AA Ron's FJ80 refresh (1 Viewer)

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airon23

SILVER Star
Joined
Jan 5, 2004
Threads
179
Messages
2,176
Location
Reno NV
And so it begins...
**Warning, lots of pictures incoming**

Hi my name is Aaron, and I'm an addict, a landcruiser addict. The sickness is real. Not like I needed it, but I found it and couldn't help but pull the trigger even after a fair amount of warning by others on here. I came across 1991 FJ80 while perusing the facebook market near me. Seller said it needed a lot of work and boy they weren't lying. Some may have seen a couple previous posts of mine asking for opinions and encouragement to buy this or not (post1, post2).

So with the help of my brother in law, we go and pick this thing up. When we get there we look around the landcruiser opening doors as if it was already mine before the seller comes out. When they finally come out they put a battery in it and had previously informed me they thought it might run long enough to get up on the trailer. :bang:Let me just say this thing had absolutely no chance in hell of making it even 2 ft from where it sat, under it's own power. I turn key and the narliest sounds starts coming from the motor. Think of an un-oiled see saw spinning in a dryer, that's the sound this thing made.

My bro-in-law and I make eye contact as if to say what the hell was that? I turn the key over again and it sounds even worse than before, but bless her heart she turned on for about 6-10 seconds all the while wanting to spit some metal out the side wall of the motor by the sounds of it. The motor was always in my mind a wash basically I knew it would need to come out, but now I don't even think this thing is rebuildable or worth the money to try to bring it back. So it's going to either need to be a swap, or try to get another 3FE down the line.

We eventually determined there was no way this thing was going to move on it's own, so we get the help of an old pick up truck they had and strapped it up and pulled it onto the trailer like a tug boat pulling a giant boat along the side of the trailer. That's it, it's mine now. Maybe I messed up, maybe I'll still be ok, but it's mine now and gotta move forward. Overall I'm still pleased with the integrity of the body, frame, and some of the interior, and I'm still convinced I still did ok for a $1k purchase. Maybe that's because of my coming from a FJ40 perspective. I've seen much older landcruisers in much worse off shape and seen how they can com back from that, so in my opinion I think we can do it. Yes I said we, it takes a village.

It is going to take a while and isn't exactly my priority right now, so the updates may come slowly, but I will be slowly working on this and as the weather gets better, and I get time to work on it, I'll post a bunch of pictures of my progress on this thing, which takes me to my next point, what to name it. Given it's short back story, and how she's been received, I'm still thinking of names, so any ideas are welcome. My daughter said it looks like a Poop Cruiser :poop:, but I'm not too fond of that name.

Without further adieu...
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Now I know what you're probably thinking right now, well shoot he must be searching for a motor as we speak. Yes I am, but it's not the first thing on my list. I just don't have the money and time to put into that at the moment, so unless something lands on my lap I'll probably just passively search for something. In the mean time, my list of TODOs involves getting it cleaned up. It's going to have to be small wins at first so that I can start to see it's potential. Then once I figure out what I'm going to do with the motor I'll start getting it mechanically sound. I appreciate any feedback good or bad (although let's be honest who wants to be told they messed up big time). The feedback may help shape my next steps and way forward.
 
Good post. You’ve given me new perspective.

Hearing you say, “Maybe that's because of my coming from a FJ40 perspective. I've seen much older landcruisers in much worse off shape and seen how they can com back from that, so in my opinion I think we can do it,” made me realize my expectations are too high when it comes to truck purchases.

You do have your work cut out for you, but bringing your ‘91 back to life is completely doable.

Look forward to your plans and outcome. Welcome to the 80.
 
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I would definitely appreciate y'alls advice on where best places to buy certain things that will need replacing. I've done a decent job of compiling links for FJ40 stuff over the years, but a lot of those places will only have FJ40 stuff. Now that these are getting to be considered part of the classic landcruisers, I know parts are getting harder and harder to come by. Thanks in advance.
 
Here is my list, but there are plenty of other places to shop.


