So 2000 miles in only a few days what I have I learned about my Land Cruiser.
First, and this is for every new owner, Get all mechanical sorted out.
I spent a crazy amount to time rebuilding or replacing just about everything on the drivetrain. Cooling system (everything), AC, Steering, Alt, u-joints, suspension, exhaust, axle rebuilds etc.
I had 4 issues
1. Needed to tighten the drive belts (they were new and needed it anyway)
2. Get mechanical gauges. When the wire fell of the oil pressure sender (no idea how) I was doing 65mph and was like WTH. Looked at the mechanical gauge and 80psi (where it had been all trip) so all was good. Fixed the wire at the next stop
3. Steering. while OK with the med/ heavy suspension and the steering not 100% dialed in it seemed It had a tendency to wonder a bit.
I believe this can be corrected easy enough with a bit more toe in and less crap in the back. It was sagging a bit more than I would like. Even though I have heavy springs, my shocks are med for a better ride. How to fix, I have a set of airbags to install still. Or change the shocks, but then the ride would be unbearable. Even so, it was nothing that made me go, oh crap.
4. My heavily pitted windshield has to be replaced. At night it is OK except when a HID or LED headlight hits me square on (blind curves suck). It was the sun in the late evening that was scary.
Favorite mods
1. H55f. Even with 32" tires and stock 3.70 gears this was a lifesaver on the interstate. While some hills I was stuck in the slow lane, for the most part I was able to pass when needed.
2. LED bulbs in dome light. I bought the kit from a vendor here in mud. I forgot I had installed them and needed light at night. These make the cab seem like you are in daylight. Awesome
3. (unexpected bonus) Due to not having time to paint the 60, the hood is still hot rod black. Sun hitting it in the right angle the black hood soaked up the glare and saved me several times.
4. HEADLIGHTS I installed the Koito headlights and seeing these on the forums are fine In person at night on a dark road. Low beam is great, high beam is fantastic!
5. Rebuilt OEM seats (foam and covers). Longest time was 15 hours (total time) in the saddle, really about 6-7 hours with fuel stop and coffee, never once was I uncomfortable. Also at 6'1 with a 34" leg the OEM seat was perfect for me.
My 60 is still carbed. I know the secondary's are opening and have not looked that the throttle rod yet. to see why the secondary's only open when almost at the floor in any gear (yes you can actually feel it)
I was planning on going FI, however I am still not convinced that a system not designed for the 60 is in anyway worth the cost.
After 2000 miles with a carbed engine, I am still not sure it is. Planning traffic merges, lane changes and prepping for hills the carb worked fine at 65-70 MPH (kept it a 65 for 99%). I was able to pass the big rigs and oddly some other vehicles when needed.
Most of the time in 5th with the gas pedal pegged on the floor. Better gearing would help and needed anyway.
One thing I knew is that my engine would always start. Even after driving for 6 or 7 hours and then needing to stop, it would start hard (like there was not fuel in the bowl) but it still started. I chocked it up to heat in the engine bay.
It stayed around 165-180 along the whole drive and crap up to 185 when stopped. I though this was perfect.
Heat soaked it was about 200. If I let it sit for 1/2 hour it fired up every time.
Never once did I have to worry if my new EFI system was going to crap out on me, my old system always worked no questions.
So so far everything is running very well. Lets hope it stays this way.
Yes it is currently registered in VT, I need to move it to VA.
