91 LC: Are they really this slow?

[CreeperSleeper]

Have you priced cats on these things? If not you might want to because there goes your grand to put into it.

You can replace the 2 cat system with one aftermarket 3-way cat for a lot less.

funny you say the 3.0 is unreliable. Most of the time I see them on craigslist, they are far north of 200,000 miles.

And 75% have (or had and will have again) head gasket issues or the engine replaced. You don't have to believe me, it's very well documented.

 

[toylandcruiser]

You can replace the 2 cat system with one aftermarket 3-way cat for a lot less.



And 75% have (or had and will have again) head gasket issues or the engine replaced. You don't have to believe me, it's very well documented.

head gasket issues are not engine failures not trying to start an argument. I think most pot the issues are owner caused.

 

[shellb]

It is all about perspective - I use to say to myself...I'm not driving a slow car, I'm driving a fast tractor. It helps trust me :elkgrin:.

I echo the 1FZ comment, it makes a meaningful difference. Though you still need to be in second gear and keep the momentum going.

Or just get behind a semi and enjoy the views.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

True, but have you ever replaced HGs on a 3.0? To me, that is an engine failure because I would be throwing the engine away! LOL.

I don't think they are all owner caused. There are too many failures (and Toyota changing the HG design) for that to be the case. Engine issues aside, it's just a poor engine: low power, bad economy, etc. The OP is looking for a vehicle he can depend on in adverse environments potentially miles away from assistance. I can't recommend a 3.0 powered Toyota because I wouldn't trust it myself.

 

[bjowett]

Find a 93+ (the one I am selling would not be a good choice, or meet your budget). 57 more hp, optional lockers in the axles, full floating rear axle.

 

[grox]

Thanks for the continued tips. I drove a 93 today. World of difference. Massive improvement in drivability, power and braking.

 

[REDrum]

<1993 FZJ80 are pretty damn slow. And that is coming from someone who owns Series Land Rovers. Well worth spending the extra money on a 1995 or newer FZJ80, plus you get OBDII

 

[80nick]

I would not pass up a cheap 91 or 92 80 series. I've had both FJ80's and FZJ80's. I think most people just don't drive the 91/92's hard enough, yes it's an auto, pull that shifter down to 3 or 2 and floor it, that truck will scoot along... you will not win any kind of race, but that truck will get you where ever you want to go. I always preferred working on the 91 & 92 over my '94's. The main reason I would hold out for the '93 and up would be minimally better fuel mileage. My 91 & 92 never got above 12, loaded up they could drop to 10 pretty easily. My '94 loaded up was always a couple of MPG's ahead. Both trucks took serious dives in MPG with the addition of roof racks. I grew to hate roof racks, the only reason I would run one again would be for a RTT.

Good luck, 80's are great rigs.

 

[80nick]

Oh, and REDrum, why is OBD2 better? I like being able to get codes with a paperclip

 

[onemanarmy]

Yes. 3FE are slow. I would not want one in a loaded down with gear LC on the hiway.

 

[REDrum]

Oh, and REDrum, why is OBD2 better? I like being able to get codes with a paperclip

No having to toy with paper clip to get codes
Better MPG
Slightly more power

 

[zimm]

I wouldn't touch a 3fe with redrums..... whatever. It's a dog. The idea of calling it a strong tractor motor is odd. If it was strong, you wouldnt feel like u were gonna die merging . It's just a 160hp crappy mpg boat anchor in far too heavy a truck. For 12mpg, you can get twice the hp elsewhere. Get the later 212hp no matter what.


Just a fact of life.

 

[shellb]

I wouldn't touch a 3fe with redrums..... whatever. It's a dog. The idea of calling it a strong tractor motor is odd. If it was strong, you wouldnt feel like u were gonna die merging . It's just a 160hp crappy mpg boat anchor in far too heavy a truck. For 12mpg, you can get twice the hp elsewhere. Get the later 212hp no matter what.


Just a fact of life.

Haha...

Pretty sure tractors don't merge onto highways which is the point. No one is debating that more power is better for the highway...that's clearly not what the 3fe is about.

You can leave them to the rest of us...we love it for what it is, not hate it for what it isn't.

 

[upcruiser]

The only place I ever have frustrations driving my FJ80 was I70 in CO. With stock gears, 33's and loaded to the hilt, I would manage 50mph holding gears manually. Make sure the kickdown cable is adjusted correctly, this makes a noticeable difference on the 3FE's. For practically every other application I have never had issue with the 3FE's power. It is a great motor for chugging along off-road as it's torque curve is fatter at the bottom and there are a few of us who have spent time with both who are even crazy enough to suggest that they prefer it over the 4.5. That said, for dIly driving at altitude on freeways, the 93+ will be more useful, but still feel dog slow. ;-) One other clarification, the 3FE's haven't had issues with head gaskets. And since they were only a 2 year run, downpipes/cats are spendy to replace.

 

[Arktikos]

I guess I'm wondering if a 4Runner wouldn't be a better all around choice?

BTW - my vehicle budget is about $3000 plus $1000 or so to put into it. Not much I know.

Yes, for your budget I would look at a 4runner, though the second generations aren't much faster than the truck you're looking at. Zj80s are grossly overpriced for what you get, namely high mileage, gas guzzling rigs that commonly have overheating issues. The 80 you're looking at might be OK if cats aren't required in your area. Terrible MPG though.