I'm thinking of buying a late '80s-early 90's wagon. Is there anything I should look out for? Any model years in this range better or worse than others? I'm looking for something reliable and reasonably easy to maintain myself. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Which TLC to buy?
- Thread starter JayZoll
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depends.. where do you live?
what model do you like?
gas or diesel(canadian model) but depends where you are.
good luck on the search and welcome to the board. searching usually finds what you need. try the search button. read read read... more info has been talked about than you can think up.
cheers.
what model do you like?
gas or diesel(canadian model) but depends where you are.
good luck on the search and welcome to the board. searching usually finds what you need. try the search button. read read read... more info has been talked about than you can think up.
cheers.
I would emphasize where I got the cruiser from (part of country). south west and Cali cruisers are going to be the best in general. 60's are notoriously the most durable around the world. Even teh 80 guys can't argue with that. I like the 60 because of the storage space but if you don't need that then if you find a good 40 you can't go wrong. The 80's are plush and very capable but maybe too "sculpted" for me.
Check out the user pics for body styles and many many many mods.
Check out the user pics for body styles and many many many mods.
JayZoll said:
There are lots of personal preferences between model years, but many of us own multiple cruisers, some own a lot of them!!! They're all good, only variable is their condition. Learn about the different models, hone in on the model you prefer, and find a good one....can't go wrong.
And after you do all your research, go ahead and buy a 60. 
Agreed! 60's combine all the good things about a cruiser wagon (Just the right blend of plushness and pure 4x4), but would be harder to find in as good of shape as an 80 series unless you don't mind some work. I've heard about headgasket issues in some of the fj80's series models. Fj60's tend to have rust issues. I'd have both models if I could.
What is your definition of "maintain"?
That could have a lot to do with any advice given here. To you, is maintenance changing the oil and a few filters here and there? Or would it include rebuilding/resealing major components like the rear end, transmission/transfer case?
The 60s are a lot of work. You drive and own them because you love them, and that "love" overcomes the incrdeible urge to set them on fire or push them into a lake...
An 80 would probably be less work, but they have the headgasket issue (from '93 on, I think) and you have to rebuild the front axles fairly often because they are full-time 4 wheel drive.
That could have a lot to do with any advice given here. To you, is maintenance changing the oil and a few filters here and there? Or would it include rebuilding/resealing major components like the rear end, transmission/transfer case?
The 60s are a lot of work. You drive and own them because you love them, and that "love" overcomes the incrdeible urge to set them on fire or push them into a lake...
An 80 would probably be less work, but they have the headgasket issue (from '93 on, I think) and you have to rebuild the front axles fairly often because they are full-time 4 wheel drive.
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Are you going to daily drive it? If so you may want to look into an 80 series for all the creature comforts. IMO a 60 will be the easiest to maintain. But maintain you will as it will be a 20 year old vehicle.
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Practical info to match a Cruiser series to everyone's comments...
80 -- 1991 to 1997 (auto, EFI, gadgets)
62 -- 1988 to 1990 (qualifies as late-80s/early-90s, has auto tranny and EFI)
60 -- 1981 to 1987 (same body style as 62 but has manual tranny and carb)
A good 60 vs 62 discussion is accessible from the FAQ
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=13183
I like the FJ60s. They have a minimum number of electronic gadgets (no power windows/locks, no EFI computer, etc.) so a little logic can diagnose and fix most anything.
Tim
80 -- 1991 to 1997 (auto, EFI, gadgets)
62 -- 1988 to 1990 (qualifies as late-80s/early-90s, has auto tranny and EFI)
60 -- 1981 to 1987 (same body style as 62 but has manual tranny and carb)
A good 60 vs 62 discussion is accessible from the FAQ
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=13183
I like the FJ60s. They have a minimum number of electronic gadgets (no power windows/locks, no EFI computer, etc.) so a little logic can diagnose and fix most anything.
Tim
Se the FAQ sticky at the top of this section. There is a well developed thread on the differences between the 60 and 62 models. Start there. Read, then post back with questions.
