100 series?

BBQ BOY · 10-08-09, 11:43 PM

Hey y'all,
I have been thinking of getting an every day driver that I can also wheel and actually drive to club event. The 40 isn't suitable for long drives and I feel that I miss out on great things. Anyway, I was considering a 60/62 but remembered that I want to take the wife and kids on trail rides and club events. Now I am looking into an 80 and 100. I like the both for different reasons and know the 80 is superior to the 100 in extreme off road. i am not an extreme off roader anyway so that doesn't matter. What I want to know is what is y'alls opinion of the 100 off road? Anyone here have one or even driven or seen one wheeled?
Also, I know the 80 has a solid front axle but what do I need to look for in a 100 that is a must? For example when I am looking for an 80 I am looking for a locked 80. Is there such a thing as a locked 100 or is automatic?

steenh · 10-09-09, 04:36 AM

I have a built 100 that I wheel pretty hard at times. I love it and while I know it's not going to go everywhere that a built 80 can go, it will go everywhere I'd want to take it... very capable!

The early 98-99's came with rear factory locker. The only "weak" point on the hundy's is the front dif (at least that's what you'll read... mine had 150k miles when I switched it out) and a lot of guys put in ARB lockers in the front for the added capability and to eliminate the weak point. I did as well and really like it. From 2000 forward, 100's have ATRAC.

From a comfort and power standpoint, 100's are in a different class than 80's... very modern in comparison but you do give up ability to mod. Lift is limited to 2-1/2 inches and tires are limited to 35's with most opting to stay at 285's... but not all.

I now have 160k miles on mine, no issues other than time to replace some bushings. The engines never die... or at least none that I've heard of and many with far more miles than mine has.

There are some quirks with some years (trannies in early 2000's) so I would suggest hitting the 100 board and doing some quick searches... tons of info and I'm not completely up on all of the details.

I couldn't be happier with mine. Let me know if you have any specific questions and I'll be happy to answer for you.

Couple of pics for you...

boombapslappy · 10-09-09, 05:13 AM

I love driving my 62. It's bouncy, It still has a classic look, it smells bad, etc.

That being said, I get a little giddy when I get to drive the wife's 100. It has sliders and 285s otherwise it's stock. Had a great time driving it at Tellico last year on Friday and had no problems on the trails I took. On Sat. I rode with Steen. Night and day stock vs. lifted. But, still a very comfortable ride.

There are tons of threads in the 100 section about the pros and cons of 100 vs. 80 and different years. If you need help finding that info let me know.

99UZJay · 10-09-09, 06:55 AM

Dude, Steenh's 100 is bada$$, I was in my 60 at whee last year and I followed him on the second day... like it was riding on a smooth road compared to my 60.... Or do like me, I have one of both (80 and 100)

Trollhole · 10-09-09, 07:30 AM

It's all about cost and if you plan on towing anything.

You have a 40 so I wouldn't buy a 60 series if you want a good all around daily driver that is reliable.

So your left with an 80 or 100.

Finding an 80 with somewhat low miles and lockers is not that hard. By low miles I mean 125-150k. Should be able to find one in good condition for around 7k. Finding one that hasn't been abused is a little tougher. If you plan on towing anything over 2k long distances forget about getting an 80. If you want decent gas mileage forget about the 80. You gonna get around 14 max in the city. Modding options area lot easier and as stated above the sky is the limit with an 80. There are lifts all the way up to 6 inches. 37" tires are easily attainable. Lifts are pretty cheap and very easy to install. As far as capability an 80 can almost go where a 40 can go and it can definitely go more places than a 60. Just due to the suspension.

A 100 is going to run around 12k for something in decent shape. If you want comfort it really is the way to go. The motor has more power and the vehicle can easily tow large objects much better. I've ridden in a few 100's off road and can say they are extremely capable vehicles. And nothing in the lineup besides the 200 beats it on road for luxury.

jleeFJ62 · 10-09-09, 07:41 AM

"You have a 40 so I wouldn't buy a 60 series if you want a good all around daily driver that is reliable."
"As far as capability an 80 can almost go where a 40 can go and it can definitely go more places than a 60."

ERRONEOUS ON ALL CHARGES!!

cruiser4life · 10-09-09, 08:20 AM

After having had a few of each series, my advice would be to go drive both of them - as much as possible. There is a pretty big difference between the two. If possible drive an 80 first and a 100 second, so you can see / feel / observe the differences, changes and upgrades Toyota implemented.

Being a 40 owner, I'd bet you'd like how tank-like the 80 feels combined with a good bit of refinement. The 80 is still my favorite all purpose Land Cruiser; it is hard to beat as a DD, capable off road truck, roomy road trip vehicle for the family, durable work rig, etc.

When you get into a 100 for a drive, you'll immediately forget about the 80's refinement. The 100 is a whole new animal with the V8 and many creature comforts. It is phenomenal as a DD and can absolutely hold its own off road. If you never plan to really push the limits off road, the front axle won't ever been an issue for you.

