100 Series vs 80 Series

[ShottsUZJ100]

And as someone who is also trying to decide, there are many pros and cons to both. Also, quite a bit of difference of opinion on both.

I'm still confused!

There's LITTLE difference as to which is the better vehicle. 100-series is the obvious choice....especially for safety and comfort.

The ONLY debate is in the harder-core segment. Harder core wheelers prefer a solid front axle, a smaller body and having lockers from the factory. These are the ONLY advantages on the 80's. In every other way the 100 excels and by a wide margin.

As far as the hard-core wheelers....be careful who you believe Slinger. If you want a Rubicon machine, buy a Jeep or a 40. In an 80 it's a struggle...in a 100 it's more of a struggle cause it's even bigger. On the typical 4+ trail (on a 5 scale) the 100 can do the job too and in far more comfort. (as some of us have proved)

 

[spressomon]

This is all really great info everybody. Thank you all for the posts. It's crazy, I go to work (where I do not have internet, so I can't waste my day on here), come back, and it takes me 20 minutes to read the thread. Gotta love Mud!

I get the general consensus here, and it's pretty much what I thought it would be. Better ride for the 100 series and better off road (for those rare trails where we need it) for the 80 series (pretty much becuase of the front end.

So, I don't want to take this thread too far off topic, but I have to ask. Are there any known issues with the 100 series when buying a used one. Will probably be looking 98-99, since that's what the budge will allow. Don't believe in car payments, so I'll still to the early years.

Any known problems I should look for? What I've always done when bying a used vehicle is look for as many service records as possible, have it checked out at a local dealer (including compression check) and check it/drive it myself. Any other tips or suggestions if I look for a 100?

Aside from what you would look for in any rig:
90K PM: Timing belt is the biggy here...but water pump, idler, belts, hoses...the typical stuff.
Check the CV boots for leakage...another bargaining chip.
Check for the exhaust manifold leak...not all are effected.
Remember if you plan to wheel it, even mildly as some have found out the hard way, to plan on installing an ARB front locker to shore up the front diff weak link on 100's.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

We certainly do.


Never had any cooling issue with any of my Toyotas yet, have heard of some problems on the forums.

Is there any way you could leave these ridiculous exaggerations (aka lies) out of these threads? The 80 series brakes are in no form or fashion, "dangerous". In fact they work quite well. The 100 series brakes are definitely better than the 80, but world class? I don't think so.


All of mine have been silent.


I agree the build quality and durability is different as evidenced by the 100 series weak cable support for the tailgate, the tailgate that has more flex than the 80, easily scratched plastic door sills, 3rd row seats that won't stay in the up position with out banging around, rattling exhaust shields, lack of redundant drive belts, wandering/vague steering, lack of fr/rr lockers, lack of useful sliding cargo windows, styling which some consider bland.


More comfortable? Yes. More amenities? Yes. Different class? No, simply an update of the world renowned Land Cruiser.



Either that or you are an attention seeker, you do it every time there is a 80/100 thread.


As an owner of both, I am as qualified as any to call this: Bull****


What, some marketing material trying to get you to buy a new Land Cruiser?

I won't argue with you Ben. Arguments on this topic are meaningless because we all have different priorities.

I must say however......if you think the brakes on an 80-series work "quite well" then you must never have been in an emergency situation or drive off-road down very steep hills.....or if you have, you've not taken your 100 or a typical car, van , or anyting else there. I've never driven a vehicle with worse brakes.

The brakes on an 80 are simply unacceptable. My wife rear-ended a lady for almost no reason. If we'd a been in the 100 it a never touched the lady. You can stand on the suckers and they don't GRAB in the 80. They slowly slow the thing down and that's it. They SUCK and are dangerous in my opinion. Safety is a concern and EVERY day my kids or wife takes an 80 instead of the 100/Rx8 I remind them to be careful.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

We certainly do.


Never had any cooling issue with any of my Toyotas yet, have heard of some problems on the forums.

Is there any way you could leave these ridiculous exaggerations (aka lies) out of these threads? The 80 series brakes are in no form or fashion, "dangerous". In fact they work quite well. The 100 series brakes are definitely better than the 80, but world class? I don't think so.


All of mine have been silent.


I agree the build quality and durability is different as evidenced by the 100 series weak cable support for the tailgate, the tailgate that has more flex than the 80, easily scratched plastic door sills, 3rd row seats that won't stay in the up position with out banging around, rattling exhaust shields, lack of redundant drive belts, wandering/vague steering, lack of fr/rr lockers, lack of useful sliding cargo windows, styling which some consider bland.


More comfortable? Yes. More amenities? Yes. Different class? No, simply an update of the world renowned Land Cruiser.



Either that or you are an attention seeker, you do it every time there is a 80/100 thread.


As an owner of both, I am as qualified as any to call this: Bull****


What, some marketing material trying to get you to buy a new Land Cruiser?

And by the way....I luv your passion for the 80-series. When I'm in mine on the trail my head is HIGH! VERY HIGH!

