The Introduction
This FJ60 was born in 1983 as a 1984 FJ60 Land Cruiser. First purchased in Scottsdale where it was loved. Was then sold to an artist that moved it to Flagstaff, drove it until the "brakes went to half" (destroyed rear drum calipers) and proceeded to plow it into an elk (this was probably not on purpose). Kurt, the most recent owner, a Toyota enthusiast and friend of "The Artist" purchased it and began the long process of bringing life to the '60.
This is where we come in.
The Purchase
In late May of this year, two of my friends took a trip and returned engaged.
The husband to be (K2 from this point forward) has had a long history of wonderful cars, from a classic mustang to an FJ40, the man has taste. However, he's been driving his two wheel drive, regular cab, basic Tacoma for years without a play toy.
The wife to be (DJ), places a call to help online, asking for friends with knowledge to help her find the right FJ60 to give as her wedding present to him.
Yesterday, DJ and I went to do the final inspection of the FJ60.
DJ and Kurt (the Toyota Guru) signing over the title
As of last night the '60 has found a new home.
...okay, a new, temporary home. My garage.
Point of note: I'm an Isuzu guy...but don't hold it against me.
The Good
The Questionable
Since this is really a gift for K2 and supposed to be the best FJ60 we can give him to start his own build and make it whatever he wants...think of this as a pre-build.
I'll be storing the '60 in my garage until the wedding (or, if they choose to do a "camping" wedding like I expect, then until the morning they are packing for the wedding--which I think is a freakin' badass idea). I'll also be working to make certain that it is in solid driving condition for a basic camping trip.
Okay, that's it for the first post.
Let's all congratulate DJ on her fine taste and K2 on his (secret) new FJ!
-Brian (FTroop)
P.S. K2, by the time you read this you and DJ will be married. I just want you to know that you have a very amazing wife to plan this all out and include your friends in her gift to you. Alicia and I couldn't be happier for the both of you in your journey together and I wish you only adventure and joy on the trails that follow.
This FJ60 was born in 1983 as a 1984 FJ60 Land Cruiser. First purchased in Scottsdale where it was loved. Was then sold to an artist that moved it to Flagstaff, drove it until the "brakes went to half" (destroyed rear drum calipers) and proceeded to plow it into an elk (this was probably not on purpose). Kurt, the most recent owner, a Toyota enthusiast and friend of "The Artist" purchased it and began the long process of bringing life to the '60.
This is where we come in.
The Purchase
In late May of this year, two of my friends took a trip and returned engaged.
The husband to be (K2 from this point forward) has had a long history of wonderful cars, from a classic mustang to an FJ40, the man has taste. However, he's been driving his two wheel drive, regular cab, basic Tacoma for years without a play toy.
The wife to be (DJ), places a call to help online, asking for friends with knowledge to help her find the right FJ60 to give as her wedding present to him.
Yesterday, DJ and I went to do the final inspection of the FJ60.
DJ and Kurt (the Toyota Guru) signing over the title
As of last night the '60 has found a new home.
...okay, a new, temporary home. My garage.
Point of note: I'm an Isuzu guy...but don't hold it against me.
The Good
- It's solid with no rust issues. Kind of expected from an FJ that's only ever lived in AZ, but I was concerned about its life in Flagstaff. Fortunately those concerns were unfounded here.
- Tranny and Transfer are doing their jobs well with very minor driveline noise.
- Diffs seem solid with no leaks--I'll check fluid levels this weekend.
- Selectable hubs are still the hardy Aisins--God I love Aisin--and working as they should.
- Holds steady at 65mph at just about 3k rpms
- Tires are in good shape
- Interior is mostly intact
- Has awesome, seemingly factory roof rack--not like the cheesy plastic ones I've normally seen from OEs (thanks Isuzu)
- Original tool bag is a nice touch
The Questionable
- Will it pass emissions?
- Is a bit of a cold starter...takes a good fifteen minutes and a drive around the block before the choke can be disengaged (is this normal for the 2F? If so I'll remove it from the questionable section)
- Heavy belt whine over 2.5k rpm...I'll chase that down pretty quickly though
- I'm seeing a fair amount of fluid on the power steering box
- Also seeing a pretty gunked up, old oil leak around the Bell housing and oil pan. not going to separate the engine and tranny if I don't have to, I'll clean it up and see what fresh fluids present themselves and move from there.
- Driver-side Fender has been replaced but is of poor repair in the replacement as well.--I might leave this for now though if I can get the grill and healight covers all buttoned up without affecting anything.
- New Grill is in the truck, need to get on the truck
- Hood doesn't fully latch. Grabs on the upper latch, but not the lower. Currently able to drive highway without flying up, but should get solid.
- Springs on hood don't hold up.--I'll check the j-yards
- Needs a strut for the rear hatch window
- Exhaust manifold leak
- Have some disconnected vacuum lines--I'll need a v-line chart and does anyone know the tube diameters? Inside D of course.
- No turn signals
- A few light housings are broken or missing
- Cruise Control doesn't work and the control bar (wand--whatever) is hanging loose from the steering column by it's wire.--I'll at least make it presentable, even if I can't get it to work.
Since this is really a gift for K2 and supposed to be the best FJ60 we can give him to start his own build and make it whatever he wants...think of this as a pre-build.
I'll be storing the '60 in my garage until the wedding (or, if they choose to do a "camping" wedding like I expect, then until the morning they are packing for the wedding--which I think is a freakin' badass idea). I'll also be working to make certain that it is in solid driving condition for a basic camping trip.
Okay, that's it for the first post.
Let's all congratulate DJ on her fine taste and K2 on his (secret) new FJ!
-Brian (FTroop)
P.S. K2, by the time you read this you and DJ will be married. I just want you to know that you have a very amazing wife to plan this all out and include your friends in her gift to you. Alicia and I couldn't be happier for the both of you in your journey together and I wish you only adventure and joy on the trails that follow.
sure get married for an awesome gift but then you wont have money to build it. all of it will dissapear 
K2 is a lucky man.
will never sit behind the wheel of my wagon 
