Hey all,
I RAN A SEARCH!!!!!!:flipoff2:
Im pretty new to the world of off roading, and im searching for my first rig.
I came across an 88 toy landcruiser that seems resonably priced. It has a 2.5 in lift, with 33's, EFI I-6 with 219K on it for 2500.00.
How are these trucks as wheelers?
Im looking to run it on agressive, rocky terrain, with steep climbs, but no hardcore "rock-crawling".
I have really never considered these till I came across it, and wanted to get some first hand opinions.
Ive been looking at 4 runners, pick ups and wranglers also.
So what do you all think about them as far as capeability is concerned? Recommendations?

Thanks,

Chicago

is it the one on craigslist up in reno?

yeup, thats the one

Chicago

Once you go with a Cruiser you will never turn back, if you think you might want something else get it first.

Thanks for the input.
Right now, I want ANYTHING that is a decent runner and is capeable off road, So im not terribly picky.
I like the wranglers, but they are extremely limited in cargo capacity, making dry camping for lenghty trips (2 days or more with more than one passenger) will require skimping on gear, not leaving much room for error (tools, additional parts etc.). Plus, I hear of them breaking down more frequently than toyotas.
Toy pick ups and 4 runners are a good option, but are pretty hard to come by in a solid axel and an EFI in decent shape, and DO NOT have oil actively dripping on my face from the rear main seal when I crawl underneath it, only to have the guy say,"OH, I didnt know about that.":mad3:
I saw the landcruiser, and it seemed to be a good option outside of the "typical" rigs mentioned above.

Chicago

i'd say the 62 is a great all around rig. not the best gas milage but it makes up for that in many ways. reliable, easy to work on (maintenance and repair), aftermarket support, roomy, fuel injection, strong running gear,......
plus you'll be able to take it in the snow and just about anywhere else the way it sits.

the alternator is easy to replace, and the exhaust should'nt cost you much either. i'd do a compression test and as long as it runs good, i'd say go for it.

wranglers have the same capacity of my 40 good for a week or more depending on what you set up. Capacity is something you can make dont buy something based upon it.

Based upon the year your looking st it's a 60, i like em would never buy one but hey i got a 40. Go with the toy i looked on craigs it's not a smoking deal but it isn't bad either. If you want something more for a price such as that its here,ebay, or a rare find to be local at least.

In my opinion i just got my 40 running last night worth the 2 year wait since the fire. If you respect the vehicle buy it just wat a wheeler look on here for a samurai they go cheapo and wheel decent

wranglers have the same capacity of my 40 good for a week or more depending on what you set up. Capacity is something you can make dont buy something based upon it.

Based upon the year your looking st it's a 60, i like em would never buy one but hey i got a 40. Go with the toy i looked on craigs it's not a smoking deal but it isn't bad either. If you want something more for a price such as that its here,ebay, or a rare find to be local at least.

In my opinion i just got my 40 running last night worth the 2 year wait since the fire. If you respect the vehicle buy it just wat a wheeler look on here for a samurai they go cheapo and wheel decent


wranglers have weak axles to say tyhe least...
$2500 is a pretty good price on a fairly clean 62 if you ask me. how much cheaper do you think you'll find one?!
a sami will carry a bag of chips and a soda, and that's it.

dont tell Reddog that Georg!:D

Thanks for the replies gents,
OrangeFJ,
I appreciate your imput on the listed problems on craigslist in regards to their degree of difficulty to fix. I called the guy this afternoon to see if I can get a look at it, but I havent heard back from him. Ill probably try him back tomorrow. I fully expect and am looking forward working on whatever vehicle I get, but for my first rig, I would like something that isnt a TOTAL mechanical mess to boot.
Desertboy,
Not that I dont believe you, but how do you pack a weeks worth of food, drinks, water, gas, clothes, tools etc. in an FJ40? Do you have a base camp to leave your gear?

Chicago

Hey orangefj,
Just wanted to let you know....I BOUGHT IT!!!!!:bounce: :p :D
Im extremely excited, I cant even tell you. The rust was bad in spots on the BODY (Lower passenger side rear door, and back quarter panel), but the frame was pretty good, with only surface rust. We jumped it, and it took a bit to get the battery charged well enough, then it fired right up. We kept it running for a bit to get it warmed up, and I didnt see any leaks form any where, and shortly after we took the cables, shut it down, and she wouldnt even turn.
the exhaust leak was BEHIND the cat. converter towards the tail end of the rig. No biggie.
The interior was extremely CLEAN. No tears what so ever.
Now all I have to do is get it home, fix the initial problems and check er out.

Thanks again for the imput.

Chicago

congrats! should be a good rig for you. put an alternator in it and put some miles on that baby!

yeup,
Im all over that.
Can you recommend any good aftermarket sites I can use?

Chicago

Welcome to the Dark side post up some pics and enjoy

for the alternator? just get a rebuilt one at a local parts house with a warranty.

for cruiser parts:
mudrak in sonoma ca 707-996-5272
spectre in chatsworth ca
TLC in van nuys ca
cruiseroutfitters in SLC utah
proffit's cruisers in delta co
mark's offroad in burbank ca
..........

Now that your a cruiser owner be sure to check out ih8mud.com every once in awhile. There's a wealth of info there.

Yeah,
that is what I was planning on doing for the alternator. Any good aftermarket vendors you know of for the fun stuff?

Chicago

tons. do some searching on here, you'll find lots of info....

Welcome to the 60 series, I love mine, and you'll find that Land Cruiser owners are a cult, but in a good way.

Now that your a cruiser owner be sure to check out ih8mud.com every once in awhile. There's a wealth of info there.


I would say check there more than every once in awhile. Great place for cruiser only info especially if you dont want to go hard core!

This site has tons of info too. Post some pics and keep us posted nice choice on rig. Its what I have! Work on the rust here and there and you will be good to go for a long time!!

Hey all,
thanks for the wlcome to the community. I just got it home last night. Its sitting in the garage. I just came in from crawling around checking stuff out.
Picked up a new battery...hooked it up and started her up disconnected the battery cable and sure enough...she died. So it is in fact a bad alternator.

Chicago

well, you know what they say about opinions and a-holes. i'm one of them!:evil:

glad you got the 62. they are great all around rigs.