FJ62 vs. 2001 Runner....

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mobydick

mobydick

Joined
Sep 14, 2009
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Location
Medford, Oregon.
Nevermind the classic looks of the 60 series, nevermind my attachment to "my rig", nevermind the memories made with my family. Look at this strictly from a form vs. function kind of thread...I love my cruiser but, as you all know the 3FE is not the most practical fuel efficient motor out there. You guys all have runner experience so here's my situation. I have a brother in law in Cali that has a stock 2001 (white) 4runner. It has been well cared for and has never been off road to my knowledge although it has been regularly engaged to keep things working. I can't remember the miles but they are thinking of selling. If I could find a buyer for my '62 and put that money towards the runner.....WOULD I BE HAPPY...??? We need something with better gas mileage. I know it means going back to having to smog it but hey it passes Cali smog now so...?? Would I get used to it and become happy again?? Can 2 people sleep in the back OK? Could I rip the running boards off and lock up the rear and do OK?? I'm not a 'crawler" like most of you McGrew probably being my toughest challenge. Please feel free to get on this thread and tell me your opinions about this possible change. Remember my cruiser doesn't drip a drop of anything, it doesn't smoke, it doesn't have too much rust, it ain't pretty but I don't care about that. By the time I got to the end of this I've almost talked myself out of it! A little help please....:meh:
 
my general thoughts. I love my '99. Little bit of freeway and in town I just checked and getting solid 20mpg. It's comfy to drive. It is NO Land Cruiser. Locking the rear (if not coming with one) seems to be a little pricey, but that's not what mine is for. Lifting seems to relatively easy and not horrible costly. I'm 6' and with the hatch open my feet dangle a bit. It is small compared to 60 or 80.
 
Imo
The only real downside to the 62 is the 3fe.
Swap to an ls and move on.

I love my runner but the mileage im getting is more like 14.5-18.5.
Can be expensive to work on and is definitely a bit smaller.

offroading, im always worried abkut my cv boots and fxxxing off my alignment. Whereas with a SA rig there's significantly less s*** to break.
 
Yeah loved my 99 4runner, way more comfortable and streetable than the 60. If you do light wheeling the 4runner is more than adequate. I wouldn't beat the snot outta it anymore than I did without fear of breaking stuff. I did tear one cv boot but that was about the only failure I had related to the IFS. I experienced 15mpg in town but did get up to 20 in several situations. Being lifted didn't do it any favors for MPG. The 4runner was vanilla as vanilla comes. Sometimes I'd see 2 others all at the same stop light. That being said it was dirt reliable although much smaller than the 60. You might check to see if you are even comfortable in one first. My wife and I slept in it a lot and it was a tad too small although not unbearable by any means. I did build that sleeping shelf so I could extend my legs all the way over the folding rear seat and then pushed the front seats all the way up and I had more than enough leg room. I lifted mine 3" for less than $100 and proceeded to beat on it the entire time. The 60 can't be lifted for less than $1000 for that much unless you spring over it. That being said I almost never see another 60 driving around and I love the simplicity of it. Land Cruiser for off road, 4runner for on road. Depends on what you do more of.
 
I agree about the Runners being like a swarm of bees- they are everywhere! The 60's are much rarer and even as dumpy as mine looks I get people all the time complimenting me and wanting me to sell. I really like the visibility I get when driving the 62, it is a good fit for me as far as headroom and all. My engine is solid and has really never let me down...especially with you guys to help when I have problems. I think I know where this is headed....;)
 
OK, leaving Mexico, I mean SoCal this morning headed back to the Land of the English speaking!! The voting results are in...and tabulated. And the winner is............Landcruiser ....of course! :) What a silly notion huh? :moon:
 
I need to get more comfortable seats, also start putting a stop to what little rust I have, and oh yes, the V8 infusion Aric mentioned!! That last one will be awhile though so my trusty 3FE better hold up for now!! I have a full flat of fresh strawberries in the trunk and it smells soooooo good! I'd share with you guys but there just isn't enough to go around! $15 bucks a flat. :)
 
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That looks clean!;)
 
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