"New" FJ60 and wanting suggestions/opinions

[coolotisdog]

So I just bought a 1987 FJ60 off craigslist for 800 bucks. It has 224,00 miles and it is running just fine. The guy I bought it from was the original owner and has all the maintenance records. It has been sitting since last december and it has a few rust spots from rock chips on the hood, and the brush guard was bent way bad on one side, but there is no body damage at all. I already changed the oil/filter and also the fuel filter. I also bent the brush guard back and welded it just because it looked retarded. My question is, what do you suggest I do just as kind of a quick tune-up since it has been sitting for so long. I was thinking just change the transmission fluid, differential fluid, and see what happens from there. I put an additive in the fuel that supposedly cleans out the carb. I took it on the freeway and have put about 200 miles on it just to get all the old fuel out of its system. I ordered new leaf springs and shackles and am also going to do a body lift and put new tires on it whenever the parts come. The fuel pump also leaks so I am putting a new one on tomorrow.

One thing I am not sure about, seeing as how I am new to Cruisers, the brakes are making this clunking sound and I don't know if it is normal. When I take the tires off the ground they feel a little loose like I can jiggle them. As I am driving down the road slowly I can hear the clicking sound, and when I apply brakes, it stops. Has anyone else encountered this? It looks like there is a leak around the transmission somewhere. Also, is there anything else you suggest I do just as kind of a regular maintenance kind of thing? I was planning on doing the above mentioned, taking it out to the desert and seeing what breaks/needs to be fixed.

Whatever comment you have is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[ntsqd]

My first suggestion would be to buy a Factory Service Manual Set (Commonly "FSM"). In my experience none of the aftermarket manuals come close. They come from Toyota direct. Dealers can get them for you, but they pay the same price that you will if you buy it direct.

Jack up both front tires one at a time. Grabbing the top & bottom of the tire and being able wiggle it significantly points me at wheel bearings and then steering bearings (Search the FAQ for "knuckle rebuild"). If it wiggles when grabbed front and back I'd look to lost motion in the steering linkage.

Sounds like the hardware on the front brake pads is missing some bits. There is supposed to be a little spring that keeps the pads from rattling and it sounds like you are missing it or those. Change the brake fluid too!

 

[2mbb]

How much you do now depends on when the last items were serviced and how reliable you need the truck to be. When I purchase I used vehicle I generally: replace (or at least check) all fluids (oil, transmission, transfer, differential, radiator. I also replace fan belts, radiator hoses, and in the case of this vehicle, vacuum lines (especailly if the truck still has the oem smog equipment). I like to do a major tune up: spark plugs & wires, distributor cap & rotor, set timing, adjust valves. I also clean the engine then start looking for leaks.

x2 on the Factory Service Manual. below is a link where you can download the body and chassis manual, but there is also an emissions manual and a 2F engine manual. If you have all OEM smog equipment, I think the emissions manual is the best $15 you'll spend. Do a search here for "toyota materials distribution" and you will find a phone number you can call to order the manuals from toyota.

Master Portal - forums.bauchan.org/Toyota Workshop & Repair Manuals - page: 1

Here's a link to a post with the part numbers for the manuals I have for my 1985 FJ60: IH8MUD™ Forums - View Single Post - FSM Prices???

 

[sirenmoses]

Welcome. Official Mud salute.

Post up some pix, so we can see what you got a great deal on.

The 'search' function here on Mud will help you quite a bit, as will knowing that CruiserDan is the man when it comes to OEM parts etc. [Hint: that might be the first thing to 'search']

Congrats, welcome to the Cruiser addiction....

 

[coolotisdog]

Here are two pics since you asked. you can see the rust spots on the front I was talking about. I figure a new paint job will fix that.

View attachment 257658

View attachment 257659

 

[Nigel]

Nice looking LC! Looks just like mine And a nice deal too. I paid $2300 for an '87 off craigslist just a few months ago.

 

[NocalFJ60]

Welcome.

Nice deal. You can search for all these just in the 60 forum.

check front knuckles for leaks and setting front wheels bearing preload
replaces the vacuum lines if they are original stock lines
use a cup of seafoam through PCV vacuum line (rest in tank) get engine hot before doing it
replace PCV valve (make sure you have good vacuum on PCV valve which you will if it drinks a cup of seafoam)
air filter
fuel filter
check and maybe replace replace spark plugs
front and rear axle fluid change
transmission and transfer case fluid change
pull rear drum and inspect shoes and brakes
check play in steering and all tie rods (adjust if you need to)
suck all PS fluid out of reservoir and replace with fresh ATF not PS fluid which is probably in there now (repeat until fluid stays red and clean) or search for flushing/bleeding PS system
check all belts for cracking and are tight
change coolant and flush radiator with hose (refill with Distilled water 50/50 mix of coolant)

Drive and enjoy it.

 

[IndianDoc]

Welcome

Welcome get the FSM , read the posts after searching, and welcome to the addiction.

Looks like you scored a nice white LC so get the maintance stuff done and then after reading here awile you will begin the transformation into the ride you want. Sorry it is a life long disease. But welcome

 

[KingBeeIII]

Nice score! Was that the "Diamond in the Rough" Craigslist add? I was curious about that one.

 

[coolotisdog]

Nice score! Was that the "Diamond in the Rough" Craigslist add? I was curious about that one.

yeah thats the one. the dude was almost impossible to get ahold of though, that was half the battle.

 

[KingBeeIII]

yeah thats the one. the dude was almost impossible to get ahold of though, that was half the battle.

I guess that since, "Knowing is half the battle" also, you had an easy victory. Congrats on the purchase. I'll do my 60 intro thread here soon. I beat you by $50, but you almost need protective clothing in you plan on sitting in my back seat. Pleasure to make your acquaintance, COD. Check out the Copper State Cruiser forum. It's really active. Enjoy.