You need to have in mind a realistic view of how you would use the truck. Then you should go look at and drive the models. When you buy, opt for a stock truck in very good condition, and pay the premium to get the better truck.
Mike S
You need to have in mind a realistic view of how you would use the truck. Then you should go look at and drive the models. When you buy, opt for a stock truck in very good condition, and pay the premium to get the better truck.
Mike S
- Thread starter
- #11
TThanks, all, for the input. I'm looking for a truck to do split duty as (1) a co-daily driver (in Oregon) with my 1973 Porsche 911, which has been my daily driver for 2 years, and (2) a paragliding/fishing/camping rig to go where I don't want to take the Porsche. As far as "maintenance," I would likely do most work myself (as I do with the Porsche), so I want something that won't break down regularly. I'm not opposed to rebuilding parts as necessary, but want to avoid major engine, transmission, or electrical problems.
From the comments posted so far, the bottom line seems to be that I really can't go wrong with any of these. I am leaning toward a 62, because I like the earlier style and assume that the EFI takes less fiddling than carbs. At the same time, I assume that the weatherstripping, seals, etc. are less likely to be worn out on the 80s just because they are newer, and my wife will shoot me if I end up spending and much time and money on a TLC as I do on the 911! I am likely to start shopping and just buy the best condition wagon I can find in my price range.
From the comments posted so far, the bottom line seems to be that I really can't go wrong with any of these. I am leaning toward a 62, because I like the earlier style and assume that the EFI takes less fiddling than carbs. At the same time, I assume that the weatherstripping, seals, etc. are less likely to be worn out on the 80s just because they are newer, and my wife will shoot me if I end up spending and much time and money on a TLC as I do on the 911! I am likely to start shopping and just buy the best condition wagon I can find in my price range.
In terms of weatherstripping, the stuff on my 1987 FJ60 is perfect. It has no cracks and has the truck sealed tighter than a bull's ass in fly season.
As for the fuel system, dealing with a few screws and one linkage is easier than having to deal with lots of wires and computer gremlins. I'd rather be able to drive my truck whether or not some computer screwed things up.
If your complaint is that it is too hard to drive, then go ahead and buy an auto, but I'll stick with my manual.
As for the fuel system, dealing with a few screws and one linkage is easier than having to deal with lots of wires and computer gremlins. I'd rather be able to drive my truck whether or not some computer screwed things up.
If your complaint is that it is too hard to drive, then go ahead and buy an auto, but I'll stick with my manual.
These trucks 40/60/62/80 get about 12-14mpg on average. Don't expect more. I have owned my FJ60 for 3 years and it now has 130K on it. Got it with around 100K for $3200 in very very good condition 100% stock. This is considered very low mileage as there are many many on here with 250K on the original engine!
I have replaced the battery, master brake cylinder (easy to do), changed fluids, and had a shop replace my throwout bearing as it was making a terrible sound ($700).... but the clutch was fine?!?!?
The 2F engine is basically a tractor motor. Low revving, with ok torque, and reliable as all Toyota motors. I would get an FJ60 simply because they are a manual trans and have the classic round headlights. If you can afford to put an H55F (5speed) behind it or find one that has it already they really could use an overdrive. If not put a lift and 33's with the stock gears and it has overdrive now I run the stock 4speed non OD trans. (they have 28.7" tall stock tires). Just a little doggy in 1st gear with the 33's. 31's fit with stock suspension BTW.
I have driven my truck at 7,000ft and it performs fine. Certainly no barnstormer... but these are trucks... not race cars. If you want more power buy one with a V8 conversion. It will get about the same gas mileage... but one with Overdrive would be preferred.
A twin blow up mattress in my FJ60 fits perfectly and it can carry a ton of stuff. If it has over 100K on the truck and is stock suspension... plan up putting on new springs/shocks or it will be a bouncy/soggy ride. I have Old Man Emu suspension (OME) and love it.
I have a performance car and then my adventure vehicle (FJ60) like you. Funny that my 500hp car gets 24mpg+ on the freeway and my 125hp FJ60 gets 13mpg.
