Feedback on an FJ80

[jh504]

Everyone, I am looking at purchasing this FJ80 that is here in my city. I have not driven it yet but it looks like it might be a good buy. It does have the locker. I am not new to Toyotas but I am new to Cruisers, what do you guys think about this one?

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/car/647348565.html

 

[upcruiser]

Go here and read up to get aquainted a bit with the different variations of 80's.. http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm

Personally, I have a '92 and love it. What you need to know though is that the '93 + have a more powerfull motor (4.5 vs 4.0) that makes it easier to live with at highway speeds and at altitude. There are numerous other differences too like front and rear lockers available (but getting hard to find) on the '93+ and full floating rear axles as well. All '91 and '92's have the center diff lock which is what the ad is referring too. Both FZJ and FJ have their own advantages.

Any recomendation will likely come from knowing what your planned uses are for the vehicle. One thing though, I'd be weary of rust as that ad alludes to. Check the rear window seal and all the usual inner fender areas for it. There are alot of good deals on FJ80's out there and if this example is rusty, I'd keep looking.

 

[Hltoppr]

The 3fe motor is a great one...as long as you don't expect speed or good mileage..kindof a double whammy....

The FJ80s are comfortable and reliable...

-H-

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

I think the red flags are rust and if you are ok with the 3FE motor instead of the 94-newer 1FZ motor. 3FE is solid but like others said, down on power for a heavy suv.
maybe the price is a factor but if you plan on modifying, the rust could make simple tasks very difficult.

 

[Green96D1]

The 3fe motor is a great one...as long as you don't expect speed or good mileage..kindof a double whammy....

The FJ80s are comfortable and reliable...

-H-

agree :victory:

 

[MoGas]

....... It does have the locker..........

Don't confuse the Center Differential Lock with Axle Differential Lockers.

All 80 series have the Center Differential lock. Front and rear differential locks did not come around until 93. 91-92 will have a Center diff lock switch on the dash standard to allow you to lock the center diff in 4HI. The CDL switch was optional 93+. The CDL will (should) engage automatically when the shifter is placed in 4LO 91-97.

For F/R diff locks, you want to look for a switch like the one immediately to the left of the steering column:

If you are looking at a 93-97 80 series that has the F/R lockers, test them out like this:

Go to a gravel or dirt area.
Engage 4Lo
ABS and CDL lights should illuminate. If they don't, go forward or backward a little.
After the CDL is engaged, turn the locker switch to RR and wait for the Rear Locker light to come on. If it doesn't drive in a circle or figure 8.
Once the RR locker engages, turn the switch to the F locker position and do the same if it doesn't engage.

 

[MoGas]

If the lockers do not engage, crawl under the vehicle and look for the actuators on the differentials. People are getting wise that lockers add value and are just adding the switch and making it look like it has lockers.

Look on the Driver's door tag and look for the "K" number.
K292 = No Lockers
K294 = Lockers


Here is a great thread about what to look for. Really great advice in post #42



Good luck,
Dave

 

[Mike S]

Rust!!

The ad says - 'will need new exhaust soon". Be aware that a new exhaust system is going to cost a lot of money - down pipe, cats, sensors, muffler, etc.

It would be a lot cheaper to buy a better condition truck.

 

[mike h]

Can you find some local cruiserheads to look at it with you? a rusty exhaust doesn't mean the whole exhaust system... but there isn't much info on that ad to go with.

One of the best places to buy a used 80 is on the IH8MUD vehicles for sale board, at least there you get a complete history.

This one seems to have no service records at all....

 

[jh504]

Thanks for all of the responses. Everyone has been very informative. I plan on useing the truck for a semi daily driver and an expedition/trail rig. I am going to drive it tomorrow so I will post everything I see.

 

[hoser]

MoGas, what kind of truck is that? I don't recognize it.

 

[MoGas]

MoGas, what kind of truck is that? I don't recognize it.

IIRC some mid 80's turbo'd SR5 Pickup that a dude put 80 axles in. It was the only locker switch pic I have on my office computer.

 

[hoser]

Ah, I knew it had to be a Toyota from the 80's because of the digital dash.

jh504, personally I'd opt for the 93+. I've never driven the 3FE motor but my 97 FZJ80 was barely tolerable as it was. And if you are looking to add lockers, you'll definitely spend more $$$ on adding ARB's to the FJ80 than finding a FZJ with them already installed.

 

[jh504]

Well I drove the cruiser. The interior and body are in excellent shape. Underneath it was very rusty though. The exhaust had multiple rust holes, and there was a lot of rust on the frame as well. One of the motor mounts was also in very bad shape. It drove well, I did think it was a little underpowered and the brakes were lacking to say the least. Thanks to everyone for the help, I think I will move on and keep an eye out for a 93+.

 

[upcruiser]

Good choice, lots of 80's out there, avoid the brown death.