Help Needed: What would you use $3K to do to your 80? (1 Viewer)

[Nathan King]

Looking for input. I have a 1996 80 Series with 412,000 miles (original engine and original transmission). I have a budget of $3K. I am looking for input on what I should do to keep my 80 going strong so I can have confidence in it to take long trips. I am not talking about Overlanding mods. I am talking about making sure the vehicle is mechanically strong and upgrades that will increase performance/efficiency.

Here's what I have done so far:

Fixed all leaks.
Valve Cover Gasket
Replaced all hoses and vacuum lines.
Replaced all belts 40K miles ago
New EGR
New Alternator
New power steering system
Fixed minor rust and repainted entire vehicle
Dual Battery Setup (2nd Starting battery)
Rear (House) Battery Setup with Redarc BC/DC Charger
Old Man Emu Lift and shocks
Mud Tires
Rear Axle Seals
Front Axle job
Heavy Duty Front Bumper w/ Winch
Heavy Duty Rear Bumper with Tire Carrier
Roof rack
Awning
LED Lights
Rebuilt Transfer Case
Fitted Seat Covers



Other cosmetic items.


What should I do to the vehicle or at least have inspected? I live in Florida and I want to feel good about jumping it and driving 10 hours to the mountains or cross-country out to the desert.

 

[paulzak]

Save it for the head gasket.

 

[JeepinPete]

Sounds like you already did it!

 

[thatcabledude]

Invest the money or put in savings. Sounds like the truck is dialed to me.

 

[vegasfj40]

I replaced my fuel pump with an OE Toyota as PM. May not be necessary but I've been around lots of failed fuel pumps in my day. Also I assume you've replaced spark plugs and wires preferably with OE?

 

[vegasfj40]

When you did the heater hoses did you replace the heater control valve?

 

[rolliges]

Cooling system: hoses, thermostat, fan clutch, heater valve, rad, rad cap, bypass pipe & o-rings.

Fluid Film underneath since you like the beach!

 

[Comet]

Nothing. Do nothing. Buy AAA membership with 200 mile tow and drive.

 

[coax]

Ignition system maintenance like plugs and wires, rotor, etc?
Fan clutch fluid ?
Seat gears?
New windshield?
O2 sensors?
Grease driveshafts?
Check oil filter and make sure it’s not Napa/wix?
Fusible link replaced?

Sounds like you’ve got nearly everything already sorted out already. Time for adventure!

 

[lumbee1]

Regear to 4.88's and then drive it.

 

[Nathan King]

Save it for the head gasket.

How much will that run me?

 

[Nathan King]

I replaced my fuel pump with an OE Toyota as PM. May not be necessary but I've been around lots of failed fuel pumps in my day. Also I assume you've replaced spark plugs and wires preferably with OE?

Yes.

 

[Nathan King]

When you did the heater hoses did you replace the heater control valve?

Yes.

 

[Nathan King]

Nothing. Do nothing. Buy AAA membership with 200 mile tow and drive.

Thanks. How much is the AAA?

 

[Nathan King]

Ignition system maintenance like plugs and wires, rotor, etc?
Fan clutch fluid ?
Seat gears?
New windshield?
O2 sensors?
Grease driveshafts?
Check oil filter and make sure it’s not Napa/wix?
Fusible link replaced?

Sounds like you’ve got nearly everything already sorted out already. Time for adventure!

Fan clutch fluid ? No. Thinking of getting there blue upgrade. What do you think?
Seat gears? Seats are good.
New windshield? Yes. When I had it painted.
O2 sensors? No. But I will.
Grease driveshafts? All the time.
Check oil filter and make sure it’s not Napa/wix? Only use K n N
Fusible link replaced? Yes. I made it better.

What about aux fan to cool then engine bay down?

 

[Nathan King]

Regear to 4.88's and then drive it.

Why? I thought stock gears were plenty. I run 33" tires.

 

[jpoole]

I'd do:

• upgraded fan clutch - see wits end site
• any coolant hoses or system components that haven't been replaced recently or from original including rad/rad cap, etc.
• replace any engine vacuum/intake lines that are old including the main intake hose, pcv hose, etc.
• make sure no slack/slop in steering component and/or suspension bushings or wheel bearings/trunion bearings etc.
• make sure all fluids/lubes are fresh and topped up, don't forget brake fluid and coolant changes every few years
• add any creature comforts you want for travel/camping/gear carrying
• setup a basic toolroll, tow rope and booster cables and stow them away somewhere
• setup AAA and go

 

[Nathan King]

Cooling system: hoses, thermostat, fan clutch, heater valve, rad, rad cap, bypass pipe & o-rings.

Fluid Film underneath since you like the beach!

Any suggestions for radiator upgrade?

Fluid film?

 

[Nathan King]

I'd do:

• upgraded fan clutch - see wits end site
• any coolant hoses or system components that haven't been replaced recently or from original including rad/rad cap, etc.
• replace any engine vacuum/intake lines that are old including the main intake hose, pcv hose, etc.
• make sure no slack/slop in steering component and/or suspension bushings or wheel bearings/trunion bearings etc.
• make sure all fluids/lubes are fresh and topped up, don't forget brake fluid and coolant changes every few years
• add any creature comforts you want for travel/camping/gear carrying
• setup a basic toolroll, tow rope and booster cables and stow them away somewhere
• setup AAA and go

Thanks. Great feedback. Will do.

 

[Nathan King]

You guys are making me feel good about this old beast.

So next stage, windows are slow or do not work at all. Where do I start?