Will a 62 series work for this? (Daily Driver Question)

[ebod]

We have a 2004 100 Series Cruiser and we love it (it's my wife's==>no wheeling or towing). I'm thinking replacing the Suburban I use for my daily driver with a 62 series Cruiser.

Here's how I'd use it: (i) 60% DD/commuter city streets (my commute is less than 10 mi each way); (ii) 25% freeway loaded and towing (8' utility trailer and dirtbikes); (iii) 10% freeway, but not too heavily loaded; and (iv) 5% wheeling. My concerns relate to whether a 62 would work for items (ii) and (iii). Can the a 62 pull long grades (e.g., I-5/Grapevine) with the AC on when loaded and towing 1500-2000 pounds? If so, at what speed (any faster than 60 mph)? Can a 62 wagon cruise freeways at 70 (or more) mph when lightly/moderately loaded?

I'm willing to pay more for a super-clean well-maintained wagon. I'd also be willing to do light modifications (e.g., exhaust and/or air intake, suspension mods--but not too big a lift). Would such engine mods make a noticable difference in freeway/towing and would minor suspension mods materially improve ride?

I suspect that my uses may be better served by an 80 series (or even a used 100 series or a new Suburban), but I think 62s look so great that I want to see if it can be done and how big the drawbacks are.

Thank you in advance for any thoughts.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Except for the towing, the 62 would work fine. Even towing, it will work, but it will be even slower than usual. A late model 80 series will fit your needs better. You could also look for a 60/62 with a V-8 conversion. I've seen some sweet ones that look like OEM installs.

 

[swank60]

If you're going to be doing that much towing, I don't think you're going to be happy with it. It's fine as a DD, great for wheeling - and even loaded down and going along on the freeway. But with 25% of your driving dedicated to towing, I'd say you're going to be happier with something with a V8. Not even sure an 80 would cut it, to be honest. I know the 1FZs (?) are more powerful, they're not SBC powerful.

Just my opinion.

 

[DBS311]

For towing, I would look elsewhere. I towed a '75 Bronco on a trailer (which is a lot heavier than what you would be doing) about 45 miles and swore I would never use my 62 for towing again. My Cruiser did have a lift, 33" tires, roof rack with lights (makes for a nice air brake), and stock gears, so I can't say as to how a STOCK 62 would do. All I know is that in my situation it sucked for towing.

 

[Doc]

I towed a 60 series on a flatbed trailer from Chicago to western Iowa with a 80 series and had zero problems.

Buy an 80 (w/ lockers).

 

[southerncruiser62]

Having had a 62 and an 80, Both as daily drivers and both being used to tow a 20' Center Console. If gas prices stay the way they are you will not want to tow with a 62, even so with an 80. I was not unhappy with the way the 62 towed it was just more likely to take a chunk out of the wallet when loaded down/towing. I purchased an 80 to tow cause i wanted to stick with a Land cruiser and was very happy with it. Again as many have mentioned, neither will compare to a V8. I would suggest for moderate towing and daily driving you go with an 80 or 100 series. You will also get more for your money with one of those as well. Just my 2¢

 

[stuck in GA]

I guess it sounds like you are set on an suv but the Toyota Tundra would be a sweet rig for you from what i read on how you use it. With all that towing like everyone else is saying you should really go with a v8. I use to have a v8 tahoe and that thing can haul a lot more and better than my 80 series. Good luck with your decision.

 

[SCJO06]

The grapevine is no place for a 62 to be towing. If you don't mind going 15-20 up those hills then I would stay way from it. I was in the service out there and even our stinkin Hummers putt putted their way up them mountians. My 2

 

[JasonH]

Keep the Suburban. I've had a 62, an 80 and a couple of Suburbans. Except for the 5% wheeling part, the Sub will do better at pretty much everything else. An 80 will tow that size trailer fine though.

 

[Corbet]

I vote for the 80 series or a FJ62 with SBC. I wouldn't have the patience to watch the world go by, with a trailer behind stock FJ62.

 

[ebod]

Thanks!

Thanks for all of the advice. As I feared, it's pretty clear that the 62 series isn't right for my needs. I'm a bit bummed that everyone's views are so one-sided. I was hoping that people would give me a way to convince myself that a 62 would work.

 

[swank60]

I was hoping that people would give me a way to convince myself that a 62 would work.

We aren't all that bright, but we are honest.