Looking For Input, 60 or 80

[Applejack]

I am currently looking at 2 LC's to add to my collection:smiley_drive:. I don't know why. I don't need them but something inside is telling me to get one. So it's either an '86 60 series with 265K on the clock, but running strong. Straight body no rust, interior is a little worn. I can have it for $1650. The next one I was looking at is a '91 80 series with 244K on it. The interior is a little more worn on this one and there is a dent on the rear left quarter panel. There asking $1999. In reality the dents don't bother me, and neither do worn interiors. Which should I be gunning for?

 

[sundaypunch]

In your situation I would buy the 60 or move up to a FZJ80. The '91 is going to have the 3FE which I am not a fan of in the larger heavier 80-series.

 

[cumminscruiser]

60 or 80

I am defenently a fan of the FJ60 especially for the off road, but I,m thinking of building a semi-off road 80 just becouse the ride on the road is so much better. Maybe I'm just getting old.

 

[kcowyo]

Since you already have a new truck with all of the modern bells & whistles, why not go retro with a bare bones 60? That's what I did.

Rolling up & down your own windows and using a manual choke in a 60 series, will really make you appreciate the power windows and EFI in your Tacoma. Have the best of both worlds.

:smiley_drive:
.

 

[Jacket]

I agree with KC - go old skool.

 

[ChuckB]

I agree with KC - go old skool.

x3... since you already have the Taco. I still miss my 60.

 

[Pokey]

hrmmm depends what you want to do with it.

to do lockers-gears-large wheels-suspension---id say it would be alot easier to find an FZJ80 than either of those and already can have lockers/and cheap suspension compared to the 60 series. FZJ80s can be had with lockers these days for $5k-5.5k with 150k miles if you search dilligently.

If its to keep stock--or close to stock--the old school 60s are nice and boxy and have a great look. A 5spd swap is real easy and last i checked a new h-55f was running $1600 from Toyota in southern california-shipping included. The overdrive makes the 60 much more highway friendly on stock tires or close to stock.

 

[Brian894x4]

The 80 will have the latest 3FE. While not as powerful as the 1FZ in newer 80s, it's still probably a slightly more powerful and better motor than the one in the '86. Although the 60 is lighter and simplier. It's probably a matter of preference on the creature conforts of the 80 series interior and 80 series suspension. I personally would go 80. It also has slightly less miles and is 6 years newer.

But you probably couldn't go wrong on either one. But I'd also be running a car fax on either one just to verify ownership and accidents and that might help you make a decision.

 

[Ducks]

Well, since it is your mysterious inner voice speaking to you then you should go with the 60. While the 80 is more refined, the 60 speaks to the soul.

 

[Cackalak Han]

Another vote for going ol' skool.

 

[dclee]

I like the 80. I've had two (three if you count the one I maintained for my sister). With factory lockers, they can be so easily built up to a monster wheeler that also has leather seats, A/C, a CD player, and can also drive all day on the highway at 70mph with no problems! The coil spring suspension just has so much flex, and IMHO is easier to upgrade than the leafs on the 60 (until you start getting over 3" of lift and have to start changing out links...but even then, it's pretty much all bolt on stuff). My old `94 with 6" Slee lift and 35s was basically unstoppable.

They look better, too...

 

[Desertdude]

Welcome to the Portal Derek - good to see you over here

 

[dclee]

Thank you sir! I had been reading it for a while, finally decided to join up!

 

[rionorte]

Well, since it is your mysterious inner voice speaking to you then you should go with the 60. While the 80 is more refined, the 60 speaks to the soul.

Im late to the party -

Is the suspension that bad!?:hehe:

I like the looks of the 60 especially when lifted and modded though.

 

[tacollie]

60 all the way. With a little....a reasonable amount of fab you could have coils in the front and that would be way cooler than a 91 fj80.