I recently posted a similar thread on Marlin Crawler, but I imagine you guys will have some more information for me. I am contemplating selling my truck, and I've taken a little interest into the Land Cruiser world again. Anyone have some persuasive opinions on why or why not I should consider an FJ60. I really like the people room, but I am losing out on potential fuel injection and gas mileage. What are my options as far as building an FJ60?
FJ60 vs. 4x4 Pickup
- Thread starter wampum
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Lots of room in them. FJ 60s (carb + manual) and FJ 62s (EFI + auto) get similar milage when in tune. ~15 mpg (highway) is average, or a touch better, for either one. What I've gathered from watching posts here, is that the 62s are easier to keep in tune with the EFI.
As far as building, scroll through the threads, and search anything in particular you are interested. Take the number of guys on here who own 60 series trucks, and add 3. That will give you how many approaches/opinions there are on building one up.
As far as building, scroll through the threads, and search anything in particular you are interested. Take the number of guys on here who own 60 series trucks, and add 3. That will give you how many approaches/opinions there are on building one up.
- Thread starter
- #3
Thanks for the info. ^^^
I'm thinking if I got one I would strongly consider a Chevy motor swap. Does the auto tranny equipped still have the revered split case? I could probably deal with the gas mileage. And I'd definitely want to go spring over.
I'm thinking if I got one I would strongly consider a Chevy motor swap. Does the auto tranny equipped still have the revered split case? I could probably deal with the gas mileage. And I'd definitely want to go spring over.
Your desires are completely different than mine, but you'll find a ton of info in this directory of build threads:https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/199577-project-build-up-directory.html
ntsqd
technerd
I own both an '84 Xcab 4x4 Mini and an '84 (just worked out that way) FJ60. As good as the Mini is, it's like it's the JV team when the 60 is the Varsity squad.
I think the limit to your build up will be your wallet. I had a truck before the 60 and changed out because I needed more people room (growing family) and since I like to wheel I wanted something simple to work on. I missed the raw utility of my truck of just being able to through whatever in the back whenever (mostly tall objects). I did build a ulitity trailer that far exceeds the capacities of a truck but not everyone likes to tow or store a trailer but for me that got me the best of both worlds, family room and hauling space. While the 2F is a great motor I had already made plans for an engine swap before I purchased my 60. More power and better mileage is just a no brainer to me.
I second reading the threads in the build up sticky, there are all kinds of rigs in there to please different kinds of people and terrain.
I second reading the threads in the build up sticky, there are all kinds of rigs in there to please different kinds of people and terrain.
- Thread starter
- #8
Thanks for the info guys, I appreciate it. I love being able to throw/haul junk in the bed, so I would definitely consider getting a trailer.
Now generally speaking, will a FI V8 swap get better gas mileage than the 2F?
I think I will be leaning to the FJ60 rather than the FJ62. I like shifting. =)
I'll go check out some of those build threads.
Now generally speaking, will a FI V8 swap get better gas mileage than the 2F?
I think I will be leaning to the FJ60 rather than the FJ62. I like shifting. =)
I'll go check out some of those build threads.
My carbed 350 used less gas than my 2F and made twice the power. And no, I don't miss my truck. My 60 was my wife's daily driver untill our family would no longer all fit into it. At that point I bought a minivan, sold the truck and took over the Land Cruiser as my daily driver. It's been bliss ever since!
kling-on
Kool Arrow
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I'm tradein my 85 p/u for a Vortec swap so I can have my FJ60 back as a DD/ tow rig... I think the 60 is way better AS A DD FAMILY HAULER
You hoped for mileage increase going from a well-tuned 2F to a V8 will not do much to offset the up front cost of the swap, IMHO. Now, if you are talking the need for highway speed and the ease of parts, I would be with you.
You did not say what kind of truck you had (full sized, late model, crew cab) or the intended use, so it is hard to make a comparison with a Fj60.
Don't get a 60 unless (a) you enjoy working on them and fixing them up or (b) you have a lot of money. Not that they are not good vehicles, it's just that they have already been driven around the world 5 to 10 times and will require attention.
