98/99 Vs 97 80

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landtoy80

landtoy80

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I was told the 2000+ 100 is the better ones of the 100's.
I can only find a 98/99 100 in my price range.
Would I be better off getting a 97 80 over a 98/99 100 or are the 98/99 good enough for hard core wheeling?
 
98-99 are very good for wheeling, IMO. I'd go with the '99 for the rear air option.
 
if it's for really hardcore wheeling, then you might be better off with an 80. And these are getting harder to find in good shape apparently so may be worth snapping a good one.
For everything else a 100.
But many will argue that the 03 is the better one to get (5 speed etc), not the 2000.
 
landtoy80 said:
I was told the 2000+ 100 is the better ones of the 100's.
I can only find a 98/99 100 in my price range.
Would I be better off getting a 97 80 over a 98/99 100 or are the 98/99 good enough for hard core wheeling?
Click to expand...


What will be your application/intended use?
 
For me the main advantage of a 2000+ is traction/stability control. Our 98 is just fine, and I probably would not notice a difference vs. the 2000+, especially as a daily driver and family hauler.
 
This discussion has come up a couple of times, and there are pretty good arguments on both sides (try searching 'stablility control' or 'VSC'). I've got an '01, and I know that at least a few guys on here have really gotten help from the VSC when they didn't expect it. I haven't had that experience yet, but I'm glad to have it. The '03 with the 5-speed is the next big step forward, but if 98-99 is pushing your price range, those won't likely be of much interest.

For hardcore wheeling, like you mentioned, the 80 is probably the best (cheaper, narrower, live axle, more mods). My 100 suits me perfectly: comfortable DD, hauls things, and able to tackle 8" of unplowed snow when I need to get to the hospital.

A bunch of guys on here have both an 80 and a 100. Hopefully they'll toss $0.02 each into the thread.
 
What do you mean by hardcore wheeling? Is this also a daily driver?

Any 100 series can be built pretty well anymore. Just look around this site for ideas. Also look at Slee's new creation! The 100 has a V8, rear heat and A/C, a more comfortable ride, possibly traction control, armrests on the front seats, etc.
 
100's have been over Golden Spike, Moab rim, Holly Cross city, Rubicon, if you are more "hard core than that" get an 80. I've had great luck with my 98. Sure I'd like a 2003, but who wouldn't? I've go no regrets about buying a 100 over an 80. I'm currently saving my pennies for a front arb locker. The arguments for a 2000+ mostly have to do with the front dif carrier, more so than trac vs locker. IMHO I'm guessing It'll cost me $1600 for a front locker. If you can find a 2000+ for less than $1600 more than a 98-99 buy it. Otherwise, pull the trigger and get the 98-99.
 
It is true that a 100 can do very hardcore stuff when properly outfitted. OTOH, it is likely cheaper and easeir to outfit the 80 to do comparable stuff, plus the smaller size is often a big advantage in "hardcore" wheeling, I would say. And you get a SA with the 80.

As already mentioned, I guess the crux of the matter is what kind of "hardcore" stuff do you want to do, and how much vs asphalt?
 
I've given up on 80's. My just-built LX450 will probably go up for sale. We have to decide.

Check this link out. It's from two AZ trails. These obstacles are notably MORE difficult than ANYTHING I encountered on Golden Spike or Fins. Properly built the 100 is up about any trail task and with so many more advantages. I'm tired of settling for the 80 on the trail (and mines even at 6" up now). And, you don't need a multi-thousand dollar solid axle swap to do it right either.

Make sure you scroll down to see Rod's 100 go too:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=151339
 
ShottsUZJ100 said:
I've given up on 80's. My just-built LX450 will probably go up for sale. We have to decide.

Check this link out. It's from two AZ trails. These obstacles are notably MORE difficult than ANYTHING I encountered on Golden Spike or Fins. Properly built the 100 is up about any trail task and with so many more advantages. I'm tired of settling for the 80 on the trail (and mines even at 6" up now). And, you don't need a multi-thousand dollar solid axle swap to do it right either.

