Average life expectency?

chtucker · 10-25-09, 09:25 PM

With the higher resale value of these trucks I am wondering what one could expect to run a well maintained cruiser to?

I know the engines will go 300k easy with care...

I can't complain based on my "investment".... but am curious to see what other's expectations are, especially those that are paying 8-12k for a really clean rig..

If I get 300k out of mine, I got the deal of lifetime...

IdahoDoug · 10-25-09, 09:38 PM

Speaking of Leadville, I watched the premiere of "Race Across the Sky" a few nights ago with a bunch of my riding buddies. You guys have a great thing going there!! Wow, what a grueling event.

I think the life expectancy of an 80 is really up to the owner. Continuing to maintain it, the truck and major components will last a very long time - 400,000 is not out of the question if you're OK with doing your own work so you still trust the vehicle. I think if someone has a mechanic doing their work in the higher mile arena they'll be suggesting replacement of this and that constantly and it will be needlessly costly to operate. Plus you're relying on someone else to notice that a belt or hose should be replaced before you go on a trip with it.

Let's put it this way. My wife and kids took our 191,000 mile 80 on a 6000 mile month long trip a couple months ago and I didn't blink an eye. (turns out I should have, but that's another thread....). I have confidence in their reliability at higher miles, but it comes at a price that I have to constantly be aware of what's whirring too loudly, beginning to squeak, or getting loose. I'm OK with that, some may not be. Happily, those sounds usually mean nothing but more lube or an adjustment rather than a major component replacement because of the way these things are built.

DougM

greentruck · 10-25-09, 10:17 PM

I converted from a '93 Isuzu Rodeo with 147k to a '97 80 with 143k.

I bought the Rodeo new, 5-speed manual, with the factory big tire package (31x10.5, limited slip, Dana 44 rear axle). I didn't replace my first set of brake pads until 90k. Yeah, I baby my rigs, but I also use them hard. It went to Colorado and other such places regularly. With one exception -waiting for a factory, instead of a reman water pump -- it was never out of service more than a day in 16+ years.

Getting the Landcruiser is like getting a new truck. While the Isuzu is reliable still, the body has issues with rust that will soon become serious. It drives and feels like it's seen better days. In comparison, the 80 is solid, with only what appears to be modest surface rust on the undercarriage. The body panels are clean. I've looked inside in the process of going over it and it's like it just came off the showroom floor. The truck doesn't rattle, it drives and rides smoothly. Pretty amazing considering it's spent its life in the Midwest, too. And has just 4,000 fewer miles.

It was one-owner, who neglected to bring it in for service at the local dealership for the last 50k. It's likely had regular oil changes, but not much else. It needed about $2k of catch-up maintenance (front axle, ujoints and a yoke on the front driveshaft, other bits and pieces).

People maintain trucks that aren't crumbling underneath them. With the solid body and what seems like a strong engine, the 80 series Landcruiser looks like a keeper. I haven't had it long enough to see how oil consumption is, but if that's good, I think I've got it made for the next 100,000 miles.

ALCO · 10-25-09, 10:17 PM

A few months ago some dude with a thick African accent told me he got 400,000 mi out of his 93.

lndcruz · 10-25-09, 10:29 PM

mine is getting close to 200k and I feel the upmost confidence in it.

Only time it left me stranded was when I neglected to replace the alternator when it was starting to show signs of letting go.

My sisters has almost 230k and she has completely neglected it and it shows, but its still extremely reliable and barley burns any oil, original head gasket as well.

Glad to see someone else on here is a isuzu convert. We have 3 troopers and are all bullet proof. The 91 has 300k 97 has 220k and the 00 has 180.

firetruck41 · 10-25-09, 10:30 PM

I expect 300k, that will take me to 2035 and 10 years in to retirement...

beno · 10-25-09, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firetruck41

I expect 300k, that will take me to 2035 and 10 years in to retirement...

I would also say that one could ostensibly keep these going for a long time--or as long as OEM parts are available.

Considering the last 1FZ was manufactured in 2007 (not NA), I think we still have time.

75BRONCO · 10-25-09, 10:37 PM

Just bought my first 80 with 200,000 miles from the second owner who had it since 70,000. I feel confident that all of the maintenance has been done and hope to get another 150,000 out of her with regular maintenance

Lets hope!

IdahoDoug · 10-25-09, 10:46 PM

I care for my bro in law's here in town he bought new. It's got 340k or so miles now. Drives just like mine with half the miles. Original windshield, HG, blah, blah.

DougM

Ebag333 · 10-25-09, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beno

I would also say that one could ostensibly keep these going for a long time--or as long as OEM parts are available.

Considering the last 1FZ was manufactured in 2007 (not NA), I think we still have time.

If 40's are anything to go by.....

UCBerzerkeley · 10-25-09, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ebag333

If 40's are anything to go by.....

