New Ride needs TLC

[DESurfer]

Hey everyone! I am new to the forum and now own my 1st Cruiser. Last May I was able to score an 88 FJ62 with 60,000 original miles and in great shape for $4500!!! I know, crazy! I never thought I'd be able to find an FJ so close to home here in Southern DE. My cruiser also had an interesting story before I got her. An Air Force captain bought it new in 88 and only put 40,000 on it over the course of 10 years. And during most of those years it sat jacked up, wheels off, and covered in a barn. So I am now the proud owner of sick ride! But a few questions...

Since it sat for so many years what kind of preventive maintenance should I do on it? She ran good up until about a month ago and it seems like some slight problems are slowing emerging. She's just working out her kinks I believe.

I have already replaced the radiator, thermostat, and water pump. I have a small leak from what seems to be from the oil pan gaskets, so that's next on the list. Transmission service, power steering pump, oil pressure sending unit are all on the list too, once my wife and I get back from New Zealand.

Thanks for all of your advice and knowledge. This is a great forum! And if anyone is ever in southern DE, stop by and hang for a bit!

Kyle

 

[fjman]

I'd imagine you should change out all the lines (brakes, vacuum, cooling) and anything else that might have started deteriorating from a lack of use... plus definately replace all the fluids!

Thats a seriously low milage 60 series! Welcome to the club!

 

[kulangot]

Check the transmission cooler lines - they tend to rust out.

Check the "weep hole" in the head to make sure it's not leaking. Search for info on this, there is a plug in the head that can pop out and cause a catastrophic loss of oil pressure and the motor costs $$$ to rebuild.

Check the brake lines for rust.

Like Andrew said, look at the vacuum lines. They are metric sized but you can find SAE that will work but it's better to find the metric sized lines from an import car store. IIRC the rice boys like to get different colored ones so they are available mail order. A vacuum leak will fry a valve on a F/2F/3F.

Flush the trans, that A440F trans costs a few bucks to rebuild.

Flush out the brakes. I'm not a fan of using the brake pedal to do this, even more so on a truck that been's sitting. Get a power bleeder.

Check the frame in the back by the muffler and where the upper rear shock mounts are. A weak spot on the 60's and 62's but a little preventative maintenance goes a long ways.

Sounds like you scored big! Have fun with it!

 

[DESurfer]

Thanks for the info guys. Most of the lines seem to be pretty good shape, but I will be gradually replacing them throughout the winter. I've never really been into car mechanics, my dad always tried to pass it on to me as a kid, but now that I have this FJ62, I am psyched to learn and do most of the maintenance myself.

 

[Jakes40]

this thred is worthless with out pic's

Welcome to mud

Chris

 

[DESurfer]

Agreed. I'll get some up real soon!

 

[H2o]

You will know when you need to replace lines/hoses since they will no longer be very flexible and you will see cracking. Inspect all hoses for cracks (that is a big one) especially brake lines and coolant lines.

make sure you belts are ok too.