How about one like the one I attached!
Good luck,
Mark
I have replaced the battery, master brake cylinder (easy to do), changed fluids, and had a shop replace my throwout bearing as it was making a terrible sound ($700).... but the clutch was fine?!?!?
The 2F engine is basically a tractor motor. Low revving, with ok torque, and reliable as all Toyota motors. I would get an FJ60 simply because they are a manual trans and have the classic round headlights. If you can afford to put an H55F (5speed) behind it or find one that has it already they really could use an overdrive. If not put a lift and 33's with the stock gears and it has overdrive now
I run the stock 4speed non OD trans. (they have 28.7" tall stock tires). Just a little doggy in 1st gear with the 33's. 31's fit with stock suspension BTW.I have driven my truck at 7,000ft and it performs fine. Certainly no barnstormer... but these are trucks... not race cars. If you want more power buy one with a V8 conversion. It will get about the same gas mileage... but one with Overdrive would be preferred.
A twin blow up mattress in my FJ60 fits perfectly and it can carry a ton of stuff. If it has over 100K on the truck and is stock suspension... plan up putting on new springs/shocks or it will be a bouncy/soggy ride. I have Old Man Emu suspension (OME) and love it.
I have a performance car and then my adventure vehicle (FJ60) like you. Funny that my 500hp car gets 24mpg+ on the freeway and my 125hp FJ60 gets 13mpg.
How about one like the one I attached!
Good luck,
Mark
I think you're on the right track with the 62. I've had several and have never had a fuel injection related problem. Additionally, what many 60 guys fail to realize is the auto in the 62 comes with overdrive. No expensive 5 speed tranny to source and install, easy 85 mph anytime, anywhere. If you're going to use it as you say, it's the perfect truck. Much more interior room than the 80, with a rear seat that folds to leave a 6' flat floor, unlike the 80 series. No full time 4 wheel drive causing driveline slop and sucking gas like an 80. Best of all worlds...reliability of fuel injection, overdrive, lots o' room, and able to wheel with any of the above. I finally gave up on 60's because of continual teething problems with the smog/carb interface. Once they get a few miles on em (and they all have a few now!), they can be extremely problematic. You could desmog, but that opens a whole new ball of worms...worst of all, no highway speed....great offroad, and I've had lots of 60's, but I won't go back.
zcruiser
Needs monitoring
62 with a 60 grill.
just be warned that tranny problems with a '62 are VERY pricey.
zcruiser said:
That's what I'm looking at next, I can't let those round headlights go
either that or a or a 60 with a 3fe and h55
You could always get a diesel converted rig. I believe there are a number of commercial operations in your neck of the woods if you wanted to join the biodeisel crowd.
Pimp for a friend: http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4569892030 13BT into a USA FJ60. It is what he says.
gb
Pimp for a friend: http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4569892030 13BT into a USA FJ60. It is what he says.
gb
There are a lot of great FJ62s (1988-1990) in Oregon, Jay. Many very stock and clean base trucks to work from. Check craigslist regularly, and get in touch with me if you want to crawl around and talk about an FJ62.
Also recommend attending a cascade cruisers meeting, if you're near Portland. They meet every 3rd Thursday. www.cascadecruisers.com They can provide a lot of good feedback, especially about the trucks around town and what kind of shape to look for.
Also recommend attending a cascade cruisers meeting, if you're near Portland. They meet every 3rd Thursday. www.cascadecruisers.com They can provide a lot of good feedback, especially about the trucks around town and what kind of shape to look for.
Agreed on the craigslist idea. Recently found a GREAT FJ60 on craigslist in LA. For what it's worth I went for the FJ60 exactly because it has a manual transmission and I like to feel like I'm driving the truck, not the other way around. But I hear the comment about overdrive - I was actually wondering about the possibility of installing a 5-speed, seems possible, albeit expensive (according to earlier posts). Either way, with the FJ60 or 62, you seem to be in the right ballpark.