You asked about must haves on the 100 - I'd absolutely say the rear air option is a must have. It makes all the difference in the world during our hot summers, especially if you have rear passengers, including dogs in the way back.

I'd also say the 100 in later model years had some nice features added: 4 speed to 5 speed transmission, navigation, etc.

As for the 80: fully locked, low miles and well maintained are the primary search features.

If you want to review some additional details, these two links from Slee's site are good general outlines for each:

80 Series Land Cruiser - Front Bumper
Slee Off-Road 100 Series Newbie Guide

The good news is that you really can't go wrong, you're choosing between two of the best vehicles ever made in my humble, biased opinion!

Oh, and I agree, Steen's 100 is awesome.

BBQ BOY · 10-09-09, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steenh

I have a built 100 that I wheel pretty hard at times. I love it and while I know it's not going to go everywhere that a built 80 can go, it will go everywhere I'd want to take it... very capable!

The early 98-99's came with rear factory locker. The only "weak" point on the hundy's is the front dif (at least that's what you'll read... mine had 150k miles when I switched it out) and a lot of guys put in ARB lockers in the front for the added capability and to eliminate the weak point. I did as well and really like it. From 2000 forward, 100's have ATRAC.

From a comfort and power standpoint, 100's are in a different class than 80's... very modern in comparison but you do give up ability to mod. Lift is limited to 2-1/2 inches and tires are limited to 35's with most opting to stay at 285's... but not all.

I now have 160k miles on mine, no issues other than time to replace some bushings. The engines never die... or at least none that I've heard of and many with far more miles than mine has.

There are some quirks with some years (trannies in early 2000's) so I would suggest hitting the 100 board and doing some quick searches... tons of info and I'm not completely up on all of the details.

I couldn't be happier with mine. Let me know if you have any specific questions and I'll be happy to answer for you.

Couple of pics for you...

Thanks. i love your Cruiser. Anymore pics?

steenh · 10-09-09, 08:59 PM

Not great about keeping pics, but here are a few...

Carp · 10-09-09, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trollhole

As far as capability an 80 can almost go where a 40 can go and it can definitely go more places than a 60. Just due to the suspension.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jleeFJ62

ERRONEOUS ON ALL CHARGES!!

I've got to agree with John. Seen 60's go anywhere an 80 would. There is a caveat though, it takes more money to get a 60 to the capability of the 80, especially the locked 80's.

Sorry for the hijack, but had to defend the last of the spartan wagons...

boombapslappy · 10-09-09, 09:08 PM

Here's a few I took of Steen's hundy at Tellico, Aug. 2008 (OTMT):

boombapslappy · 10-09-09, 09:19 PM

And a few of my wife's DD on the same trip. This was the first time I wheeled...ever. Needless to say, I was a little nervous. I was very impressed with the 100 in stock form.

BBQ BOY · 10-09-09, 10:56 PM

Steenh,
Are those 35's? Tell me about the ride quality. I will be commuting back and forth to one of my restaurants, which is 1 hour on the interstate each way. I am curious how it compares to stock. i know that when a friend of mine lifted his 80 and put 35" mud terrains with an OME lift he said the ride didn't change much at all. Just want something very comfy on trips and something that can be a weekend warrior.
Thanks for the pics guys.

steenh · 10-10-09, 04:58 AM

I have 285 ProComp XT's (33's) on it. I also have the super heavy 863 springs in the rear, and the front lifted as high as is safely possible (which is why you see so little down travel). You would think that would make for a rough ride, but it doesn't at all. In fact, I like the ride much better than stock. 100's stock suspension is very soft with lots of roll through turns and it's a bit "bouncy". With the setup I have, there is very little roll or bounce. Feels very solid on the road, but not at all harsh.

I take mine on long roadtrips all the time and it's very comfortable. 12 hrs to WV this summer as and example and it was a joy to drive. I wouldn't worry about that at all in your selection.

If I had any complaint, it would be that off-road it feels TOO smooth and comfortable. It's a totally different experience wheeling compared to the 40. But I also know that wheeling an 80 is also a very comfy ride.

Comment on 35's... where you'd notice a difference is in the gearing. They would slow you down a bit and I think most that go that big also regear which will cost you another 2-3k. I opted not to go that far down the slippery slope. Didn't think the gains were worth it for the minimal performace gain. If I wanted a hard core truck, I'd do it with an 80 (or bring the 40).

The 100's aren't perfect... but they are very close if you aren't planning on trying to turn it into a rock buggy. Marshall did have a good point... 80's are cheap compared to 100's, both in the initial purchase and the mods. You can find built 80s all over for a fraction of what it would take to buy and build a 100, and finding built 100's is still a challenge. People haven't been building them for nearly as long. Prices have plummeted over the last couple of years so they are becoming much more popular.

If you are coming to the Toys For Tots event in Dec, you can drive mine down to the event and get a feel for what it's like on the highway.

Oh, and Josh, thanks for not posting my weight reduction mod!