Let me start by saying my experience is in no way indicative of Most FJZ80's. I bought my 97 Collector's edition on August 16. Since that time I have replaced both the steering column and steering wheel because the horn would'nt work and the wiring on the column looked like it had soaked in a bath tub. I have replaced the tires, and the battery. I have replaced both battery terminals. I attempted to replace the steering stabilizer today, but one side won't come loose. I Have bent a two ton puller trying to get it out, I have hit with a pickle fork and a sledge hammer after heating it with a torch- no luck. Back to the shop it goes. I spent $500 just to get through inspection.It has failed to start on three ocasions and the hits keep coming. This might be understandable if the truck had 200k on it and I only paid 5k for it. Unfortunatly I paid 10k for it and it has 85k miles. Sorry for my ramble I just felt the need to vent. If you are a prospective buyer of an 80 do your self a favor and look it over very carfully before buying.
Why IH8 My Land Cruiser
- Thread starter bullmas1
- Start date
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damn...
you need a beer
you need a beer
Yup. Drink a beer. It'll will all get better.
LOL. So you bought a 13 year old vehicle and are upset about replacing a battery and tires?
Perhaps you should switch to decaff.
Perhaps you should switch to decaff.
you should have kept your sterring column and stuff, it was probably a bad clock spring
once again, drink one for me
once again, drink one for me
What is the starting problem you are having?
He's starting to get really pissed off - that's the problem!!!
Seriously, it sounds like you're getting on top of the issues now, though.
Did you even inspect it before the purchase? You spent 10 grand on a 14 year old cruiser?! Poor decisions yield poor results...
I had my steering stabilizer off in literally three minutes with this little beauty. It worked great but the threads were stripped when I was done so I returned it for a full refund. Many on here swear by it.
Great deal on OTC Tools 7315A at ToolTopia.com
Hang in there...
Great deal on OTC Tools 7315A at ToolTopia.com
Hang in there...
That sucks. Sometimes you buy lemons and you have to figure out how to make lemonade.
yeah, I can relate a little. My new to me 14 year old $8.5k wonder showed up with water in the rear cargo area--rear side window leaking and rusted to crap under the interior trim, that should be fun. A few more rusty spots lurking around the sunroof and roof rack too and door/window trim.
I have an OME kit on the way, so we'll see how the stabilizer goes....at least the head gasket was already replaced on this one.
I have an OME kit on the way, so we'll see how the stabilizer goes....at least the head gasket was already replaced on this one.
Har Har! And you think you got it bad! I buy my bruiser. It Needs a battery, Buy the battery find out alternator is out, replace that radiator blows, replace that powersteering leaks, rebuild that then birfield gives the ghost up, rebuild enitre front axle, tranny starts slipping source another one after two months, transfer case starts popping out of gear lucky guy I am I had an extra. Middle of summer ac condesor blows sky high. I still love it and love every minute of driving it. I am now at the point of modding it to be reinforced.
- Thread starter
- #15
Thanks for the understanding words. Haffi I like diagnosing electrical issues like I like standing barefoot in warm dog sh**. The shop told me I needed a column and steering wheel. I did see the old column and it looked like it had been under water-rusted. I did not do a thourogh inspection and am paying for it. On a positive note I drove it today without the stabilizer and could'nt tell a difference. The old stabilizer was so worn out it was'nt doing anything anyway.
Steering Stabilizer finally popped of following forum. ..
As I sit here drinking a beer for you... I popped that damn stabilzer shock off of the LC today... on the Third attempt.
1st attempt with ball joint wedge /sledge w/ not removing front tire was unsuccessful.
2nd attempt used a hammer chisel with same wedge was unsuccessful.
REMOVE the drivers side wheel/tire !!! Then use the wedge / a 3lb sledge hammer and on the 5th or 6th wack it was off!
Then unbolt the trangular plate mounted to the frame and put it in a big vise to seperate that end.
Best Regards and never give up cause you know that the heart of your beast is good.
Frank
As I sit here drinking a beer for you... I popped that damn stabilzer shock off of the LC today... on the Third attempt.1st attempt with ball joint wedge /sledge w/ not removing front tire was unsuccessful.
2nd attempt used a hammer chisel with same wedge was unsuccessful.
REMOVE the drivers side wheel/tire !!! Then use the wedge / a 3lb sledge hammer and on the 5th or 6th wack it was off!
Then unbolt the trangular plate mounted to the frame and put it in a big vise to seperate that end.
Best Regards and never give up cause you know that the heart of your beast is good.
Frank
Maybe it only had 85k on it because it was broke so much it didn't get driven 
Similar experience here but I still don't regret buying it one bit.
toal bummer!
where are you located? if you can let us know we may be able to point you in the direction of a good Land Cruiser shop nearby who can sort out some of the bigger issues you're having and answer questions to minimize your exposure on repairs. It sounds like you need a good, thorough, inspection from someone who knows what they're looking at.
hang in there - you're going to love this truck when you get it up to spec!
Sorry to hear you are having issues with your 80. I bought my 97 collectors recently as well. Replaced battery and u joints. Need a new exhaust and possible TCase. Have a starnge hum/vibe once and a while. I knew this was a 13yr old vehicle and it would need some work. Today on the way to work the right turn signal indicator was solid after I used it. Pulled over checked left signal and hazards. Still solid. Turned off and back on and still solid. Turned off and removed/replaced fuse and so far so good.
It had trail damage when I bought it. Adding the ARB front and the Houston fab rear only makes the damage look even better
It had trail damage when I bought it. Adding the ARB front and the Houston fab rear only makes the damage look even better
