Newb question - replace engine or do total project?

[Chris Rauscher]

Hi all - apologies for the newbie, high-level question. I've had Toyota 4Runners (80s) and a few Toyota trucks, but this is my first FJ. Most of my mechanical experience is with motorcycles (complete teardowns and rebuilds) and I do have a garage and tools.

Here's the deal: I bought a 1989 FJ62 with 160,xxx miles on it knowing the motor had some serious issues and would likely blow up. The frame is also pretty crappy. The suspension was totally shot but the body is about 70% good, almost mint above the floorboards. The interior is stunningly perfect. The only thing not mint is the broken fuse cover. That's it.

I paid $3,500.

I had a little work done to it to make it road safe and had to replace the suspension with Old Man Emu. Drove it for 4 months, with the engine having no power.

Last week it seized. Had my mechanic do some investigation and he said the timing had jumped at some point and it had also massively overheated at some point.

Here's the question: What do I do now??

Options:

1. Do I get an $850 to $1,300 engine from Cruiserparts.net and swap it out and then drive the truck as long as I can before another big "investment"? Or is the transaction cost of a motor swap too high?

2. Do I buy an engine and then wait for another 6 months to a year until I get more money together to buy a frame and then wait again until I can do the body work and then put it all together?

3. Do I sell and take a massive loss?

Thanks for the guidance and I know folks are going to say this is a personal decision based on finances and the wife, etc. But, really, I need to know whether it's worth it to put another engine in or just go all in and do a complete build.

 

[micruz60]

A few points:
1. Pics of the frame, please. Leads to whether or not to proceed...
2. Yes, a personal decision, what would you use the truck for? Time can be your friend. Dropping in another known, proven engine can put you four years and 40,000 miles ahead, then the 'build out' could happen. Also consider the AT will eventually go, so a full drivetrain swap merits a look. H55behind a 2F in a FJ62?

 

[PortFJ62]

More than likely you will continue to need to pump money into this truck. Based on what you paid and the description, I am assuming it needs more work than just an engine replacement. Sounds like a major project truck to me that will cost you time and money. If you have a garage, tools, and are mechanically inclined this might be a fun project if you really have a passion for the vehicle. If not, then you are setting yourself up for a headache.

 

[roscoFJ73]

You might be better off buying another 60/62 and use this one for parts. As the others have said, it all depends on the body condition of the one you have now.
But you seem doubtful about the whole thing and usually when a newb has doubts ,it is time to sell and cut your losses.
Work out what you think it will cost and double it.

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

@Chris Rauscher, Kina in NH might have something; engine or truck. Blanking on his mud name but I believe he is in the Yankee Toys group... Seek him there. 70% isn't a good number for the frame. I had a truck with a bad frame like that... Body wasn't too bad but all the holes all around the spring hangers kept me from wheeling it. I sold it to cruiserparts for parts back in 5/13, I suggested a number and they happily gave it. Definitely wasn't $3,500 but it was $100 over what I'd bought it for 5 years earlier. Good luck on your choice... Felicity

 

[Chris Rauscher]

Thanks for the input, folks. @NeverGiveUpYota, I'll try to find Kina's posts on here.

I'm actually not really hesitant, but the wife is fully hesitant! I should have said this before, but we are essentially a 1 car family (always have been) with 3 kids. This is the "second" car, which is to say it's not strictly necessary to have it running. It's for going on surf trips, hauling everyone around to go camping, etc. Not really for rugged offroading, although it needs to be very capable for winters in Maine.

Could anyone give me their thoughts on the engine swap question? How much money do you lose swapping engines, on hoses and fluids and such? If it's not much, then I might just try to put another engine in until something else blows up. If it is a lot - like more than $500, then I'll reconsider.

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

Female here and tho I am doing my own work and have rebuilt a variety of parts (carb, PSGB...) and had everything off down to the timing gears I'm learning as I go. IF I had the time and the space and the extra $$ I'd happily rebuild and swap an engine just for the experience. I love doing this work. My truck is my second car. I want it to be my DD but periodically am fighting with one thing or another and just don't have the knowhow to get it done fast (that and the fact its winter in CT). I seem to get s*** done wrong before I get it done right, but that is all part of the fun for me. $500 PLUS the cost of an engine is your question? Kits so far... Carb $40+ $12 each on two rings that didn't fit right in the kit that I had to get from the dealer, coolant is $15 a gal concentrated (you'd need 4 gals to fill the truck basically), oil is 8 quarts, yada yada, the list grows. I could easily spend $100 weekly on various stuff... Belts range but I think the largest one at Napa was $45 poss more and my truck only uses 3 (I have the AC pulled). There is a number of folks who have rebuilt engines here... but I am blanking on their names. @roadstr6, Dave any sage advice you could chime in here? Or folks you could tag?

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

@Chris Rauscher, I tagged you to the Yankee Toys group.

 

[Chris Rauscher]

Awesome, thanks @NeverGiveUpYota ! And I meant no gender-based remark by saying my wife is hesitant. She has her projects and I have mine.

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

None taken. My sons dad was hesitant and hence why he's now my ex.

 

[albert110]

None taken. My sons dad was hesitant and hence why he's now my ex.

I laughed out loud when I read this!

 

[Elbert]

rebuilds are expensive on the I-6....which makes engine swaps reasonable when talking about a 5.7 or 5.3/6.0 GM small block swap. But....in reality a land cruiser is not the most affordable vehicle to have around (all things considered). If you were looking for a dependable daily driver in similar year range....might want to check out a 4runner.

I have a FJ60 with various modifications which include a 5.7 , I would not have this thing to DD. I think the parts cost and availability of related parts for the 60 and 62...one should consider total cost in repairs vs. engine transplant. PLUS!>>>>and its a big consideration, can you do the work yourself or have friends to help vs having to get all repair work done in a shop.