Skool me on the 80 series!

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Ok I've kind of looked around here at the various threads of info on the 80's series and a lot of it has been helpful but I need basics. We are toying with the idea of adding an 80 series to the stable, of course we want the factory lockers, low miles, moonroof would be nice etc but it doesn't have to be all decked out (as in no we don't want to pay more than 5 or 6k for it). But what do we need to be aware of??

Anything that is troublesome on this series that should need to be repaired or looked out for? Anything we need to know specifically? Any mods that are must haves/must nots/or must stay away from??

And if anyone knows of a clean model for sale in their area please let me know!

 

[Hltoppr]

Christo Slee, of SleeOffRoad, has an excellent newbie guide that should give you a nice overview, and answer most questions you may have:

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm

HTH,

-H-

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Yes I already have been reading through that thank you!

I'm still hoping for some more personal experiences!

Also curious if we find one without lockers how hard/expensive is it to add them on?

 

[Hltoppr]

There are a few threads in Ih8mud regarding putting the stock electric lockers in; however, I never found that I needed lockers on my 92 FJ80...the OME lift provided such good flex that I could crawl through most anything from an "expedition" style standpoint. ARBs are always an option at about $1000 for each, installed, give or take....

I liked my 80, but wanted more power, or better mileage, than the 3FE could give.

The 1FZE is a better choice. I think the head-gasket issues, which happen, tend to be over-feared. Plenty of good choices on 'mud for used ones.

-H-

 

[lowenbrau]

There are so many of these things around right now for so cheap that I'd hold out for the factory lockers simply because it's the cheapest way you'll get them. The factory setup isn't exactly the worlds best design so if I were to add something after the fact I'd look at ARBs.

Everything else you'll read elsewhere, head gasket, PHH, sunroof drain, clearcoat. Watch these and you should be good for as long as you can afford to fuel it.

I believe tha 80 series LC are, hands down, the best value in 4wds. People are getting more for similar aged Accords and Corollas. We're even seeing Japanese diesel versions up here selling used for less than $10K

 

[ChuckB]

Everything and anything you ever wanted to know about the FZJ/FJ80

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Thank you everyone for your responses. Here is one we are interested in:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/910270535.html

Doesn't sound like any work has been done to the engine, so should I be worried about the headers or was this only a problem with some of them? This also has the factory locker, you mention something about the design should I be concerned?

Oh and whas a PHH?

 

[lowenbrau]

Thank you everyone for your responses. Here is one we are interested in:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/910270535.html

Doesn't sound like any work has been done to the engine, so should I be worried about the headers or was this only a problem with some of them? This also has the factory locker, you mention something about the design should I be concerned?

Oh and whas a PHH?

I think that any time after 150,000 that the head gasket survives is a bonus. It isn't a big deal to swap though. The factory locker has an actuator that is pretty exposed if you are doing a lot of rock crawling and if you are putting big torque on the rear axles (ie with a crawler box) they will twist off in a location which makes them very difficult to repair on the trail (or in the shop for that matter) For less extreme use they are not a concern. They are 'less good' than designs such as ARBs but not 'bad' by any means.

Search "Pesky Heater Hose" its a miserable little hose between the engine and firewall that simply cannot be replaced when it fails. Its a good idea to replace it with the phh kit while you can get to it.

Finally, all FZJ80 owner think they have lockers because they have a center diff lock button on the dash. Ask if it also has a rotary locker switch with FR and RR locations on it. If so, then you are looking at a locker rig.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

I think that any time after 150,000 that the head gasket survives is a bonus. It isn't a big deal to swap though. The factory locker has an actuator that is pretty exposed if you are doing a lot of rock crawling and if you are putting big torque on the rear axles (ie with a crawler box) they will twist off in a location which makes them very difficult to repair on the trail (or in the shop for that matter) For less extreme use they are not a concern. They are 'less good' than designs such as ARBs but not 'bad' by any means.

Search "Pesky Heater Hose" its a miserable little hose between the engine and firewall that simply cannot be replaced when it fails. Its a good idea to replace it with the phh kit while you can get to it.

Finally, all FZJ80 owner think they have lockers because they have a center diff lock button on the dash. Ask if it also has a rotary locker switch with FR and RR locations on it. If so, then you are looking at a locker rig.

Roger that I did specifically ask about the front and rear diff lockers and he said yes but who knows. I know what the switch looks like so thats the first thing I'm looking for. This was the wifeys car so I think the chances of it ever being off road are slim to none. This will be my DD as well as weekend fun but don't plan on doing any kind of hardcore rockcrawling with it. Josh will be taking over the FJ since I think he is tired of me bending and breaking things on it during my weekend fun! :elkgrin:

Any 80 series experts willing to come out and take a look at it with us on Friday??

 

[datrupr]

Did you check this one out?


http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/ctd/935146160.html

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Did you check this one out?


http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/ctd/935146160.html

I did it is actually right down the street from our house, at one of those shady last chance auto dealers which makes me nervous. I called and they were not overly friendly but it has around 160k miles. Right now its #2 on the list just because of the dealer and the whole tax, and other fees we would have to pay.

 

[1leglance]

dang you woman...
those were both ones I have been thinking about
I really want to switch to an 80 for the space aval..I really think this will be our next Disabled Explorers build.
I agree that with the current prices it is good to wait for lockers but I will take one either way as part of our project.

Good luck on your search and anything good you pass on let me know.

One my research ih8mud has been a good resource.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

dang you woman...
those were both ones I have been thinking about
I really want to switch to an 80 for the space aval..I really think this will be our next Disabled Explorers build.
I agree that with the current prices it is good to wait for lockers but I will take one either way as part of our project.

Good luck on your search and anything good you pass on let me know.

One my research ih8mud has been a good resource.

Ha ha! I've been thinking about you all day and if you would find this thread or not! The green one is literally right up the street from us, I'm sure they aren't open tomorrow but we are going to swing by and check it out anyway. I have an appointment with the guy on Friday for the white one. Both are locked and both are good prices so I'll let you know what I find out.

Look at it this way DE will finally have its 80 Series, you just won't be able to drive it home! :xxrotflma :xxrotflma

 

[mr r2fj]

Can anyone tell me at what mileage these vehicles start becoming money pits? Like to get a good heads up on any major repair bills since both of these would be starting at 170K miles.

 

[LC/LR4Life]

Ok I've kind of looked around here at the various threads of info on the 80's series and a lot of it has been helpful but I need basics. We are toying with the idea of adding an 80 series to the stable, of course we want the factory lockers, low miles, moonroof would be nice etc but it doesn't have to be all decked out (as in no we don't want to pay more than 5 or 6k for it). But what do we need to be aware of??

Anything that is troublesome on this series that should need to be repaired or looked out for? Anything we need to know specifically? Any mods that are must haves/must nots/or must stay away from??

And if anyone knows of a clean model for sale in their area please let me know!

I would stay away from the factory lockers. Even though nobody seems to have any problems with them, people I know with the e-locker wish they had ARB lockers because the e-locker doesn't engage instantly. Also, the 80 series seems to have a regular problem of blowing head gaskets. If you go for the 80, I'd look for the last year, the 97, and see if you can get a 40th anniversary or equivalent with leather etc. Why? Because the upper line models of the 80 in those years will have been most likely been previously owned by doctors, lawyers etc. and be more creampuff material.

Good luck!