Toyota OEM Parts

Authentic Toyota Parts | Toyota Parts Overstock - https://parts.lakelandtoyota.com

Stevens Creek Toyota
https://parts.stevenscreektoyota.com
Steven's Creek Toyota of San Jose supports their local groups.
Discount for TLCA members

McGeorge Toyota for OEM
https://toyotaonlineparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com
https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com

Freeman Toyota. Join TLCA and you can get a discount from participating dealers.

Online OEM Toyota Part Superstore | OEM Genuine Parts - https://www.oemgenuineparts.com/

www.toyotapartsdeal.com
Olathe Toyota parts online

Toyotapartsdeal.com



Parts Vendors

Cruiser Outfitters
CruiserTEQ - online store
The go to place !!
Very knowledgeable !!
Excellent customer service

Wits’ End
Excellent customer service
Extensive parts selection
Both OEM and after market
Well thought out and engineered products
Extensive knowledge base

Marlin Crawler
Extensive parts selection
Both OEM and after market
Extensive knowledge base

Slee Off Road
Colorado
Knowledgeable
Good parts selection
Well thought out designs for bumpers/parts

Land Cruiser Phil
Landcruiserproducts.com
Excellent customer service and products
Gullwing Windows - Land Cruiser Products - LCP - https://sites.google.com/site/landcruiserproducts/windows

Delta Vehicle Systems
Well engineered aftermarket parts
Rear swaybar lift bracket
Center console modules
Suspension/bumpers
Ceiling storage rack

Wagon Gear
High quality
Tailgate lids
Gull wing rear windows

Yotatech
Gull wing rear windows
Cup holders

Iron Pig Off Road
Limited aftermarket parts
Seriously strong skid plate

Moto Farkles
Limited aftermarket parts
Differential armor

4x4Labs
Top notch fab work
Bumpers/sliders

Front Range Offroad
Some speciality parts
The best APR knuckle and hub studs
Their studs AND nuts are heat treated
Knuckles that rival Hellfire

Ruff Stuff Specialties

Hellfire Knuckles
Axles, gears, steering parts

Rockwell Off Road
Heavy duty components

Amayama
the low extreme of the price spectrum: it takes a little while to arrive from Japan

Rampt Customs
Rampt Customs - https://www.ramptcustoms.com.au/

AutohausAZ
I doubt you'll find much cheaper prices for the same OEM parts than these.

Partsouq.com
Punch in your VIN and you get the same catalog the dealer uses.
Partsouq has been good to me on my last two orders. When making a big purchase of small items it can't be beat.

4 Wheel Underground
Suspension Systems Archives | 4Wheel Underground - https://www.4wheelunderground.com/product-category/suspension-systems/

Otramm
Great videos on “how-to” rebuild systems

Bulb Town
LED replacement bulbs
Interior and backup lights

4wdadventuresusa.com

Impex Japan

Valley Hybrids

Yota Masters

Rock Auto

Cruiser Brothers

RedlineGoods shift boots - https://www.redlinegoods.com

Equipt Expedition Outfitters - https://www.equipt1.com

Alu-Box - 42L aluminum box
Escape Gear seat covers

National Luna - 72L Legacy Fridge/Freezer
Kariba - hot water system

Golight LED Spotlight on Telescoping Pole Mount - Wireless Remote - 16' Coil Cord - 900' Spot Beam


AVOID

Cruiser Parts
Bad customer service reports.
Stay away

“Avoid. I've placed 3 orders with them, 2 were bad parts, one was the totally wrong part that the guy rattle-can'd black (was an interior piece)”

“Has anyone had any trouble receiving parts from cruiserparts.net ? It’s been a month now and I still havnt received what I ordered. Called them and they said the part they were waiting on came in and now they can send the parts. That was a week ago...”

“Well, it's not even timeliness - this is a very weird time I cut vendors slack with wait times. But cruiserparts is just poor products in general.”

