I have done some research and I like aftermarket base of the 60 and the 80. Now I know that there are differences between the two like fuel injection vs. EFI and part time vs. AWD. Other than those reasons are any others that would make you choose an 80 over a 60?
Purchase Decision 60 or 80
- Thread starter jmjnewbold
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Comfort, quiet, smoothness, articulation in the 80.
Once you have done a few miles in an 80 the 60 will feel like a tractor
Once you have done a few miles in an 80 the 60 will feel like a tractor
Flank
American by Birth, Texan by the grace of God.
The 60 is a truck. A beautiful slow truck. I love the stick shift of the 60 better than the auto of the 62. I have memories of pulling 40mph up I-70 through Colorado, thankful and excited that on a cross country trip I could get 13mph ave on highway after may dad installed a splitter in the transmission. I would love to own a 60 with a V8 installed. No safety features past a strong structure and seatbelts.
The 80 is more powerful, smoother and more refined, but still truck-like. The 93 up have much more power than the 60s, but some still want for more. Much more comfortable than the 60, and 94 / 95 saw the innovations of anti-lock brakes and airbags. These things are also bloody tanks.
Nostalgia and rarity would compel me to drive a 60, more modern comfort would compel me to drive an 80. The 80 is a modern car and a class above the 60 in class and comfort, but that being said, the 60 has an aura that is like no other, in my opinion.
I have an 80 as my DD, but being that I have 3 children want comfort and safety, I could only have a 60 as a second vehicle.
Thats my take. Have fun.
The 80 is more powerful, smoother and more refined, but still truck-like. The 93 up have much more power than the 60s, but some still want for more. Much more comfortable than the 60, and 94 / 95 saw the innovations of anti-lock brakes and airbags. These things are also bloody tanks.
Nostalgia and rarity would compel me to drive a 60, more modern comfort would compel me to drive an 80. The 80 is a modern car and a class above the 60 in class and comfort, but that being said, the 60 has an aura that is like no other, in my opinion.
I have an 80 as my DD, but being that I have 3 children want comfort and safety, I could only have a 60 as a second vehicle.
Thats my take. Have fun.
Depends what you want, who you are hauling, and how much moola you want to spend. I see you live in Palmer (I'm in ANC). If you want to do some serious alaskan offroad, you're gonna need big tires, big lift, etc... I don't know about the 60, but if it's SOA (spring over axle), it might be easier to get a bigger lift. 6" is max on an 80-series, which is great, but it costs a fortune, and so does a 4" unless you jury-rig one together with J-springs or take the 2.5" (like me) and combo it with a body lift. Also, you're gonna beat it up (Alaskan trails get overgrown), which might be easier to justify on an older rig. Also, it might be easier to lock up a 60-series with 2 auto lockers if you can disengage the front. AWD & the 80-series you're stuck with auto lockers only on the rear (Aussie lockers are awesome, even on this ice we have) and have to do ARB/selectable on the front.
If you're just hauling kids and/or occasionally camping, go 80-series all the way.
Personally, I'm a big fan of the 80-series and highly recommend them, but I've seen some nice 60's around town and a couple of 80's (most are stock). If you do go with an 80-series (heck, even a 60), or are interested in offroad look me up (same username) on the Matsu Valley OHV boards, perhaps we can turn a wrench sometime.
If you're just hauling kids and/or occasionally camping, go 80-series all the way.
Personally, I'm a big fan of the 80-series and highly recommend them, but I've seen some nice 60's around town and a couple of 80's (most are stock). If you do go with an 80-series (heck, even a 60), or are interested in offroad look me up (same username) on the Matsu Valley OHV boards, perhaps we can turn a wrench sometime.
For a daily driver, I'd go 80 all the way. I test drove two 60's before I bought my 80 and the difference was night and day. Kind of like an 80 compared to a 100. 
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Thank you for the advise. I have only been here in palmer for a little over a year. I moved up here from southern california. It is an awesome state. I don't intend to get into any trails that are super hairy, but that being said I might end up on one any way. LOL When I make my purchase, and get the parts together for the build I might have to take you up on that offer. I previously never heard of the matsu valley ohv boards so I will check them out as well. Thanks again!
