Land Cruiser 1991 for Panamericana

[flobe83]

Hi experts!

I'm new to this forum and posting the first time. I'm from Germany, working at the moment in Seattle. In June my girlfriend and I will drive the Panamericana. Since I was here for some weeks I used the occasion and bought a Land Cruiser from 1991. My technical knowledge regarding cars is moderate, I can locate the parts but haven't done bigger repairs yet. Apart from that, I would say I have general technical abilities.

Enough about me, these are the details about my 1991 Land Cruiser:
- 263k miles
- new timing belt, new air filter, 31" tires (nearly new)
- replaced front axle (replacement axle was a used one)

When I bought it I expected to do the following repairs:
- new shocks
- new brake pads
- change all liquids

A visit at a garage, recommended by a friend who did there several repairs, extended my list of repairs. The mechanic wrote down the following defects after a 30min check up:
- front diff input seal leak
- exchange wheel bearings and rotor
- speed sensor seal leak
- exchange radiator, little cracks
- renew thermostat

By handing over his list to me he wanted to buy my Land Cruiser and offered me a Land Cruiser from 1996 instead. I didn’t do that deal because I already registered the car. My interpretation of his offer is that the current status of my Land Cruiser isn’t so bad and he thinks he can make a nice profit out of it. This offer made me also think about his check up. The radiator doesn’t seem to have little cracks, only the paint is crumbly. I scraped the paint off at some areas and the radiator plastic seems to be fine. There are no leaks, neither after driving an hour. But, in fact, the radiator liquid is brownish. Regarding the wheel bearings and rotor I couldn’t notice any signs that should make me curious about it. But probably there are no signs until the car stops someday.

I get to the point. I am aware that I bought an old truck with lots of miles on it. But since our budget for the trip is limited I only want to do really necessary repairs. I know that a remote diagnosis is impossible so I wouldn’t ask for it. My questions are
“What would you recommend as mandatory repairs?” and
“Is something not on the list you would definitely replace?”

By the way, this is additional truck equipment we will buy for the trip:
- two spare tires on rims, extra bulbs, box of fuses, fire extinguisher, jerry cans for petrol and water, tow strap, spare oil, jumper cable, air pump, toolset, drain plug, oil filters, technical manual English and Spanish
Comments, hints, advices and recommendations are welcome! I’m looking forward to your expertise.

Florian

 

[anderaa13]

You can have the cooling system pressure tested. That will tell you if the radiator has leaks.

I would carefully inspect all aspects of the cooling system. Any problem could result in overheating and do major damage to the engine.

If the mechanic told you to replace the wheel bearings, I would. Who knows how long since they have been done - and if a wheel bearing fails it can take out the spindle and hub which would be a serious problem.

 

[Christian P.]

Radiators can be fixed for really cheap in Central America - that's one of their specialties. Plus even if it starts leaking, that won't let you stranded right away. So you could wait for this if you are on a tight budget.

I would think that the front diff and speed sensor seal leaks are probably normal with this kind of mileage...how bad are they leaking? You could just get the parts and also have them replaced later in Mexico if/when it becomes a real issue.

Good luck!

Christian
www.panamapassage.com

 

[Pskhaat]

Real quick: FJ80s don't have a timing belt nor chain, was this something else?

Bearings and rotors can be personally inspected quite easily without major teardown. Depending on the age of the radiator, however, I would not call that a bad idea. At least go have it flushed and over-cored if necessary (but as stated is a pretty common/easy repair anywhere).

 

[flobe83]

Thanks all for your fast replies. I will go to a second garage to let the car checked there.

To ask for checking the cooling system pressure is a good idea, didn't know about that. And it's good to know that it can be repaired cheaply in Central America. If it hapens I will report my experiences here.

The next days I will get the "Chilton's Book" for my Land Cruiser. That should help me to inspect the bearings and rotors, I think.

Regarding the front diff leaking, I saw liquid on a steering part below that. So this has to be done before the trip. The speed sensor leak I haven't seen. But with the Chilton's I will inspect it in detail.

Timing belt was a translation mistake ;D It is the fan belt.

Thanks so far for your support! I will keep you updated.

 

[cweight]

Since you are in Seattle, I VERY highly recommend Apex Auto repair, 7120 E Marginal Way S (just north of Boeing field). Matsudo Eizo is the mechanic and he is careful, knowledgeable and very trustworthy. The only problem is that he isn't great with scheduling and will always schedule you a few weeks out and then sometimes will want you to come back if the repairs are bigger than expected. But if he sets a date he will be up until the wee hours of the morning getting it done. For me the long drive down to him and the scheduling hassles are well worth it for someone I trust. He has done great work on my 70 series Troopy. He will not do any unnecessary work, and in fact he has quite often advised waiting on certain repairs and I have had to talk him into doing the work by making it clear that this is not an around town vehicle but something I want expedition ready (which sometimes means replacing a bit early).