On this topic however....80 vs 100....in almost every way the 100 is a much improved vehicle. We must admit it despite our dedication to our "old luv".

Bottom line.....line up 100 folks....have them spend 2 hours in each vehicle...on-road, off-road, and difficult off-road....then give them their choice. 90% will pick the UZJ100.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Nope, we haven't. Ijust moved here about a year ago. To be honest, I haven't done any wheeling in my Cruiser. I know, it's a sin. But, just havne't really hooked up with people to do it. I'm a novice, so I don't want to get in trouble on my own. Maybe we can hook up sometime down the road and you can show me the ropes here in AZ.

Yes....we need to. Let's do it. I'll keep you posted on trips. YOU are the person asking this questionon this thread. I can promise you that if you go on a difficult run with our AZ Clubs and you see the 100 run against the 80 you'll consider it "as" capable. Only if we run some wild and extreme trail will you give the 80 a SMALL edge.

Then, when you condsider all the other advantages the 100 offers (traction control, power rear windows...just poking at Firetruck41 ) you will see the merits of my posts.

Oh, and by the way....another poke: My exhaust shields on the 100 are new-quiet. BOTH my 80's have vibrating shields. My 100 has 4x more off-road miles than my 80s. Firetruck.....beer to you!

 

[firetruck41]

I have no doubt that many consider the 100 a better vehicle, in fact I do, in many ways. I just have not seen anything that would make me think the build quality or reliability of the 80 is inferior to the 100. The 100 is not the best vehicle for me as, as I prefer my 80, but I still love the 100, and have no plans to get rid of it any time soon.

I am able to stand on my brakes and activate ABS in my 80 without much effort, that means it is capable of locking up the wheels without much drama, I also have never run into anything in front of me, so the brakes work perfectly fine, though not nearly as good as a 100 series. In an 80 series you may have to brake earlier than a 100, a 100 may have to brake earlier than an M5, none are dangerous.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

I have no doubt that many consider the 100 a better vehicle, in fact I do, in many ways. I just have not seen anything that would make me think the build quality or reliability of the 80 is inferior to the 100. The 100 is not the best vehicle for me as, as I prefer my 80, but I still love the 100, and have no plans to get rid of it any time soon.
I am able to stand on my brakes and activate ABS in my 80 without much effort, that means it is capable of locking up the wheels without much drama, I also have never run into anything in front of me, so the brakes work perfectly fine, though not nearly as good as a 100 series. In an 80 series you may have to brake earlier than a 100, a 100 may have to brake earlier than an M5, none are dangerous.

Ben: I admire your luv and dedication to your 80. I do have a challenge for you however:

Take your 100, add an ARB front locker, OME T-bars, OME N74L rear shocks, tune the lift to 2.75" front and 3" rear and then see how you feel off the pavement. Keep it balanced.....front steel bumper then add a rear steel bumper.

If you (and others) modify your 100 to the standard of your 80 then you will be amazed. Add in the new enhancements and I promise you....YOU WILL WANT TO TAKE YOUR 100 ON THE TRAIL MORE! Save your 80 for the Rubicon if you EVER go, and/or the other rare super tight trails.

And...if you want MAXIMUM fun? Use a modified 100 for on-road and 95% of the trail stuff and then pull a Jeep Rubicon JK to the VERY FEW extreme trails....like the Rubicon.

 

[firetruck41]

Ben: I admire your luv and dedication to your 80. I do have a challenge for you however:

Take your 100, add an ARB front locker, OME T-bars, OME N74L rear shocks, tune the lift to 2.75" front and 3" rear and then see how you feel off the pavement. Keep it balanced.....front steel bumper then add a rear steel bumper.

If you (and others) modify your 100 to the standard of your 80 then you will be amazed. Add in the new enhancements and I promise you....YOU WILL WANT TO TAKE YOUR 100 ON THE TRAIL MORE! Save your 80 for the Rubicon if you EVER go, and/or the other rare super tight trails.

And...if you want MAXIMUM fun? Use a modified 100 for on-road and 95% of the trail stuff and then pull a Jeep Rubicon JK to the VERY FEW extreme trails....like the Rubicon.

You may be right, but I don't have the money to do any of that...

 

[Filmpros]

Buy them both...!!!

And as someone who is also trying to decide, there are many pros and cons to both. Also, quite a bit of difference of opinion on both.

I'm still confused!

 

[Filmpros]

I find it entertaining..

let's make sure this thread doesn't degenerate like some earlier ones, eh...!

 

[hoser]

Another note - a 99 and 00 are worlds apart as far as a solid feel. The 99 feels more 80ish and the 00 feels more lexus like. I am not sure what happened between 99 and 00 but man what a difference a year makes.

Of the '00s LX's I test drove and the '98 LX that I bought with about the same mileage, they felt equally solid. Perhaps your case was just your two particular 100's?