I have a 40 and a 60. Rebuilt the 40 in highschool so it has a soft spot in my heart, I'm fixing it back up to be a mile wheeler. Just something about them, they are just cool.
Picked up my 60 a few years ago, she was tired then and she still is. By 1984 standards it was a top of the line vehicle, by 2010 standards, it is a slow, loud, rough riding beast. I was never in love with it like my 40. Way more comfy no doubt, but still pretty rough.
I looked at a few 80's and finally ended up getting a T100 as I really needed a pickup. But I feel the 80 is one of the very best vehicles ever built. They have a few quirks, but they are extremely weell designed.
A 60 was kind of all the best parts of a cruiser all put together at that time. They last a long time, but some of the trim details were weak on them I think.
The 80 really improved on that. Even stronger chassis and a much better more modern body. Plus the safety features mentioned above.
Only things I have noticed is that visibilty is a tad better in a 60, bigger cargo space for hauling gear, and the manual tranny is nice if you like manuals. 80 has better seating, better overhang issues for wheeling and much more powerful and smoother running. 60 rear overhang is kind of bad, drug my ass all over the place through the years.
60's are getting old too. They will all be high miles and will need some work of some sort. 80's are catching up in that manner, but I think you are money ahead to baseline an 80 at this point over a 60. Probably going to be similar money in the end.
My choice would be an 80 at this point, but I have a family now, etc... so a more modern vehicle is appealing in that way too.
Picked up my 60 a few years ago, she was tired then and she still is. By 1984 standards it was a top of the line vehicle, by 2010 standards, it is a slow, loud, rough riding beast. I was never in love with it like my 40. Way more comfy no doubt, but still pretty rough.
I looked at a few 80's and finally ended up getting a T100 as I really needed a pickup. But I feel the 80 is one of the very best vehicles ever built. They have a few quirks, but they are extremely weell designed.
A 60 was kind of all the best parts of a cruiser all put together at that time. They last a long time, but some of the trim details were weak on them I think.
The 80 really improved on that. Even stronger chassis and a much better more modern body. Plus the safety features mentioned above.
Only things I have noticed is that visibilty is a tad better in a 60, bigger cargo space for hauling gear, and the manual tranny is nice if you like manuals. 80 has better seating, better overhang issues for wheeling and much more powerful and smoother running. 60 rear overhang is kind of bad, drug my ass all over the place through the years.
60's are getting old too. They will all be high miles and will need some work of some sort. 80's are catching up in that manner, but I think you are money ahead to baseline an 80 at this point over a 60. Probably going to be similar money in the end.
My choice would be an 80 at this point, but I have a family now, etc... so a more modern vehicle is appealing in that way too.
80 all the way and get one with lockers.
Depends upon what you want, I have owned two FJ62's and now my third FZJ80 and loved both all of them. As a daily driver/only car it would be the 80 hands down, more creature comforts (especially over the 60) quieter and smoother, does everything better. With that said though I do miss my FJ62, something about it I really liked, the simplicity, I would love to have another as an occasional driver, love them for all the opposite reasons I love the 80.
Either one is a great choice. There are a couple nice 62's on ebay with V-8's, that might be a great choice.
Rusty
Either one is a great choice. There are a couple nice 62's on ebay with V-8's, that might be a great choice.
Rusty
It depends if your looking at a LC for practicality or passion.
Quite frankly the 80 is boring to drive. The 60 has more character.
Quite frankly the 80 is boring to drive. The 60 has more character.
I've never really "enjoyed" driving my 80. I've loved where my 80 could take me, how it took me, and then got me home.
I really, really, really like driving the 60. It is a real pleasure. There is a "character" about it as one of the above posters mentioned that just makes it a joy to drive....
That's if you are into 25 year old vehicles.
I really, really, really like driving the 60. It is a real pleasure. There is a "character" about it as one of the above posters mentioned that just makes it a joy to drive....
That's if you are into 25 year old vehicles.
