To “60” or not?

[cabbey]

I foolishly sold an 80 series about six years ago. Different time of my life, however, I regret selling it. Ever since then I’ve been looking at the 60 series that I see on the road and I’ve considered going through the process of buying one. Love the way they look and I’ve just gone through 100 pages of FAQ’s about the 60. Knowing what all of you know is it worth the effort to purchase and own a 60 series? I live in Idaho and my intention is just to do some easy over landing with it.Thanks

 

[Devils Paw 80]

IF i wasn't north of the 49th i would seriously persue the Tilda Bogue-Red60 that Nolan is peddling off for his client. Hell, the fly n drive could be an epic saga

It's very nice, for sure. Even nicer IMO is FitzyPdx's FJ62. However, it's $30K on top of Nolen's 60.
For Sale - Portland, Oregon: 1989 FJ62 Restoration - H55F 5 Speed Conversion + 124k original Miles - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/portland-oregon-1989-fj62-restoration-h55f-5-speed-conversion-124k-original-miles.1374330/

 

[marshcat]

Through a lot of luck and doing all of my own work on my vehicles, I've ended up with a 60, and 80 and a 100. The 80 I got super cheap about 6 yrs ago and it need a lot of work. Spend about 2 years working on it and turning it into my camping truck. The 100 I got about 10 yrs ago and it's been my daily since. And the 60 I got 5 years ago and restored it myself. The 60 needed a lot of interior and body work, but otherwise was fine. I did all the body and paint and interior work myself, and absolutely love just looking at that joker. Now, here's the reality of each of them from my perspective.

The 60; the 2F with the 5 speed isn't all that bad. The 2F is all torque no HP, but it can maintain 65+ unless you get to some decent inclines. Just know you are going to be giving it all it's got to just keep up with traffic, basically all the time. It's very roomy and is easily the best looking of the 3, not even close. If you want to 'be in touch' with the road, this is the one for you. Leaf springs front and rear and you get the sensation of every bump and the overall bouncy nature of a horse drawn buggy. Not uncomfortable, but you probably aren't going to fall asleep at the wheel either. With a few updates; radio, seats, center armrest, and a refreshed interior, it's actually a comfortable ride, if a little bouncy.

The 80; rides like a Cadillac compared to the 60. I have the Ironman Pro Foam shocks and a 2.5" lift, which I think helped the overall ride. Not plush, but real comfortable. The 1fz is worlds better than the 2F in the power department, but the slush box hinders it a fair bit. I do feel more cramped in the 80 than in the 60, fwiw. With some decent sound deadening, the 80 is a nice comfortable long distance cruiser. Cruise control, for example, really helps in that regard.

The 100; basically the best vehicle I've ever owned. Rides like a Bentley and can still get down some trails. The 2uz is fabulous, while not being a powerhouse, but good useable torque all over the place. AHC is awesome. But arguably the ugliest of the three.

I can fix the 60 on the side of the road with hand tools. It's bulletproof, just do the basics. It's only going to appreciate at this point, and it's always going to look fantastic. However, you are still looking at a 30 years old truck at a minimum. That implies a fair bit to get a neglected truck to baseline.

I've also daily'ed a 100-series for the past ten years and added a 60 in 2024. The 100-series really is a superb platform. Insanely durable, quiet, comfortable, and plenty powerful with the VVTI engine.

The 60 feels more like rolling art. Makes me smile every time I walk up to it. Definitely a much bouncier ride that demands you tolerate noise, vibration, and harshness beyond any modern vehicle. Agree that it's not uncomfortable, but it's involved and takes attention to drive. It doesn't cocoon you. I can't speak to the 2F engine since mine is a diesel, but I'm able to keep up with traffic just fine. It's not a powerful car but power has not been an issue for me whether in Boston city traffic or driving 75 on the highway.

 

[kevin in okinawa]

60s for the rustic, square styling. 80s are better engineered, have a better ride quality, and are more comfortable. I love my hj61 though.

 

[dogfishlake]

I would say buy a 60 and try it. It is a lot different than an 80, but that isn't a bad thing.
Also don't overbuy- look for a deal (there are lots right now) and not rusty, and try it.
If you hate it (you won't), put some sweat equity into it and sell it to get your money back. Then you will know. Good luck!

 

[dogfishlake]

I will add that my bone stock (other than lift and 33" tires) FJ60 makes me chill out and smile every time I drive it. There is no way that is a bad thing.

 

[MDH33]

Buy one, they're great. Embrace life in the slow lane and get used to stopping for fuel.