Looking at getting a FJ60, need advice.

[kybishop]

Hello,

I am completely new to these. I like the classic look of these FJ60's but do not know anything about them. I am looking for one to drive daily, modify a bit for exploring with the kids and for reliable transportation. Is there any years to look for or stay away from as far as changes? How reliable are these? How prone are these to rust and where should I look for rust when purchasing one? Are these pretty capable off road? What kind of mileage does the diesel get and was this an option for the FJ60's? Thanks for any information.

 

[lowtideride]

rust. yeah they sure do if you are in the northeast. Check at the bottome of the doors and around spring hangers on the frame. very capable off road compaired to almost any stock truck. All years are good. just check for leaks and how well it was taken care of in the past.

 

[Cruisergreg]

Hello,

I am completely new to these. I like the classic look of these FJ60's but do not know anything about them. I am looking for one to drive daily, modify a bit for exploring with the kids and for reliable transportation. Is there any years to look for or stay away from as far as changes? How reliable are these? How prone are these to rust and where should I look for rust when purchasing one? Are these pretty capable off road? What kind of mileage does the diesel get and was this an option for the FJ60's? Thanks for any information.

If you might be inclined to add the Toyota 5-spd, stick to trucks with a mfr date of 10/85 or later. Another place to look for rust is the sheetmetal under the rear seat; there's an opening in the wheel well that can let water into that area.

No diesels were imported to the states, no gassers were imported to Canada.

 

[82-SOA-60]

Patience is the best advice I can give you. If you don't want a basketcase make sure it has been maintained. Search around on this site and you will find a wealth of information regarding what to look for.

Good luck with your search. You know you are doomed, you can't have just one.

 

[rumor156]

I have never really been a car guy until this summer and now I am cruiser obsessed, lol!
Wound-up getting a really nice deal on a very decent 1985 FJ-60 (130k) with less then a tiny bit of rust and a nice interior along w/ a parts truck. I cannot believe how much I enjoy the vehicle. I love the community (especially here on ih8mud) and have enjoyed working on the cruiser (restored a basket-case ARB bumper and a KAYMAR roofrack.) Put bigger tires on, replaced a dashboard, full tune-up, smog-pump, etc. Doing full brakes and EGR gasket this weekend and paint later in the month. After these items, I will have a truck that should look good and run well a very long time.

As for the mechanicals, working on it seems easy enough and man, does the 4wd in this thing ROCK! I mean, 4low just feels flat-out tough and will get you over anything my limited confidence level throws at at!

If you are looking at something you will enjoy owning, I can attest that a cruiser can be that item! It is so freaking cool you will not find anyone who does not have an opinion about it when you meet them. And most of these opinions are very positive (even non-car people just understand on some primal level that it is a REAL off-road capable vehicle they are looking at!

I hate to be a poser, but I am leaning towards getting a snorkel I will probably never use for mine just to drive people crazy!

I say go for it!

 

[DocB]

Look for something with under 150k miles (though I have seen them with 250k) and minimal rust (rear wheel wells and rear lift gate seem to be rust prone) that has been well taken care of. Try to get the color you want. It should sound like a sewing machine when it runs. These have complicated emmisions equipment which can be difficult to trouble shoot. If you get one that runs good when you get it it will save you time and you can start DRIVING IT. Rear main seals tend to leak oil (if it has an oil leak it is probably a rear main) but can leak for years before you HAVE to change it. A rear main leak would not steer me away; major rust and a rough running motor would. There are still a few gems out there driven by 1980s soccer moms for a few years then garaged. Find one! (Almost as good as finding that fabled barn cruiser).

 

[David*BJ70]

Check this site for rust :

http://www.bitwalla.com/cruisers/articles/rust.html

...it's a BJ site... but the body is the same... that help.

 

[87CRUSR]

Without repeating previous posts......JUST DO IT! You can't go wrong.

 

[archie]

Don't forget to check the FAQ's. Where's your location? Maybe somebody on this board can go with you to see the vehicle. Good Luck!

 

[kybishop]

I am located in central Kentucky, south of Cincinatti, east of Louisville and west of Lexington KY. I am in the capitol city of Frankfort. I have always had Chryslers and several Dodge trucks. I have a 1978 Dodge Ramcharger now and am familiar with there weak spots but know nothing about these Cruisers. I would like to replace my 1996 Grand Cherokee with something with a solid frame, more cargo space, more classic looks and more like a truck. I looked at Range Rovers a long time but they are not known for reliability and have quite a problem with rust. I believe the FJ60 is the vehicle I am looking for as a family adventure hunter. Thanks for all the info and if you guys see any nice ones, let me know. This one on ebay looks decent...but you just never know.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4501131397&category=6443

I don't care about fading and some small dents/dings, but rust I can do without. I have had two rust buckets and don't need another. Thanks for all the information and if anyone is local to Kentucky, let me know.

