Just bought an FJ60!!

[bigblackbeard]

New to the site, just bought an FJ60. 1985, grey, 116,000 original miles. Seems to run great, but it's the only one I've ever driven. I've already read the FAQ and mechanics list and it helped a lot. I have a few questions for anyone who wants to help out a rookie.

1. Does installing the five speed trans really make much of a difference in MPG, or does it just decrease the noise on the highway at high speeds.

2. I was told by the previous owner to use high octance gas...thoughts?

3. The car has 31's right now...what's the largest size you can install without a lift?

4. What's the brand of those really cool roofracks like they have on range rovers?

I'll have lots more questions as I go. Anyone have a favorite cruiser mechanic in the Dallas area? Thanks!

 

[cody c]

Welcome aboard, the 5 speed is a favorite upgrade amongst many members, i believe it does increase mileage somewhat. 31's are a good size for a stock suspension (bigger tires will fit but will rub in the fenders when wheeling).
Have a look in the registry for an idea of different setups and tire sizes. Also i think there are probally a couple roof racks in the vendor section.

Dont forget to post some pics!!

 

[90FJ62]

New to the site, just bought an FJ60. 1985, grey, 116,000 original miles. Seems to run great, but it's the only one I've ever driven. I've already read the FAQ and mechanics list and it helped a lot. I have a few questions for anyone who wants to help out a rookie.

1. Does installing the five speed trans really make much of a difference in MPG, or does it just decrease the noise on the highway at high speeds.

2. I was told by the previous owner to use high octance gas...thoughts?

3. The car has 31's right now...what's the largest size you can install without a lift?

4. What's the brand of those really cool roofracks like they have on range rovers?

I'll have lots more questions as I go. Anyone have a favorite cruiser mechanic in the Dallas area? Thanks!

1. Sorry have a62 so cant answer that one but from the posts i have read i think it does, but bear in mind i think to add a H55 to your truck will mean reworking the drive shafts as yours does not have the spacer on the 4 speed trans.

2. I use the cheep $hit in mine thats not to cheep these days. With a good tune up and a valve adjustment you should be good on teh lower octane.

3. i think 33 x 9.50 will fit with some rubbing at full flex if your stock springs are not to flat.

4. i think defender racks but not sure i use a yakima roof rack on mine.


Also your pic is a red x so may need to check how it is linked.
Welcome to the addiction and (mud Welcome)


Dave

 

[2mbb]

1. I have an H55F and have not really noticed a change in gas mileage, although I have 33" tires and have changed the differentials to 4.56's so the gearing is a little lower than stock. The biggest benefit for me is the 5th gear allows for a reduction in RPM at highway speeds.
2. The 2F does not need high octane gas. It's a waste of money, IMO. Split the difference and buy quality low octane gas.
3. Do a search. A lot will depend upon the condition of your suspension. 31's are about the limit if you don't ever want rubbing.
4. Check out the african outback rack that slee offroad sells. Very functional, very light but spendy.

 

[zuluzeugma]

You should have bought mine dude... J/K Welcome aboard...

I won't re-answer your questions, but its possible the PO (previous owner) decked the head at some point to increase power. If this was done, it would in turn increase the compression ratio and you would require higher octance fuel. As a quick review:

The octance rating only rates the fuel's ability to NOT ignite under pressure. You wan't your spark plugs doing the igniting. You might call him and ask him if thats the case. Or, you could just run some 87 octane and listen for knocking under load...

Welcome dude (again, you should have bought mine)

 

[Randy88FJ62]

Roof Racks: You can also look at con ferr roof racks. They are old school at match the truck well in my opinion.
To fit 33's you will need a small suspension or body lift. If you want cheap you can Add A Leaf (AAL's) to your current springs to raise the vehicle up and give you clearance for bigger and wider tires (10.5 in.)

What is your goal for the truck? Daily driver, weekend off roading, exploring? Your use will direct you to the right upgrades and modifications as well as your budget.

Welcome to the best Land Cruiser community in the world. Find your local club in the "TLCA Forum / Clubhouse" at the top of the webpage. The local people have great experience and will help you out.

 

[Bryan062087]

Many have run 33x9.5 on stock suspension with little to no rubbing. I ran 33x10.5 on stock FJ62 suspension for 6 months with zero rubbing on or offroad.

31's on stock springs are not the limit, but are the safest way to ensure zero rubbing.

I vote 33x9.5's or 33x10.5's especially if you plan on lifting it in the future. But also depends on how saggy your springs are.

Roof racks: Kaymar tradesman rack; Wilderness roof rack. There are others- a guy named blackoutaz makes custom racks and often sells them on ebay, they are pretty cheap and I've heard they are good. http://www.blackoutaz.com/ Make sure you factor in the weight of the rack too. The ARB ones are very heavy I hear. Conferr racks may also be heavier than some others, not sure.