You did not say what kind of truck you had (full sized, late model, crew cab) or the intended use, so it is hard to make a comparison with a Fj60.
Don't get a 60 unless (a) you enjoy working on them and fixing them up or (b) you have a lot of money. Not that they are not good vehicles, it's just that they have already been driven around the world 5 to 10 times and will require attention.
Personally, I think doing any engine swap conversion PURELY on Mileage ideals is rubbish. It leads to various cost problems simply because to get any return, you have to drive it like gramma, never drive anywhere you don't want to go, and always buy the cheapest fuel available. Terrible idea, however if you wanted to do it for the performance gains, then go fo' broke.
Now as for a comparison, it would be a tough one without knowing what kind of 4x4 Pickup you're driving. In my opinion, if it is a regular or extended cab truck, you'll appreciate the extra room for you and your passengers; however, if you have a crew cab, then you'll definately be missing the utility the back of your truck provides, especially if you do a lot of hauling. If you already have a 4x4 Crew Cab pickup, then the only thing that would make me consider getting a 60 series is down sizing from a full size or up sizing from a compact crew. For me, getting a my Land Cruiser running is a top priority because I need more space than my little Ford Ranger can ever provide. Now your case may be similar, and I can say, I know I'm going to miss the back of a pickup, but having more passenger space and the ability to just Lava Liner the entire back of the cargo compartment of the Cruiser makes up for the loss of the back of the truck.
Now as for a comparison, it would be a tough one without knowing what kind of 4x4 Pickup you're driving. In my opinion, if it is a regular or extended cab truck, you'll appreciate the extra room for you and your passengers; however, if you have a crew cab, then you'll definately be missing the utility the back of your truck provides, especially if you do a lot of hauling. If you already have a 4x4 Crew Cab pickup, then the only thing that would make me consider getting a 60 series is down sizing from a full size or up sizing from a compact crew. For me, getting a my Land Cruiser running is a top priority because I need more space than my little Ford Ranger can ever provide. Now your case may be similar, and I can say, I know I'm going to miss the back of a pickup, but having more passenger space and the ability to just Lava Liner the entire back of the cargo compartment of the Cruiser makes up for the loss of the back of the truck.
- Thread starter
- #13
I've owned 1992 and 1985 pickups. So I have never enjoyed the "back seat" functionality. I first considered a 4Runner, but 4-door/4-cylinder Runners are uncommon.
My goals with an FJ60 would be daily driver/camping/ mediocre wheeling machine. I'd be looking into a SOA conversion on 35's.
I wasn't considering a Chevy motor solely for the purpose of gas mileage. I also enjoy fuel injection, and plenty of power and support(parts,information,etc). But it would be awesome if I got better mileage after the swap. The 2F's are just kind of a turn off to me. Carburetion =
What can be said of the 4-speed tranny? Are they decent?
I know I love the 4x4 Pickups, but I'm thinking I will love the Land Cruiser too.
Keep the info/opinions coming. Even if you've never owned a pickup.
My goals with an FJ60 would be daily driver/camping/ mediocre wheeling machine. I'd be looking into a SOA conversion on 35's.
I wasn't considering a Chevy motor solely for the purpose of gas mileage. I also enjoy fuel injection, and plenty of power and support(parts,information,etc). But it would be awesome if I got better mileage after the swap. The 2F's are just kind of a turn off to me. Carburetion =
What can be said of the 4-speed tranny? Are they decent?
I know I love the 4x4 Pickups, but I'm thinking I will love the Land Cruiser too.
Keep the info/opinions coming. Even if you've never owned a pickup.
I've owned 1992 and 1985 pickups. So I have never enjoyed the "back seat" functionality. I first considered a 4Runner, but 4-door/4-cylinder Runners are uncommon.
My goals with an FJ60 would be daily driver/camping/ mediocre wheeling machine. I'd be looking into a SOA conversion on 35's.
