80 series where to buy, what to look out for

[Pskhaat]

I'm considering picking up an 80 series.

Welcome to the dark side!

Well, these are only my opinions, and I get :campfire:'d left and right for this on Mud, but I would very seriously consider a 1991/1992 80 series. Here's why (sorry if I'm repeating myself from the other thread):

1. Price is right. You can often find equally driven trucks from the 91/92 compared to the 93/97s, at a fraction of the price.

2. The 1FZ-FE engine in the 93-97s is a FANTASTIC engine, don't get me wrong, but...it is prone to head gasket failure at about 80k on the old faulty gasket (they've since been redesigned). It also has heater hose problems where the rubber cracks from being too close to the block. $3 in parts can leave you stranded if you can't get your arms in that tight hot engine area.

3. FJ80s (91/92) are simpler on electronics (like ECU) and much easier to repair in the field. Is this likely to happen, no, but we are talking about expedition use here.

4. 15" wheel option. 93-97 you HAVE to run 16"+ wheels. Tire selection is drastically improved. With this you also get vented front backing plates on the 93-97s you don't.

5. Back-compatibility with the earlier model land cruiser engines like gaskets, the BLOCK, bellhousings, distributors (if you had to replace it), plugs, etc, etc.

6. Engine was shared with the earlier 62 series.

7. 91/92 has a timing GEAR not a timing chain.

8. Condsidered in some circles a superior commercial tranny

9. Engine cooling fan to prevent vapor lock in really hot places.

10. Can troubleshoot engine codes through the dash lights (95+ you can't due to OBD).

11. You can put in a manual adjust distributor to take advantage of poor fuel locales.

12. R12 AC.

But most important is a 91/92 FJ80 can take advantage of all the other aftermarket mods for an FZJ80. There are tradeoffs though:

- Semi Floating rear vs Full Floater (not that big a deal)

- Not as much HP (but it does have a lower torque curve).

- No factory lockers in the US. As Shotts said, if you plan to regear, this is NOT an issue really.

If I were stuck in the bush, I'd probably take an FJ80 over an FZJ80. Now EVERYONE will tell you otherwise because most people like the increased HP, but if my life depended on it, I'd prefer the pushrod, single under-head cam simple tractor engine vs. the highly-computerized double overhead cam timing chain, ``how does this work?'' Again, don't get me wrong, I love my 1996 FZJ80, but I've always debated a FJ80 for my great Expedition when the kids are older.

Oh yeah, if you're really sick, you can MORE easily bolt on a manual tranny from a 1976+ vehicle and part-time 4WD where the 93+ is a lot more difficult to do.

Anyway to sum up, you'd be suprised that you can find some low-mileage FJ80s available simply as the FZJ80 was much more road-worthy and saw quite a bit more miles on average.

 

[blupaddler]

Is the 12AC better? I thought, or have been told the R134 is easier to refill and colder. Maybe I am just confused.

Other benefit of earlier model...Cloth seats. The leather that Toyota used sucks! Most people have cracks and the leather is wearing out. I think you can also change over to a 5spd manual on the 91-92. There is also a manual front hub conversion, allows you to go part-time.

 

[Scott Brady]

Well, these are only my opinions, and I get :campfire:'d left and right for this on Mud, but I would very seriously consider a 1991/1992 80 series. Here's why (sorry if I'm repeating myself from the other thread):

Anyway to sum up, you'd be suprised that you can find some low-mileage FJ80s available simply as the FZJ80 was much more road-worthy and saw quite a bit more miles on average.

I have certainly been enlightened...

The auto tranny is legendary in those years. Supposedly from a big bus.

 

[MaddBaggins]

The 93-94 Fzj80 also have the bigger tranny. and I have only heard a couple of people on the 80 tech board say they have had head gasket problems. I have 128k on mine with no problem.

 

[pangaea]

If I were stuck in the bush, I'd probably take an FJ80 over an FZJ80. Now EVERYONE will tell you otherwise because most people like the increased HP, but if my life depended on it, I'd prefer the pushrod, single under-head cam simple tractor engine vs. the highly-computerized double overhead cam timing chain, ``how does this work?'' Again, don't get me wrong, I love my 1996 FZJ80, but I've always debated a FJ80 for my great Expedition when the kids are older.

Thanks for the insight. Thats definitely food for thought... I "thought" that I had decided on a 95-97, but now I'm not so sure. The reliability and ability to field fix is certainly an important thing for an expedition rig... Plus, the cost savings could go towards a diesel conversion later on ;-)

:smileeek:

 

[Pskhaat]

the cost savings could go towards a diesel conversion later on

Well, I'll tempt you a little more in that a 2H or 12HT (4.2 cyl Toy diesel, and turbo version, respectively) bolts right in the F-series' (91/92) engine mounts and IIRC the bellhousing too

 

[Pskhaat]

Is the 12AC better? I thought, or have been told the R134 is easier to refill and colder.

I think it's DEFINETELY easier to refill (as r12 I think requires an EPA-cert'd person to refill) , but I personally think r12 cools much better than the r134a.

 

[ShottsCruisers]

One thought regarding the insistance on having Factory Lockers. I write this because I was insistant on having them too. I'd not look at any truck that didn't have them. I ended up buying a Lexus that DIDN'T have them. Here was my thinking:

If you're going to 4-wheel the thing then 35's are going on. When you do this you can either drive a total slug (my '93), or re-gear.

