Which Cruiser for Baja backroads?

[MH_Stevens]

The last couple of days I've been over in the 60/62 forum. They seem a nice bunch of chaps. I was first there because I asked this question:

"I'm getting too old for my ex-USArmy Jeep CJ5. I need more room for family, more comfort for a long trip I'm making soon around the back roads of Baja, and something I can sleep in if I must. So I am in the market for a Land Cruiser. I'm told by some Baja enthusiasts, that for what I am going to do a 1980-87 manual FJ60 is the best, with the auto FJ62 a close second. However, in my search I am finding few of these vehicles and a lot of later models. Is it right to be sticking with the FJ60/62 for a vehicle that is worth putting money into and will be servicable for a long time to come? Or do other later models have their plusses?"

Well, many of thoses guys said that the 60 was the boat for me, but some said get over to the 80 forum - the 80's are much better in comfort and stock features for what I want, so here I am asking the same question.

Mike Stevens
Baja Bound

 

[landtank]

hard to beat a 93+ 80 with factory lockers. Unless it's a 95+ with lockers, ABS and air bags. search the section, there has been multiple threads covering this very topic.

 

[MLX450]

95-97 Fzj80!!!!! W/lockers!!!!!

 

[AMMO]

If your looking for smooth rides in the desert I would go 98 and up with the IFS front. I don't think you want a solid axel unless you plan to set it up jeepspeed style....

-Matt

 

[OZCAL]

There is a member here who has a weblog ( www.sandcruiser.com ) including some discussion of his trips through Baja in a 60. Fun read besides.

Have a coctel de camaron for me

David

 

[MTNRAT]

Go with a 94-97 fzj80 with medium 2 1/2" lift OME spings and suitable shocks and you can drive wicked washboards at 90 mph with one hand.
Cheers,
Sean

 

[ginericLC]

The 80s are by far a better value and ride tons better. I'm a former 60 owner. The plus of the 60 is the carb and simplicity of everything. There is no computer to get wet or sensors to go bad. Everything is trail serviceable. Think about that. Also, you might encounter bad fuel on your trip or something else that would screw up EFI. If you could get a carbed 80 that would be the way to go. They were available in Venezuela until 1998. Ride of an 80, simplistic as a 60. Not sure it is feasible to get one though.

 

[ElJefe]

It all depends on what you plan on doing down in baja to be honest. I have been all the way to San Carlos in a 60 and don't ever want to do that again. You will get HAMMERED on the washboards on any of the long dirt roads out to the beach. If you want peace you have to move at a snails pace and it takes forever. Go 30 and you will get hammered. Go 60 and it will be like driving on ice and the roar of the washboards will be deafaning. Not a pleasurable experience in a 60.

The 80 is much better all around truck for Baja. Though it's a little wide for my taste on the Mexican highways. It will make long trips on backroads much more bearable, and eat miles on the pavement without any problem. You shouldn't come across anything that a bone stock 80 couldn't do unless you go out looking for it.

That said, I have to admit that I don't take either landcruiser to mexico anymore. The 76 Bronco is my official Mex-mobile.

 

[elmariachi]

The 80 is much better all around truck for Baja. Though it's a little wide for my taste on the Mexican highways. It will make long trips on backroads much more bearable, and eat miles on the pavement without any problem. You shouldn't come across anything that a bone stock 80 couldn't do unless you go out looking for it.

Very well put. With the availability of the Internet, cell phones and FedEx, getting parts shipped to you isn't as hard as it used to be (unless you're at the bottom of Copper Canyon) so the simplicity of the carbed 60 is less of a factor IMO. A well-serviced 80, a small box of trail spares and tools, an OME suspension and some good tires are all you need.

 

[SR.GRINGO]

I live down here in mazatlan east of Baja--The 80 does great here I would highly recomend one. I went with a 94 becuase of the stouter trans. Try and find one that has diff locks. At the gas station you have a choice of green or Red--only use Red. Also bring some spare fuel filters. You may also want to consider another air filter(they can be washed and reused). Make sure you also get some type of tire patch/plug kits. Have fun.

Jason


For parts there are Toyota dealers around now and they can order anything or you can dhl parts in.

 

[semlin]

an 80 is a great dirt road cruiser.

consider a 91-92 80 series if high speed is not an issue. They are as fast as a 60 and have the same 3FE motor as the 62 series and though they are EFI might be slightly easier to service in mexico since they are very simple oldschool motors. The 91-92 is very cheap too.

the ome lift will improve on and off road handling compared to stock because of better components. You can also buy a "neutral" ome shock set for slightly less if you don't want the height (but get the height).

you will want to fit some good sized strong tires you can air down to absorb the washboards.

you might consider LTR OME shocks with the extra remote reservoir instead of regular OME. Much more money but are supposed to work better on washboards at speed. Had a chance to buy these used now regret poassing in favour of new regulars as regular ome shocks cannot absorb washboards indefinitely. I think they heat up.