I wasn't considering a Chevy motor solely for the purpose of gas mileage. I also enjoy fuel injection, and plenty of power and support(parts,information,etc). But it would be awesome if I got better mileage after the swap. The 2F's are just kind of a turn off to me. Carburetion =
What can be said of the 4-speed tranny? Are they decent?
I know I love the 4x4 Pickups, but I'm thinking I will love the Land Cruiser too.
Keep the info/opinions coming. Even if you've never owned a pickup.
If that's what you're looking for then you'd be happy with a 60. It seems you're looking to get the same thing out of yours that I want out of mine and that's the direction I'm going, aside from the V8 swap. If you want fuel economy, go diesel.
Pick up an H55 to go with the 2F and you'll be happy for thousands of miles.
Perhaps you should consider a second or third generation 4runner. For your stated needs, I see no point in going with big tires/big lift. IMO either the 4cyl or 6cyl-including the 3.0-are fine powerplants for the Runner.
I'd say go with an overdrive especially if you are going to do any amount of freeway driving (sounds like you will to get to your camping spots). Auto or stick doesn't matter, but definitely an overdrive.
Cruiserdrew
On the way there
A lot depends on what you want to do. You don't need SOA and big tires if all you do is drive fireroads/desert/trails without boulders.
Minitrucks are great wheelers. You are never going to make a 60 as good a wheeler as a mini-truck. Mini-trucks are inexpensive, with lots of aftermarket support.
A 60 needs a bit more thought and care. There are low gear options with the toybox, and SOA has been done many times. Beyond that, you're off in the custom zone and things get expensive fast.
You don't need a V8 to do what a 60 was meant to do, but the extra highway power will be nice. My advice-sort out the suspension and gearing first, then swap a V8 if you just have to have more power.
An excellent compromise might be to buy an FJ62, convert it to a manual transmission and build your wheeler from there. Then you have a wagon + EFI + Low gear options.
Minitrucks are great wheelers. You are never going to make a 60 as good a wheeler as a mini-truck. Mini-trucks are inexpensive, with lots of aftermarket support.
A 60 needs a bit more thought and care. There are low gear options with the toybox, and SOA has been done many times. Beyond that, you're off in the custom zone and things get expensive fast.
You don't need a V8 to do what a 60 was meant to do, but the extra highway power will be nice. My advice-sort out the suspension and gearing first, then swap a V8 if you just have to have more power.
An excellent compromise might be to buy an FJ62, convert it to a manual transmission and build your wheeler from there. Then you have a wagon + EFI + Low gear options.
Off Duty
SILVER Star
I pretty much agree with the above.
It seems our stated purposes for cruiser use are pretty similar, except mine isn't and won't be a DD. I have a Scion XD for that
I was thinking originally about a Vortec swap for my 62 with the H55 to support it; however, as someone else said, mileage alone isn't the best reason for a swap.
I'm more than likely going to go diesel (not Toyota though) for the following reasons:
Torque/power
Adaptability to alternative fuel sources
Parts availability (US made diesel)
fuel economy (just a byproduct).
I like the idea of in an emergency, being able to "brew my own" fuel. A little more self reliant I guess?
The 5 speed will give you the shifting you like with the OD you need.
As mentioned, SOA is pretty much not needed for a DD, especially if you're going to spend any time on the highway.
I'm running Goodyear Wrangler (kevlar belted) AT's in 33's with an OME lift. Very comfortable and plenty of room.
You will scrub with 35's so consider a body lift and maybe a shakel extension?
Good luck with whatever you choose.
An FJ62 would probably be a good bet. HOWEVER (a big one too), there are some reports that early 88 models were available with manual transmission, windows, and mirrors. Not sure if they're true or not, but if you happened upon one, it would probably be the closest thing to what you seem to be looking for in a stock 60 series Cruiser.
I've seen one early FJ62 which did have manual windows and mirrors but it still had the auto tranny. I think the rumor of early 62s , in the US market, having the manual tranny is simply that, a rumor. Outside of the US is a different situation and this may be contributing to the rumor.