“Recently ordered a part from there. Didn't receive a shipping confirmation. So I try to contact them. After about 5 days I email them asking to cancel the order. No response. I call them and leave a message to cancel the order. No response. I finally get a hold of a dirt bag named Roman. This is 10 days later. He tells me the order has shipped but needs to verify with Weberdirect. A lie. Tells me that a full refund is given if I am not happy with the part. A lie. So Roman tells me the part has not been shipped yet because it was Weberdirects fault. Like a fool, I let Roman talk me into keeping the order and that it's going to arrive in two days and I will receive a full refund if I am not happy. So after I hang up I feel funny about the situation. I decide to research CruiserParts.net and the Weber carb they sell. It's a fake and this forum is full of similar situations like the one I had. I immediately call them back (5 minutes later). Roman answers again. I tell him I definitely want to cancel the order. He says ok but now there is a 25% restocking fee. For a part that never left the warehouse and was never received. There not getting a cent from me. I would like to hear other peoples experiences with them. By far the worst online retailer experience I have ever had. Maybe we could get them off of IH8MUD as a vendor, if this is a common practice of theirs. Seems to be.”

CruiserParts.net Scam Scam Scammers - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/cruiserparts-net-scam-scam-scammers.846232/

JT Outfitters
I ordered their tune up kit. Had to call to get them to ship it, didnt even get the correct spark plugs, and didnt even get the wires.

Parts Geek, a discount parts supplier with terrible policies.

Cardid
anyone ever actually had a successful purchase from cardid? My buddy bought some stuff from them, and they sent the wrong stuff and They wouldn't allow him to return it Horrible customer service and return policy. Do not buy from them.
 
Last edited:
For $1000 I'd say you made out well. I can see $1000 worth of parts I'd buy off it and it would only make a dent in what's there. Should be able to find another good used 3FE on here.
 
Welcome to the party! Hitting that thing with a shop vac is going to be fun :)

My 80 was in comparable shape when I bought it at a similar price and I've now put 36k miles on it without a hitch. It's very doable just take your time and don't skimp on the planning and parts ordering part of the process.

Although it's sounds terminal perhaps a bit more engine inspection and testing will make sense before you go too much further in that area. I assume it's an internal issue based on your description but it may be worth pulling the belts/etc. and doing a test run to confirm that there's not something smaller making the big noise and also to make sure the noise is in the engine and not in the tranny/etc. if there is any doubt. In any case I'd want to learn what I could about it before ordering parts, pulling the engine out, etc.
 
Here is my list, but there are plenty of other places to shop.


Toyota OEM Parts

Authentic Toyota Parts | Toyota Parts Overstock - https://parts.lakelandtoyota.com

Stevens Creek Toyota
https://parts.stevenscreektoyota.com
Steven's Creek Toyota of San Jose supports their local groups.
Discount for TLCA members

McGeorge Toyota for OEM
https://toyotaonlineparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com
https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com

Freeman Toyota. Join TLCA and you can get a discount from participating dealers.

Online OEM Toyota Part Superstore | OEM Genuine Parts - https://www.oemgenuineparts.com/

www.toyotapartsdeal.com
Olathe Toyota parts online

Toyotapartsdeal.com



Parts Vendors

Cruiser Outfitters
CruiserTEQ - online store
The go to place !!
Very knowledgeable !!
Excellent customer service

Wits’ End
Excellent customer service
Extensive parts selection
Both OEM and after market
Well thought out and engineered products
Extensive knowledge base

Marlin Crawler
Extensive parts selection
Both OEM and after market
Extensive knowledge base

Slee Off Road
Colorado
Knowledgeable
Good parts selection
Well thought out designs for bumpers/parts

Land Cruiser Phil
Landcruiserproducts.com
Excellent customer service and products
Gullwing Windows - Land Cruiser Products - LCP - https://sites.google.com/site/landcruiserproducts/windows

Delta Vehicle Systems
Well engineered aftermarket parts
Rear swaybar lift bracket
Center console modules
Suspension/bumpers
Ceiling storage rack

Wagon Gear
High quality
Tailgate lids
Gull wing rear windows

Yotatech
Gull wing rear windows
Cup holders

Iron Pig Off Road
Limited aftermarket parts
Seriously strong skid plate

Moto Farkles
Limited aftermarket parts
Differential armor

4x4Labs
Top notch fab work
Bumpers/sliders

Front Range Offroad
Some speciality parts
The best APR knuckle and hub studs
Their studs AND nuts are heat treated
Knuckles that rival Hellfire

Ruff Stuff Specialties

Hellfire Knuckles
Axles, gears, steering parts

Rockwell Off Road
Heavy duty components

Amayama
the low extreme of the price spectrum: it takes a little while to arrive from Japan

Rampt Customs
Rampt Customs - https://www.ramptcustoms.com.au/

AutohausAZ
I doubt you'll find much cheaper prices for the same OEM parts than these.

