Looking for a good FJ-80 91-93

[adventureduo]

I agree with the above too. We have 208k with our original HG. When it goes we'll replace it.. but never before. Not recommended as a preventive maint item. I have faith that our 80 will anywhere we point it as of right now. Anything under 200k i wouldn't even think about it... it's still a young engine imho.

 

[Martinjmpr]

It's not 100% on point, but consider the 2nd gen 4runner's 3.0l V-6. I had always heard (through the grapevine) that these engines ate head gaskets and should be avoided.

And yet...you can't swing a dead cat around here without hitting a dozen 2nd gen 4runners, most of them with the V-6 badge. So either they've had their HG's replaced already, or the HGs haven't failed. From talking to people it sounds like the latter - some fail, more than the average for vehicles of a similar age, perhaps, but most of them are fine.

Bottom line, I'd say if the vehicle is otherwise in decent condition, don't worry about a future failure. Let's be honest, any time you buy a 10+ year old vehicle, you have to keep in the back of your mind the thought that you could have a catastrophic failure some time down the road. That's just the way it is with older vehicles. But if your savings up front are high enough (and considering that $4500 doesn't even represent one tenth of the MSRP of a new -200 series LC) then even with a catastrophic ($1000+) repair job you will still be ahead of the game, money-wise.

 

[fowldarr]

Think about it this way, there is an entire forum dedicated to these vehicles and you only hear about 2 problems. Look at any GMC forum, Ford Forum, VW Forum, and problems like this don't float to the surface among all the other electrical shorts, broken axles, fried transmissions, dead engines etc.

My neighbor used to harass me about driving a 'foreign' car, referring to my fj60, until he was blew the engine in his chevy at 160,000 miles, and my toyota with 285,000 (original HG in the sixty) had to pull him home.

 

[upcruiser]

I wouldn't worry about the headgasket issue unless the vehicle in question shows signs of hg issues currently. Like others said, a great number of FZJ's never experience issues. Regarding the FJ80's, they are great on the trail, the 3FE is a great motor and bulletproof. However if freeway driving or living at altitude is in your reality, I'd go with the newer truck. I think more then the engine, the brake upgrade is what really makes the difference. The FJ80's brakes are weak to speak kindly. That said though, if I was to buy another 80 I'd buy another FJ80 hands down. For the money I think its a better deal for my needs and with a simple OME lift they are remarkably capable. Its taken me driving other 4wd vehicles off pavement to truely appreciate the capabilities of the 80's.

 

[freshspecbluegt]

Before I bought my 80 I took it to a local well respected indy repair shop and was talking to him about the HG issue while his techs gave the rig a pre-purchase inspection. He services quite a few 80's and owns one himself. He told me he hadn't really seen the HG issue in his shop. So add me to the list of OG headgaskets. '95 with 144,000 miles.

Now the V-6 4runner. That one bit me, but it gave me the opportunity to rebuild an engine from scratch, it only really needed the headgasket, waterpump and rear seal, but it was something I wanted to do, lemons to lemonade.

 

[Schattenjager]

Got an offer of help from a friend! My buddy who is a Land Rover tech offered up his skills and shop to help me 'baseline' any new LC I might get!!! He can get the head gasket kit for around $200 and uber birfields with larger BB's and polished guts for $155 each (jobber costs!) Labor cost = a ton of sushi and let him teach me how to properly use lockers! He said if I get the rig then we could spend a weekend getting everything up to snuff and at known level of quality. He even has an idea for hard lining the hard to work on heater hose! He drives a hard bargin - I am considering the terms... :bike_rider:

Also - found some mighty inspiration today visiting the OverlandExperts.com site! Dang - only 2.5 lift!!!

1996 Toyota Land Cruiser FZJ80.
2 1/2 inch Old Man Emu coil springs, BFG MTs, ABR front bumper, Kaymar Rea bumper with tire carrier, OME front and rear differential lockers, Garmin 176c GPS, Panasonic Toughbook CF-29 with docking station and LAN wireless MDWD Panasonic touch-screen monitor and built in GPS, Slee Off-Road rock sliders, Hi-lift jack, 10000lbs Superwinch prototype, ARB roof rack, rear work light, Safari Snorkel, on-board air compressor, Maggiolina Extreme Roof-top Tent.

 

[adventureduo]

Yeah the parts for the HG and the front axle rebuild isn't that bad.. it's the labor you pay through the nose for because they're time consuming.

2.5" and 33's will take you more places than you think.

 

[MarcFJ60]

He can get the head gasket kit for around $200 and uber birfields with larger BB's and polished guts for $155 each (jobber costs!)

Repacking the birfs is one thing, but why would you replace them unless they are damaged? There is absolutely nothing wrong with OEM birfs. Maybe if you're planning on running 37" tires. Just sayin'.

 

[Schattenjager]

Why not? I will utilize the advantage of my friends help and know how to have the two problem areas not only made new, but done so with supeior designed new stuff. How could this be bad?? This opportunity might not be easily tapped if I should NEED it right away.

Repacking the birfs is one thing, but why would you replace them unless they are damaged? There is absolutely nothing wrong with OEM birfs. Maybe if you're planning on running 37" tires. Just sayin'.

 

[a.mus.ed]

Sounds great! The consensus on 'mud is that the OEM birfs are good stuff, but that doesn't mean other brands aren't good. I know some members have experimented with other brands and had success for less money. Since you have the offer, take it!

Check www.1fzfephh.com for a kit to swap out that pesky heater hose. $25 shipped.

 

[Schattenjager]

Can anyone see a problem with doing the head gasket and birfs as soon as I get the rig? Even if they are not needed now, it would be great insurance for a very long time. Aren't these the two worrisome issues with the LC's? With my mechanic friend making a super generous offer, I can't imagine how this could be a bad thing - unless the job stirs up other issues I am unfamiliar with.

Thank a.mus.ed! The PHH link is SAVED for future reference.

Going tomorrow to look at the white rig posted earlier in this thread. I hope it is not a toilet. If not - it might just come home with me!

 

[MarcFJ60]

Why not? I will utilize the advantage of my friends help and know how to have the two problem areas not only made new, but done so with supeior designed new stuff. How could this be bad?? This opportunity might not be easily tapped if I should NEED it right away.

I guess my point is that I don't think either are problem areas. I could see having your friend help you RE-DO the birfs (seals, bearings, etc) as leaking birfs need to be addressed. I think you could spend the money elsewhere - say replacing all the hoses and belts.

On the headgasket - if you'll get piece of mind out of it, go for it. If I was going to that extent, I would be doing a lot of other stuff while I was in there (clean the fuel injectors, replace the filter, maybe even the VSV).

There is A LOT of general PM that needs to be done that your friend could help you with. Just my $.02. You wouldn't be the first to ignore it.

 

[dushuai]

The pricing is an important part of the equation. The newer the rig - the more $ it will command. I have a daily driver car that is plenty peppy. This rig is going to be for adventures / camping / snow days.

Aren't these the two worrisome issues with the LC's? With my mechanic friend making a super generous offer, I can't imagine how this could be a bad thing - unless the job stirs up other issues I am unfamiliar with.

 

[Schattenjager]

???

 

[BLKNBLU]

Here are a couple in my neck of the woods. Neither mentions lockers so I would assume no and be pleasantly surprised if they end up being there. Big price difference, but the white one looks like it's been a grocery getter. Good luck.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/1446240743.html
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/1446217458.html