- Thread starter
- #141
Thank you! And I sure am. No complaints I think it rides great and it's held up to the weight of the bumpers just fine. Probably have had them on for the last 80,000 miles.
Build A Teenagers Attempt of a Build Thread
- Thread starter Andrew Bluemel
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Thank you! And I sure am. No complaints I think it rides great and it's held up to the weight of the bumpers just fine. Probably have had them on for the last 80,000 miles.
- Thread starter
- #142
Thank you! Gotta have the bike at all times! Odds are pretty good when exploring or wheeling there is a good bike ride to be had nearby.
Now this is the essence of Land Cruisin!
You've got a tank of a truck.
You've got a tank of a truck.
- Thread starter
- #144
Well, I felt like this was worth posting — I’ve officially owned my Cruiser for 10 years! It is hard to believe how fast that went.
Like I said in my first post a decade ago, I always wanted a Cruiser as my first car because of my dad and his FJ40. Exploring the Colorado backcountry in that Cruiser with him hooked me. I always knew my first car was going to be a Land Cruiser. At the time (around 13), I was dead set on finding an FJ60. But my mom had one rule when it came to my first car— it had to have airbags. As frustrated as I was, looking back, that was the best rule she could’ve had. It pushed me into the ‘95–‘97 80 series world. I was bummed at first, I really thought the FJ60 was the coolest cruiser. But upon doing more reserach and riding around in @Nay big ole green Cruiser after middle school cross-country practice helped convince me that 80s are sweet. After narrowing in on the 80 series platform, and two summer of mowing lawns, I found my cruiser in Denver on Craigslist, and I had the $5,000 to buy it. I bought the Cruiser October 17th of 2015.
I bought it bone stock with 191,000 miles, and over the last decade it’s evolved into something I am proud of and I feel like is an extension of me. Obviously, if you read this thread, you know that this cruiser would not be 1/2 of what it is today without @ExpoMax and @LC4LIFE . They have always been there to lend a hand (or make a really cool custom bumper, or fix my crappy wiring work, or show me how to do things the right way).
Obviously, it’s just a car — but it’s also been so much more than that for me. It taught me how to work on cars, be mechanically empathetic, how to be an engaged driver, how to financially budget, and how to problem-solve when things go wrong. It’s taken me to some incredible places and given me unforgettable experiences with people I really care about. It was the first car I drove when I got my license, moved me in and out of two colleges, moved me to Aspen, took me on countless roadtrips, and survived every questionable off-road decision I have ever made (such as flooding it, jumping it, drifting it, mud bogging it, and many poor line choices.). It’s been there on my best days and my worst — and no matter what, wherever the Cruiser has taken me, it has always gotten me home.
My story with the Cruiser I hope is far from over. This is a forever car from me. I hope some day I am taking my kids up the same Colorado passes my dad took me in his FJ40.
The Cruiser is currently sitting in the garage and hopefully this winter is a big year for it. With 334,000 miles on it, its time to give her some real love. It has low compression and I believe it's the right time to rebuild the motor. I want to do as comprehensive of a rebuild as possible, and get it ready for the next 334,000 miles. Additionally, I want to put a 5 speed in it (H152). I am currently in the process of aquiring parts and I hope by December the motor is coming out - so hopefully more to come on that front.
Also, shoutout to Mud. This forum rules. I’ve been on plenty of other forums, and nothing compares to the community here. It’s what keeps these 80s alive. Cheers to 10 years — and hopefully a lot more.
In the meantime, here are a few photos of me evolving with the cruiser over the last 10 years:
First off, thanks for getting me hooked dad:
Day I bought it, October 17th 2015:
Coming home from getting my permit:
Licensed and first drive to school:
First real camp trip up to St Elmo:
Like I said in my first post a decade ago, I always wanted a Cruiser as my first car because of my dad and his FJ40. Exploring the Colorado backcountry in that Cruiser with him hooked me. I always knew my first car was going to be a Land Cruiser. At the time (around 13), I was dead set on finding an FJ60. But my mom had one rule when it came to my first car— it had to have airbags. As frustrated as I was, looking back, that was the best rule she could’ve had. It pushed me into the ‘95–‘97 80 series world. I was bummed at first, I really thought the FJ60 was the coolest cruiser. But upon doing more reserach and riding around in @Nay big ole green Cruiser after middle school cross-country practice helped convince me that 80s are sweet. After narrowing in on the 80 series platform, and two summer of mowing lawns, I found my cruiser in Denver on Craigslist, and I had the $5,000 to buy it. I bought the Cruiser October 17th of 2015.
I bought it bone stock with 191,000 miles, and over the last decade it’s evolved into something I am proud of and I feel like is an extension of me. Obviously, if you read this thread, you know that this cruiser would not be 1/2 of what it is today without @ExpoMax and @LC4LIFE . They have always been there to lend a hand (or make a really cool custom bumper, or fix my crappy wiring work, or show me how to do things the right way).
