'90 models strentghts/weaknesses

[mercfan]

Looking at some FJ80's locally (Denver, CO) - see some potential candidates that look decent from '91 - '96. Are any of these years better than the other?! Interested in any particluar strengths weaknesses that members may know about and are able to advise. Anything to particluarily look out for prior to the purchase? I may see a diesel swap in the future of this thing (though it's still a 'pipe-dream').

They look very solid.

 

[simps80]

we could run down the list of usual suspects including the ubiquitous 3fe vs 1fz debate, the obdII compliance, the 'safety of air bags and abs', the availability of selectable lockers,
blah blah blah

or you can read a lot:
Slee - 80 Series Land Cruiser Newbie Guide

really good place to start
plus FAQ at the top

 

[mercfan]

Exellent - thx

 

[Trapper50cal]

or just get a Sage colored 40th Anni. 97 with factory lockers and 50K miles on it and call it good...that (if you could find it) would cost a pretty penny though.

 

[Tyler93]

or just get a Sage colored 40th Anni. 97 with factory lockers and 50K miles on it and call it good...that (if you could find it) would cost a pretty penny though.

Yes, but it wouldn't have the bus tranny

 

[mercfan]

or you can read a lot:
Slee - 80 Series Land Cruiser Newbie Guide

I've read the Guide - good stuff....

How do the A440F transmissions hold up on these vehicles.

The article stated that mentioned with '93 models: "viscous coupling HF2AV transfer case versus non-viscous HF2A transfer case for drum braked 80's" - is viscous coupling a desirable feature?

 

[ThePookieBear]

I have an A440, orginal, with 212,XXX miles. Most people say the viscous coupling serves no function, and many just take them off and don't replace them when they die. Most people like the 93-97's over the 91-92's because the newer ones get the 1FZ-FE and a FF rear end, and the option of lockers. Amongst the 93-97 crowd are those who argue over the A442 transmission found in the 93-95's vs. the A434 in the 96-97's. For me... the 3FE is fine, as is the A440. .

 

[Trapper50cal]

Yes, but it wouldn't have the bus tranny

true that

My friend who owns a 40th wishes he had the tranny in my 94

I have had 2 2F's but haven't had the 3FE but the 1fz-fe is a stronger motor than the 2F
albeit more complex and electronicated

 

[mercfan]

Fuel...

Do they all take regular gas, or do the newer engines require premium fuel? Also, what kind of fuel economy on average could one expect from '92/3 vs '96/7?

James

 

[jasonb75]

With my 91 3fe, I get 10MPG. That is going down hill, with a tailwind. I feel the 3fe to be good enough, even with 35's. Will I win a race, no, but it does fine. When I get around to gears it will be better.

 

[james29]

I have a 91 with 35s on it I added factory e lockers ans 5.29 gears even with the gear change it has no power at all worse at high altitude and lucky to see 8mpg on a good day go with a 93 or newer younwill never be happy with the 3fe if you are planning big mods and off road use

 

[mercfan]

Puzzled...

I've been looking at lots of LCs on Craigslist and have come to the conclusion that most of the LCs out there must be... WHITE.

Is this the most common color sold on these? I realize you don't buy those rigs for the color alone, but my goodness I swear that 85% of the ones I see are white. Don't know why but I really dislike that color - and as stupid as it is I probably wouldn't buy a vehicle in white unless it was a smoking deal.

I know some of you probably like it but to me it's just not a color - it's lack of one...

 

[ncduckman]

I thought most of them were green

 

[Hayes]

It is commonly accepted that white FZJ80's tend to have fewer head gasket failures, stronger axles, and generally wheel better.

I've been looking at lots of LCs on Craigslist and have come to the conclusion that most of the LCs out there must be... WHITE.

Is this the most common color sold on these? I realize you don't buy those rigs for the color alone, but my goodness I swear that 85% of the ones I see are white. Don't know why but I really dislike that color - and as stupid as it is I probably wouldn't buy a vehicle in white unless it was a smoking deal.

I know some of you probably like it but to me it's just not a color - it's lack of one...

 

[mercfan]

It is commonly accepted that white FZJ80's tend to have fewer head gasket failures, stronger axles, and generally wheel better.

I hope you're joking... seem to be keeping a straight face as you say that...

 

[Schwein]

Yes the color matters however he got it wrong, black is the best color, and it is widely accepted that the black ones never break down.

 

[mercfan]

I thought most of them were green

I love the Green ones, or the burgundy red ones (fav). I saw one for sale in TN (Murfeesboro) - was diamond blue, super sharp.... but no, around here it's all Snow-Whites...

 

[Hayes]

Serious though--white does a good job at hiding scratches.

Can't remember the octane requirements, but I feed my '93 mid-grade. I think stock trucks can pull off ~18-20 mpg, but modded trucks quickly sink to the sub 15 mpg range.

 

[mercfan]

I think stock trucks can pull off ~18-20 mpg...

Serious?! You mean the FZJ80's... (think '94 and above)...?

 

[mercfan]

HG issues...

Doing a little research on these great trucks.... rumor has it that they 1FZ engines though more powerful are prone to Head Gasket issues... If true, I wonder what the failure rate is among the owners on this site?!

Thx in advance -
James