Thinking about pulling the trigger on this

[badcomp]

So, Hello everyone, I am new to the forums and new to Toyota's (previous K5 owner). I am looking for a new DD/work vehicle I can tow my 16' trailer around with and still wrench on(shade tree) and play with on the weekends(nothing too crazy, I live in Kansas.....)

I always loved the cruiser styling, found this 86 FJ60 locally and want to hear your thoughts on it. I have contacted the owner to look at it and want to get informed before going to meet up with him.
Any info you can give me on any engine modifications you can see in the pictures, points of interest, concerns, positives or negatives, etc would be greatly appreciated. He is asking $4600

Things I see that might need addressed:
200,000 miles, timing belt change or other required maintenance?
Aftermarket air filter =desmog?
Newer looking carb, possibly rebuild?
Vaccum line disconnected at bottom of picture?
Needs an alignment, steering wheel turned, wheels straight?
Says rust free, but areas to look for rust?
Is the price reasonable?
Questions to ask the guy?

Any info I can get will be helpful, I want to go into this informed and want to be able to barter with the guy if I need to. Long term, if I get it, I am thinking about a 2FE conversion, but that's another conversation.
Thanks, Badcomp

1986 FJ60 Front

• badcomp
• Oct 16, 2015

1986 FJ60 Engine

• badcomp
• Oct 16, 2015

1986 FJ60 Front Seat

• badcomp
• Oct 16, 2015

1986 FJ60 Rear SEat

• badcomp
• Oct 16, 2015

 

[collk22]

@badcomp no first hand experience towing with a 60/62, but there are other threads that address the ups/downs of towing with a 60.

 

[badcomp]

Just noticed it has a cover on the dash so I imagine its probably cracked.
And we don't have emissions testing here, so it it is desmoged that is probably a bonus?

 

[Cruzerman]

No timing belt on a 2F. Uses gears.

There are a number of threads on what to look for. Do a search and you'll find stuff. The pictures and price are good enough to take a closer look. Good luck!

 

[badcomp]

@badcomp no first hand experience towing with a 60/62, but there are other threads that address the less-than-ideal nature of the 60/62 as a tow-rig. In fact I was reading another thread that discussed towing just this morning on the front page.

Would you mind throwing the link at me, I looked at the 60 main page and didn't see it. Thanks

 

[collk22]

Would you mind throwing the link at me, I looked at the 60 main page and didn't see it. Thanks

fj62 gets a lift

Post #169 or so is where trailer talk starts.

You can also search "towing fj60" in the search bar and see lots of talk/experience regarding pulling with the 60.

 

[badcomp]

I should probably say that I would be towing my trailer around with me maybe once a week, just for large projects where I need my saws. I currently drive a stepvan (think fedex truck) and 95% of the time I don't need something that large and it sucks to drive all the way across town at 7mpg just to change out a garbage disposal or change door locks.

 

[cwwfj60]

16' trailer with what kind of weight? they aren't the best tow vehicles, but that being said that's a decent price if you don't mind the ugly seats and if it doesn't have any major rust issues. The rust is going to be main thing to worry about, wheel arches, bottom edges of the doors, and pretty much every where else....

 

[cwwfj60]

I should probably say that I would be towing my trailer around with me maybe once a week, just for large projects where I need my saws. I currently drive a stepvan (think fedex truck) and 95% of the time I don't need something that large and it sucks to drive all the way across town at 7mpg just to change out a garbage disposal or change door locks.

That being said, don't expect good mpgs (think 10-12 mpg)

 

[badcomp]

16' trailer with what kind of weight? they aren't the best tow vehicles, but that being said that's a decent price if you don't mind the ugly seats and if it doesn't have any major rust issues. The rust is going to be main thing to worry about, wheel arches, bottom edges of the doors, and pretty much every where else....

I am probably look at 3-4000lbs. I haven't bought the trailer yet, I might go with a 14ft instead. I do handyman work and carry around a bunch of hand tools, small power tools, dewalt folding table saw, dewalt 12 inch miter saw with stand, a few ladders, work bench, tool chest, dewalt generator, makita compressor, and a variety of materials.
I need to go and have my truck weighed and compare that to the empty weight.

 

[badcomp]

That being said, don't expect good mpgs (think 10-12 mpg)

Yeah, I figured that, anything is better than the 7mpg I am getting now.
Primarily I am looking for something that is easy to work on, has enough room in the rear for hand tools and a 6ft ladder, can pull a trailer when I need to(max 20 miles a trip, Wichita isn't that big), and isn't just a generic contractor truck.

 

[cwwfj60]

in that case go for it, pending a rust evaluation. Compression test is always smart too.

 

[SteveH]

Looks to be clean, and is somewhat desmogged - if that's an issue for you. I think you will find towing a 3000# trailer to be a major drag, unless you're on flat ground at sea level., and maybe even then. Much cooler than a contractor truck, for sure!

 

[gregnash]

For rust take a strong magnet with you and run it over the bottom areas of doors, around fenders and wheel wells, etc. Those are most common places for rust. Get under the truck with a good flashlight and look for rust along the frame specifically looking at the areas around the tire carrier (c-channel) and then any other attachment points like crossmembers and such. Knuckles will more than likely be leaking but as long as it is not seriously dripping then you should be fine (plus it is an easy job to rebuild them and a right of passage).

Other than that look for things that may feel out of place, definitely has a weber carb on it which is NOT stock so there may be other things that have been done to it. Also see what type of maintenance records the owner has, the more documentation of things the better. Towing with this thing is not going to be easy as these engines are normally a bit old and tired. If you plan an engine swap in the future then it is a moot point.

 

[badcomp]

Thank you all for your input, I have taken the slow approach to this. I think, although I love the 60 styling, after a lot of research I will probably end up getting an 80 series with the 4.5 which will do better with a trailer than the 60.

 

[cruisedeisel]

That air filter sucks. Stock yota setup is way better. How much??? $$$

I build houses. Until i bought a cargo trailer, I always used my cruiser. A crew of 3 and all the tools. When you start putting a bunch of heavy tools in the back. An accident would be fatal with a tonne of heavy objects flying around the truck. FYI: Might want to install an expanded steel frame behind the rear seat?

 

[badcomp]

It has long since sold now, I have been suffering it out in my stepvan for the last year and saving up for a new rig. I think he was asking 4500.
Good thinking on the barrier, I work alone but take my kids to school in the morning. Might also act as a theft deterrent, easier to protect the rear at night by backing against the garage door....

 

[Klonky99]

@cruisedeisel what front bumper is that? It's bad ass

 

[cwwfj60]

looks home-brew, but in a good way, super stout and tough looking! I was admiring the house...looks very cool

 

[cruisedeisel]

Yes it is home fab. 2" steel tubing and some random chunks left over from my custom frame. w/ warm 10,000.

Yes, one trippy house design.