Potentially my first Yota

[Burningtree]

Hey guys,
I've been considering a couple different replacement vehicles as of late, and am pretty sure I've narrowed it down to the FZJ80. Found a few online that are far away from me, so I can't inspect firsthand...yet. I scanned the page on Slee, so forgive me if I overlooked something there.


1)I'm aware of the switch near the steering column(and those people that add just the switch to up the resale), but how does one know "for sure" if the thing has F/R factory lockers? Is there something I could look for underneath, tucked up into the frame?

Also, is the center diff-lock operated by this switch as well? I've never had a vehicle with full time 4wd or a manual center diff-lock.

2)These things get pretty bad fuel economy, but I'm coming from a modded Jeep so its all good. Will installing a Slee part-time 4wd kit help bring more power to the rear wheels in 2wd? Also will it give a few more mpg?

3)I'm sure its been asked many times, but does anyone know where I can get a 5spd? I've read that the H151F will mate directly to the 1fz(not sure about the TC though). I would like to put a diesel in at some point down the road and this was bolted onto some engines(1hdt I think). Any ideas on this or other trannys?

Thanks-John

 

[czenkov]

1) Look for the actuator on the differential - then verify they are hooked up.

Diff-lock : Automatically engages in 4 Low. Need switch from Slee (or whoever) to activate in High. Great upgrade strongly recommend.

2)Probably but long ROI on your money.

3)Can't help you with this one.

Ih8mud is another good resource.

 

[a.mus.ed]

John, you'll never turn back. Good luck on your search. I've done a lot of reading over on ih8mud - you won't find more 80 specific information anywhere.

1) You can also look for the code in the door sticker (not the vin): K292 = no lockers, K294 = lockers. Look here for more information.

To clarify czenkov's answer: the center diff automatically locks when shifting to low. I'll agree that the switch addition to lock the center in high, and the mod to control the center in low is one of the best bang-for-the-buck mods you can do. Here's a thread on it.

2) I'll echo what czenkov said here. There a few other benefits, like less wear and tear on the front axle parts, but I think there is a reason that this isn't a more popular mod.

3) Just to be clear, you can't get a factory 5 speed here in the states. I'm sure searching over on 'mud will net you plenty of information on both manual transmissions and diesel conversions. If you've got the cash doing the two at the same time would be the way to go, but be ready to part with far more money for the conversion than your 80 cost in the first place. You'll have my envy, and probably a lot of other 80 owners as well.

Good luck with your purchase. Don't forget to scan the classifieds here and on 'mud, too. Many great rigs get sold through these forums - often owned by someone who cared for them much better than the average car owner.

 

[redthies]

The diesel/5spd combo is all over the place in australia. It is pretty easy to find wreckers down there. Check out www.lcool.org for lots more 80 info. It is an aussie site so a bit more info for when you look into swaps. Mud is the place for US spec rigs... I agree with shopping the expo/mud classified sections. Most owners who are on here are much more into their rigs than those on ebay or autotrader etc.

 

[Burningtree]

John, you'll never turn back. Good luck on your search. I've done a lot of reading over on ih8mud - you won't find more 80 specific information anywhere.

I hear ya, great source of info, been reading quite a bit the past few days.

Initially I was considering an Lj Rubi('05-'06,never liked the JKs), but I think I want something a little more civilized. The 80s have caught my eye since they came out and the extra room(and doors) for passengers and gear doesn't hurt. AND with the $15-17k I was gonna spend on the Rubi...:sombrero:

Once purchased I intend to drive for a bit, then decide whether or not I need either a SC or TD.

Looking for one preferably in Moonglow Pearl or Silver/Grey with =/-150k miles on the clock. Yeah I want the power seats(leather in good condition hopefully), sunroof, keyless entry(what's that?:sombrero Factory lockers would obviously be a plus. Found one in Jersey, but read 7 bad reviews about the dealer(they're getting investigated by Ebay) so gotta wait a lil while longer. You guys have any sources?...