Obviously, it’s just a car — but it’s also been so much more than that for me. It taught me how to work on cars, be mechanically empathetic, how to be an engaged driver, how to financially budget, and how to problem-solve when things go wrong. It’s taken me to some incredible places and given me unforgettable experiences with people I really care about. It was the first car I drove when I got my license, moved me in and out of two colleges, moved me to Aspen, took me on countless roadtrips, and survived every questionable off-road decision I have ever made (such as flooding it, jumping it, drifting it, mud bogging it, and many poor line choices.). It’s been there on my best days and my worst — and no matter what, wherever the Cruiser has taken me, it has always gotten me home.
My story with the Cruiser I hope is far from over. This is a forever car from me. I hope some day I am taking my kids up the same Colorado passes my dad took me in his FJ40.
The Cruiser is currently sitting in the garage and hopefully this winter is a big year for it. With 334,000 miles on it, its time to give her some real love. It has low compression and I believe it's the right time to rebuild the motor. I want to do as comprehensive of a rebuild as possible, and get it ready for the next 334,000 miles. Additionally, I want to put a 5 speed in it (H152). I am currently in the process of aquiring parts and I hope by December the motor is coming out - so hopefully more to come on that front.
Also, shoutout to Mud. This forum rules. I’ve been on plenty of other forums, and nothing compares to the community here. It’s what keeps these 80s alive. Cheers to 10 years — and hopefully a lot more.
In the meantime, here are a few photos of me evolving with the cruiser over the last 10 years:
First off, thanks for getting me hooked dad:
Day I bought it, October 17th 2015:
Coming home from getting my permit:
Licensed and first drive to school:
First real camp trip up to St Elmo:
- Thread starter
- #145
Few more -
Going where I never should have - 2017
First roadtrip to Oregon - 2019
Lake City going towards Engineer Pass - 2016
Lake City in the same spot as last photo - 2022
Alaska - 2025
Going where I never should have - 2017
First roadtrip to Oregon - 2019
Lake City going towards Engineer Pass - 2016
Lake City in the same spot as last photo - 2022
Alaska - 2025
I've enjoyed every post, you are a serious traveler. I can't believe it's only 8 pages.
Love this thread. I just picked up a '97 80 for my son who will be driving this year. Traded my 76 40 series for it. He's had this 80 series matchbox toy since he was 4-5 and has always loved TLCs. My requirement as the Dad was airbags and ABS for his first vehicle, and this one just worked out. We've had it for less than a week and he is already deep in to learning what to baseline and address on it.
Definitely going to be showing him this thread for inspiration.
Safe travels in your 80!
Definitely going to be showing him this thread for inspiration.
Safe travels in your 80!
- Thread starter
- #149
Thank you very much! I really appreciate all your support in this thread over the years.
Engine and transmission swap is incoming! H152 transmission is ordered, and currently in the prelimiary discussions of getting parts together for the engine rebuild with help from @OGBeno. Very excited for what is to come and hope to document the process well on this thread.
Love your truck! What headlights you rockin? Looks like OEM but w/ clear lens.
- Thread starter
- #151
Thank you! They are Depo headlights off of Ebay. I really like them, throw out a lot more balanced light, and no broken mounting tabs like my originals.
Headlight Set Crystal Clear For TOYOTA Land Cruiser 80 1990-1997 | eBay
Indicator Set Crystal Clear Fits TOYOTA Land Cruiser 80 90-97. 92-05 TOYOTA Land Cruiser FJ100 Camry SXV10 Side Markers Lights L=R. DEPO Front Lamp Left Right For TOYOTA Land Cruiser FJ82 90-1992. TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 80 (_J8_) 4.0 (FJ80_) 01/1990 -.
www.ebay.com
- Thread starter
- #152
Well, the rebuild process has begun! Over Thanksgiving, I drove the cruiser back to my parents house on the front range to begin the rebuild process. The 1FZ gave me 333,985 miles of great service. The motor was nothing but good to me, but it is due for a rebuild. Before I did the trip to Alaska, I did a compression test and the numbers were rather concerning. It ranged from 125 on the best cylinder down to 75 on two. I was pretty suprised to be honest. But to be fair, over the last 10 years it has been living in the mountains and consistently going over I70 for just about every trip. Call me stupid, but even knowing the low compression, I rolled the dice taking it to Alaska and I was just hoping nothing dramatic would happen. And it was fine. It always ran cool, did not burn any signifcant amount of oil, and the power was fine.
And since that trip, I still drove it on occasion, but seeing that compression test got me in the mindset that it is time to rebuild. And with trying to keep this car forever, I think the timing works out well where I am a postion to park it, and dump some money into it.
So over the Thanksgiving week, we yanked out the motor. Honestly, easier than I thought (and I know that this was the easiest part of the whole deal). But it all came out without much fuss (and thanks to the help of @ExpoMax ).
Going down this endevor, I wanted to really do it right. With the help of @OGBeno who has been an unbeliable help in sourcing all the miscalanious OEM parts, we have gotten this process started rather quickly and currently just about everything needed to rebuild the cruiser is sitting at my parents house.
I was torn on reusing the short block or purchasing a new one. The conclusion was made that while Toyota still has the short block available, and that Toyota was running 25% all parts over the holidays, I went ahead and bought a new short block and cylinder head. This will not only give piece of mind, but save me brain damage trying to coordinate with a machine shop while I’m living 4 hours away.
