and get it.

 

[kranky al]

ive got a 60 with a 5 speed and a mate has one with a 4 - no contest - i get better fuel economy - and instead of 5 minutes to get to 100kmh - i take 4min 45seconds - seriously though - its all good

 

[D'Animal]

If you need a tank, I have one that I will sell and ship. It is the "new" one. No leaks.


Shipping will be from 93291.

 

[sdbrassfield]

D'animal I will pm you. Thanks

 

[sdbrassfield]

Here are some pics of the rig...Needs a front bumper too, but for what I paid it will be a good workable resto truck...

 

[sdbrassfield]

Here is a couple more pics...and a pic of my 80.

 

[D'Animal]

That is the first time I have seen the chrome like that on a 60 series.

 

[sdbrassfield]

That is the first time I have seen the chrome like that on a 60 series.

I am still learning alot about the 6o series trucks/specs and history, but I am pretty sure that trim was likely "PIMPED"...