Introduce Yourself (1 Viewer)

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Yep! 40 arrives tomorrow and I plan to rebaseline the fluids. Unfortunately, it doesn't arrive until late tomorrow night, so I probably won't have time to do much on Sunday other than check fluids and drive it around a bit... The following weekend is Black Balsam, so I won't be working on the 40 for a bit :-(
 
I posted on Swamp fox forum, but thought I'd post here too.
Hi, I recently moved to Charleston and wanted to introduce myself.
Driving a 1999 UZJ 100, river rock green.
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Hi Guys, just wanted to take a second and introduce myself. My name is Craig and I live in Beaufort SC. I have a LHD 78 BJ40 from Costa Rica that I have had for a few yeas. The truck was mechanically running well when I got her but she had some rust issues that needed to be addressed. Well one thing lead to another and before I knew it I had the tub off and got more involved then originally intended. After lots of body work (done at a local shop) she is almost ready to go back together. I know just enough to get myself in trouble some I'm sure I will have some questions. I look forward to meeting everyone at one of the upcoming events. How do I officially join the club?

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Hey Cfreeman! Welcome! Very nice 40. I look forward to seeing the build progress. You should start a build thread - you'll enjoy looking back at your 40 after you get it where you want it.
 
Anyone have experience replacing steering rack on 100 series? I see there are some writeups on the board...
Mine is leaking and rubber bushings (at frame attachments) are worn leading to some play when I jacked front end up and pushed and pulled on 9 and 3 o'clock position.
Thinking about tackling it in January.
 
Haven't done it, but I'm happy to come over and wrench with ya.
 
Good Afternoon, Low Country Cruisers!

While I am without the proper vehicle to join your ranks, I am closing in very quickly on purchasing an 89 FJ62. I have a couple of questions I am hoping you all will be kind enough to answer:

1. Is LexTech the best option in Charleston? I've done some research and it would seem as if they are guys to go to in our area.

2. What is it REALLY like to maintain the FJ62? I am having a hard time understanding how difficult parts are to come by and any light you all could shine on this would be great as I make some final decisions on vehicles. Is it a situation where parts are readily available, but more expensive, or is there a true lack of parts that could create a situation where a truck sits and sits and sits because a required part isn't available?

Thank you in advance for your input. If/when I am able to acquire a vehicle (hopefully in the next 3 weeks as there are 2 different LCs I'm working with the sellers on) I will be sure to stop back by for a formal introduction.
 
I can tell you that Glenn @lextechautomotive is MY first choice. As a matter of fact, my 40 is headed that way for front disk brake install, 40/60 tie rod conversion and PS install.

Glen could tell you more about parts availability, but CCOT, SOR, Cruiser Dan and others can chime on with more info...
 
Glenn has a solid knowledge of all things Land Cruiser - if you're looking at an FJ62, I strongly suggest you take it over to him and have him go through it. I think he charges around $100 for this service, but it's money well spent. He'll tell you if the price is right and might save you a bit. If you are in to working on the car yourself, there are plenty of folks that can help you wrench on it.

As far as parts are concerned, it really depends on what you plan on doing with the vehicle. Most everything can be obtained here on Mud. Most engine parts and regular wear items (brakes, bulbs, etc.) are still available from Toyota. If you don't mind aftermarket stuff, you shouldn't have any trouble.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out!
 
I will also recommend Lextech! He had my locker problem on my 80 diagnosed within minutes! He is awesome! Dbenke and Scott Johnson also have 62s so they can also answer a lot of questions for you! Good luck looking for a cruiser and I hope to see you around soon!!
 
Thank you all for the input. I'm headed out west to see my family for Christmas and am planning to look at a FJ62 while I'm on the westcoast. I've linked up with one of the recommended mechanics from the 60-series sub-forum to do a pre-purchase inspection for me out there.

As mentioned in my initial post, when/if I pick up a Land Cruiser I will be back for a formal introduction. Hope to meet some of you guys very soon.
 
Well, it's done. I'm in with both feet - picked up an FJ62 in San Diego last week and am working to get it shipped back. Previous owner put some effort into it, but his intentions were more of the mall cruiser variety so I'll have to put a little work into it for it to be truly trail ready. Here's a pic of the old girl:

 
Nice...love the 62's
 
That's one heck of a mall cruiser! Man! For what it's worth, it will do fine on most of the trails at Uwharrie. Why don't you take the ol' girl for a spin on some of the easier stuff and let nature be your guide for prioritizing your upgrades :-) Before you take it out, I'd recommend having Glenn go through it. David (dbenke) is also one of the best cruiser mechanics in the low country - he knows his 60's in and out.
 
That's one heck of a mall cruiser! Man! For what it's worth, it will do fine on most of the trails at Uwharrie. Why don't you take the ol' girl for a spin on some of the easier stuff and let nature be your guide for prioritizing your upgrades :) Before you take it out, I'd recommend having Glenn go through it. David (dbenke) is also one of the best cruiser mechanics in the low country - he knows his 60's in and out.

Looks really nice! More details are coming I hope!!! Welcome!!

Thanks guys. The truck is mechanically in great shape; I had a reputable (per Ih8mud) Cruiser mechanic on the west coast do an inspection and he was very complimentary of the vehicle.

It's an 89 with 139K on the original drive-train. Interior is in great shape and nearly everything seems to work at this point (rear door lock actuators don't seem to be able to drive the lock mechanism up and down, but I haven't found much else wrong). It's got a wee bit of rust on the bottom of the drivers side door that will have to be addressed at some point, but the body appears to be in great condition otherwise. It needs a new antenna, though I'll probably swap out the original stereo for something more modern when I replace the antenna.

As for prioritizing upgrades; I'm focused on making it as mechanically sound as I can right now. The PO put the lift/tires on, but didn't bother to get a spare so the one on the vehicle needs to be replaced. The wheels probably need a little more backspacing as well as they are nearly sitting on the (tie-rod?) bolts at the end of the axle so I need spacers or new wheels. The guys that did the shackle reverse tack welded the suspension in, which I understand is by the book, but I'd like to have full welds before doing anything too serious off-road (personal preference). The lights on the ARB aren't wired up, so I'd like to get them wired in at some point. The knuckles will need to be rebuilt down the road as well, so that's another thing on the list.
 

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