62 Series is a truck, the 80 series is a more evolved truck...
The 80 is more powerful, smoother and more refined, but still truck-like. The '93 up have much more power than the 60s, but some still want for more. Much more comfortable than the 60, and '94 / '95 saw the innovations of anti-lock brakes and airbags. These things are also bloody tanks.
Nostalgia and rarity would compel me to drive a 60, more modern comfort would compel me to drive an 80. The 80 is a modern car and a class above the 60 in class and comfort, but that being said, the 60 has an aura that is like no other, in my opinion.
I have an 80 as my DD, but being that I have 3 children want comfort and safety, I could only have a 60 as a second vehicle.
Thats my take. Have fun.[/QUOTE]
The 62 is a truck, the 80 is a more evolved truck, love them both. 11 mpg vs 15 mpg, cloth vs leather, Seatbelts and power brakes vs airbags and ABS, utilitarian dash and minimal console vs stylish dash and real console, 5 seater vs seats in the way back, both are tanks, but the 80 is the ultimate tough tank with the leather and style of a luxury SUV but, not the opulence of a 100 or the extreme decadence of a 200. Love them both ....., and guess what, as I read this back - IMO, my FJ is a blend of both of these 2 wonderful trucks in a new current platfrorm. Perhaps that is why I like it so much! Some may flame me for that statement; but I love all three of these great Toyota trucks ............gm
The 80 is more powerful, smoother and more refined, but still truck-like. The '93 up have much more power than the 60s, but some still want for more. Much more comfortable than the 60, and '94 / '95 saw the innovations of anti-lock brakes and airbags. These things are also bloody tanks.
Nostalgia and rarity would compel me to drive a 60, more modern comfort would compel me to drive an 80. The 80 is a modern car and a class above the 60 in class and comfort, but that being said, the 60 has an aura that is like no other, in my opinion.
I have an 80 as my DD, but being that I have 3 children want comfort and safety, I could only have a 60 as a second vehicle.
Thats my take. Have fun.
[/QUOTE]The 62 is a truck, the 80 is a more evolved truck, love them both. 11 mpg vs 15 mpg, cloth vs leather, Seatbelts and power brakes vs airbags and ABS, utilitarian dash and minimal console vs stylish dash and real console, 5 seater vs seats in the way back, both are tanks, but the 80 is the ultimate tough tank with the leather and style of a luxury SUV but, not the opulence of a 100 or the extreme decadence of a 200. Love them both ....., and guess what, as I read this back - IMO, my FJ is a blend of both of these 2 wonderful trucks in a new current platfrorm. Perhaps that is why I like it so much! Some may flame me for that statement; but I love all three of these great Toyota trucks ............gm
Well said.
x2.
I have owned and DD both. I almost tear up every time I see a clean 60/62 rambling down the road in front of me (missing the character of the ride), but I also have no issues with my wife driving around her 80 in the snow with our 2 kids.
I vote 80 but wish I had a 60/62 whenever I see one on the road.
Like mentioned above there's a certain "coolness" to 'em.
Like mentioned above there's a certain "coolness" to 'em.
The 80 is a bad ass and also quite pimp. Factory lockers ,A/C power steering ,leather 8 way adjustable seats. 4.5 liter motor. Alloy rims. Non US models have winches and tire carriers. Seats 8 or 6 comfortable if you have the rear seats.
A stock 80 will out wheel a stock 60 hands down.
A stock 80 will out wheel a stock 60 hands down.
I owned both an '87 HJ60 and an '87 US spec FJ60, I agree with others that the 60 Series definitely has the "historic" character to it that the 40 Series originated.
I loved my diesel HJ60, great mileage and better all-around driver compared the the US spec FJ60 that I bought to replace my rusted out HJ60. Don't get me wrong, I still liked the 2F powered FJ60, but the US spec'd 4 speed transmission detracted from the driving experience that the 5 speed HJ60 had (admittedly the diesel was a big part of that experience too). I gave up on my intended project of rebuilding and transplanting my 2H diesel along with the 5 speed because of the cost of the rebuild and work involved, and eventually my "clean bodied" US FJ60 started to rot out behind the rear wheel wells.
