What would you do with $6K?

[PoeDog]

So lets say you own an '84 60, 216K on the clock, whiney 4-spd tranny, 2" lift, 32's, good body, leaky manifold (that farty tractor sound), and generally sound, reliable vehicle. Lets say you live in the Four Corners region and wanted to take advantage of all of the adventures to be had in that area. You would want a reliable daily driver with enough balls to handle all but the most extreme off road situations, and perfect for multi day trips into the desert, mountains, etc. You may be giving up a perfectly good motorcycle to have this quintessential mode of transport.

What would you do with $6K to turn this idea into a reality? I know that $6K is not a lot of money (relatively speaking) to play with, but set aside all silly mods and superfluous gadgets and keep it simple, thats what I am seeking. Strong, simple, and super reliable.

I know this has been done many times, but am curious as to what YOU out there would do in this circumstance. Have fun! I look forward to your responses.

 

[cruiser88]

New springs from Kurt

New Bobby long birfs


swap that old 4 speed out for a new one

ARB front bumper/winch


Have someone build you ar rear bumper tire carrier.

give fj40jim your carb for a overhaul...................that is almost 6 grand

 

[UglyFJ60]

6.2L diesel and NV4500.

 

[PoeDog]

I would love to have diesel...6.2L and NV4500 for $6K?

 

[ohrly?]

yeah you need a diesel, just go with a 3b or even a b, get a turbo and a five speed trans, or put lucas in the one that u have now.

 

[Heartworm]

(1). Test compression. (no cost?)
(2) fix manifold leak. Worst case scenario is about $550 for new from Cruiser Dan. Manifold leak will lead to burnt valves if you let it go.
(3) valve job if needed, shave head 0.050 while doing that (Say $400) Get galley plug replaced!
(4) Change out all hoses, fliters and belts if any doubt about them $150)
(5) Get radiator checked out by radiator shop ($30 to $200)
(6) put a locker in rear (non ARB would be way cheaper)
(7) Jim C. Carb if your mileage is below 14mpg
(8) have you changed out all fluids? ($150)
(9) desmog ($200-$500) or re-smog (replace all little hoses, check out all systems)
(10) repack wheel bearings and replace axle seals?


The above could consume at least 50% of your money. If all goes well, hang on to the rest for the inevitable "next "thing that will be needed. I am assuming that you will be doing the work yourself

 

[vipergrhd]

if it was mine

i'd save up that money and add some more to it in order to afford to do a vortec and 5 speed swap(c/o iaintscared69) and the rest can wait.thats me of course talking in my head.that is really up to you,it's hard to beat a vortec and 5 speed when it comes to power and realiability. john

 

[Ducks]

For you situation, probably can't get it all but that would be my order -

- Fix what is broke.
- Replace what usually breaks.
- h41 transmission
- Aussie Rear Locker (or ARB)
- What shape are your tires in?
- Sliders
- ARB winch bumper
- Rear bumper w/ tire carrier & dual gas can holder
- Longfields super axles
- Winch

Chad

 

[chicago]

i'd save up that money and add some more to it in order to afford to do a vortec and 5 speed swap(c/o iaintscared69) and the rest can wait.thats me of course talking in my head.that is really up to you,it's hard to beat a vortec and 5 speed when it comes to power and realiability. john

X2 on this one!

Chicago

 

[Ducks]

Actually, I'm in a similar situation. The list for me is -

Aussie Rear Locker
used Alcan 5" lift
35" tires & wheels
Tint Job
used ARB winch bumper
sliders
rear bumper with quarter panel protection, tire carrier, dual gas can holder
4x4 labs hi-steer
Longfields
h41 transmission
winch - Warn M8000

Which will probably total about $7500. I still have to buy the hi-steer, longfields, h41, and winch.

 

[fjdemon]

You could find $3k more and by my 62 with all of the stuff mostly done, ARB Front bumper, Warn 9000 winch, Slee off road bumper, to much to list . haha just kidding.......or am I. Check it out in classifieds 89 FJ62

 

[PhilC64]

I'd say hookers, blow and happy stick but thats only 2k worth of fun!

 

[cruiserjunktion]

Buy 300 oz of silver.

Sell it in a year when the price doubles.

 

[UglyFJ60]

I would love to have diesel...6.2L and NV4500 for $6K?

yeah gonna have to get everything used.

 

[chukardog]

12HT

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Similar situation myself, just the same as Ducks.

1. Desmog including headers and carb rebuild, possible valve job - $200 for headers, allow another $200 for misc parts and some more if valve job needed

2. Rebuild front axle, use marlin inner axle seals - $300

3. Alcan 5" inch springs - new costs about $1200 with orbit eyes I believe, not bad for at least 15 years of service

4. 2.5 inch backspaced steel wheels - $250 tops

5. Used H55f transmission - $1000 - add probably $400 if t-case needs rebuild

6. Almost forgot the aussie locker - $250

That adds up to $4250 unless I am underestimating, and that gives you the lower first gear (same as the H41) as well as an overdrive for highway driving, a bit more power, better mileage and more than enough clearance for off-roading without making the rig too top heavy. Build a storage box for the rear of your truck before buying a carry-all bumper to hold all of your stuff, much cheaper and has many uses.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

To keep it cheap:

EGR port gasket. That's what's leaking--$13

Depending on what is whining-Used but good H42 == $150, tcase rebuild $400.

Good set of tires--$1000

OME suspension--- $1400 or so

Carb rebuild $300

New radiator/fan clutch (just do it)--$400 in parts

Consider new hydraulics, clutch and brakes, or at least carry spares.

Full front end service $150 in parts

Bumper and winch. M8000 will be enough and save you some coin.

Extra bling, not needed but nice= H55f tranny, rebuild the rear diff with ARB locker.

Save the high strength axles for when you start running tires over 33s.


That might leave you enough for fuel for several nice trips.

 

[PhilC64]

I still say you can do a Spitzer and have money left over for a carb rebuild from JimC!