One more question (80 v. 60)

[Rev. Coyote]

First, thanks for all the helpful insight.

OK, did the 60 series Cruisers have the same issue with the HG? My 88 Cruiser (and man I loved that tank) had a different engine, and the only problem I ever had was a bad water pump. I installed a new one in the rain on the street under a tarp, but that's a different tale...

There's a few 60s on the market out here, so maybe I'll look at them. It's just my 44 year old butt likes the 80s so much better.

Do I listen to my butt or my brain???

William

 

[IdahoDoug]

Intended use would be excellent to explain when asking others to recommend between different models. Otherwise, as happened in your other thread, it can suddenly turn out that a pickup is INDEED a better choice but we did not know what you are thinking in order to suggest that.

HG issues only crop up on the 93+ 80 series with the twincam engine. Prior model year 80s and Cruisers have no such issues.

DougM

 

[Rev. Coyote]

Usage

OK, that's what I thought -- that the older engine had no issue. Just slow, but who's in a hurry?

I figured I made usage pretty clear -- it's to be used in SE Utah a few months/year as a way to get to great remote places for camping, hiking, etc. I won't be creeping up Metal Masher etc. I like to use my boots for that kind of stuff.

The pickup would be handy for the occasional wood/stone haul for my camp in the La Sal Mountains, but what I like is the shorter wheelbase, impeccable suspension, and passenger capacity of the Crusher. Puts me right in the middle, really.

 

[cruiserdan]

2F/3F engines do not usually have head gasket problems BUT if you overheat one it will almost always pop the gasket and warp the head.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Listen to both! Another consideration might be the smoother ride of an 80 series, with the coils rather than leaves. I'm assuming it has a smoother ride off pavement, though I've never driven an 80. Comfort is definitely a factor with old 40 something farts like ourselves. That said, I have no problem with the comfort of my 62. If you found a 60 series to your liking, re upholstering or replacing the front seats with better aftermarket seats is an option. Also, the '91 and '92 year FJ80 would have the old engine with the new body and accompanying comforts.

 

[landtank]

the 80 series with factory lockers is by far one of the most capable vehicles ever offered to the general public. The original HG design was it's single issue and Toyota redesigned it and we haven't seen a failure once the HG is replaced.

Every truck has it's problems, 22re had it's timing chains and the 2f had some cam issues. Both body's had rust issues.

Nothing is perfect and your single experience, good or bad, is just that, a single experience.

My honest opinion would be to get an 80 and deal with the HG if it arises, but from your recent posts I'm inclined to tell you to think with your head.

 

[GXO]

I think a camp truck would be a very cool application of the 91-92 3FE powered trucks. Throw a low cost Aussie locker in the rear and go hunting!

 

[BROKEROB1]

The pickup would be handy for the occasional wood/stone haul for my camp in the La Sal Mountains, but what I like is the shorter wheelbase, impeccable suspension, and passenger capacity of the Crusher. Puts me right in the middle, really.

Buy a trailer... the 80 is a pretty capable hauler, also.

 

[IdahoDoug]

Here's why it's good to thoroughly explain a vehicle's intended use when asking others to recommend one:

You: I'm going to use it in Utah and do moderate wheeling for 3 mos/yr and haul wood for myself and friends.

Us: A pickup would be best.

You: But my wife and I have 4 children, so there's not enough seats.

Us: Oh, well then the 80 would be fine.

You: But I have to pull a 15,000lb hay trailer several times a year.

Us: Oh, well then the 80 won't do that - what about a full size crew cab diesel.

You: No, the trails I want to do require a shorter wheelbase.

Us: Oh, well then a full size domestic diesel short box extra cab would be the ticket.


What I'm trying to say is that it's incumbent upon the person asking a question to provide plentiful info. For instance, I don't know if you're planning to ski? Do you have kids? A couple large dogs? I'm fine recommending something, but the paltry amount of information you're providing really doesn't rule out any vehicle from an older Wrangler, to a short cab older Nissan p/u, etc, etc. There's simply not enough information to actually start ruling out this or that vehicle and start favoring another. Literally dozens of vehicles will do what you want, and sit for the other 9 months. My suggestion would be a new Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon.

So I'm sure you'll correct us when we recommend something that doesn't match your heretofore unannounced needs, but it would be nice to know it in advance. Unless you're just here to chat, which is fine as well.

DougM

 

[cc93cruiser]

There's a few 60s on the market out here, so maybe I'll look at them. It's just my 44 year old butt likes the 80s so much better.

Do I listen to my butt or my brain???

William

If you listen to your brain on this one, you really don't have a smart brain... 80 for sure man...although i've heard the 60 series is mechanically the most bulletproof cruiser ever built..

 

[CodyRx7]

Get an 80, and tell someone else in your camping group to do the heavy hauling while you enjoy the plush seats and A/C on the trails.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

i've heard the 60 series is mechanically the most bulletproof cruiser ever built..

