40 guy looking at 1998 FZJ105 for a friend: what to look out for...

[AussieHJCruza]

G'day everyone in the 100 series section, first post here so please be nice...

The vehicle in question is listed here: http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/glan...land-cruiser-gxl-well-equipped-4x4/1056207357

Anyway, basically, I am a 40 series guy that has been enlisted to look at an Australian FZJ105 for a friend tomorrow night. My 100 series experience is limited to my cousin's HZJ105 dual-cab ute, 1HZ turbo intercooled, H151 (I think) etc.
Now, I've never been near a 1FZ before. I know that the head gasket was notorious for failing on #6 in the 80 series. Does that apply on the 100?
I've also never been near an Automatic 100 series cruiser either. What transmission would this have? A442? Anything to look out for here?
Any known potential issues? It has probably been mantained as the owner is a service tech at CMI toyota, a big dealer in the middle of Adelaide. (See picture, pretty big joint.)

Obviously, being a 105, this has live axles front and rear. Maybe I'd be better posting this in the 80 series section...

Anyway
Please, give some advice. You're dealing with someone who is most comfortable with a 2H and H41 4 speed. I've never even driven a petrol cruiser. The only auto cruiser I've driven is a VDJ200. I don't have a huge knowledge of the 100 series. Any and all advice is appreciated and will be received gratefully.

 

[e9999]

yes, the 100 side of things is mostly the body I guess, which is easier to check out visually. The usual body inspection checks obviously apply.
Do they have VIN tags on every panel? If so, that would give you a better idea of whether the body may have been repaired or not.

There must be some changes to the 80 drivetrain as far as suspension etc due to width issues for one, but don't know if those are problematic.

Interior wise on the 100s, one potential issue that comes to mind is problems with the telescopic steering column, but no idea if that's on the 105. I imagine the Oz 105s may have been more barebones than the typical US 100.

I would not be too scared of the HG issue on the 80 engine. Easy to address preventively with an improved gasket, and one can usually tell if there is a current issue.

Is there any online service for vehicle records in Oz, like our Carfax?

Unfortunately, we don't have 105s in the US so the more specific responses will likely have to come from your compatriots. But yes, post in the 80 section too if you have not already.