Yah, I expect to run my till forever, and I'm a youngster. That, of course, will require dan and onur to keep hanging on, so please keep up with your multi-vitamin guys...

beno · 10-26-09, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UCBerzerkeley

Yah, I expect to run my till forever, and I'm a youngster. That, of course, will require dan and onur to keep hanging on, so please keep up with your multi-vitamin guys...

Do cigarettes, Leinenkugels, and tequila shots count?

Oopps...wrong thread.

Brian894X4 · 10-26-09, 04:46 AM

I have an article from back when the 1fZ was first introduced that talked about how Toyota specificly deisgned the 1FZ to be overhauled every roughly 150-170K miles and to be bored out and re-ringed at least 3 times.

I'm sure this was based on 3rd world conditions as most of us are as much as double that on paved roads at highway speeds before needing any work.

There's a few minor gliches in the design, like the headgasket issue, but the 1FZ, along side the 22R series, is probably one of the longest lasting engines Toyota (or anyone else) ever made. Of course, not to disparage the 2F/3F series as well.

With only 113K on mine and only putting about 10K a year on it...I expect mine to last a VERY, VERY long time. I'm sure gas will either be prohibitively expensive...or illegal...long before my rig wears out.

Ebag333 · 10-26-09, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian894X4

I have an article from back when the 1fZ was first introduced that talked about how Toyota specificly deisgned the 1FZ to be overhauled every roughly 150-170K miles and to be bored out and re-ringed at least 3 times.

I'm sure this was based on 3rd world conditions as most of us are as much as double that on paved roads at highway speeds before needing any work.

More likely that's based on the use for commercial (mining groups).

Brian894X4 · 10-26-09, 01:31 PM

I'm sure it is. But the main point being that Toyota specificly designed the block to be a multiple overhaul commerical utility engine. In other words, lots of extra block material and a specific use rating. Although I've never seen this mentioned beyond that one article. But then I'm sure that wasn't meant for public consumption for the rich yuppies in American that were typical 80 series customers.

The 1FZ is far heavier duty than your average throw-a-way car, which makes up most of what is made today.

The fact that this engine was used in non-vehicle applications such as forklifts (and who knows what else) and was produced for certain markets well into the late 2000s, speaks pretty highly of it.

firetruck41 · 10-27-09, 09:57 AM

Definitely not your average throw away car. I *think* cdan has usually referenced the 1fz as having a 300k design life, plus 3 rebuilds.

BrotherRob · 10-27-09, 12:09 PM

Add it to your will, 'nuf said.

jhanley · 10-27-09, 07:34 PM

300k design plus 3 rebuilds? so my 80 will go 1.2 mil miles before it needs a new motor? sweet...

beno · 10-27-09, 07:52 PM

There is an SAE article written by the 1FZ engineers that Brian references....I have a copy, Cdan has a copy, and a few other people on here I know have a copy and that article (it's actually a technical document) states 300K kilometers...not miles...before a rebuild is needed on the 1FZ-FE. So technically, if that is the case based on the SAE document, you can get about 900k kilometers out of the 1FZfe block...not miles.

hatman406080 · 10-27-09, 07:52 PM

( '93) 280,000+mi,got to do some work on hope it go 100,000mi more

greentruck · 10-27-09, 08:20 PM

lndcrz,
Glad to see someone else who appreciates Isuzus. They don't get much love. I used to work in a Class 8 garage as a parts smurf and the guys always respected my ride. It's rather long in tooth, though.

One of the reasons I bought our 80 was because I felt comfortable that it would likely be at least as reliable as the Isuzu at the same age. It's clearly hanging together a lot better

Almost what you'd call a "trophy wife"

Probably much cheaper to feed though...

When we started looking for the replacement ride, I was considering anything that was expeditionable and had a continent-wide parts distribution. I just didn't consider the Trooper strong enough. with basically the same engine as my Rodeo. That got me down to a Discovery II and the 80. Once I added "reliable" only the 80 was left standing.

I actually stumbled over the 80 we bought just when I was doing the due diligence and starting to think that while the Rover was sexy, she was high maintenance. We were on the way to Sunday dinner and came across what we now refer to as The Sacred Cow in a used car lot near there. I looked her over, now she's ours, not the banks, because a used 80 is now a very reasonable buy in the current market.

I just filled the tank for the first time from around the town driving and 10.3 mpg is a little brisk. But it takes us a month to go through that, as we use bus and feet a lot, bike sometimes. I was thinking of selling the Rodeo, as it's not THAT much less thirsty, around 16 in town. Still that's more than 50% better. Don't know whether to laugh or cry about that part of it.

I can say that the 80 is definitely a keeper, an investment vehicle, pure and simple.

I wish that the '76 FJ55 I bought new had been. It cost only barely less than the 80, but lasted only 8 years before I let her go -- and that was with a fender change and a Chevy transplant! Those were some tough winters, the winters of 78-79 in the Midwest. The Green Dragon bucked the drifts just fine, but the salt ate her heart too soon. That's one thing that seems to not be an issue with the 80. She's already lasted far longer and shows none of those weaknesses.

cruiserdan · 10-27-09, 09:07 PM

I have a 94 in my carport that was "put down" with 320,000 miles on it because the engine developed a knock. My bet is that it leaked/burned the oil down to a point that starved the reciprocating assembly otherwise I bet it would still be running.

