97 without lockers or 99 with OEM rear lockers?

[actionron]

Hi all
i'm a newbie on this site and a newbie with land cruisers so please forgive me. I am ready to buy and have these 2 choices i'm looking at. Both have 250,000 miles and both are 5000.00 . The 97 (no lockers) has been owned by an older lady for the last 16 of the 20 yrs and has only had it in 4wd once in the snow. The other I will learn the history today (99 with factory rear lockers) I don't know the pros and cons of these yrs . I will only be doing beach cruising and mild trail.
thanks in advance for your knowledge.

 

[nodaksn3]

Not enough info to make a good decision. I have almost the same two vehicles; my '95 w/330,xxx miles w/no lockers, and a '99 w/225,xxx w/rear locker. They are almost entirely different trucks- the '95 is a truck, the '99 is a modern SUV. You're in Kalifornia so I presume rust isn't an issue, but otherwise what is the condition of the interiors, any maintenance records, tires, paint, seals, etc. If it's true that the "Little Old Lady from Pasadena" has been the driver of the '97, then it might be pristine, whereas the '99 might have been lived in by some homeless guy, or gal. 250,000 miles is not a show stopper IMHO (others may disagree) and I have not kept up w/prices. Give us some more details. Both will do what you're wanting to do with them.
Oh, and BTW, welcome to Mud.
Ned

 

[KliersLC]

If you don't want to do serious off road, get the 99. It has rear AC, more power, and is more comfortable.

 

[Dirty Koala]

A 97 is an 80 series, solid axles front and rear, straight 6 1 FZ-FE motor, the 99 is a 100 series with IFS and the 2UZ V8. Very different beasts with different strengths. How do you want to use the truck? What is the conditiona and maintenance of both trucks etc. Since this is an 80 series forum, you will likely here a lot of "'buy the 80". You can always add lockers to the 80 (Harrop, ARB or retrofit factory lockers). The Hundy (99) will be more comfortable on the road, the 80 will have more prowess off the road.

Post up pics of both trucks.

 

[bajaphile]

Two totally different animals! Look up the differences between an 80 series and a 100 series. Both are good choices. You can always add lockers... the 4.7L V8 is definitely a stronger/peppier motor and is good for a long time. Even though my 4.7L (wife's 4Runner) has a head gasket failure at 150k... its uncommon for them to have issues.

 

[arcteryx]

search, there are a plethora or threads on the topic. you will get much better feedback than the 20-30 people who will reply here

 

[ewillis]

Zona has established the definitive guide...

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Hi all
i'm a newbie on this site and a newbie with land cruisers so please forgive me. I am ready to buy and have these 2 choices i'm looking at. Both have 250,000 miles and both are 5000.00 . The 97 (no lockers) has been owned by an older lady for the last 16 of the 20 yrs and has only had it in 4wd once in the snow. The other I will learn the history today (99 with factory rear lockers) I don't know the pros and cons of these yrs . I will only be doing beach cruising and mild trail.
thanks in advance for your knowledge.

Have you driven either model? Start with that and gather some impressions. Both are quite large vehicles, so you may not need or appreciate that size when driving on a trail or around town.

FWIW, I'd probably take the 100 at $5K with those miles over an 80 with similar miles any day, unless it has a lot of deferred maintenance and the 80 is tip top. Lockers or not is probably a non issue.

 

[actionron]

search, there are a plethora or threads on the topic. you will get much better feedback than the 20-30 people who will reply here

thanks all . Def a lot of info to look for. Like the LC's and Like the 4runners....just not experienced in either. Mostly beach driving to fish and trails up in moutains. no rock climbing etc

 

[Warpigg]

And the 80 series are full time 4wd so it's been in 4wd more then just in the snow. I think the 100 series have full time 4wd to.

 

[flintknapper]

And the 80 series are full time 4wd so it's been in 4wd more then just in the snow. I think the 100 series have full time 4wd to.

Yes, both are full time 4 WD.

 

[greentruck]

Assuming you presently drive the trails in these places, what are you driving now? Unless it has a locker that you're actually using, the Land Cruiser won't need a locker. Sure nice to have if the truck you're thinking of buying for other reasons has it, but don't let that be the final card.

Keep in mind the 100 series is younger, more powerful, and generally requires more sophisticated mechanicking when it needs some attention (although it's still a Land Cruiser, made to be maintained in the field.) If you like DIY, then an 80 is going to make you happier.

Assuming both trucks are in decent running condition, $5k is not bad for the price of admission to Land Cruisers these days. Around here they're probably harder to find than on the West Coast, but you don't see one on ever used car lot, either.

 

[jafo9]

I have a friend with a hundy (100 series) who talks about only occasionally "having to put it in 4wd" when it snows. I corrected him the first time years ago, now, I just smile and nod. Both 80 series and 100 series are full time four wheel drive. The 80 is set up to lock the center diff when you shift into low range. iirc, the hundy's have a separate switch for the CDL (center diff lock). There is a quick and easy mod you can do to an 80 to add a separate CDL switch. As has been mentioned here several times, there is a vast difference between the 80 and 100 series. Both are great rigs and will do what you have described with no problem. I would caution you that a 4 runner is not a similar vehicle. I'm not bashing them, but they just aren't in the same league as an LC and will be part-time FWD only (there are some newer 4runners that are full time, but none in that price range).

 

[BlueCruiser84]

I have two beat 80s and a cream puff 100. I prefer The feel of the 80s. Even though both have been rode hard and put away wet the interior, trim and overall feel of the 80 series seems higher quality than my 100.

My opinion.

 

[Schluney]

If I were to be doing mild trails and beach cruising I think I would buy the 100. Ive never owned one but I've driven my brothers a good amount and I prefer the way it drives on the road compared to my 80.

 

[Jgunner]

you wont need lockers for mild trails. The 80 gets terrible mileage, but i love the feel and it rides really nice. Never been in a 100. Only bad on 80’svride is the body roll, but you get used to it.

I love the look of the 80’s and the “nod” i get from people, doubt youll get that in a 100.

Mileage cant be great with either one, but id bet the 100 gets a couple more mpg but you cant fit 315/70-17 tires on stock height 100 unless you get out a sawzall or big lift, 80 does it stock.

To me, a 100 is a girls version of an 80.

 

[slow95z]

As the owner of both get the hundy. Unless you need the solid front there is no reason not to go with the 100.

 

[LS1FJ40]

As the owner of both get the hundy. Unless you need the solid front there is no reason not to go with the 100.

One reason: they are lame.

The 80 was the last real Land Cruiser in the US. Everything after is made for silly Americans that think power and cup holders are the most important things in an off road vehicle.

 

[-Spike-]

One reason: they are lame.

The 80 was the last real Land Cruiser in the US. Everything after is made for silly Americans that think power and cup holders are the most important things in an off road vehicle.

But what if you don't need an off road vehicle?

 

[LINUS]

You need to rewind & check the way both are designed & start from that based on how each platform best fits your intended use.

I don't know a thing about the 2uz because it's a timing belt motor. So to me, nonstarter of conversation.

Others will say the added HP/TQ makes the 100 worthwhile, and if you plan to tow anything, then sure.

Another question would be -who's going to be fixing the pig?
I'm betting that solid front axle needs a service, and if you just thought "oh, I'm paying to get that done" - expect to kiss a ~$1K goodbye.

IFS (100) has better road manners, less technical to service, so once again between the steering and the added power, maybe a 100 is better for you.

You need to decide which platform best fits your intended use.