So this is my first post on here and need a little help deciding on what to buy for my next truck. Right now I'm torn between a FJ62 cruiser, 93-95 FJ80, and a 97-2000 4runner. This would be for a winter DD, summer off roader. Mods would include a 3-4'' lift, 33s, and lockers. My max price on the vehicle is around $10k.

I understand these are 3 completely different vehicles but all are fairly rugged and reliable offroaders. Here are my thoughts so far:

FJ 62- Love these! used to have one, but it was rusty, slow, expensive to fix, and rode rough. They are really hard to find with low miles and most are going up in price. Only way to fix lack of power is with v8 engine swap. Pluses include solid axles (easy to lift via SOA), pretty tough axles with stock 4.10 gearing and lack of electronics. No lockers though.

4runner- My ex had a 2002 that I put a 3'' OME lift and 33s on and I was really suprised by how well this rode both on and off road. Power was still weak and it only had a center diff lock (97-2000 seem to have rear diff lock) but it was easy to drive around town but could still tackle mild-moderate off roading. However, lately prices on used ones have been REALLY high. 99s with 180K miles are going for $7-9k, when high book is only $5k.

FJ80- I've been hearing a lot of good things about these. Many compare it to an updated 62 series with bigger engine, better drivetrain, and more room. Still has solid axles, but coil sprung and can be found with stock lockers front and rear. Prices seem reasonable too. Just saw a 94 with lockers and 180kmi going for $5k.

Right now i'm leaning towards the 80 series cruiser, unless 4runner prices go down anytime soon. The 62 really isnt that practical, but I've always liked them..one of the few vehicles i've driven that actually has some "soul."

Sorry for the long post, but any opinions and comments would be appreciated. Thanks,

Kris

 

Well, I'm a 60/62 guy. REALLY like these and would consider a 62 due to the EFI and can swap the 60 grill into it! But those 3F's aren't that powerful and are gas hogs. I'd go with a diesel swap before a V-8. OR I'd swap in a SC 3.4 maybe....

I vote 62 but I would look at a bunch and not just one...

 

I'm just in the process of swapping a beloved '94 fj80 with full lockers for a 4 runner with a factory turbo diesel in it. The gas mileage on the LC finally got to me. I have owned the fj60 and fj62, and have to say the little 4 runner seems to be able to keep up with them all, modern as it is. It is a TOYOTA, after all. We'll see if it stands the test of time. The little factory turbo diesel import might help! I don't know how to price for sale a '94 fj80 with lockers. It's pretty rough cosmetically, but the locker are just so sweet!