Make sure you scroll down to see Rod's 100 go too:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=151339
Click to expand...


No...but an honest 3.5-4" of front lift capability would make it alot better (at least for me).
 
spressomon said:
No...but an honest 3.5-4" of front lift capability would make it alot better (at least for me).
Click to expand...

I hera ya.....though with my 80 at 6" now I feel I had a more capable machine OVERALL with it, and my last 80, at about 3.5. Any height is a compromise of some sort, good or bad. Considering my 100 equpped as is can run about anything I don't see the overall benefit of a SAS....for me. Not sure I want more height either. Maybe another inch up front. ???
 
Not to rain on your parade amigo but Consumer reports rated the 98/99 unacceptable due to roll over concerns. A 97 80 is now 10 years old and requires a good deal of maintenance. What is your budget? For 12k you can get a nice 80, 17k a 03+ V8 4Runner, 12k 01+ 4Runner.
 
ShottsUZJ100 said:
I hera ya.....though with my 80 at 6" now I feel I had a more capable machine OVERALL with it, and my last 80, at about 3.5. Any height is a compromise of some sort, good or bad. Considering my 100 equpped as is can run about anything I don't see the overall benefit of a SAS....for me. Not sure I want more height either. Maybe another inch up front. ???
Click to expand...


If I had 1" additional height (and corresponding caster correction) in front without comprimising suspension travel I would be a happy camper! For my uses the IFS is a benefit for me!
 
spressomon said:
If I had 1" additional height (and corresponding caster correction) in front without comprimising suspension travel I would be a happy camper! For my uses the IFS is a benefit for me!
Click to expand...

Ya...I think be both want the same thing. It'd be cool to level that front out. Knowing me though I'd space up the rear then. :D
 
My .02. Trying not to repeat too much info. I started shopping for a 97 LC when I started (one of the best 4X4's all time no ?). Drove both, but being test drives, both were on pavement (90%of my driving)- so take that for what its worth and do the same. I then started looking at 98-99 for the money - very close to those much sought after 97's but night and day difference in comfort and updated interiors. Oh, and don't forget the power of the V8 - as mentioned plenty of times - you will see if you test an 80 and a 100 on the same day, preferably one after the other. Then careful and patient shopping lead me to the 2000 for all the added features as stated above and in several other threads. Sure I am with the others and would love to have been able to afford the 03+ 5 Speed, but that is a huge price jump and then it gets to the point of "do I want to wheel this fine vehicle"?
Best of luck shopping. Repeat: What will you do with it 90% of the time???
 
I was looking for '96/'97 80 series before I got my 99. I eventually went to the 100 for the V8. I expect to do some light towing, pop-up, small boat in the future, and I think it will handle better. I did see a few of the 80 series in that range, however, they were in the 15-18k, which I wasn't willing to pay.

Chances are, you will have an easier time finding a 98-99 in the condition, style you want versus finding the 80 series.

I won't be doing any hardcore off-roading, so as far as capability goes, they were going to be more than I could ever need. Based on the pictures I have seen on this forum, I think most people, (not including the hardcore off-roading enthusiasts extreme trails, rock-crawling, etc) will find that a stock 100 will more than meet any of the situations they encounter.

Just my $.02
 
I am selling my 80 due to my 130 m/day commute.
I hope the commute will be over by winter, if so, I will be in the market for a LC.
I will keep an eye out for a sweethart deal like I found last winter but the dealer wouldn't call back. It was a damaged 100 from the owner driving through a fence.
Some one must of snagged it up before the dealer could call me back.

I plan on using it on most trails in CO and UT and would like to hit the harder rock trails once in a while.
 
landtoy80 said:
It was a damaged 100 from the owner driving through a fence.
Some one must of snagged it up before the dealer could call me back.
Click to expand...


Wonder if Slee bought it and turned it into his project whale?
 
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