FZJ/FJ 80 Help please?

[Topgun514]

Some may have seen the thread in the fireside chat, but I am asking here because I truly want to like these awesome vehicles!

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...able-and-expeditionable-ExPo-Vehicle-under-8K

I have always loved the look of a Land cruiser and known Toyota as being a reliable company. Also, pairing this with the potential want for a different vehicle suiting other needs for myself, I may want to try new waters.

The 100 series seems great, but pricey, so while I still would love one, it has not hit my budget yet.

The 80 series though, sounds great, and looks better. Wide and large interior, roof gutters for an RTT, limitless upgrades.
But I also have heard the Engines chew up HG's, something called a PHH-pesky..., and axle seals liking to not seal.

Then the engines that did not blow HG's have bad brakes...

So I am at a loss now. Do all 80's engines go with a HG, or is there something that can fix all this? Are they reliable, or is it a major worry out driving?

The basic questions of reliability are something I would love, as well as personal stories and upgrades and vehicle love!

I am a jeep guy but could really see myself in a Cruiser, popping up an RTT on a snowy mountain.

About my driving: Slow and steady. Offroad trails of 2 out of 5 difficulty, or just enough so that a Subaru or stock Rav-4 will for sure not make it!:Wow1:

I also do a lot of winter travel for skiing, and live at 4500 ft in SLC, and travel to 9K often.

Thank you guys!

 

[sseaman]

You should check this link out

http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-t...ing-buying-80-follow-link-helpful-advice.html

 

[KevinNY]

You're worrying too much. The PHH is just a 20 dollar fix, the axle seals are just fine but the front needs to be serviced every 60k but it's a driveway job for less than 200 dollars in parts. Head gaskets go eventually but tend not to fail catastrophically and are easier than V8 since there is just one flat one.

 

[Topgun514]

You're worrying too much. The PHH is just a 20 dollar fix, the axle seals are just fine but the front needs to be serviced every 60k but it's a driveway job for less than 200 dollars in parts. Head gaskets go eventually but tend not to fail catastrophically and are easier than V8 since there is just one flat one.

Could you explain the axle service and parts/ mechanics involved
Also, The HG failure- could you describe this more in depth if it is not catastrophic? As well as how it is easier on a V8?

 

[KevinNY]

Go to Ih8mud.com and search the FAQ which will educate you nicely on the 80 series. The front axle service is very well documented, basically new trunion bearings, replace or just repack the wheel bearings, CV repack with grease and new seals. A straight 6 is an easier HG job since there is just one HG.

 

[Topgun514]

After meandering through those forums, I must say I am very overwhelmed by some of this.

But still enjoying the thought of a new en devour.

 

[Schattenjager]

Not all head gaskets go. There is compelling evidence that if you have gone 140K miles on the factory unit, you are very likely out of the woods. Overheating and neglectful cooling system maintenance are the primary reasons a HG fails. IF a replacement is called for, like most things, it is not as bad as you want to believe.

PHH has several remedies. I and others here have done the work around option.

80's are insanely reliable and durable. Their reputation is among the best in the world.

 

[Mauka2Makai]

For the amount of money we had a little over a year ago buying new wasn't an option for our family. I too wondered if we were making the correct decision when we bought our 80. We could not be happier... That being said, a catastrophic failure can happen to any vehicle while out on the trail; new or used. Even the most heavily armored or best PM'ed vehicle can have its bad day. Sometimes you just have be able to take a calculated risk and enjoy life. Like others have said, Its not just a Toyota your driving, but an 80 series Landcruiser. Arguably the best vehicles made "for what we do" in the world.

 

[1911]

The 3FE engine in the FJ80 does not have any head gasket problems, though it has less power than the 1FZFE in the FZJ80.

 

[sleeoffroad]

80 Series LC's are a very reliable vehicle by design, however you are buying a vehicle that is, at it's youngest 15 years old. That comes with it's own set of issues. The beauty is that they can be "refurbished" and made very reliable, but if you are not a mechanic type, or have the budget for a shop to do this for you, do not expect to just buy one and not have to spend money on it. You are buying a vehicle with a very good reputation, but the actual condition of each truck depends on a lot of variables.

From looking at 100's of trucks in the shop, I can assure you that those that do not require a lot of maintenance to bring up to the "as new" or used with 50k miles standard truck are few and far between. Yes head gaskets are more prevalent that what we would like, but it is hardly an epidemic. The rest is just old age and maintenance. What it is going to cost you depends on if you are a DIY'er or not.

The thing that in 99% of the cases will kill these trucks in terms of value is an engine failure, whether it is scored pistons due to overheating or warping due to HG failure etc. Rebuild on a motor is about $7k drive in drive out, by the time you have address the engine and all the other little things that lead up to the failure. That kills a $7k value truck in a hurry.

 

[Topgun514]

So far, I am thinking getting a 91-92, taking out the non-essential in it (rear seats and A/C?) Adding in a FF axle when/ if I ever break it. 32/33 max tire
2.5 inch OME

It will be less powerful and the brakes would be addressed, but I would drive my 1000 mile road trips less worried about the engine. This year seems like the "Jeepesque" drivetrain. Great engine with no power but low end torque, great Tcase and tranny (the bus?) and crappy brakes. Sounds like a jeep to me!

How does that sound guys?

 

[Mike S]

I have owned (and driven the snot out of) an FJ40, an FJ60, and now an FZJ80. I have driven Landcruisers since 1972. I loved all these vehicles, but like the 80 best for pure reliability, power, and off-highway capability. IIWY, I'd get a 93-97 FZJ80 as a travel platform. Only downstroke with the FZJ80 is that the mileage sucks.

 

[Moody]

I considered a 3fe powered 80 when I was buying. As I came from another 3fe powered cruiser (FJ62) I knew right away I needed/wanted more power. I went with a 97.

In my opinion, unless you re-gear, a tire larger than a 31 on a 91-92 or a 33 on a 93-97 will be super slow driving around Utah.

 

[Topgun514]

I am going to test drive one this weekend I think, hopefully from both sides, the FJ and FZJ. I do feel overwhelmed with this because of the head gasket issue. I truthfully feel as if that reason alone forces me to look into another vehicle, such as the taco. But I would prefer the room of the LC. I want to love the LC's but have never owned another vehicle besides a cherokee. This feeling of dread may also be due to the fact I am a Jeep guy, so the worst things that happen are still under a 500 dollar fix typically even in a shop; monetarily, this would be a bigger vehicle.

 

[Moody]

I'll echo what others have said, I think it is no more of an issue than on any other truck. Mine was done at 62k. My brother in law had his go at 155k but it was a cooling issue. Seems the real issue comes when the trucks overheat. Many that go for sale have documentation of a HG replacement, might help you to feel better.

The Tacomas are great trucks. I had a 2001 xcab that I absolutely loved...but I am emotionally attached to my 80 series.