Transmission wise, I have always loved driving a stick. And there is no doubt that the A343F is one hell of a tough transmission . But a manual in the 80 has been a dream since I got it. So I got a H152 transmission to go in. I will also do the 3:1 T-Case Gears, and it will get part timed as well. And I will get the Delta manual center console to finish it off.
The supercharger will also go to Jon Bond performance to get rebuilt and a 2.8 pulley.
So that’s where we are currently at. The cruiser is 4 hours away from me so it is going to be a weekend project until off-season hits Aspen in May and I can go home for a longer period of time (and when @ExpoMax is around).
The ultimate goal is to have it back on the road by summer. In the meantime I have been driving a 1996 F150. Never owned a Ford but honestly its a great truck! 5.0 V8 with a manual. I have been wheeling it too (somehow got it through Wheeler Lake, Elephant Hill and Hells Revenge with no damage), but its no Land Cruiser.
Very excited to get this new motor and transmission together and get it back on the road and doing trips.
Cheers
And since that trip, I still drove it on occasion, but seeing that compression test got me in the mindset that it is time to rebuild. And with trying to keep this car forever, I think the timing works out well where I am a postion to park it, and dump some money into it.
So over the Thanksgiving week, we yanked out the motor. Honestly, easier than I thought (and I know that this was the easiest part of the whole deal). But it all came out without much fuss (and thanks to the help of @ExpoMax ).
Going down this endevor, I wanted to really do it right. With the help of @OGBeno who has been an unbeliable help in sourcing all the miscalanious OEM parts, we have gotten this process started rather quickly and currently just about everything needed to rebuild the cruiser is sitting at my parents house.
I was torn on reusing the short block or purchasing a new one. The conclusion was made that while Toyota still has the short block available, and that Toyota was running 25% all parts over the holidays, I went ahead and bought a new short block and cylinder head. This will not only give piece of mind, but save me brain damage trying to coordinate with a machine shop while I’m living 4 hours away.
Transmission wise, I have always loved driving a stick. And there is no doubt that the A343F is one hell of a tough transmission . But a manual in the 80 has been a dream since I got it. So I got a H152 transmission to go in. I will also do the 3:1 T-Case Gears, and it will get part timed as well. And I will get the Delta manual center console to finish it off.
The supercharger will also go to Jon Bond performance to get rebuilt and a 2.8 pulley.
So that’s where we are currently at. The cruiser is 4 hours away from me so it is going to be a weekend project until off-season hits Aspen in May and I can go home for a longer period of time (and when @ExpoMax is around).
The ultimate goal is to have it back on the road by summer. In the meantime I have been driving a 1996 F150. Never owned a Ford but honestly its a great truck! 5.0 V8 with a manual. I have been wheeling it too (somehow got it through Wheeler Lake, Elephant Hill and Hells Revenge with no damage), but its no Land Cruiser.
Very excited to get this new motor and transmission together and get it back on the road and doing trips.
Cheers
- Thread starter
- #154
And for fun, some photos of the current DD getting used and abused.
It did get some 33s finally.
It did get some 33s finally.
Love those 90's fords. I used to drive that truck (iconic 90's "burgundy") delivering windows all over Colorado as a teenager, whenever I wasn't driving the box truck. Also about the same time I fell in love with the 2WD Toy mini-truck delivering car parts for a local dealership 
I’m glad to be reminded that there are still young men who dare to adventure under less than stellar circumstances and possess the grit to attack with intentions of winning.
I don’t suppose you have considered ditching the SC for an efficiency boosting turbo?
I don’t suppose you have considered ditching the SC for an efficiency boosting turbo?
- Thread starter
- #157
Thank you! It has been a fun process so far and no doubt learning a lot.
I have thrown around the Turbo idea and it looks sweet, but honestly the supercharger has been great for my needs. It woke it up enough to hold the speeds I want wherever I want. And with just slapping the supercharger on a few years ago in one day and closing the hood, it has never needed any attention. For me, it has proved itself as reliable power that does exactly what I want it to do. And I still stand by that if I did not install that supercharger 80,000 miles ago, I wouldn’t still own my cruiser. Living at over 8,000 ft it was needed and made it modern day driveable.
I think Meth will be going on as the cruiser gets back on its feet, and I will also add AFR and a EGT gauge as I have never had those. And who knows if paying attention to those metrics would have prevented the motor from getting low compression. Coolant wise my truck has never run over 204 ever in my ownership, but I know I should have installed a AFR and EGT gauges year ago.
I am optimistic that with a motor that has factory compression, a 2.8 pulley, with a manual, its going to be fun to drive.
EGT is more of a diesel concern. When AFR is where it should be things go well. I’ve driven a Cummins daily for 20 years. EGT is the concern there. Actually EGT is the concern with any kerosene like fuel I.e. turbine engines.
Damn, I haven’t seen such poetry anywhere else on these boards. Agree, awesome work. Love that OBS f150, that body is timeless IMO.
Great Thread, Thanks for posting ! 