New FJ62 Owner

[Steelfabricator]

Members,
I am new to this group and finally an owner of a 1988 Fj62. I've been wanting a Cruiser for years and finally bought one.
I've had it for three weeks and have decided that working on it is half the fun of driving it. I'm not a mechanic but do know how to take parts off and replace them and see if that works.
What I have done over the past three weeks since the purchase.
-replace master cylinder
-valve cover gasket (did that twice)
-fix broken wire on a/c
-cleaned air intake and used a silicon product to repair hose that attatches to intake. Need to replace this eventually.
-replace brake shoes on front and adjusted back brakes.
-Changed all fluids
-replaced headlights
-removed bent back bumper

Things I need to do next--
-replace suspension( need opinions on manufacturers)
-repair tilt steering mechanism (does not stay locked in place. Has anyone ever fixed this and what do I look for?)
-speedometer cable is cut and gone
-interior door panels need replacing
-the power windows work sometime and I have to bump on the switch panel until it decides to work again

Questions--
-Are these trucks sluggish by design? What I mean is it seems to lose power when driving up hill. I have never owned anything but V8 vehicles. I'm not unhappy just needing to know if it normal.
-Need any pointers on tilt steering repair
-can you buy after market interior door panels anywhere?
-Are all replacement spring or lift kits over $1200?
-is this roof rack designed for Cruisers or is it a universal rack?

I live in Mississippi and this truck it not going to see any rock climbing or abuse. I bought this because I may be going through my mid life crisis and this purchase is cheaper than a girlfriend ( just kidding,,, a girlfriend I think would be cheaper)
I going to use this truck for going to hunting camp, golf course or just weekend driving. Any input from you guys would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[rrv333]

These trucks weren't made for the fast lane by any means. Sluggish is one of the many adjectives used to describe their lack of power. But to their credit, 300,000-400,000 miles is not unheard of with proper maintenance. Get or download a FSM (Factory Service Manual) and then read, reread and then read it some more. Then read FAQ's and learn to use the search feature here on the forum. Almost all of the questions that you're asking can be answered using the search feature. Thank you for saving another of our beloved 62's and welcome to the insanity.

 

[IBFJ62]

Good looking rig, congrats. Check to make sure the timing is on, if not it will definitely bog out going uphill, but no they aren't speed demons to start with.. Have fun getting to know her.

 

[bentonrover]

Good looking rig. Miles, price, and some history. Rack looks after market. Didn't know they made that style of brush and tail lights guard. For what you did was a great start. Keep us posted

 

[RodrigzCrzr]

Nice Rig! they give you a smile every time you drive them.

 

[Steelfabricator]

Good looking rig. Miles, price, and some history. Rack looks after market. Didn't know they made that style of brush and tail lights guard. For what you did was a great start. Keep us posted

Thanks. It shows 220,000 miles but speedometer cable is missing so it may have 400k for all I know. Paid 4,000. I thought it was a little high for condition but I liked it.

 

[bentonrover]

All that matters. If you cool with it then ride on

 

[Cruzerman]

Nice looking rig. Yes, these rigs are sluggish by today's standards. But they are very reliable if in decent shape. I would loose the "brush guards" or whatever those things are called. On these forums, they are called damage multipliers. If you like that look, get a real roo / bull bar. Most of all, have some fun with the rig. And be prepared to have lots of people want to talk with you about your rig. Enjoy!