I really liked your thread of a while ago where you were analysing the various options for a good expedition vehicle platform for yourself, and after considering many alternatives, settled on the 60 series (with diesel engine). I _wish_ the tan 60 in the picture is the one I have a chance to buy! I just borrowed the picture from an FJ60 in immaculate shape that was for sale in CA (I'm up in Ottawa, Canada), to show the aftermarket bumper, tire carrier, ladder and roof rack I would like to put on mine (when I do get one). I include a picture of that 73 MB camper-van, it was a neat vehicle, very well finished inside, but too big for my use, and underpowered - only the 2.4L 4 cyl MB diesel engine!)Īnd by the way, Happy Birthday (saw a post in the general discussion forum referring to that event). Went on your web site and liked it (the vehicles, the trips, etc.).Īnyway, hope to exchange more with you if/once the vehicle is in my possession and I start the process of outfitting it for my envisioned trips. Yes, Henry, maybe we'll see each other on the road sometimes. I've heard the 4-speeds are tough tranny's on these trucks. I generally chose to drive on secondary roads anyway. As long as I can drive at 55-60mph in reasonable comfort (noise level), I'd be content. I'll see if I can live with the 4 speed transmission, or need to convert to a 5 speed. Of course, parallel parking or maneuvering in tight spaces can be a good workout on the arms and shoulders!Īdding a turbo will certainly be one of my earlier projects. I've owned four trucks without power steering (VW camper, 73 MB 406D camper-van, LR 110, and my old 83 BJ60), and don't recall having too much of an issue with it. The deal is still in the potential category, as there is a chance that the guy who's doing the restoration on it may decide to keep it for himself, we'll see.īefore I do end up buying it, I will certainly give it a good lookover, and the frame will be the first place I look at, Cruiser Guy, fear not! The restorer intends on putting 31/10.5" tires on it, which should be fine. 33" is about as big as you can go on the '60 even with a 2 1/2" lift like I have. I'd be glad to answer expedition type questions on the BJ60, but as for where to spend money, I'd be turboing it long before I'd get power steering. I'll see in a week or two if the 33x12.5" wide tires are harder off road w/o power steering than the 31x10.5" ones were. My wife drove it out to a small village about 45 minutes out of Guatemala City today and had no issues. My '82 doesn't have power steering either and I'm currently running 33x12.5x15 tires. Now I have a totally rust free Central American frame under my truck!Īs for power steering, I don't see it as a big deal. truck two years ago due to frame rust concerns (I had already lost the shock crossmember and the old frame had several patches). The rear shock crossmember is suspect as are the spring hangers that are close by there too. If it's been in Ontario (the Canadian RUST belt) all it's life I'd be checking the rear frame REAL HARD! ALL '60's rust on the INSIDE face of the rear frame rails first. Should be fun!Īnyway, I'm learning a lot of tips and ideas from reading posts on this forum, which is very helpful. Plus internal storage drawers, sleeping platform, engel fridge, etc. I hope to equip it (eventually!) with rear bumper, swingaway tire carrier, ladder and roof rack like the one in this picture, which was recently sold on Ebay. Hopefully it won't prove too much of a bear to drive, but since most of my trekking will be on open roads (paved or not), the clutch and steering shouldn't be too much of a factor). It's an early BJ60, which means it has a 4 speed manual transmission, and non-power-assisted clutch and steering. It has relatively low mileage (120,000 miles), and is apparently quite sound (other than surface body rust which is being repaired, along with some other upgrades - springs, tires, etc.). It's currently undergoing a body restoration by a guy I know. I'm hoping to acquire a diesel 60 series rig (BJ60) in a month or two, that I can start setting up as an expedition vehicle.
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