 

[RredFJ40]

Actually, an H55F will be a drop in deal in an '85

1. Sorry have a62 so cant answer that one but from the posts i have read i think it does, but bear in mind i think to add a H55 to your truck will mean reworking the drive shafts as yours does not have the spacer on the 4 speed trans.

Dave

 

[IndianDoc]

maybe 33's

Many have run 33x9.5 on stock suspension with little to no rubbing. I ran 33x10.5 on stock FJ62 suspension for 6 months with zero rubbing on or offroad.

31's on stock springs are not the limit, but are the safest way to ensure zero rubbing.

I vote 33x9.5's or 33x10.5's especially if you plan on lifting it in the future. But also depends on how saggy your springs are.

Roof racks: Kaymar tradesman rack; Wilderness roof rack. There are others- a guy named blackoutaz makes custom racks and often sells them on ebay, they are pretty cheap and I've heard they are good. blackout :: home Make sure you factor in the weight of the rack too. The ARB ones are very heavy I hear. Conferr racks may also be heavier than some others, not sure.

2x on the 33's if no spring sag, then just add a leaf relativly cheep. I ran 33's on a new 85 FJ-60 for three years before she sagged to the point that I added shackels and add a leaf. So just depends on your springs and other suspension choices.

 

[Heartworm]

welcome!

The high octane gas probably is not needed. Check your ignition timing and make certain it is spec. We have a 1987 FJ60 that has been decked 0.50 and it runs great on 85 octane (but the altitude is 5000 feet). THe timing is set on the BB (7 degrees BDC). If you have knocking in Dallas it is probably bad timing or a build up of carbon in the combustion chambers. Pull you plugs and tell us what you see.

In regard to tires, I ran one of mine with 33X9.5X15s for about half a year without a problem as a daily driver. Yes, I did some off road but I avoid the knarly stuff so I don't know what to tell you about some serious flexing. The thing that can bite you on 33 inch tires is the poor performance on long inclines at highway speeds..you will end up in third gear going about 45 mph with 33s and 3.70 differentials (stock). Dallas is probably flat enough that it is a non-issue. You will love 33s in regard to lowered RPMs on the highway. Later, when you get your lift springs you will already have the tires.

 

[Tofudebeest]

Actually, an H55F will be a drop in deal in an '85

Yep. But listen man...
Trust me on this:

Get to know your rig. Give it time. When you understnad the vehicle's capabilities, you'll figure out what your needs are and where you need to improve the set up. The 5 speed is about as dramatic an upgrade as you can get, and you can do it with a brand new crate H55F for well under $2,000, since you're good to go with your current transfercase and driveshafts, but you just as well may opt for a set of life springs, a Spring Over job or lots of other mods, depending on your needs and taste. If this is a daily driver, invest in making it reliable first. Mechanicals should always come first. WELCOME!

 

[UglyFJ60]

Welcome and Just turn your wallet over the Spector off road now. it will be alot easier to do it now than when something breaks and they are the only ones that have the part in stock.


Running a 4spd on 33's and 3.70 (same gears you got) and am getting around 15 mpg since i got the new clutch. figure I was losing 1000 RPMs to slippage. Every time i work on mine i want to beat the tar out of the guy that sold it to me ........ some people should not be allowed near a tool.

 

[jvazquez53]

Bienvenido (Welcome)!!!!!

 

[RredFJ40]

Don't do it man. Spector is your VERY last resort! There are loads of vendors that will treat you well, give you a fair deal, and participate in this community (MUD). There are folks like CDan to get you new OEM parts, cruiserparts.net to get you tons of used stuff (way cheaper than $OR), and a MUD classified section to get parts from us regular Joes (or Joels, in my case).

Welcome and Just turn your wallet over the Spector off road now. it will be alot easier to do it now than when something breaks and they are the only ones that have the part in stock.


Running a 4spd on 33's and 3.70 (same gears you got) and am getting around 15 mpg since i got the new clutch. figure I was losing 1000 RPMs to slippage. Every time i work on mine i want to beat the tar out of the guy that sold it to me ........ some people should not be allowed near a tool.

 

[Winston]

I installed the H55 and have 33" tires with OME light/medium set-up with original diffs
I would say you improve the MPG by 2-4.
It is nice to be able to hear the radio and passengers not to mention I rarely get over 2500 RPM's now whereas I used to be just over 3000.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

I will reiterate what Tofudebeest said. The mud classidied section is your friend. No matter what you need, someone has a parts truck and will sell you a used part for cheap. I've gotten a spare alternator, ignitor, coil, ECU, and many relays in this fashion. Everyone here helps eachother out and it's a lot of fun.