Newb

[paleohntr]

I've been quietly sleezing around in here off and one for a while now, I finally joined and now I figure it's time to introduce myself. As chance would have it I happen to farm for a living, but I have archaeology and exploring in my soul. I live (both born and raised) in south-central Nebraska just a few miles north of the Kansas border, so if I want to see anything other that soybeans and corn, traveling is required. Growing up in the 70's and early 80's I was truly blessed to have the parents I did. We camped, whether by tent or camper if day time highs where above freezing we where gone. Two weeks every summer in the CO/WY Rockies where a highlite for me, and I try to get up through Poudre Canyon when ever I'm out on the front range.

I've got a mustard '78 fj40 that keeps my wallet empty. But I have to admit, even though I love my 40 and it draws gobs of attention (almost too much if you know what I mean), a swb 40 series leaves alot to be desired when it comes to long distance travel. I'm not going to bore everyone with the story, but I know of a '91 tan/brown 80 hidden in a locked quonset, it's been there about 12 years with the front end up on jack stands. A friend farms the ground and said I might be able to get it from the family for $1000. After seeing what ashooter did with his rig, I've been daydreaming alittle. I guess I'll see what the future brings, but for the time being if anyone gets that uncomfortable feeling they are be watched while typing on this forum. Don't worry, it's only me lurking.:sombrero:

Dave

 

[Starscream]

:beer: Welcome! I'm sure you will like it here, this is a great group of people.

-Matt

 

[kcowyo]

Welcome to ExPo Dave - :beer:

That 80 sounds like it has potential but a '78 FJ40 is the dream rig of many here I would imagine. Someday I hope one winds up in my driveway.

:campfire:

.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Welcome to ExPo!

 

[Lucy FJ55]

Welcome to ExPo Dave!

I just joined too, and have been enjoying all the great adventures and info here. Sounds like you have a great '40. Would love to see pics of it eventually...

Cheers, Carlos

 

[Redline]

Happy to have your here
Buy and build the 80, the price of admission sounds right.

 

[DBS311]

If you are shopping for an 80, I'd suggest scrutinizing over the differences between the '91-'92 and the '93 up. The '93 up model offers enough difference to warrant some research. Finding one with front and rear lockers really saves $$$ down the road, and the 1FZ is nicer from a daily driver standpoint. Don't get me wrong, the 3FE is a beast in the reliability and low end torque departments (no 2F comments!), but it is more at home on the farm. Wait a tic, you live on a farm so it might be ok after all. Just remember that if you take the fam on a trip to CO and WY, you will be HURTING through the mountain passes.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Agreed with that too. That said, the 91-92 are bullet proof tanks, they just have the weaker engine and no lockers are the primary drawback. They are cloth seats though and a little more rugged/less luxury oriented. We installed a part time 4WD kit into a '97 a few months ago into my good friends 80 series. He absolutely loves the switch, it added power and gas mileage. I would consider this a bare min for a '91-92. As soon as you start adding larger tires, they go from tolerable to not too peppy. It can get old, unfortunately...

Otherwise, welcome and congrats...

 

[paleohntr]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome.

 

[Desertdude]

Welcome, I sold my 78 FJ40 last year due to having the 80 and never looking back. I miss the look and vibe of the 40 but not the highway ride

Besides the 80 series is near retro now :smiley_drive:

 

[lovetoski]

I might be able to get it from the family for $1000.

Any 80 series if no rust and with a drivetrain in good shape for $1000 is a killer deal. Buy it and don't look back.

The "weaker" engine will come to life if you regear. And, even in stock form it's way faster than your 40.