The locked axles out of that truck have run the Rubicon twice under my wife's 95 and that includes two round trips from New Mexico to NorCal to do it.

lndcruz · 10-27-09, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greentruck

lndcrz,
Glad to see someone else who appreciates Isuzus. They don't get much love. I used to work in a Class 8 garage as a parts smurf and the guys always respected my ride. It's rather long in tooth, though.

One of the reasons I bought our 80 was because I felt comfortable that it would likely be at least as reliable as the Isuzu at the same age. It's clearly hanging together a lot better

I can say that the 80 is definitely a keeper, an investment vehicle, pure and simple.

Yeah I feel the same way. I don't really understand why isuzus get such a bad rap, I've never met anyone who actually owns one that isnt satisfied. My father daily drives my old slx(trooper) and he has put 50k on it on in the last year averaging 18mpg, never leaving him stranded or needing anything. And don't get me started on what our 91 has been through.

As much as I like the troopers the 80 is everything the trooper isnt, which is why I own one now

bmac1996acc · 10-28-09, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lndcruz

Yeah I feel the same way. I don't really understand why isuzus get such a bad rap, I've never met anyone who actually owns one that isnt satisfied. My father daily drives my old slx(trooper) and he has put 50k on it on in the last year averaging 18mpg, never leaving him stranded or needing anything. And don't get me started on what our 91 has been through.

As much as I like the troopers the 80 is everything the trooper isnt, which is why I own one now

I'll have to introduce you to my dad. He's had loads of problems with his Rodeo. I think it's a '93. The valves clatter and sound like a diesel. He's tried multiple things suggested to him by multiple mechanics. All the window regulators and switches have been replaced multiple times. One of my neighbors kids had a rebadged Honda Passport Rodeo that had the same valve clatter on a well maintained truck too. I would not consider a Rodeo for anything. I plan on buying an Isuzu commercial box truck when things line up for me.

lndcruz · 10-28-09, 10:39 AM

Thats the typical lifter noise. Its really nothing to worry about, just a design flaw in the oil passages for the lifters. Has he tried rotella oil? Many people see great results with either the 5w40 or 15w40.

But I do agree on the windows, we have two regulators out. But what car is without some kind of issues?

bmac1996acc · 10-30-09, 12:54 PM

I don't know if he tried it or not but I'll definitely ask him. I agree though... most cars will have some sort of problem, especially with age/mileage. I'm just shooting for having less problems, even with high mileage. I'm hoping the Cruiser will fall into that category.

ThePookieBear · 10-30-09, 06:29 PM

My 3FE is just shy of 200,000; a youngster. My moms '91 had 385,000 when we sold it and we only had to replace a few normal wear items and the lifters. Great vehicles.

Beno... keep up the Leinies.

Sunset Wheat is one of the greats.

IdahoDoug · 10-30-09, 10:17 PM

BMAC,

There were some issues with the valvetrain on Isuzu V6s. One thing that happens is they get air in the VLA's (valve lash adjusters) after an oil change where the oil is allowed to drain for a long time, or if the engine sits undriven a lot. That's the clatter. There's a specific series of revving the engine up to a precise RPM and then literally dropping the throttle as harshly as you can that will move fresh oil into them and displace the trapped air. Find this procedure by searching on Google for VLA, trapped air or similar. I posted it once at least 6 years ago on an Isuzu forum or a Montero forum.

DougM

CycloSteve · 10-30-09, 11:11 PM

I think we need to have a set of goals/awards:

Bronze Medal = 250,000 certified miles
Silver Medal =500,000 certified miles
Gold Medal = 1,000,000 certified miles

Get some vendors to toss in some schwag for those who pass those milestones.

Some sort of hall-of-fame 80's list.

bmac1996acc · 10-31-09, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdahoDoug

BMAC,

There were some issues with the valvetrain on Isuzu V6s. One thing that happens is they get air in the VLA's (valve lash adjusters) after an oil change where the oil is allowed to drain for a long time, or if the engine sits undriven a lot. That's the clatter. There's a specific series of revving the engine up to a precise RPM and then literally dropping the throttle as harshly as you can that will move fresh oil into them and displace the trapped air. Find this procedure by searching on Google for VLA, trapped air or similar. I posted it once at least 6 years ago on an Isuzu forum or a Montero forum.

DougM

My dad said they had tried something in a TSB for it that involved putting 0W40 in it and doing something similar to what you described. I told him about the Rotella so maybe that will work. I did a search on it just now and found a discussion on Rotella oil saying the new stuff has less zinc and phosphorus in it. I don't know if the extra zinc is what benefited the Rodeo or not but it's still worth a shot.