 

[ElJefe]

...you might consider LTR OME shocks with the extra remote reservoir instead of regular OME. Much more money but are supposed to work better on washboards at speed. Had a chance to buy these used now regret poassing in favour of new regulars as regular ome shocks cannot absorb washboards indefinitely. I think they heat up.

After years of barreling around in Mexico, the ONLY shock I have found that will stand up to long runs on washboard are Bilsteins. On the Bronco I have run OME(yes yes... LC takeoffs on a ford), Rancho, ProComp, Trail Disaster, and a few other no-names, and they all will heat up and suck air past the seals and you end up with a dead spot for the first 1 inch +/- or so of travel. Makes the front end really squirrely. Most would be shot after 1 trip, OME's included, and that was on a truck that is 1500lbs lighter than an 80. OME worshippers hold on a sec for me to get my flamesuit on. The current Bilsteins have been on there for over 4 years, been to mexico dozens of times, and still feel brand new.

 

[bkfj40]

I'll make you quite a deal on an 80 and a 60...then you can decide for yourself which one you'd prefer

bk

 

[calamaridog]

Get yourself the newest, lowest mileage LC you can afford. That is the best advice I've ever heard.

After you visit Baja, what are your plans with the vehicle? Daily driver? Family hauler? Any towing?

And yes, Bilstein shocks are absolutely better than Rancho, OME, DT's, or any other off the shelf crap.

 

[MH_Stevens]

Get yourself the newest, lowest mileage LC you can afford. That is the best advice I've ever heard.

After you visit Baja, what are your plans with the vehicle? Daily driver? Family hauler? Any towing?

And yes, Bilstein shocks are absolutely better than Rancho, OME, DT's, or any other off the shelf crap.

I found a great 40th aniversary edition with 130K for $15k but this will depreciate in value, no? A F60 is appreciating all the time. Is this not so? I'm now wondering just what models are APPRECIATING and which are not.

 

[MH_Stevens]

an 80 is a great dirt road cruiser.

consider a 91-92 80 series if high speed is not an issue. They are as fast as a 60 and have the same 3FE motor as the 62 series and though they are EFI might be slightly easier to service in mexico since they are very simple oldschool motors. The 91-92 is very cheap too.

.

Most people tell the exact opposite, that the early 80s, the 91-93 are the ones to AVOID. What's the real deal?

 

[landtank]

A F60 is appreciating all the time. Is this not so? I'm now wondering just what models are APPRECIATING and which are not.

So have we switched are focus from the original question now? What is it you are looking for?

 

[Hltoppr]

Check a few of my past threads on prep/trip logs...my 1992 with 199K does just fine in Baja....in fact, with the lower speeds necessary it's perfectly at home!

Cheers,

-H-

 

[landandsea]

If you're going to drive on the beach, I strongly recommend f&r lockers. I've gotten stuck on a beach in Baja with the ol' FJ55 and it took 12 hot, sweaty, miserable hours to get going again. Got stuck with the 80 and drove out without even getting out of the vehicle. Turned the selector to activate both lockers and drove away. Granted, they were 2 different beaches (and the sand varies quite a bit down there), but lockers are great on those remote beaches.

Have fun,
Ed

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

MHStevens: Since you've posted this question in the 80 forum, it's only natural as to what your responses will be.

With all due respect to the 80 owners (being one myself), I must disagree with their responses.

We know one thing about the 80: In VERY tight and VERY difficult trails the 80 has the edge over other SUV Cruisers. No argument there. In EVERY other category however, including your needs, the 80-series is dwarfed by the 100-series. 80-owners....be honest with yourselves right now. It's STEVENS needs that count.

For your type of travel the 100 is simply the best vehicle on the planet to depend on. Over the 80 it has:

Far more power
Far better ride on road
Extremely better ride on rough dirt roads
Has a stonger frame and quiter ride especially on your type of road

Compared to the 80 it can be:

Lifted
Locked F&R
Accessorized
Etc.
Etc.

The bottom line is:

1. If you buy an 80 you'll be happy making those long trips as it's a great SUV. This is where the 80-owners are coming from.
2. If however you EVER ride these roads (especially drive) in a 100 you'll never want to take long trips again in an 80. The difference is HUGE. This is what you'll not hear from the 80 owners unless they own a 100 too.

If it can be afforded, a 100 is the only way to go. A 2000+ would be my recommendation (models with TRAC). Should you need lockers they're one install away.

For a great source on Baja trips and a source for a long-range Expo 100-series (Cruiser99 in this forum or Doron Strassman on that site) go to: http://www.expeditionswest.com/