Anyone in Austin look at an 80 4 me?

[preacherman]

Is there anyone in the Austin area that can go check out a FJ80 for me? I have been talking with a guy that has one but I sure would like to talk to someone who has seen it.

 

[meffland]

I live in Austin and can probably check it out if you need me. I don't have any experience with 80 series...but I am kind of a gear head. Just let me know

 

[preacherman]

Thanks,

I will send you a pm with the info. I am just curious what kind of shape it's in. I want to make sure it's not a turd or have any major defects.

thanks

 

[MoGas]

From Slee Off Road's website: My adds are in red.

HOW TO INSPECT A USED TRUCK

We get asked a lot to inspect vehicles, or what should one look for when evaluating a used vehicle. Below is a list of items we look at. Some are specific to the 80 Series Land Cruiser and some are generic.
Body

Carfax is a good source for checking the accident history of the vehicle. However, unless the car was totaled even major accidents might not show up. This is typically the case then a car was repaired for the existing owner. The following are some items to look for in checking for accident damage.

* Signs of overspray on trim pieces, lights and inner fenders
* Weld and signs of repair work on inner fenders, core supports and underside of body
* Check for VIN stickers in doors, hood, tailgate. Late model 80 Series had stickers attached to every body panel.
* Check body panels with a magnet. If body filler was used, the magnet won't stick in places.
* Use Polaroid (polarized) sun glasses and look at the paint. Repainted panels will stand out, especially if they are metallic paint.
* Check body lines and panel gaps for alignment
* Check A/B/C/D pillars for overspray or signs of paint matching. These are the normal placed where the body shop will try to blend the paint if just one panel was painted.
* Check the overall shine of the paint on different panels.
* Check for dirt in the paint, or changes in texture. The factory paint is uniform and clean.
* Check behind the rock panels, fenders and tailgates for signs of repair.
* Check the edges of body panels for paint masking marks or body filler.
* Check for marks on frame where it might have been pulled on a frame straightening machine

Electrical

On vehicles where a lot of accessories were added bad wiring can cause endless headaches.

* Check all lights, horn, interior lights and electrical parts for functionality
* Check fuse box for incorrect wire taps or modifications
* Check for blown fuses
* Check condition of battery
* Check for corrosion under battery tray
* If possible, remove dash panel below steering wheel or look underneath. This is most often the spot where accessories are installed. Check the neatness of the installation and correct splicing of wires. A rats nest is normally an indication that the work was not done properly.
* Check for additional wires that were added to the positive terminal on the battery. Check that these were done properly, routed properly and fused properly.
* Look underneath the back and along the frame rails to see if any trailer wiring was done properly.

Interior

Indications that the interior was kept clean and maintained is normally a good indication of the overall owners attitude towards the vehicle. Do not confuse a detailed interior with one that was kept clean on a regular basis.

* Check for scratches on plastic trim pieces.
* Check condition of upholstery, headliners, door panels and trim pieces.
* Check under seats for dirt
* Check the operation of the electric seat
* Check the operation of all the heater controls, radio and other accessories
* Check interior lights
* Check for mildew and water stains on carpet.

Drive Train

* Check head/block interface for antifreeze leaks. Take an inspection mirror and flashlight. The area that most fail is on the back of the block

Another indicator of a bad head gasket is to have someone hold it at 1500-200rpm and see if there are any bubbles coming up in the radiator overflow tank. You may see as few as 1 every 10 seconds to a really good flow of bubbles. No bubbles does not mean a good HG, just not a really bad one. Also look for steam or a sweet smell in the exhaust.
* Check outside of steering knuckles for oil & grease. Caked on dirt and grease is a good indication that the inner axle seals has failed some time ago and internal components could be damaged or worn beyond service specs.
* Remove the square fill plug on the knuckle and take a sample of the grease. If the grease is runny, it is also an indication that the differential oil is running into the knuckle.
* Check if radiator has been replaced. This could be indications of overheating conditions previously.
* Check if there are deposits in the coolant overflow bottle. This could also indicate deposits in the radiator.
* Check for leaks underneath.
* Check tires for uneven wear.
* Check tires to for the same tread on all tires.
* Check that all the tires are the same brand and size
* Check condition of spare and if it is the correct wheel Should match the other wheels if the stockers are on it.
* Check if any drive train components have been replaced. If so, try to determine why.
* Check for vibrations during drive.
* Check all fluids to see how dirty they are. Dirty fluids are an indication of owner neglect.
* Run the engine at normal temperatures and check for unusual smells
* Listen for any unusual sounds
* Check for signs of any emissions equipment that might be removed.
* Check exhaust system for rust, holes and repairs
* Check for blue or white smoke when car accelerates.
* Check the automatic transmission shifts smoothly
* Check that the electric lockers engage by turning them on in low range and driving on a low traction surface
* Apply the brakes at different speeds and see if there is any fade, or if the vehicle pulls sideways.
* Apply brakes lightly and check for any vibrations through the pedal
* Turn the steering from lock to lock and listed for any noises and/or roughness
* Test drive the vehicle at highway speed and see if there are any vibrations.

Dave

 

[davegonz]

Did you get it checked out?

 

[preacherman]

I was talking with him and then he stopped answering emails. I was hoping it was labor day weekend travel. I was going to try again today but got busy. It was still showing on CL as of yesterday so I don't know what's going on...