80 to 100 in....

[kybishop]

I don't know how long.

I have two 80's and I am seriously considering moving to the 100 series. Been lurking on here for a while and have been looking at the 100's for sale. Getting ready to clean up one of my 80's and probably put it up for sell.

I have found a few threads on those that have switched from the 80 series to the 100 series. Both my 80's are lifted, bumpers etc. One has a Slee 4" with a 4bt cummins. I am looking for something more comfortable and such for family trips to the beach and mountains. Would probably build it or buy one already built.

Most things I will miss I think are the front solid axle (I dig) and the rear sliding windows. These are open about 97% of my driving with my dogs heads sticking out each one...

Do the 100 series windows pop open and is it an electric switch that opens them? Seems like I saw this somewhere.

I do really like the fact that it still has some of the traits of the old Landcruisers left in its looks. I dig that it still has the frame (not uni body) and still has the tailgate. I use the tailgate a lot and most newer vehicles did away with these for the one piece lift gate.

I don't guess anybody regrets going from the 80 to the 100? I reckon everyone that did misses there 80...

The front independent may not be as stout as the 80 solid axle but I don't do hard core rock crawling. Mostly moderate trails and trips. Maybe some overlanding.

 

[kybishop]

Oh yeah.

Towing is another reason I am seriously considering making the jump...

 

[C6H12O6]

I just made the switch a couple months ago. I mostly don't regret it. The 80 was tired and was in need of some expensive repairs. Bought a low-mileage 2007 and really like it so far. Way better in the power department. Much better towing the boat. Quiet, smooth, comfortable and just more refined overall. We took it out for a bit on some crappy forest roads to test out the ATRAC and see how much I'd miss the solid axles and lockers. The IFS and ATRAC did everything I asked it to do, even with Michelin LTX tires. Pretty impressive.

And still... I just don't love it as much as the 80. Well, the 80 when I first bought it. It was all set up the way I wanted it (lifted, ARB, bigger tires, exhaust, etc.) and it was love at first sight. I continued to love it for about eight of the 11 years I owned it. Lately, it was just too rough and needed too much work to really enjoy. I could have brought it back to glory for the money I put down on the 100, but felt it was time to move on. So far, I really, really like the 100 and I'm falling for it a little more each day. Wouldn't change anything if I could do it over again.

 

[ih8everything]

Do the 100 series windows pop open and is it an electric switch that opens them? Seems like I saw this somewhere.

Yes, the rear sides pop out a few inches. Electrics switches are on the dash to the left of the steering wheel.

 

[ponytl]

Took my wifes lx470 today to put on new tires... my 100 lc smells like my dog so I told her to take the LX450 if she needed to ... she called to tell me ... after 1hr how much she missed her lx470...
I've had 60 series, 80series and 100's there is something to love about all of them... and none of them are bad...
But even my 1998 (the oldest 100 you can get) is leaps ahead of my 1997 lx450 (the newest 80 you can get) It is rare i ever use anything else that i could drive everyday (1500 GMC swb PK or F350 or assortment of old american and british cars) I use my 1998 LC everyday... I Never dread using it or driving anywhere in it.. @ 325k I'd drive it anywhere without a minutes prep time... THEY are THAT good... jmho

 

[labcab]

My Lab has grown quite fond of the leather rear seats, and has even used the armrests when his head is out the window. I imagine your dogs will be just fine, unless they just have to have a solid axle.

 

[OG 91 LC]

I also have two 80s. I then bought a 100 Series(LX). I keep going to my 100 Series more and more................ and more. I am also considering selling one of my 80s. So I will still keep one. I'm saving the LX 450 for my son.

You'll be glad you bought a 100 Series

 

[duggy]

The interior of the 100 is much more refined than the 80 series. Some small but significant changes I liked were:

• OEM Armrests
• The radio location is higher and better suited for watching movies on roadtrips if you have an aftermarket head unit
• Optional rear AC in later models
• V8 and IFS is smooth and easy to drive even with large tires; no need to immediately regear with 35s
• 100s don't tend to leak as much oil as 80s do, so you effectively save money for more mods

 

[kybishop]

These are all great comments guys, I really appreciate it. I think the 100 series would really suit my needs quite well. Especially the towing benefits down the highway. This series I am sure is not only better suited for towing but much safer towing with as well. With the air bags, upgraded brakes and cooling system. Better handling while towing etc. Mostly would be towing a lighter camper but occasionally the boat on short runs from storage to the lake. The boat, trailer and gear are around 5,000 to 5,000 lbs I am guessing.

I can't afford the 80's and the 100 both plus the other projects I have ongoing so I will get one of the 80's ready to sell soon. In my search I have noticed that there are not a ton on the market. I have already determined that I do not want the AHC, just don't want to fuss with all that in the suspension. Will probably lift it with heavier springs for towing. Thinking the 2003 or newer for the 5 speed would be best for towing. But will be fine with an older one if a nice one comes along close to home.

I have had my share of rust on vehicles so will look to the south. We are on the edge of the rust belt in central Kentucky. Ohio to the north with lots of salt and Tennessee to the south with much milder winters (exception in the mountains...). We are hit and miss each winter whether we use a lot of salt on the roads. Some winters we have a lot of ice and snow. Some winters we have next to none.

I would also simply enjoy the V8 rumble as well. We are a Mopar family that goes back to the early 1900's with my grandfather selling them and my first two vehicles were 70's Dodge Challengers (wish I had them now...).

 

[kybishop]

I also came across this in my search on the 100's. This article certainly pushed me that much closer to making the jump.

Top 10 Used Overland Vehicles

 

[WarWagon]

I made the move from 80's to a 100 over a month ago and and love it!

I would love to have another 80 as a second vehicle but as my go to it's the 100 all the way.

 

[kybishop]

I made the move from 80's to a 100 over a month ago and and love it!

I would love to have another 80 as a second vehicle but as my go to it's the 100 all the way.

I would love to keep one of my 80's as a second vehicle as well. But I have other projects, major home renovations, kid in college and another vehicle I want to get back on the road. So probably will need to sell them both to put towards the 100.

 

[WarWagon]

You won't regret it one bit.

 

[YardPig]

Went from several 80's, including hdj81 to 100. Never looked back, they truly excel in every area.
Try to find a clean one, used parts are somewhat rare and new are expensive.

 

[MGBYLR]

We have owned our 96 80 since new. Recently purchased a 2003 100 for something friendlier for every day driving and hauling our kids. We have kept the 96 but I feel bad now because I don't drive it as much. Otherwise no regrets. Purchased the 100 from out west and had it shipped to Tennessee.

 

[e9999]

well, as far as the V8 rumble, you'll have to work on that. Can't hear our stock engine at all... in fact, it's too easy to forget you're in a lower gear until you look at the tach.

Do remember, of course, that the comments you will read here about being pleased when going from 80 to 100 are rather predictable. You should also ask in the 80 forum...

 

[Skidaho]

I have a '99 100 that has a K&N air intake with a Borla cat back exhaust and that helped with the rumble... not like a Hemi though.

Get a 100... you won't regret it... they are that nice.