Your Advice needed

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

O

offroad21

10 Year 15 Year 20 Year
Joined
Jan 28, 2005
Threads
4
Messages
9
I need some input and opinions. For the last 4 years I have been driving a 1991 Isuzu trooper. It has been extremely reliable and never has gotten stuck, even in the mud and snow of the 10 mile dirt road I live and work at the end of at 5000 feet in the southern CA mountains….until the in tank fuel pump quit and a few weeks later the computer quit. (at 260K miles…I guess I shouldn’t complain).
I am looking at buying an FJ60 based on the reputation and the lack of electronics. The difference in mileage is not a big concern. What I am interested in is the difference between the two.
As I see it the Trooper is much lighter and therefore doesn’t tend to get so deep in mud and snow, The trooper has torsion bar front suspension so it rides better, although the FJ60 being heaver will not be bounced around as much, and from what I have read on this site can be made to ride much better than stock ( I think I read that in a discussion about parabolic springs). The FJ60 is a little bigger (more room), a lot more durable, and most important for me doesn’t use or need computers and electronics to run ( other than the basic electrical and ignition components.) The other concern I have is that there are a lot of sources for FJ60 parts and few for the Troopers.
Anyone want to add anything or give me more to think about???

Thanks
Russ
 
I think you pretty well covered it.

These things are built for places like Africa such, where roads are more of an abstract rather than quantifiable thing. They're very reliable and very tough. They can take lots of abuse and keep going, but I would still keep on top of maintenance and look for one that has been well cared for and not abused. They are very overbuilt by US standards where most people don't ever take them off pavement, but just right for people who do go off the pavement.

Don't know what parts for troopers are like, but Land Cruiser stuff can get spendy in a hurry... LOts of aftermarket stuff out there to improve on the original design, too.

Rust is a major issue unless you find one that's native to the desert. Anywhere else in the world and they'll rust away.

Simple to work on, they're not complicated at all, which sounds about right for what you want.

On more "vanity" note, you'll get more attention driving a nice 60 than you will driving a nice trooper.

Welcome to MUD, and I'm sure I'm not alone in hoping you'll find the right cruiser and stick around.

Fred
 
The Trooper is a good truck. The Fj60 is a very tough truck, but lacks refined highway manners.

I have made a lot of modifications to my FJ60, both major and minor. As I have it set up (see below) it behaves pretty well on the highway, is a delight on secondary mountain and desert roads, and can seriously crawl along bad trails. Next mods? e-lockers and perhaps, a 6 cylinder turbodiesel.

M.
 
Russ,

Welcome to MUD! Having had a trooper myself and currently owning (here's where I duck and wince) a Jeep Wrangler, a Subaru Outback and a FJ60 Cruiser I might have some worthy input for you. The Trooper was an '87 old boxy type and I have to say was THE best carbureted vehicle I have ever owned! To this day I miss it in many respects. It was slower (if Anybody can imagine that) than the Cruiser, rode better and had all the under armor factory installed. It had the 4cyl and it's head did crack, but overall (at close to 200k on the clock) it was very reliable and managed up to 24mpg with street tires. Ultimately, rust got the better of it and I sold it picking up my 87 FJ60 in it's place. The 60's a tank and I really don't find it's ride too bad at all. Mines stock except for tires - 32BFG's. I find the side to side space isn't as good as the Trooper due to the wheel wells (Sheetrock) and the Trooper was certainly taller. The Trooper had better seats and positioning for the driver. I get (on average) about 14 to 16mpg with the Cruiser and find the carburetion not as good - particularly during the warm up cycle (though this could be just my vehicle). I do love the "concept" (because that's all it's been so far) of going through Africa and all. You know - putting a rooftop camper on it, winch, bars, lockers, etc. However, before going this route, learn to walk before running. Get ALL of the essentials taken care of first as most Cruiser have a fair number of miles on them by now. Do your research and get the best example you can afford. Some people have a tolerance for rust and have the skills to repair and replace. Personally, I'm more a mechanical guy than a body guy - I can fix most things but body work (cutting, welding, painting) just doesn't give me warm fuzzies. So depending on your aptitude and tolerance, pick what suits you best - flawless body and worn mechanicals or flawless mechanicals and worn body (there could be more to this, but not on this board! :) IF money and budget permits, get the best of both worlds. Don't forget to look at the alternatives - Defender D90/110, FJ60's with motor swaps (diesels, Chevy's, etc). Each has it's proponents and naysayers, but all have something to offer. Most importantly - DONT jump at the first shiney one you see. There are lots for sale these days!!!

Driving my 95 Jeep on the other hand makes me wish my Cruiser had these things - 5spd and fuel injection. The Jeeps been super reliable and averages about 21mpg (4cyl). The Subaru Outback, well I hate it - it's the most practical car I've ever owned. Reliable as a Timex, gets 30 mpg on the highway, decent ground clearance, low cost of ownership, spacious, comfortable - did I mention seat heaters, A/C, leather, wiper de-icer, etc.??? I want an STi but haven't figured out how to justify it yet to my wife! (I inherited the Jeep when I married her and it's grown on me since.) Anyway, the Jeeps now my DD and the Scooby hers. The FJ60's getting the TLC it's needed courtesy of the Po's lack of funds. It's been truly a learning experience, but most things are easy to wrench on. This board is a HUGE treasure trove of knowledge, but if you go the 60 route take the plunge and buy the Factory FSM's - you'll need three... emissions, body, and engine.

Moral to my story, the Trooper was a a more turn the key and go affair than my Cruiser has been. It rode better, got better mileage and was more comfortable. However, it's not a Cruiser! That's the dilemma - Cruisers aren't the most practical choice, they are the emotive choice. There are plenty of parts places for Cruisers these days - get to know them as they will be your life line. You should have some mechanical ability and the financial resources to live with a 60. It's not super expensive, but it's not cheap either.

What ever decision you make - good luck and enjoy the experience! It's always fun looking at new toys! :)
 
Thanks to all...
Slow and Steady...you and I must think alike...I don't do body work...but wrenching is no problem...fortunately being in So CAL means most FJ60's I will look at will not have much of a rust issue. I will be looking at 2 this weekend. As far as pricey parts are concerned the Isuzu dealers around hear think they are selling you gold. I just have had such good luck with the Trooper,.... but the Land Cruiser bug may have a pretty good hold on me.

Russ
 
I Had an 89 Trooper for 12 years and sold it in May to get a 60. Its less comfortable, less feul efficient, much heavier, slower, and more expensive to own in general, but I wouldn't ever go back!
Like Slow said, its and emotional decision, not a rational one, to go with a 60. I actually decided to go with a 60 and build it up rather than by an FZJ 80(still wondering about that one from time to time).
I paid $4400 for a clean, rust free one owner 87 w 166K and have sunk about $6K into it since may.
I've got another 6K to go before It's done, actually it will NEVER be done, but don't tell my wife that.

Take your time and find the right one, if thats what you decide to do, and you'll never look back.
Toad
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom