Tough Decision

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T

TX650L

Joined
Nov 15, 2008
Threads
24
Messages
103
Location
Houston
Hi this is my first post and I am looking forward to learning a lot here. I am about to buy my first Land Cruiser but am up against a kind of tough decision. I have found two that are potentials for me right now one being an '87 and one being an '89. The '87 is cheaper but much further away. The '87 is also mostly all stock. The '89 is much closer but more expensive. However it is also already lifted, recently had the engine re-done as well as the tranny, has custom exhaust, bumpers, etc etc. Now money is not too much of a problem so my real question is which platform is more rugged? I have been told that the '88 and up Cruisers had a lot more gizmos and stuff that tend to break. Also I have scene that they come with a smaller motor. Also I should mention that the '89 is an automatic.

So what are you guys opinion? Is the '87 a tougher platform? Personally I like the automatic for off-roading but I want a tranny that will hold up as well. Any input will be appreciated. :D
 
No doubt that some in the 80 series forum could help you, but you may have better luck in the 60 series forum since the Cruisers you are describing are both 60 series models made before the 80 series was available.
 
I had 2 1988 FJ62's prior to my moving up to the FZJ80. I loved them both and would be nice to still have one to play around with. It depends upon what you want it for. I preferred the 62 because of the added luxuries, it was also my daily driver so those things were important to me. That is why I moved up to the 80, wanted even more goodies. But like I said, I loved the 62.
Rusty
 
I would go with the already built one but you should post this in the 60's area. :D
 
I would try to get the 62 series.

I have a 1990 62 series.
I have owned it since 1997 and am the 3 rd owner.
It has 177k on it and is stock.
It was pretty tired when I bought it, and it now looks like a 7 year old used truck and drives out the same.
I have driven it 37K and spent about $9K on it including $3000 in paint and trim work.
IMO, I would get a truck that has had major work on engine and trans even if I had to pay alittle more. You would probably avoid some repair dollars.
I would also look at brakes, rust, leaks in the drive train and the front axle condition before making a buy decision.
Mine has no rust as it was undercoated when new and the underside was very clen to start with.
Good luck.....gm
 
x2, I love the 60 series. There's a guy that lives by me who's got a blue 60, lifted with 35's and a Chevy V8....Oh my, it sounds nice.... :drool:
 
I owned one 88 from 90 to 08, the other from 05 to 08. Tendency to rust in the rear quarter panels & frame are equal for both FJ62s & FJ60s. Stuff that tends to break?:

Power windows' switches develop carbon buildup over time, resulting in slow windows. Search the 60s forum for how-tos.

Going up steep grades at speed (a relative term with any FJ60/2), learn to downshift auto into 3rd at appropriate RPM, as overdrive will drop RPM below torque band & putting the pedal to the metal will not correct.

IF possible, speak with shop that rebuilt (?) tranny, or ask to take a look at ticket, as that's a pretty expensive repair.

Good luck!
 
I owned an '85 60 and loved it and would own another in a heart beat. If you like a manual go with 60 and if you like an auto then go with the 62. The 60 has way less electrical "luxuries" that can go wrong. I miss the maunal windows from the 60, cause they dont break. I think more people on this 80 forum would go with a 62, because it is closer to the 80. But IMHO I would go with the 60.
 
It all depends on what you're going to do with it. I have an 87 FJ60 that has a ton of problems, but that was because it was left sitting for a year near the beach here in Hawai`i. 60+% humidity year round, lots of rain, salt, sand, and the prior owner's wife not bothering to start it up and move it every once in a while while her husband was in Iraq. But I like the 60 because of the ease of use. I'm not used to driving Auto transmissions (sounds weird, but it's true), and I dislike power goodies because I just don't feel I need them, hand cranking does just fine. But, you have double the choice that I did. At the time I purchased my Land Cruiser, it was the only one for sale on the island, so feel blessed with that massive range of selection you have. And go for the one that is in better overall condition if money is not a problem, or conversely, if you want to really seriously rebuild the rig, then find one that is as close to a rust free frame/body as you can.
 
I went with the FJ62 because it was automatic and I didn't want to be playing with the clutch when offroading. It has power mirrors and windows which are nice but not a big deal. The biggest thing about the FJ62's that sold me was fuel injection...
 
Welcome, and I hope you are findings some help hints. On a broad note either version will suit you well for whatever use you are planning on as far as the model goes. Personal preference is more in line with the answers you will get. My suggestion is to go with whichever one is the cleanest. Go with the best core because it is very hard and expensive to get a rust problem stopped.

From your description I would be worried about the transmission. The auto are fine but from what I have seen there are a lot of horror stories on rebuilds. Lots do not last for any length of time and it is fairly hard to find a decent shop that is just not parts changing. Check out the repair list and see what was done. If would not hesitate to buy and auto if its running good but am always leary of one thats been rebuilt.

Also I should mention that the '89 is an automatic.
Click to expand...

Read through the facts thread and learn what you can about each model. The auto your looking at is a 62 and they are all 88 to 90 models and offer power equipment, fuel injection, and auto tranny's.
The 87 is a 60 and they are 80-87 models and are all carb, and manual transmissions.

Also I have scene that they come with a smaller motor.
Click to expand...

Again smaller but fuel injected.

The '89 is much closer but more expensive. However it is also already lifted, recently had the engine re-done as well as the tranny, has custom exhaust, bumpers, etc etc. Now money is not too much of a problem
Click to expand...

I have found that its usually cheaper to get a truck that has already been modified if thats the direction you are headed. Just make sure its the mods you want and they are done correctly. If you want more opinions then post up the price difference and mileage and I am sure you will get a lot more opinions.

Good luck and have fun with whatever you buy
 
ok this is posted in the 60 forum i thought i was going nuts or my computer was screwed
 
Well everyone thanks for the input!

Today a seller who I sent an email to finally called me back. He runs an automotive shop down in San Antonio and took my offer of $3000 for his 1984 FJ60. It's painted blue and the paint still shines. It has a new clutch, new AC, rebuilt motor, new radiator, and more. To be honest it's not all that fixed up but I'm excited that I will get to do a lot of that myself. I am about to post further about this vehicle as I have another question about this truck. I will start a new thread so that this one does not drift too far off-topic. :grinpimp:
 
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