I am able to stand on my brakes and activate ABS in my 80 without much effort, that means it is capable of locking up the wheels without much drama

Ability to lock up brakes does not qualify brakes as good. Most any modern brakes can be locked up if you apply enough force.

One aspect that isn't mentioned is the difference in safety between the 80 and 100. Choose an '03 100 and you can have Vehicle Skid Control, front and side curtain airbags in addition to advances in cabin design safety. Of all the crash tests I've seen the 100 scored much higher than the 80.

 

[firetruck41]

Ability to lock up brakes does not qualify brakes as good. Most any modern brakes can be locked up if you apply enough force.

It does mean they are not dangerously weak, however.

It is almost certain that each generation of a vehicle is safer than the previous one.

 

[dclee]

One thing to add is that the Heeps, and even the 40s, carry very little camping gear, especially after you take up space with your recovery gear, tools, and spares. Forget about it if you have a passenger (and ONE passenger is all you get).

For many, it's the versatility of the wagon that is its appeal. You don't typically see short-wheelbase vehicles on expeditions because they are very specialized vehicles. However, the 80 Series will do the Rubicon with relative ease, carrying the whole family, as well as a buttload of gear, and at the same time will comfort its passengers in leather and air conditioning on the trail. Not many vehicles can display this level of versatility. And something the 80 does have over the 100 is the relative ease of working on it on the trail and the availability of parts and knowledge. For many who actually use these trucks, that is a very important concern.

On the topic of brakes, I've said this before and I'll say it again. 80s brakes are fine for their intended purpose. There are plenty of threads on MUD and discussions on 80sCool about the engineering that went into them. Sure, 100's brakes are better. And the brakes on my SAAB make the 100 look like an old 40 that needs new drum linings. Do I therefore complain that the 100's brakes are unsafe? No, because that would be a stupid argument to make.

It's all relative and ultimately, the key is to drive within the limitations of the vehicles. It's called common sense. If one know one's vehicle, and one knows it's a big heavy truck, one won't tailgate that sportscar (with great brakes) in front of one. Neither 80 nor 100 is a Ferrari. Don't drive it like one, and don't expect it to brake like one. If one exhibits some intelligence and common sense, one will stay within the design parameters of the vehicle's performance. Here's a simple comparison (the distances are meant to be relative, not absolute):

If one is driving a(n)...
...18 wheeler - stay way the f#$k back!
...Suburban - stay maybe 10 car lengths back at 60 mph
...80 Series - stay maybe 8
...100 Series - stay maybe 7
...Camry - stay maybe 6
...BMW M3 - stay maybe 4
...Ferrari Enzo - stay maybe 3

Now, I should caveat all of this by saying that I'm giving up my 80 (as much as that pains me) and keeping the 100. But that's mainly because the 100 is a better baby/grocery-carrier, and I'm trading in the 80 for something even more primitive...

 

[hoser]

It does mean they are not dangerously weak, however.

It is almost certain that each generation of a vehicle is safer than the previous one.

I agree, 80 brakes are not dangerously weak, you just have to plan accordingly. But I haven't driven any modern passenger vehicles that had dangerously weak brakes. Perhaps you've been driving Fire Trucks or Ambulances too long.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I'm trading in the 80 for something even more primitive...

Here it is:

 

[hoser]

On the topic of brakes, I've said this before and I'll say it again. 80s brakes are fine for their intended purpose. ...It's all relative and ultimately, the key is to drive within the limitations of the vehicles. It's called common sense.

I totally agree with you about driving within the vehicles limitations. But you can't always control or predict what other drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians or animals will do around you. This thread is a comparison between the two vehicles not a checkoff list.

AM/FM Stereo....

Power Windows...

Brakes...

BTW, nice rig!!!

 

[dclee]

I totally agree with you about driving within the vehicles limitations. But you can't always control or predict what other drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians or animals will do around you. This thread is a comparison between the two vehicles not a checkoff list.

I agree. I also agree that the 100 has relatively better braking than the 80. I just take issue with the demagoguery of the 80 as having "unsafe" brakes. Some would call that libel! No need to be spewing that kind of stuff around on a tech forum, IMHO. And BTW, remembering that all of this is relative, using the same logic, I could easily call the 100's brakes "unsafe" as compared to, as Andy says, just about any car or mini-van out there on the road, or even a number of competitive SUVs.

BTW, Mercedes really f'd up the brakes on the UNIMOG. Those things are just flat out UNSAFE!!!

 

[hoser]

Oh got it. I see who you are referring to. For the record, 80 series brakes are not dangerous NOR are 100 series brakes world class!!

 

[dclee]

Here it is:

Hey, is that from this weekend? Quick on the trigger! Here's a close approximation of what it'll look like when I'm done (except for the color):

 

[uzj100]

Yes, I was comparing a 99 Toyota LC to a 00 Toyota LC.

My 96 seems to be more quiet than the 91, 92 and 95 80's I have owned.

I would think the 98 LX would have already had all the great sound deadening.

uzj100

ps - I finally made it to 1000 posts.