100 series reliability vs well maintained 80 series

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mcgaskins

mcgaskins

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
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103
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Location
Denver, CO
I currently have a 100 series that I truly enjoy and have low miles for a 98 at 126k. I bought it with the intention to keep it for a long time for weekend mild to medium wheeling trips, ski trips, camping and to be a daily driver. I come from a background of fairly capable Jeeps and fairly difficult wheeling but was more attracted to Toyota for durability and reliability. I've so far modded with a small lift, Duratracs, sliders, front bumper and winch and other small bits. I've found that the vehicle is very reliable and solid with the 33" tires, but I think that if you pound it hard it's possible to break the front diff, steering, and potentially other parts. If you move up beyond 33" tires then the cost to get everything running properly is far more expensive. With the 4 speed on 35s you definitely need to regear, put in an ARB up front for strength, UCAs, body lift, etc. to be reliable and comfortably those tires.

I have gone back and forth if I want to go for something more adept to harder wheeling (on 35" to 37" tires) and the two vehicles I've looked at are a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon and an 80 series. Lockers, strong axles, and solid axles are pretty much a requirement as are 4 doors, so other than a G wagon there's not much out there built that way from the factory. I'm considering trading my 100 for a nicely built 80 series that recently had the motor rebuilt, axles rebuilt with 5.29 gears, has factory lockers and seems clean with low miles (130k). I know a lot of you here have gone from the 80 series to the 100 series, so I'm curious if that's a decision you regret or are happy with. Does the 80 come pretty close to the reliability of the 100 in your actual experience? I know two of the common 80 issues are the PHH and the head gasket, which obviously were taken care of with the rebuild. Curious about your opinions..trying to look at the 80 this weekend.
 
Why would the 80 motor be rebuilt at 130k?

Beamed from my Galaxy 4 using IH8MUD to your computer screen
 
jasonbraswell said:
Why would the 80 motor be rebuilt at 130k?

Beamed from my Galaxy 4 using IH8MUD to your computer screen
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Apparently the head gasket went. When he rebuilt it by a guy here locally in CO they did what sounds like a really thorough job and over bored it to 4.6L too.
 
If my 80 had 130,000 miles, I'd still be driving it. Only reason I moved into a 100 series was the mileage I had accumulated on the 80 (well over 200k) and my wife wavering on continuing to use it for long trips. It took a lot to bring it back to life when I purchased it with 112,000 miles (previous owner of the 80 was less than diligent on PM, but once at base line it was an incredible vehicle). I prefer the size of the 80, front and rear lockers, solid axles, and overall simplicity of the vehicle compared to my 2006 100 series. I hope I'm not crucified for saying this, but the only thing I like more about my 100 series is the extra power in the V8. Even with that, I really liked the inline 6 of the 80 series (just wasn't as pleasant to drive at 70 mph).

I'm very happy with the 100 series, but still miss my 80 at times.
 
Bloomer said:
If my 80 had 130,000 miles, I'd still be driving it. Only reason I moved into a 100 series was the mileage I had accumulated on the 80 (well over 200k) and my wife wavering on continuing to use it for long trips. It took a lot to bring it back to life when I purchased it with 112,000 miles (previous owner of the 80 was less than diligent on PM, but once at base line it was an incredible vehicle). I prefer the size of the 80, front and rear lockers, solid axles, and overall simplicity of the vehicle compared to my 2006 100 series. I hope I'm not crucified for saying this, but the only thing I like more about my 100 series is the extra power in the V8. Even with that, I really liked the inline 6 of the 80 series (just wasn't as pleasant to drive at 70 mph).

I'm very happy with the 100 series, but still miss my 80 at times.
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That is good feeback thank you. With this particular 80, I think the power should probably be decent with the bored out motor and 5.29 gears. It currently has 37" tires but I think I would downsize to a ~35" Duratrac to help with weight and drivability.
 
mcgaskins said:
That is good feeback thank you. With this particular 80, I think the power should probably be decent with the bored out motor and 5.29 gears. It currently has 37" tires but I think I would downsize to a ~35" Duratrac to help with weight and drivability.
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FWIW, there's been a few super chargers for 80's in the classifieds lately.
 
mcgaskins said:
Yep you are correct!
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If you want an 80, go for it. It's awesome everywhere except daily driving, towing and road trips..
I've never heard of HG going at such low mileage, which makes me believe other variables came into play, but if you trust the rebuild that's a +.


I missed a solid trail rig when I sold my 80 and moved to the 100, which is how I ended up with a 40. Best of both worlds but an 80 is also a good medium trail and DD.

80 is cheap now; if you can afford both for a while, then make a decision.
 
I have both an 80 and have three 100s. They are similar as far as durability goes. The added gadgets and electronics can sometimes go on the 100s. On two of the 100s, I have had to replace the air conditioning lines because they run under the truck to the back and they corrode. I have the Lexus versions, and have the AHC. I have never had a problem with that.
 
I've owned one 80 series and 4 - 100 series. If I was you sounds like the 80 is the way to go. Both are reliable. The 80 is better looking. The 100 series more luxury and power. I would buy another 80 series if I could find the right one!!! Let us know how you enjoy your new 80 series. :)
 
well, if you've already determined that the 100 is not enough for *your* type of wheeling, then you couldn't go wrong with an 80. And if Robbie did the rebuild, that would be a big doubt removed. And if you have the HG and PHH done, then your properly maintained 80 would likely be at least as much if not more reliable than a typical 100 I would say.
 
mattjm321 said:
Are any of the 80 series OBD 2? Is getting a scanner to work on them an issue? I've had a friend with an 80 and I have a 100. The 100 is so much more vehicle.
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Yes, 95+, I had a '97 and had no issues with my code scanner working on it.
 
Listen.... If Robbie did the engine build then that is 99% of the issue of whether the price is worth it or not moved out of your way.

Now all you need to do is see about the following:

1. Body and frame: rust or no?

2. Tranny and xfer case: does the vehicle shift well through all of the gears. Does the xfer case work as advertised and intended.

3. Front and rear axles: are they clean? Has the maintenance been done?

Once you answer all of the above then you are good to go deciding whether you buy or don't based on the results.

Good luck.
 
beno said:
Listen.... If Robbie did the engine build then that is 99% of the issue of whether the price is worth it or not moved out of your way.
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I haven't been around mud for very long so forgive the ignorance but... Who's Robbie? Sounds like someone to get to know.
 
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