First time poster, long time lurker.
I am looking for an 1995-1997 FJ80, < 200,000 miles, preferably in Colorado, with locking differentials, to start my first DD and “Expedition” project. I want to be able to take the 80, and my family & dog, on some camping and fishing trips, reaching those perhaps more hard to reach locations.
My budget is around $5k-7k for the “right” base vehicle, perhaps slightly more if it already has some of my desired modifications already done (see below for what I am planning). Obviously the more the base vehicle costs, the less desirable options I will be able to afford to have fitted later … or within this decade! Hopefully I am not completely insane and just looking for something that is not available at this price point - I am sure you guys will tell me if I am !
My future upgrade list will be: 2.5” suspension lift, front bumper, rear bumper & dual carriers, roof rack, WARN winch, dual batteries, the usual list of toys, as time and $ permit.
I believe I am fortunate to have a couple of specialist shops either right here in town, Colorado Springs, or up in the Denver area that will be more than happy to assist me in achieving the “Expedition” vehicle of my dreams.
I am a total newbie & disaster zone when it comes to anything mechanical, my wife worries about me with power tools, as does my Dr. after I almost hacked a leg off with a chain-saw then broke my thumb into pieces with a hammer when building a work bench!).
Given this the 80s mechanics, engine, drivetrain, electrics, are more important than minor aesthetics. I can live with a few minor scrapes, scratches, worn seats, fading paint, dirty carpets, but not with major issues or any rust.
I will obviously need find a nearby shop later to do modifications for me (suggestions always appreciated btw). I highly suspect my mechanical skills will improve once I begin this project – hopefully!
I have already seen a number of what looked to be great potential opportunities in this area, but they were either extreme high mileage, very poor condition, have little or no service history, have been beaten (some literally) to death, have been in accidents, are missing the lockers (seems very common), need high value maintenance performed, e.g. timing belts.
Thus, service history is VERY important to me.
I do intend getting any potential purchases first inspected by a mechanic (or a kind knowledgeable “mudder”), to assist in the evaluation due to my own lack of knowledge. Thus it is very important that any potential vehicle be located in Colorado, not on ebay, or 500 miles away!
Thank you for reading and I look forwards to what should be a fun project ahead !
Kind Regards
John
I am looking for an 1995-1997 FJ80, < 200,000 miles, preferably in Colorado, with locking differentials, to start my first DD and “Expedition” project. I want to be able to take the 80, and my family & dog, on some camping and fishing trips, reaching those perhaps more hard to reach locations.
My budget is around $5k-7k for the “right” base vehicle, perhaps slightly more if it already has some of my desired modifications already done (see below for what I am planning). Obviously the more the base vehicle costs, the less desirable options I will be able to afford to have fitted later … or within this decade! Hopefully I am not completely insane and just looking for something that is not available at this price point - I am sure you guys will tell me if I am !
My future upgrade list will be: 2.5” suspension lift, front bumper, rear bumper & dual carriers, roof rack, WARN winch, dual batteries, the usual list of toys, as time and $ permit.
I believe I am fortunate to have a couple of specialist shops either right here in town, Colorado Springs, or up in the Denver area that will be more than happy to assist me in achieving the “Expedition” vehicle of my dreams.
I am a total newbie & disaster zone when it comes to anything mechanical, my wife worries about me with power tools, as does my Dr. after I almost hacked a leg off with a chain-saw then broke my thumb into pieces with a hammer when building a work bench!).
Given this the 80s mechanics, engine, drivetrain, electrics, are more important than minor aesthetics. I can live with a few minor scrapes, scratches, worn seats, fading paint, dirty carpets, but not with major issues or any rust.
I will obviously need find a nearby shop later to do modifications for me (suggestions always appreciated btw). I highly suspect my mechanical skills will improve once I begin this project – hopefully!
I have already seen a number of what looked to be great potential opportunities in this area, but they were either extreme high mileage, very poor condition, have little or no service history, have been beaten (some literally) to death, have been in accidents, are missing the lockers (seems very common), need high value maintenance performed, e.g. timing belts.
Thus, service history is VERY important to me.
I do intend getting any potential purchases first inspected by a mechanic (or a kind knowledgeable “mudder”), to assist in the evaluation due to my own lack of knowledge. Thus it is very important that any potential vehicle be located in Colorado, not on ebay, or 500 miles away!
Thank you for reading and I look forwards to what should be a fun project ahead !
Kind Regards
John
arrggghhh ! so tempting ! 
