5 Things To Check When Test Driving an FJ60 Land Cruiser

Up to Speed

The fine folks at Corsetti Cruisers put together a list of the five things to check while test-driving an FJ60. In the article, Brian Corsetti, owner of Corsetti Cruisers shared "This list is based on my experience of owning over twenty-five FJ60's in my life." One of the first things he mentions needing to pay attention to is the drive. Corsetti recommends running through the gears all the way up to 65 mph (that's about as fast as you can go in these things). If you're hearing some grinding noises when you turn the wheels, you've likely got an issue with the power steering system. This could cost a good bit of money to repair if it's the pump itself. When finished with your drive, be sure to pay attention to how it stops. Corsetti shares if you experience grinding here, you'll likely need to replace your brakes and repack your hubs, maybe even buy new rotors.

Photo - Corsetti Cruisers 

Check Your Pulleys

When your Toyota is all nice and warm, be sure to listen for any weird sounds during idle. Typically, you'll hear a bunch of squeaks from the pulleys if they're in poor condition. This indicates they'll either need tightening or replacing. If the latter is true, you'll want to go ahead and replace the belt while you're at it. It's also worth noting that the AC compressor likes to squeak when it's going out as well. If you hear any grinding it's likely the flywheel, crankshaft, or pistons. Check your fluids. Rattling sounds indicate a need to adjust your valves ($200-$800 job) and vibrations point toward vacuum, smog, or fuel delivery system issues. If you've got fuel issues, your standard carb rebuild will cost you around $350 according to Corsetti. But, also check that your fuel filter is clear, if you've got debris in there, your tank may be rusting.

Photo - Corsetti Cruisers

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Shift Happens

Another item of attention should be the clutch. First off, make sure the pedals are engaging and it's easy to select your gears. Check your fluids, and once you're rolling, if it's hard to shift, you need a new clutch. Check to see if the truck is slipping out of gear. Also, the clutch and brake pedal heights should be adjusted once a year or every 15,000 miles according to original factory instructions shares Corsetti.

Photo - Corsetti Cruisers

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Put 'Er in Low!

Be sure to check the FJ's 4WD system as well. Corsetti recommends starting off with 4-Hi by placing the truck in N, engaging the E-brake, and locking the hubs. Afterward, you want to put the vehicle in 4Hi using the transfer case shifter. If it's problematic getting the vehicle to engage, you may need a fluid change. If you can't lock the hubs, they'll need to be rebuilt or repacked. You'll want to drive up to 3rd gear and check that the FJ isn't experiencing any slipping, vibration, or wobbles. You'll also want to check 4Lo in the same way but at much lower speeds.

Photo - Corsetti Cruisers

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Ice Cold

Lastly, you'll want to test the Cruiser's AC system. Run the AC for 5 minutes after you've brought the truck up to operating temp and give the compressor the proper amount of time to build up pressure before analyzing. Don't touch anything until you've evacuated the refrigerant properly stresses Corsetti as it's a high-pressure system and could be very dangerous. You'll want to check the condition of the drive belt and its tension, check for cracking, hardening, or bubbles in the hoses as well. Low refrigerant is the most common issue, but Corsetti recommends you consider converting from R-12 to R-134a which should cost around $350 total including parts and labor. And with that, you've covered all the basics!

Photo - Corsetti Cruisers

>>Join the conversation about buying a classic FJ60 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Check out the how-to sections of ClubLexus.com for help keeping your car in great shape.