If you re-gear the cost I was just quoted was $2200+ figuring the gears, labor, and all the install-parts stuff.

At the same time I do gears I can add ARB lockers and the total went to $3800. So, that's $1600 for lockers.

I bought my AZ-only Lexus for $10,500. I see them going for $14-16,000 with lockers though most are from rusty areas. Add in my $1600 expense for lockers and I'm way ahead and I have stronger diffs at the $12,100 mark.

Just another angle on what to look for. :beer:

 

[Pskhaat]

Yep, I'm seeing things like this in AZ:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=188801441&dealer_id=56868563&car_year=1991&search_type=both&make=TOYOTA&sponsorModel=&transmission=&distance=100&model=LC&address=85255&make2=sel_one&certified=&advanced=y&max_mileage=&max_price=&bkms=1132260202702&sort_type=mileageASC&min_price=&end_year=1992&color=&start_year=1991&drive=&isp=y&engine=&doors=&fuel=&lang=en&cardist=34

This is under the $5k range. Even in the worst case, you can get a completely rebuilt (with increased displacement from an FJ60 block) engine, plus lift, lockers, gearing, bull bars, tires, and the works for less than most 1995+ locked FZJ80s.

 

[blupaddler]

I like the ideas and simplicity of the earlier models...

However, the older the vehicle, the more problems you are going to typically have wrong with it. I know it is a Toyota. But, things wear, and a lot of the time you end fixing "little" things. A newer vehicle is "new." This will especially be brought out by modding and adding new stress to areas that were never stressed before.

Just thought, I'd throw another wrench into the process.


Great discussion though.

:clapsmile

 

[Desertdude]

Find a 97 with the lowest miles locked or unlocked - you will not be disappointed at all... a 52K vehicle for a 1/4 of the price

OK - hang with me here:

(Metal spiritual energy section) - I visualized one for nearly 8 months - an 80 with low low miles in my possession not wheeled or perverted ( ok ...gold bling aside

Here is your mantra - " I see myself driving a late model low milage 80 series landcruiser and I will help someone out of their jam" - Tap into the cruiser source in your mind as I did. Someone out there needs to rid themselves of the vehicle and there you are with the cash - "a fair exchange"

Finding a mint 40K mile 80 series is pure heaven :victory:

you can do it too

 

[pangaea]

Well, I'll tempt you a little more in that a 2H or 12HT (4.2 cyl Toy diesel, and turbo version, respectively) bolts right in the F-series' (91/92) engine mounts and IIRC the bellhousing too

b*st*rd... you're not helping with the decision here.

Those diesel engines are awesome...

It is a tough decision. I'd love to have a disel powered rig, which would be far easier to do pre OBD II. Then again, there is something to be said for lower miles and a newer vehicle....

I may have to try Desertdude's mantra. I just hope that the Rover mojo doesn't get in the way.

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

Pangaea,
We had a LR Disco 2 with us on the Death Valley trip (this year he is coming again- albeit with some lockers this time!).

Coming from a more modern ride, I limited my search to 96-97. Power is a consideration, even the 1FZ is no speedster. Also the full-floater axles were after 94+ I think? That is pretty important to me.

I will have to say that a rare find like Pasquale's is, well, rare! It is special indeed. It is def. the way to go if you can find one. However, the penalty is not as great imo, for a higher mileage rig compared to 'normal' vehicles. Quality of previous owner's maintence goes a long way.

Having wrenched on it now, it is built stout. Things they simply do not do anymore in construction, the 80 has it. It is also very easy to work on.

I read somewhere that the 80's design parameter was to be built for 300,000 miles of offroad service. Whether that's true, I don't know but it doesn't seem far from the truth.

Around here, the LX450's typically have lower mileage/and or are cleaner. They also have minor upgrades like higher grade leather. Identical rigs so if you don't mind the body cladding, you can spread the net to look for them too.

 

[calamaridog]

I was in the market last year for a 96-97 LX450 or LC. They are wonderful vehicles and there are some real nice ones in Southern California and AZ market. Most of these vehicles have mostly fwy miles and have never seen dirt roads.

When you are ready to buy, I'm sure theses forum members will spread their wings and help you out.

I have looked at several vehicles for members of IH8MUD in the Southern California area and reported back to them regarding the actual condition of the vehicles. One guy had me take the vehicle to my mechanic after I told him it warrented further consideration. He ended up buying the vehicle and flying out from TX to pick it up.

The point I am making is that you can find a vehicle in awesome condition if you use your resources and spend the time to do it. There really are some cherry older vehicles owned and maintained by crazed maintenance fanatics.

I ended up with a newer 2000 UZJ100, as a compromise with my wife. What I've found is there was no compromise made, but that is another thread.

Happy hunting.

 

[Pskhaat]

Yep, actually 1,200,000 miles over a 30 year duty life. This allots ~300,000 between 3 rebuilds.

The duty life is HARD work though, rarely what we all with put on it. 300,000 miles of commercial and off-road use is impressive. The block has enough guts for 3 rebuilds. I think (CMIIW) this is the case for all LC engines through 1997. I'm not sure what the duty is on the 2UZ-FE as it's original intention was not solely the LC.

FF rears were 93-97, funny the 100 series is back to SF 98+