I agree with this. It has all the right stuff. If I had to choose 1 truck to drive around the world in the next 2 years, it would be the FJ60.

The 80 is more comfortable and more long haul ready. It will cruise at 80 all day, where as the 60 tops out about 70 for comfortable cruising. The 80 is easy to drive from my house to Moab in a day (800 miles), I'm not sure I'd try that in the FJ60.

I actually am just over your age and do not find the 60 objectionable and in fact daily drive mine.

 

[2badfjs]

2F/3F engines do not usually have head gasket problems BUT if you overheat one it will almost always pop the gasket and warp the head.

i guess i'm the fortunate one, i've overheated my 2f in my 60 twice and still have the same head gskt.

 

[landtank]

I owned a 60 and have to say you guys are on crack.

The 80 has been hands down a more reliable vehicle. I got rid of the 60 at 186,000 because the engine had become a leak fest and the body was turning to crap, the truck was 8 years old. The 80 is almost 11 years old, has 200,000 on it and is in better shape than the 60 when it had 60,000 on it.

 

[Rev. Coyote]

nuts-n-bolts

Douglas;

Rest assured I know what I want to do with my vehicle. I was here to discuss mechanical issues only.

Sincerely,
Chatty Cathy

Here's why it's good to thoroughly explain a vehicle's intended use when asking others to recommend one:

You: I'm going to use it in Utah and do moderate wheeling for 3 mos/yr and haul wood for myself and friends.

Us: A pickup would be best.

You: But my wife and I have 4 children, so there's not enough seats.

Us: Oh, well then the 80 would be fine.

You: But I have to pull a 15,000lb hay trailer several times a year.

Us: Oh, well then the 80 won't do that - what about a full size crew cab diesel.

You: No, the trails I want to do require a shorter wheelbase.

Us: Oh, well then a full size domestic diesel short box extra cab would be the ticket.


What I'm trying to say is that it's incumbent upon the person asking a question to provide plentiful info. For instance, I don't know if you're planning to ski? Do you have kids? A couple large dogs? I'm fine recommending something, but the paltry amount of information you're providing really doesn't rule out any vehicle from an older Wrangler, to a short cab older Nissan p/u, etc, etc. There's simply not enough information to actually start ruling out this or that vehicle and start favoring another. Literally dozens of vehicles will do what you want, and sit for the other 9 months. My suggestion would be a new Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon.

So I'm sure you'll correct us when we recommend something that doesn't match your heretofore unannounced needs, but it would be nice to know it in advance. Unless you're just here to chat, which is fine as well.

DougM

 

[firetruck41]

Douglas;

Rest assured I know what I want to do with my vehicle. I was here to discuss mechanical issues only.

Sincerely,
Chatty Cathy

If that's the case why are you posting this in the 80 series forum? You are asking a question about the reliability of a 60 series.

There is nothing "better" about the 60 series, than the 80 series other than a little old school soul, a 62 probably isn't even going to be cheaper than an early FJ/FZJ80.

 

[landtank]

I was here to discuss mechanical issues only.

If this is your idea of a discussion then you'd probably get a better welcome from a different forum.

I may back off getting a Crusher after reading all the threads surrounding an engine which is clearly of piss-poor design.

 

[cruiser88]

ive been a 40 man all my life,had a couple of 55s it was ok,then i got hooked yp with my first 62 and its true love nice little love affair .anyway i love the gearing ,the massive weight, some comfort .best of all after learning the fuel system the rest is a easy.and of course a good desmog goes a long way also,my vote the 60 series

 

[Cruisin'Carolina]

2F/3F engines do not usually have head gasket problems BUT if you overheat one it will almost always pop the gasket and warp the head.

My 60 did get a headgasket job around 170K...I have no idea what happened that necessitated the job however.

 

[Marc311]

I don't own either, so take this for whatever it's worth, but . . .

I think it is absolute insanity to forego an 80 because of a headgasket issue that effects a small fraction of vehicles and, for the most part, you can see it coming.

I think 60s are great and they are certainly cool, but:
1) They have the oil plug issue and when that fails you may very well lose your engine (talk about design flaws!)
2) 60s are carbed - which has plusses and minuses - but a lot more minuses IMO (62s have FI)
3) 60s have rust issues
4) most 60s you find will have more miles and ALL will have more years

Take a gander at the 60 forum and look at all the issues they are trying to resolve. I think the 80 is the more reliable, and frankly a better vehicle. To dismiss it because of the head gasket is just nuts when you look at the failures and failure rates of ANY other vehicle.

Also, I think you rubbed some people the wrong way with the comment in your other post. I know you were just stating your opinion but some here equate criticism of the TLC with disparaging their mother (especially when you state you will get a DODGE instead!)