91 Cruiser....Buying Advice

[fowldarr]

Okay, I have a lead on a 91 cruiser with 75k on it. The price is fair considering the mileage and picture condition (haven't seen it in person yet). I have had an FJ 60 (just sold today), I have had an FJ62 (Creamed in and intersection by somebody that was in too big of a hurry to stop for that big red sign that said "STOP"), and an FJ80 (sold to fund one of the kids being born). So, I'm familiar with them is my point.

So the 3FE in the 62 was not bad, a little sluggish but gave it character. The 80 is heavier. Am I going to be kicking myself for buying it? Will it cruise down the freeway ok? I'm not opposed to going slow over teh occasional mountain, but don't want to do 60mph across the flatlands of NE.

It's this, or I'm buying a Disco.

What say you guys?

 

[1911]

I owned and drove a '91 FJ80 for a long time. It's still in the family and running strong at almost 300,000 miles, and the head has never been off. As a matter of fact, the only repairs in all that time have been one new radiator and one new alternator.

They will go at freeway speeds, as long as the freeway is relatively level (flat). They don't accelerate or stop fast. You will be fine in Nebraska, but you will go slow up the occasional mountain for sure. Yeah the 80 is heavier than a 62, but the performance won't surprise you or be radically different. Even with it's weight and lack of power, mine is still one of favorite trucks ever; stone reliable and I would still drive it across the country tomorrow without a second thought. For that reason alone, I would take an FJ80 over a Disco any day of the week and twice on Sunday, but YMMV.

 

[upcruiser]

My loaded FJ80 with 33's and stock gears will climb at 45mph over the highest passes in CO which I don't find too bad with the exception of I70 over Eisenhower which is frustrating. Other than that I keep it to 65 or less anyway to conserve fuel.
I had a D1 that was an absolute pleasure to drive that never left me stranded and I used very hard with no complaints. It would go down the highway a bit easier but also was a bit less stable at highway speeds. Interior space is much less as well. But as already said, the FJ80 is about as reliable as you will find. Just make sure the downpipes are good, those are pricey to replace.

 

[sseaman]

I had a 91 and when I sold it, it had over 330k miles, and I still see it running around 2 years later. I drove around TN up and down our hills and the 3fe did fine. Once it is up to speed they do well. Starting off may be a little slower than an engine with more hp.

 

[redthies]

It's this, or I'm buying a Disco.

May I highly recommend you buy "THIS" over a Disco! We have a DiscoII in the family and while it is nice and all, it still is a ticking time bomb of $$$$ mechanical issues. The Land Cruiser will be your better bet. Even with my 1FZ engine I rarely drive faster than 60. I don't think you will find it was a mistake to go FJ80. Remember to post pics when you get it!

 

[AZchris]

I have a 92 and when I first got it I noticed the "slowness", but now that I'm used to driving it I don't even really notice. Plus, thats at 5600 feet with lots of hills to drive up and down, I imagine Nebraska would be fine. My main "issues" with the FJ80 is mileage, I live at the gas station, and acceleration on the interstate when you are trying to get around big rigs. But again thats driving up and down steep mountain highways.

 

[fowldarr]

So, I finally got in touch with the dealership selling this vehicle, and while they have it advertised as 75k miles, they say the vehicle is 'exempt' and they won't guarantee the miles...
He told me it is still a good deal, and I agreed that if it has 75k it is a good deal, but not if it has 375k. He seemed kind of shady about the whole deal, so, I'll probably have to pass.

 

[redthies]

Is it not a six digit odometer?

 

[fowldarr]

Yes, I believe it is, I'm going to call back on monday, see if I get a different salesman and see if they will give me a carfax, that should help me narrow it down.

 

[AZchris]

Pm sent

 

[Klierslc]

Properly tuned, the 3fe will run down the road just fine. If you adjust your kickdown cable correctly and advance your timing a bit, you will be amazed at the difference. Also, 4.56 gears matched with 285s will hit a sweet spot on the road. Even more so if you just move up to the 265s.

You said in your first post that you had an FJ-80......why the questions? did you mean FZJ?

Please don't buy the disco, you will likely regret it.

Good Luck

 

[fullybalanced]

No brainer....I've had a 84 FJ60, 02 Range Rover HSE and a 97 FZJ80 (factory lockers front and rear).

I sold the well maintained, beautiful condition, cherry, really freakin nice, RR for the 80. I miss the power, but that's it. The eighty is better in every other aspect. The 60 had "personality" that the "generic" 80 doesn't, but I've never been anywhere the 80 couldn't take me in and out of.

And yes, you are right 91-92 is a FJ80, the 93-94 were FZJ80s had the newer engines, and the 95-97 are the penultimate FZJ80 with the front and rear locker option.

 

[fowldarr]

Yes, I meant an FZJ 80, it was a96. I'm still looking. Trying to get in to something by month end.

 

[upcruiser]

No brainer....I've had a 84 FJ60, 02 Range Rover HSE and a 97 FZJ80 (factory lockers front and rear).

I sold the well maintained, beautiful condition, cherry, really freakin nice, RR for the 80. I miss the power, but that's it. The eighty is better in every other aspect. The 60 had "personality" that the "generic" 80 doesn't, but I've never been anywhere the 80 couldn't take me in and out of.

And yes, you are right 91-92 is a FJ80, the 93-94 were FZJ80s had the newer engines, and the 95-97 are the penultimate FZJ80 with the front and rear locker option.

'93-'97 all had optional lockers some would argue the '93-'94's are the ultimate, some argue the '95-'97's are the ultimate, beaten to death on the internet. A great case can be made for the '91-'92's as well. Heck even the Disco ;-) I wouldn't rule any out till you drive them and balance your needs against what each one offers.