hj60 landcruiser 2h diesel question 1st 4wd

Hi Matt,
220 ks is not that much for a 2H.
1.A bit of black smoke on start up is normal, the white smoke could mean a bit of residual moisture in the exhaust system or worn valve stem seals if it is bluish.
2.The blue/white smoke when you rev it would make me walk away. Seems to indicate worn oil rings.
If it has been sitting for a while it may need a decent run to blow out the 'cobwebs' BUT if those same symptoms are still there afterwards, I would be a bit concerned.
What sort of dollars are you talking? A 60 series is getting on and they are prone to rust.
Anyway, I am sure someone with a lot more nouse will point you in the right direction.
You have come to the right place to ask.
Good luck,
Dennis

Gday,
I had one for years.....good bullet proof old bus.
220000 km is not too much for a 2h as long as it has been maintained.
As for the smoke......it will probably do that for another 10 years and then gradually get a little worse. LOL

Take it for a good run and if the smoke clears up, forget about it....its just how thet are.

Cheers

G`Day Mat,,,I am a diesel mechanic and have had a lot to do with the 60 Series. What Dennis says is basically correct, 220000Kms however is still getting on a bit and a lot depends on its service history and type of work it has done. He is also correct in they are prone to rust but that of course you can see. The other main thing to look for is noise in the gearbox/ transfer case. The 60 series had major problems with bearing failure, worn syncromesh particularly on third gear and wear on the spline of the main shaft where the constant mesh gear sits. A gearbox/transfer rebuild is big dollars like can be up around $4000 nearly what the vehicle is worth. I would suggest you get a mechanic with experience on this vehicle to check it out before you buy, it could save you a lot of stress and dollars down the line. If you live in WA I know where there is a 60 for sale that is in A1 condition. Hope this is of some help. Regards ..Nav.

Matt,
What is your budget? The reson I ask is that medium size late ninties Pajs, Jacks are going for a song.Eg 98 Jack in good condition 180000ks with b/bar, dlights/ t/bar went for $6500.00 on car sales recently. Prados are dropping fast in value as well. I know a local dealer brought one at auction for $6000.00 recently.
60s are great old girls but the newish are19 years old so most have done 500000ks plus.
But their is always the odd very good one about.
What state are you in as this makes a diff on price as well. NSW most likly the cheapest.
Cheers Pete

Hi Matt

All good advice given so far. A suggestion if you are not a mechanic there will be ongoing costs associated with the vehicle. They are a rock solid vehicle and very relaible and hard to break. But it may cost you an arm and a leg to get it up to scratch. I have had 2 of them and they are sensational but I am not a mechanic so I could not do all the work needed myself.
I would go with something a bit younger if you can.
Good Luck
Morto

Hey guys thanks for the info its good to know there are people out there willing to share information. the guy wants 5500 but im thinking thats on the high side for a non turbo truck. its 1989 and its quite clean. Is there anyway i can easily test the transfer case on the road? and if so what should i be looking for? etc.
im thinking i will take it to traction 4 in artarmon for a pre purchase inspection now that i have an idea of the costs involved.

get someone to drive it around while you follow. a mix of driving round the streets on the freeway full acceleration etc
a bit of smoke here and there is ok especially under full load but not great plumes .
very important. get it up to speed in 5th then just take your foot off the accelarator and let it coast to about 30-40 and make sure it doesnt jump out of 5th.
After all that running around check for oil leaks particulary around the diff pinions and gear box transfer case.
Its starting to warm up so see if you can find a long hill or somewhere to hold it flat and look for a rising temp gauge.
Find some gravel and chuck it in L4 with hubs in and do lock to lock turns at low speed. Listen for the wheels scrabbeling for traction indicating 4wd is working. if you hear a clatter clatter noise the Cvs are stuffed

Mat,

I have a '83 Sahara with aftermarket Turbo, 5 speed. It has done 265,000k's & has given no trouble in the 10 years that I have owned it with the exception of the other day when I drove it from G/Coast to Sydney. I got as far as Grafton during the night & noticed the battery gauge was showing 12v instead of around 15v. Long story was it got me to the Central Coast & cost me $565 for a new aftermarket alternator (they have a Vacuum pump on the back). The good news is that it now has plenty of power for ancilleries as the rating has gone from 55 to 80 amps. They are good vehicles & it's not uncommon to get 500,000k's out of them, so the one your looking at is just run in. Off to Charleville next week ( it's umteenth trip) & expect no more troubles this year I hope.

My first was a 60 too - and I've still fot it after 11 years. When I bought it it had 197,000k on it, now its up to 370,000k.

You will find the 2H is a bit slow on the acceleration, and depending on things like load, roof racks or towing - they top out on the hghway at only about 100-105k. Frustrating of you go on a long trip. I have heard it say - the 60 is not the first to arrive, but it always arrives.

Ours goes really weel on sand, will crawl over any roacky track we are game to try - but it doesn't like mud - can't get enough revs out of the 2H.

To the claims of "rust" - that seems ot depnd on how you look after it.Mine is 19 yo - a bit of rust in the A-Pillars and some on the gutters, which I got cut out 2 years ago. None anywhere else.

If you want to start, then you have to start somewhere. The 60 was a great starting point for me. As a 4wd its been to Ayers Rock, Flinders Ranges, Darwin, Kimberleys, Cape York, Fraser Island - and its been the tow vehicle for caravan trips to Mackay, Sydney, Longreach, Carnarvon Gorge and every year to the Christmas beach camp for the last 19 years.