 

[flobe83]

Thanks for the recommendation. I called the guy up and he offered me an appointment for mid of May No way to get something earlier. I will try it somewhere else...

 

[lostworldexpedition]

Hi Florian, I hope that you can get on the road south soon.

To be honest with you I am not terribly familiar with '80's, so I cannot give you much specific advice there. I would recommend joining ih8mud.com and ask over there as well, ih8mud and ExPo share a few members, but Mud is the definite source for LandCruiser specific info and help. Call Cruiseroutfitters.com and Kurt will definitely give you some input.

I wanted to ask you for some more info. How long will your trip last? Will you stay on the Panamerican most of the way? Hostels? Car camping?

There are a couple of things I would suggest/re-enforce. Only bring 1 spare tire, but have new tires all around. Fire extinguisher is a must, 2 emergency triangles (must), a very good air pump, a toolset that includes most tools the 80 will need, try to install a redundant fuel filter, jumper cable and kinetic recovery strap are a good idea, if you plan on camping on beaches a shovel is a good idea.

The following item is expensive, but with the fuel consumption of the gasser 80 I would highly recommend a bigger fuel tank instead of Jerry cans... The price may be to high for your budget... But look into it.

I have a million things I wish I would have brought, and another million I shouldn't have please feel free to PM me for more advice on what Not to do!

 

[constructeur]

I'll second both Cruiser Outiftters (Kurt is a good egg) and I8mud. Here's a link to the FAQ section which will greatly assist you in an DIY repairs you make: http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-t...2011-added-concretejungles-1fze-overhaul.html

I have a Chilton repair manual that you can have (and I'm in Seattle down on Beacon Hill) so let me know if you want to come get it.

-Terry

 

[flobe83]

We are considering 7-8 months for the trip. But we are aware that the car could conk out earlier, so that we have to switch to public transport. I want to prevent that situiation as much as possible, because thereby we will lose lots of flexibility. And of course, I'm starting loving my truck

Our preferred accomodation is car camping. We have a tent with us but also want to sleep in the car, depending on environmental conditions.

Checked the prices of longrange fuel tanks and you're right, it exceeds our budget. So we have to handle it with jerry cans ;-/

Thanks Terry for offering your Chilton's. Got mine already. Probably you know, where I can get one of those "budget sand ladders" made from molded fiberglas (here) next to Seattle?

 

[NorCalLC]

flobe83, welcome to the ExPo and congrats on the 91 LC. IH8MUD is a great source of info for sure, but some people over there can be a little bit crazy with wanting you to spend your money on things. A good baseline is noted in the 80s section, and no offense meant, but it's well noted, you should not trust the Chiltons manual for the FJ80. Dan at American Toyota in New Mexico can get you pretty much every part you need at a discount for MUD members. MUD has a digital link listed to pay for and download an official Toyota FSM. It's great to have on a hard or flash drive.

Overall, there's almost anything you need to find over on MUD, it just takes time to search for it. Including great writeups with photos regarding repairs. Let me know if you need something, I love my 92 and do almost all my own work.

 

[constructeur]

Florian-

I haven't dealt with anyone locally for the grating but a quick google shows two sources:

http://www.nwgrating.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=31

http://www.gratingpacific.com/

Anytime I'm looking for a deal I always ask if the company has any over stocks or dropped orders sitting around before I order new stuff. Now that I write that I'd check around craigslist for something suitable as well, you never know.

If you're doing any repairs that need a factory manual, and you don't want to buy it just let me know and I'll let you copy mine at Kinkos or something. The FSM is really worth the money, but I understand the budget issue and the nearly $100 you spend on it is a weeks activities on your tour.

Best-
Terry

 

[flobe83]

Folks,
thanks for your support. First of all an update on my Land Cruiser. A second garage checked the car and the mechanic said, that it is in great shape. They mainly recommended minor things so that I instructed them to do it. Exchanging all liquids, cleaning the fuel lines, putting in my Bilstein shocks...can't remember everything. Besides I told them to have a second look at the differential lock, the brakes and the radiator. No leak on diff lock, brakes about 70% front and rear, wheel bearings and rotors are fine, radiator mostly ok, they replaced one part at the bottom but no cracks.
Regarding the budget sand ladders I called both fiberglass companies. But the general problem is that they mainly sell it in whole pieces. They may have some left overs but only 1" or 1,5" thick. the thread on ih8mud strongly recommended 2" so I will call some other companies in the next days.
Again, thanks for your support!!!

 

[TwinCruiser]

Hi Flo...

You may want to check this site as well. Lots of good info and mods specific to 91/92 Land Cruisers with the 3FE motor.

http://gclcny.com/jh/

 

[lostworldexpedition]

If you really want the sand ladders, by all means go for it... but we have done the majority of our camping the last year and a half on beaches and have not needed ladders. I would recommend you spend the money on a decent air compressor and a shovel. Airing down is THE way to go!

I hope you do not mind my unrequested advice... Cheers!