3 FJ80s, What to do?

[devilc]

Over the past month, I have picked up 3 (yes three) FJ80s via Craigslist.
Don't laugh! No really.
1 runs, 2 do not.
So here is what I have:
1) 1991 with 175k. Paid $500 for it. Great body, small front-end collision. 3FE is tight. Power steering and H2O pump both need to be replaced. Interior is destroyed. Many cabin parts are missing or destroyed. Looks like someone hauled livestock in it ... or used it to house livestock.
2) 1992 with 295k. Paid $700 for it. Excellent body all around. Blown head gasket. Owner started tinkering when he discovered it was blown. Been sitting with the plugs out in his side yard for 3 months.
3) 1993 with 215k. Traded it for a case of 5.56mm greentip. Blown head gasket. Warped block. Has not run for more than a year. Engine is bad all around. Owner claims he owned it for the past 150k miles and rarely changed the oil and did exactly no PM on it. It is shockingly clean though. Frame is rust free. Overall, it's cleaner than my 07 4Runner ...

So where to begin?
I am a novice to Land Cruisers ... Have a garage with a lift and all the tools one would need to do whatever. Have space to tear more than one vehicle apart and think about things.
Decide which one has the soundest body and put the best engine in it, then go from there?
Your thoughts please.
Thanks all.

 

[ewillis]

That was your plan right? Start with #3 and use the parts from #1 and #2 to get it going.

 

[devilc]

I have to admit, I did not really have a plan per-se ...
Planned to use the engine from #1 to make #2 whole.
THEN the guy asked me if I was interested in any trades ... did not think anyone would trade a Cruiser (even with a blown HG) for 1000 rounds of ammo.
So there is that. Did not intend to get 3 of them ... now I am kind of thrown off.

Do you hardcore Cruiser enthusiasts keep a spare one on the back lot to tear parts off of?

 

[94SRUNNER]

I know several guys who keep there own parts vehicles. It isn't a bad idea if you have the space.

You have a good plan with Cruisers #1 and #2. As for #3, I would source a low mileage 1FZ to install and enjoy it!

 

[Expolander]

I'd keep all three. Especially if you have the space. They are getting somewhat harder to source parts from, plus you don't seem to be out a whole lotta $$ in them. I would take the best one and build it up from the other two. You could sell some parts off the other two you don't think you'll need to help fund your project. Sounds like you have everything you need, just have to get the ball rollin. Good luck.

 

[DSRTRDR]

sell or part #1 and #2

find donor engine for #3 - or part as well

buy a later year 80 with the funds from the sales

(says the person who didn't sell a vehicle until the first time last year after some 20 years )

 

[Sept987]

Only because you mentioned being a novice to these, and not to sound overly simple, I suggest looking to see if any of them have lockers. If so you scored bigtime.

 

[devilc]

Thanks all.
Yes, I did a bit of research here and studied the service manuals before I went out in search of blown up Cruisers. I've had 4Runners, just never a Cruiser ... so I am familiar with Toyota tech.
All 3 of them have OEM lockers, so yes ... I think I scored too.

I was considering taking the best chassis/body, consolidating parts and panels and putting a brand new OEM engine in it. Maybe a 2UZ?

 

[ATXFJ80]

All three have OEM lockers??? Now you're just bragging. This coming from another 3 FJ80 owner!!!

 

[bobthebuilder]

If you part the 93, keep me posted please

 

[retrofive]

Thanks all.
Yes, I did a bit of research here and studied the service manuals before I went out in search of blown up Cruisers. I've had 4Runners, just never a Cruiser ... so I am familiar with Toyota tech.
All 3 of them have OEM lockers, so yes ... I think I scored too.

I was considering taking the best chassis/body, consolidating parts and panels and putting a brand new OEM engine in it. Maybe a 2UZ?

If you part the 93, keep me posted please

Maybe the '93. Didn't think the factory e-locks where an option until then. The 91 and 92 probably have the stock factory CDL dash button, but not the magic dial.

 

[gtfour43]

I was considering taking the best chassis/body, consolidating parts and panels and putting a brand new OEM engine in it. Maybe a 2UZ?

This.

 

[superstan26]

Maybe the '93. Didn't think the factory e-locks where an option until then. The 91 and 92 probably have the stock factory CDL dash button, but not the magic dial.

My thoughts as well.

I was familiar with off roading when I bought my first cruiser. I knew what lockers were, but unfortunately I didn't understand that a center differential lock was different than front, and rear lockers. I still have a very capable rig on the cheap, but I just have to dump a bit more cash into it to get what I thought I was getting.
Or better yet keep the current rig, and buy a newer one with lockers so we can have his and hers.

 

[devilc]

Ah yes.
I just spent all afternoon inspecting and dissecting.
You're 100% correct, I was mistaken.
Only the 1993 has OEM front and rear lockers.
The other 2 do have the button center diff lock switch but not the dial ...

Maybe the '93. Didn't think the factory e-locks where an option until then. The 91 and 92 probably have the stock factory CDL dash button, but not the magic dial.

 

[superstan26]

Ah yes.
I just spent all afternoon inspecting and dissecting.
You're 100% correct, I was mistaken.
Only the 1993 has OEM front and rear lockers.
The other 2 do have the button center diff lock switch but not the dial ...

You still are quite fortunate to have the lockers in the 93 since it is optional!

If I were in your position I'd pick the nicest truck for a driver and build it accordingly, but put the lockers under the next nicest rig and build it for extreme offroading, and never look back. Keep the other for spare parts, or keep what you wish and part it out for additional goody funds.
I love my 92, but I already regret not having it 3x locked. You'll appreciate being able to have a back up to drive while you work on the other, as well as not having to worry about body damage on the trail since that's pretty much its sole purpose!

 

[2KCruiser]

LOL. I saw the title and thought I just posted this thread without knowing. Same story here. I have a total of 4 80's now, 3 of which I purchased within 2 weeks. I bought them for reasons unknown other than they were there. It is like seeing a puppy and you just have to take it home. This is why it is an addiction and we need a dedicated counselor 24 hours a day on the 80's sticky. I plan on keeping just one. Will be selling the other 3 very soon. Sorry for the Hi-Jack. I would recommend like others keep the one with no rust and lockers and pick and choose the best parts and you got yourself a keeper. Good Luck with the cruisers!