"Frank," my new 80

[jeffryscott]

Frank, as the previous owner called him, was brought home just over a week ago. My girls love the name, so I'll stick with it.

1991 FJ80, 184K. Has minor issues as any 20-year-old vehicle would be but runs sound. I'm going to work on baseline PM (tuneup, etc ...) and get an Old Man Emu suspension kit in short time. Debating between stock height kit or 2" as my girls have a challenge getting in at the current height.

Added a Smittybilt center console, a $90 alternative to the Tuffy, and it fits great and looks good and makes for a comfortable armrest. Also added 285/75/16 Hankook DynaPro AT's.

We took Frank on a little trip up Redington Pass Saturday and the ride was bone jarring - Discount had the tire pressure at 60. Dropped it to 34 psi on each and it rode better, still should have aired down to 20 or so, but stock springs and Rancho RS5000 shocks have seen better days. The OME will make a huge difference from past experience on other vehicles.

Here are a few pics and I'm looking forward to getting out some more ...

 

[NorCalLC]

Congrats on the 80, I'm sure you'll be very happy if you can tolerate the slower pace and lower MPG. We love ours overall, just got back from a run to S CA for 10 days (1275 miles) without a single hickup.

I like the center console, I wondered if I could do something like this.

 

[Ryanmb21]

Cool ride, congratulations!!

 

[upcruiser]

Congrats, my OME Kit really transformed my FJ80's ride. Easily the best upgrade I made to mine.

 

[redthies]

Love my OME medium kit. The 2"s won't be the end of the world for your girls (they grow up real fast), and will be nice to have as time goes on. Congrats on your new Toy!

 

[alexrex20]

i would not run the tires at 20psi on that 80. that's way too soft for highway/street driving.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Congrats and welcome to the family!

 

[jeffryscott]

i would not run the tires at 20psi on that 80. that's way too soft for highway/street driving.

I wouldn't run them that way either, I meant on the washboard and trail

 

[adventureduo]

Congrats!

 

[Klierslc]

We took Frank on a little trip up Redington Pass Saturday and the ride was bone jarring -

i would not run the tires at 20psi on that 80. that's way too soft for highway/street driving.

Reading comprehension fail. The pictures clearly show dirt.


Nice rig. I personally liked the bilsteins with the OME springs. The OME shocks are a little stiff but the bilsteins dampen just as well.

 

[alexrex20]

Discount had the tire pressure at 60. Dropped it to 34 psi on each and it rode better, still should have aired down to 20 or so

Reading comprehension fail. The pictures clearly show dirt.

he was talking about Discount having the tire pressure at 60psi, so i inferred that he was talking about highway performance. last i checked, Discount does not have any locations on Redington Pass. and btw, here is a pic of some butterflies, but i am clearly not talking about them. i hope it does not confuse you.

 

[Klierslc]

he was talking about Discount having the tire pressure at 60psi, so i inferred that he was talking about highway performance. last i checked, Discount does not have any locations on Redington Pass. and btw, here is a pic of some butterflies, but i am clearly not talking about them. i hope it does not confuse you.

Logic Fail

Back on topic:

I would see if any work has been done to the EFI wiring harness. The 3fe trucks are notorious for having efi circuit problems--not a big deal, but it should be addressed.

 

[Zatara]

Logic Fail

Back on topic:

I would see if any work has been done to the EFI wiring harness. The 3fe trucks are notorious for having efi circuit problems--not a big deal, but it should be addressed.

Any info on this problem ?

 

[Klierslc]

discussed ad naseum on mud, but in short, the efi circuit is undersized and tends to fry the EFI relay. Replacing that wire with heavier guage fixes the problem permanently.

I wouldn't buy a 3fe truck until you have driven both. However, a properly tuned and adjusted 3fe does have adequate power.