I find that this is the case now, finding a good 60 series is like finding a clean 40 series, they are getting harder to find in good shape. In the end I decided to move on and explore owning a 80 Series, in short order I found a relatively low mileage LX450 with factory lockers.
As much as I loved driving my 60 Series, I really wish that I had bought an 80 sooner; if not skipping 60 series ownership altogether. Many have outlined the reasons for owning a 80 series over any other Cruiser, especially in the North American market because they are hands down, "out of the box" the best equipped Cruiser sold. Available lockers front and rear, full float straight axles hung on coil springs, you just can't beat them. Even the FJ40 was not as well equipped (although the shorter wheelbase lends itself to a different kind of wheeling).
The 80 series still rides like a truck but will not wear you out like a "nostalgic" 60 does. Unfortunately the 5 speed manual wasn't available in the North American market, but try doing a long road trip in a 60 series with a 4 speed in it, they just don't compare to an 80 series in that regard, and the 80 is no slouch off road either.
That "historical coolness" will arrive for the 80 series one day, it just might take a little longer because they are a newer model. I suppose if they had round headlights they might garner that feeling now, but if I want that I'll take my FJ40 out for a spin.
When I really want to go somewhere in a comfortable, capable Cruiser, I'll take my 80 series.
I loved my diesel HJ60, great mileage and better all-around driver compared the the US spec FJ60 that I bought to replace my rusted out HJ60. Don't get me wrong, I still liked the 2F powered FJ60, but the US spec'd 4 speed transmission detracted from the driving experience that the 5 speed HJ60 had (admittedly the diesel was a big part of that experience too). I gave up on my intended project of rebuilding and transplanting my 2H diesel along with the 5 speed because of the cost of the rebuild and work involved, and eventually my "clean bodied" US FJ60 started to rot out behind the rear wheel wells.
I find that this is the case now, finding a good 60 series is like finding a clean 40 series, they are getting harder to find in good shape. In the end I decided to move on and explore owning a 80 Series, in short order I found a relatively low mileage LX450 with factory lockers.
As much as I loved driving my 60 Series, I really wish that I had bought an 80 sooner; if not skipping 60 series ownership altogether. Many have outlined the reasons for owning a 80 series over any other Cruiser, especially in the North American market because they are hands down, "out of the box" the best equipped Cruiser sold. Available lockers front and rear, full float straight axles hung on coil springs, you just can't beat them. Even the FJ40 was not as well equipped (although the shorter wheelbase lends itself to a different kind of wheeling).
The 80 series still rides like a truck but will not wear you out like a "nostalgic" 60 does. Unfortunately the 5 speed manual wasn't available in the North American market, but try doing a long road trip in a 60 series with a 4 speed in it, they just don't compare to an 80 series in that regard, and the 80 is no slouch off road either.
That "historical coolness" will arrive for the 80 series one day, it just might take a little longer because they are a newer model. I suppose if they had round headlights they might garner that feeling now, but if I want that I'll take my FJ40 out for a spin.
When I really want to go somewhere in a comfortable, capable Cruiser, I'll take my 80 series.
I've owned three 60's over the years and bought my first 80 this year. Night and day. I love my 60 for all the classic-ness and character the others mention. You roll up in a clean 60 and folks notice it. The 80 on the other hand is just as perfect a rig as I've ever owned. Makes me nuts thinking how long I put off buying one. I'm in the middle of building it up and can say IMHO a built 80 is equally as impressive as a 60 from the rigs I've seen. Just in a different way. I'd vote 80 if it'll be your one and only. If it is a second ride then the 60 is my vote (assuming both rigs are clean and running well)
Either way you go, get used to burning the midnight oil searching around on 'Mud for weird mechanicals and get to know a good LC mechanic you trust and who won't kill you on costs.
Either way you go, get used to burning the midnight oil searching around on 'Mud for weird mechanicals and get to know a good LC mechanic you trust and who won't kill you on costs.
