Looking at FZJ80s to replace the wrangler
- Thread starter Mayne
- Start date
NM-Frontier
Explorer
Some of the leaks you may want to run from but others are quick and easy, the dizzy o-ring comes to mind. These motors are getting old and the seals in them are all starting to crack or fail to some extent now. Looking for that all important service history may help to decide to run or not. Finding the leak may be tough to do on a 80 you are just looking at. Ideally after you first look at a truck, you could get the seller to get that engine cleaned up and then look for leaks. Good luck with the 80 search!:sombrero:
RDC76
Adventurer
Rear main seals are really common as is front oil pump covers. Front cover not too bad, rear seal more involved. There are lots of threads on ih8mud forum. Probably the best single source for all your cruiser ?'s.
As far as replacing the jeep. It is a far better vehicle in all aspects. Except fuel economy,especially the 80 series.You know that jeep really stands for : Japanese Engineering Eventually Prevails....lol and I've had and wheeled both brands. My yotas Never left me stranded ,more than I can say for my jeep which was brand new and built.And I'm a slow as possible fast as necessary guy offroad with OCD maintenance tendencies. Although the new 4 door wrangler rubicon is enticing. Best of luck and make sure you hold out for an 80 with factory lockers. My buddy has one on 35's and it makes everything look way too easy offroad and still drives awesome on the road.
Here's a pic of my 60 and his 80. His 80 was soaked in oil when we first picked it up. It was just a combination of buildup from previous owner neglect and the front pump cover. It looked a lot worse than it actually was. And turned out to be a great buy. Good luck again...
Rich.
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Mayne
Explorer
The jeep is great it's an 05, and been stone reliable... Just too small for my needs then an now. There where other issues glaring that the Slee web site said may be wary about. Ie; multiple makes of tires and somebody tried to break into it. It did have factory Diff locks. Alas the guy never showed for our appt even after talking to him on the phone when arrived. I'm looking at another tomorrow, that's visibly cleaner in the pics than he other, but has 245k on the clock. The other had 200k even, but was slimy fore to aft. I'm not so worried about a short block replacement in a few years, but I don't want to have to rebuild a truck just to get more room.
Thank again guys.
Yeah mpg sucks, but the jeep with rack only managed 13.5 on a good day, and it was maintain in triplicate.
Mayne
Thank again guys.
Yeah mpg sucks, but the jeep with rack only managed 13.5 on a good day, and it was maintain in triplicate.
Mayne
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kletzenklueffer
Adventurer
I look at the grease and oil as a rust preventative. Leak under the engine could be rear main or the upper oil pan arch. I suspect that's what mine is and I'm working on it over Christmas.
I've had Jeeps and would rather have a rough TLC.
I've had Jeeps and would rather have a rough TLC.
express_wagon
New member
Your best bet is to buy an already well maintained truck from an enthusiast. Plenty of them for sale in the Ih8mud classifieds. It'll save you time, money, and some headaches.
Buying a no history truck could result in thousands in just base lining.
Buying a no history truck could result in thousands in just base lining.
Mayne
Explorer
I agree with that statement express wagon. I've located and looked at one today that although the mileage was higher than I would prefere, was exceptionally clean and un molested. I'm having my shop look at it tomorrow, and if it checks out, then I'll purchase. I'm expecting some headaches, as these are 15 years old by now, but as long as the major stuff is sound, I'm cable enough with a wrench to take care of the small stuff.