Kevin

 

[DocB]

Yeah, this truck would be great for your purposes. Great stock but with a little mod can be surprisingly nimble off road. They climb like billy goats. If you are lucky enough to find one with a good V8 conversion, that would be good too. 2F may be slow, but well taken care of 2F can be good for over 200k miles. I'm 6ft1 and stretch out in the back on camping trips. I usually read while others are setting up their tents. I also carry their coolers, gear, food, and if I'm lucky their girlfriends. 60s are fun. This coming from a 40 series addict.

 

[CardinalFJ60]

There's a real knowedgable guy (and pretty darn nice, too) on the Cool Cruisers of Texas Board, I can't remember his screen name. I think he's from Cincinnati or Kentucky area. He had a 60 he was working on and a few 40's; could be a good start.(?)

I second what everyone has said on this board, and add to check the manifolds as sometimes they crack or leak due to burned out gaskets/loose bolts - you'll might be able to hear it with the "sewing machine test" (perfect analogy)

Patience is key, and this board is invaluable. When I was looking to replace my rusted out '86 FJ60 (Terminal Frame Cancer), I checked cars.com, autotrader.com, and all the popular Land Cruiser sites. After about 4-5 months of diligent searching and driving about 8 different ones locally (CO), I found mine in Utah. I posted on one these boards and had someone who knew 60's give it the once over and take pics for me. (Thanks "BRUSSELL", wherever you are!) They are definitely out there, check the desert SouthWest zip codes and get a feel of the market for ones less likely to be really rusty, etc...you might find one locally, but if you're willing to wait it out, get someone to take pics and look at it for you, take the drive or have it shipped and get the right one.

Hey, Maybe you'll be that guy who buys the "for sale...$1k - Dealer maintained 1987 Toyota 4WD Station Wagon " from that little old lady who didn't know it was a Land Cruiser!

 

[Cruisergreg]

There's a slew of completely rust-free 60s in CA, AZ, NM, West TX area. They tend to be pretty pricey compared to thier rusty counterparts, but then you get what you paid for.

 

[kybishop]

Sounds similar to my quest for a rust free Dodge Ramcharger. Mostly out west. I ended up with a solid specimen from Guatemala. It was originally made for export, spent most of it's life in Guatemala. It made it back to the states in Miami which is where I purchased it and it now resides in Kentucky. It has Australian stickers on it, service and license stickers from Guatemala and Carribean parking stickers on it. The odometer and speedometer are in Kilometers. Thanks for the advice, the quest begins...

 

[Blue Chip]

I just went through the same thing that you did - I feel like I got a pretty good deal on it too - not too much rust - Rear lower tailgate, rear wheel wells - but again, nothing major. It also has the famed rear main leak - but not bad at all. I had a small leak from the oil pan too - but fixed that problem with an allen wrench. I was fortunate that the V8 conversion had been done around 3500 miles ago - truck is an 83 with 150K miles.

The only thing that I have a problem with is the milage - around 7 to 8. Of course with a 350 stroker 383 and a 750cfm dual feed carb and 400 series cam - I guess I can't expect alot.

I'm already addicted to this thing - the carpet kit is on order - it's going to have the seats rebuilt / covered, and the headliner replaced. Already changed the tires and wheels to 33X8X12.5's.

Good luck!

 

[DocB]

In the past 5 months since getting mine (also with a V8 conversion, but TBI), I've put in a new Ranger, Aussie 4 sp tranny, custom re arch with full length add a leaf and longer shackles (about 1.5 to 2 in lift), 32X11.50 MTRs, Slee sliders, Safarigard front, Smittybilt rear, new muffler, tuffy box. In other words, doubled my money at least. But the rig is really shaping up to be a great moderate crawler/expedition rig. I really enjoy driving it; to work a lot and to the coffee shop etc. Next up is rear quarter panel protection (plan simple steel plate tied in between the frame mounted receiver hitch and the frame itself), Optima Red Top, and a Warn winch. This rig will be the baddest thing in town come a big snow storm (yes the Texas Panhandle gets blizzards). Found mine on Ebay, not even looking for one and I bought it on a whim and have never looked back.

 

[Wildabeast60]

I would like to replace my 1996 Grand Cherokee with something with a solid frame, more cargo space, more classic looks and more like a truck. I looked at Range Rovers a long time but they are not known for reliability and have quite a problem with rust.

Kevin

Kevin,

There's a reason there's only one HEEP. They suck out loud. Cruisers are one of the most dependable vehicles around and built like a UN troop carrier....OH, WAIT!!! They ARE UN troop carriers! Good Luck finding yours. The best advice I can give you on that is make sure and take your time and get "THE ONE". But it sounds like you're pretty patient since you've been looking for something for quite a while. One good way to find one is to hook up with some Cruiser guys in your area. Cruiser guys always know if anybody has anything for sale!