 

[spikemd]

Where are you located? If you are on the west coast, there is a nice white 80 (1992) with 130K on the clock near SF. Not sure if it has lockers, but they are asking a reasonable $6,500. From the pictures, it looks really clean.

 

[Burningtree]

I appreciate the thought, but the '91-'92s had the 3fe and 50 or so LESS horsepower. While the 3fe may arguably be better for wheeling, I want the extra ponies on the highway and for the the vast, open(and sometimes very remote) expanses where good fuel economy comes into play:ylsmoke:

 

[a.mus.ed]

Where are you located? If you are on the west coast, there is a nice white 80 (1992) with 130K on the clock near SF. Not sure if it has lockers, but they are asking a reasonable $6,500. From the pictures, it looks really clean.

If it is a '92, then it's an FJ80 (as opposed to FZJ80). No F/R lockers available on those (did have the center).

 

[Burningtree]

I need to backtrack just a little...

I just found exactly what I was looking for...an '05 36k mile Jeep Unlimited Rubicon for $17k.

The good...

10 years newer(that is a big deal)

100-150k less miles on the clock.

It has a 6spd...I LOVE shifting thru gears. Have a feeling it'll be much more fun to drive.

Gas mileage also goes to the Rubicon(they get btwn 15-20 pending tire size, lift, gearing, and weight).

Each one has lockers...no searching.

They are MUCH quieter than what I have been accustomed to in the past even when equipped w/ the soft top.

Top DOWN!!!

and I know the Jeeps I-6 very well..

The bad...
$17k. I can buy an 80 w/ 130k miles for $7-10k. I can mod the 80 much more to my liking, given the same budget(actually will probably spend much less...initially).

Jeeps are subject to the elements and theft, esp w/ the soft top(mine have been broken into 3 times). The 80 wins here. 'Course glass windows only keep an honest man honest.

They are primitive tractors when it comes down to it.


Help me out guys, I am really torn btwn these two...

 

[a.mus.ed]

You could have one sweet 80 for $17k. And, as a bonus, you wouldn't have a Jeep.:victory:

 

[ChuckB]

You could have one sweet 80 for $17k. And, as a bonus, you wouldn't have a Jeep.:victory:

'nuff said :wings:

 

[Hedge]

May I suggest that you test drive an FZJ80 (or LX450) before committing to buy a J**p product? The fit and finish is typical Toyota (or Lexus) quality, and the overbuilt nature of the Land Cruiser makes it feel even more refined and sturdy when compared to a Jeep product, IMO.

If you're dying to have a soft top and a manual transmission, I suppose the Land Cruiser/ Lexus will be disqualified, but if those aren't absolute requirements I doubt that you will ever regret buying an 80 or LX450 for off-road abuse with good on-road comfort.

And of course as you noted, for the same price as the Unlimited Rubicon, an 80 or 450 could be outfitted with all the extras a person could dream of: bumpers, winch, sliders, retrofitted factory sub-tank, roof rack, RTT, OBA, ham radio, heated shower, dual batteries, storage drawers, upgraded transfer skid plate... :drool:

 

[Burningtree]

I notice you have two Hedge...you must REALLY like 'em. Definitely gonna take one for a spin.

 

[redthies]

I have had an 05 Rubicrap and while it was fun for a bit, (mostly after $5000 on suspension, tires and winch), I felt it was an over-priced and under-engineered rig. I actually felt like the punchline in a bad joke after Chrysler brought out their "staff pricing" and six months later my $35,000 heep was worth about $20,000. You will be WAY happier in the long run with the Toyota.

 

[Hedge]

I notice you have two Hedge...you must REALLY like 'em. Definitely gonna take one for a spin.

I do. :sombrero:

We now have a white one that doesn't make us cringe when we drive through tighter trails. The 40th Anniversary is going to remain largely unmolested.

If you decide to purchase an 80, it may pay to peruse the classified advertisements on Ih8mud for already-modified rigs; the whole is frequently far less than the sum of the parts.