1991 FJ80 Offroad Opinions

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C

cruiserdude1

10 Year
Joined
Oct 10, 2011
Threads
4
Messages
26
So I decided that I might pick up this 1991 with about 221-222k for $2500. It's quite well maintained so I guess the price is ok?

I'm still considering not though....I mean, how capable is this thing off-road without the locks that the 1993-97's have.

Just wanted to get everyone's true honest opinion. I do trails and rugged terrain and just wanted to know how well it would do in 4L without the diff locks and can it manage to get out of deep ditches, soft beach sand, mud, etc, etc??
 
It's very capable without lockers. I wheeled my '91 for years (not hardcore rock crawling) without lockers and was always very impressed. (I've since added the rear axle out of locked cruiser.)

The reason it wheels so well is that it's so damn heavy. All that weight keeps the tires planted on the ground. Put an Aussie Locker in the rear diff if you feel you need more traction. Tire choice will make a big difference in sand and mud....
 
I have a locked 97. That being said I run to colorado a couple times a year winter and summer hitting any trail that isnt closed. I have a ranch in east texas with lots of sandy swamps and spring fed creeks. I also have a offroad area by work i access about once a week. I rarely if ever use my lockers including the center difflock. I cycle them at the place by work just to keep them moving. No lift, running revo's. So im pretty much stock. I have had fords and chevys with off road packages and a full size bronco none of these had lockers. I can get to more remote places and get thru the sticky stuff easier in my lc than i ever did in any of my other 4x4s. To add to that I rarely use 4lo. I would say about the only time i do use them is to shut up a kid in a jeep and to keep them working about once every two weeks. 4hi and 2nd gear start get me trough most anything i have put her towards.
 
My opinion, which I am sure many will not agree with, is to not buy that truck. The 91/92 80 series with the 3FE is the worst combination Toyota ever sold in the US. You get the heavy 80 series body, with a gutless engine with terrible fuel economy, without the lockers, without the rear full floater, with the older auto tranny that usually dies around 200k, with less amenities than the later 80 series and less support.
It will wheel fine when properly built, but you will curse the economy and the power.
For not much more money you can get a later one, which will be the much better base for a truck that you will own for a long time.
And BTW, a 220k 91 is not worth $2500.
cheers,
J
 
How hard do you wheel? The 91 and 92s are great, and if we never saw the 93+, we would never knock them. The 3fe is awesome. But since there are the fzjs, you should be able to get one cheaper. I found my first with 360k on it running for a grand.
 
Thanks for the honest opinion.

Do you guys think it would be bad ethics to lower the price down a bit, since we already agreed to $2500 after driving it and what not.
 
Jan-78FJ40 said:
My opinion, which I am sure many will not agree with, is to not buy that truck. The 91/92 80 series with the 3FE is the worst combination Toyota ever sold in the US. You get the heavy 80 series body, with a gutless engine with terrible fuel economy, without the lockers, without the rear full floater, with the older auto tranny that usually dies around 200k, with less amenities than the later 80 series and less support.
It will wheel fine when properly built, but you will curse the economy and the power.
For not much more money you can get a later one, which will be the much better base for a truck that you will own for a long time.
And BTW, a 220k 91 is not worth $2500.
cheers,
J
Click to expand...

:lol:
 
If you truly need lockers, you'll probably need bumpers, skid plates, sliders and many other parts. For occasional wheeling, our 92 has been outstanding. 323K miles and still on the same tranny, engine, head gasket, muffler, etc.
 
SUMMIT CRUISERS said:
If you truly need lockers, you'll probably need bumpers, skid plates, sliders and many other parts. For occasional wheeling, our 92 has been outstanding. 323K miles and still on the same tranny, engine, head gasket, muffler, etc.
Click to expand...

For now, I won't be doing crazy wheeling.
I'm just contemplating over the price of $2500, just wondering if it's reasonable (but seems like some of you don't like the price).
 
This is mine- stock except for the 32" swampers that I borrowed from my 40:steer:
FJ80.webp
 
Depending on condition, $2500 could be a decent price. And 221k miles isn't bad at all as the 3fe is an awesome motor. Under powered? Uhh, so is the 1fz... I actually really like the 3fe, plus it isn't prone to HG failure and head warpage at the slightest hint of an overheat.
If it runs good and has little to no rust, buy it.
 
Try the truck out... I always think of a used toyota like an old dog at the humane society....you have all these people that nick pick this and that and sh!t, but when you meet that truck only you know if its right... Sounds stupid, but trust your gut and remember this is a Toyota!!! Good luck!!!
 
I have to chime in, I have a 91 that we picked up for $3500 a year ago. It had 175,00 miles. It is by far, the best off road rig we have. We took it out on its first run with my built XJ and several other rigs...wait for it... on 17" bald low profile tires... it did spectacular! Just don't ask about the dents in the rockers :) or the fact i had to trailer the XJ home.

In my opinion, buy it, wheel it, and don't look back. As others have said, the weight is an advantage, and they go where you point them. HP may be lacking, but the torque helps ALOT! Any Toyota is an asset regardless of the mileage and year. The 80 was built to be abused and ask for more.
 
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