Which Series for Baja?

[squeezer]

Squeezer:

I doubt that a Baja bound traveller needs lockers, 16" wheels, 35" tires, $300 in seats, or $500 worth of tune machine. ..."
M

A very valid point but if you want to take this line of thinking there are millions of miles driven around Baja in $300 clapped out trucks. The locals don't NEED 4WD let alone the other stuff most of us would consider esential.

The point I was trying to make is buying a 60 because its a bit cheaper than an 80 and then spending thousands to add all the stuff that an 80 comes with stock, is a false economy.

Building a 60 because you like them is 100% valid, thinking and 80 is much more expensive to own is not...

 

[blupaddler]

I would love to own a 60. And someday I hopefully will.

One of the most important things is, when you buy an older car, you get an older car. You could buy a 71 VW bus, put a brand new engine in it and go pretty much anywhere for cheap. But, it's old. Just like the 60. There is more of a chance of some "weird" thing breaking than a routine item.

This question was also posted in the 60 forum, post in the 80 forum and you might get a different answer.

I own an 80 and would probably prefer the 80 b/c of the better engine, lockers, comfort, etc. But, if I could find a 60 body on an 80 frame I would love to get one of those.

 

[elum]

Getting one under 130K miles that can be juged as a genuine 130K is going to be real difficult for me here (Temecula, California) and the prices you guys quote seem unreal compared to what I have been seeing. Here 91-93 which I guess are 80 series are much CHEAPER than the FJ60'. The typical FJ60 with 200k miles is advertised at around $7000-$8000.

I'm a good mechanic, done everything myself all my life, which means I've done everything, so a basic unit with sound frame and body for restoration would be ideal. TLC in Van Nuys has fully restored FJ60's starting at $52,000 and going up to $78,000! Southern Californai!

Regards and thanks again
Mike Stevens

Hey Mike, I'm aspiring to get a LC of similar era for similar reason in a similar place. Well actually I too am looking for FJ60 to go camping and cruising the beaches with and I park my cars in Temecula as well. When we get our rides we'll definitely need to meet up or get together a group of FJ Fanatics..

Cheers, Eric

 

[wingysataday]

I just got a fj60 82' I love it. I was haulin through the desert with a full load of people and it ran great. I was totally suprised in how smooth the ride was!

 

[peepers]

But, if I could find a 60 body on an 80 frame I would love to get one of those.

you mean like this http://www.tlc4x4.com/sales/gallery/97079C/index.html
yes it has been posted 1,000 times but its valid here...

 

[Mike S]

[quote}...Here 91-93 which I guess are 80 series are much CHEAPER than the FJ60[/quote]

Mike -

The 91 and 92 models are FJ80's. They have the same 3.9L fuel injected engine as the FJ62 - the 3FE. A good engine, but paired with the heavier FJ80 body, it does not perform all that well. The 93 thru 97 FZJ80 has a much more powerful 4.6L fuel injected engine, and it performs very well indeed - for a Landcruiser.

Mike

 

[MH_Stevens]

Hey Mike, I'm aspiring to get a LC of similar era for similar reason in a similar place. Well actually I too am looking for FJ60 to go camping and cruising the beaches with and I park my cars in Temecula as well. When we get our rides we'll definitely need to meet up or get together a group of FJ Fanatics..

Cheers, Eric

There is FJ60 for sale in temecula for $12,900 with 93K miles. i did a carfax on it and it looks like it should be 193K so beware.

 

[peepers]

to make this fun.... let's see what the 80s guys have to say....

 

[ChuckB]

you mean like this http://www.tlc4x4.com/sales/gallery/97079C/index.html
yes it has been posted 1,000 times but its valid here...

Damn you beat me to it!!!!

 

[expat]

Buy a 60...

Based on the amount of trash talk on the 80's thread, I would buy a 60 series. We seem nicer...

 

[White Shark]

I've owned a 60 and an 80. You can't go wrong with either truck. It is largely a budgetary matter.

 

[Boston Mangler]

Why not just buy this already built bulletproof 60:

http://www.yankeetoys.org/mangler/fj604sale.htm

I am just finishing tweaking and finishing up and small stuff (adding a rear locker before i post it for sale, so its fully locked and ready to go) and then i am going to list it for sale, for real on ebay and the www.autotrader.com

If you are at all interested, lemme know

Thanks

 

[sandcruiser]

We spent a fair amount of time crossing the border into Baja in our 60....
I would say that a rear locker is a very good idea- 60's don't do great in soft sand (and there is a lot of sand in baja).

Tunes are good. For a heckuvalot less than 500 you can pick up a decent stereo and some speakers.

OME is pretty much a must.

31" tires are plenty most of the time. If I did it again, I'd go with 33x10.50. No need for 35's. In fact, in baja you might be better off with 31x10.50 just because it is pretty easy to find a spare. 35's could be really tough to replace outside of San Felipe.

Fuel. Carbed 60 wins. A Diesel 60 would be even better.... but an injected 80 leaves you open to a lot of potential problems with fuel. When we were driving around, people would frequently ask us "aren't you sick of the terrible fuel?". I never knew what to say--- our 60 never even noticed the 'low performance' fuel. Go figure.

Having said all of the above- 80s are cushier and more comfortable. But then, Baja travel is, to some extent, about roughing it and being a little bit uncomfortable.