Partsouq.com
Punch in your VIN and you get the same catalog the dealer uses.
Partsouq has been good to me on my last two orders. When making a big purchase of small items it can't be beat.

4 Wheel Underground
Suspension Systems Archives | 4Wheel Underground - https://www.4wheelunderground.com/product-category/suspension-systems/

Otramm
Great videos on “how-to” rebuild systems

Bulb Town
LED replacement bulbs
Interior and backup lights

4wdadventuresusa.com

Impex Japan

Valley Hybrids

Yota Masters

Rock Auto

Cruiser Brothers

RedlineGoods shift boots - https://www.redlinegoods.com

Equipt Expedition Outfitters - https://www.equipt1.com

Alu-Box - 42L aluminum box
Escape Gear seat covers

National Luna - 72L Legacy Fridge/Freezer
Kariba - hot water system

Golight LED Spotlight on Telescoping Pole Mount - Wireless Remote - 16' Coil Cord - 900' Spot Beam


AVOID

Cruiser Parts
Bad customer service reports.
Stay away

“Avoid. I've placed 3 orders with them, 2 were bad parts, one was the totally wrong part that the guy rattle-can'd black (was an interior piece)”

“Has anyone had any trouble receiving parts from cruiserparts.net ? It’s been a month now and I still havnt received what I ordered. Called them and they said the part they were waiting on came in and now they can send the parts. That was a week ago...”

“Well, it's not even timeliness - this is a very weird time I cut vendors slack with wait times. But cruiserparts is just poor products in general.”

“Recently ordered a part from there. Didn't receive a shipping confirmation. So I try to contact them. After about 5 days I email them asking to cancel the order. No response. I call them and leave a message to cancel the order. No response. I finally get a hold of a dirt bag named Roman. This is 10 days later. He tells me the order has shipped but needs to verify with Weberdirect. A lie. Tells me that a full refund is given if I am not happy with the part. A lie. So Roman tells me the part has not been shipped yet because it was Weberdirects fault. Like a fool, I let Roman talk me into keeping the order and that it's going to arrive in two days and I will receive a full refund if I am not happy. So after I hang up I feel funny about the situation. I decide to research CruiserParts.net and the Weber carb they sell. It's a fake and this forum is full of similar situations like the one I had. I immediately call them back (5 minutes later). Roman answers again. I tell him I definitely want to cancel the order. He says ok but now there is a 25% restocking fee. For a part that never left the warehouse and was never received. There not getting a cent from me. I would like to hear other peoples experiences with them. By far the worst online retailer experience I have ever had. Maybe we could get them off of IH8MUD as a vendor, if this is a common practice of theirs. Seems to be.”

CruiserParts.net Scam Scam Scammers - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/cruiserparts-net-scam-scam-scammers.846232/

JT Outfitters
I ordered their tune up kit. Had to call to get them to ship it, didnt even get the correct spark plugs, and didnt even get the wires.

Parts Geek, a discount parts supplier with terrible policies.

Cardid
anyone ever actually had a successful purchase from cardid? My buddy bought some stuff from them, and they sent the wrong stuff and They wouldn't allow him to return it Horrible customer service and return policy. Do not buy from them.
Wow what a wealth of knowledge. Thanks so much for sharing this. I will definitely look into several of these vendors in the coming months and ordering.
 
I would second what @Road Apple posted up there. Most of what is listed I have verified with the same experience.

However I also take on vehicles in much worse condition than the one you just bought and I have some suggestions on how to go at it. Since your list of things to do is long, and you don't seem to be on a schedule there are lots of things you can do so save money, and get started on things. First, I wouldn't work too hard on cleaning that interior as much as I would work hard to remove all of it. The carpet will likely clean up well but to get it clean for you to feel good about it, it has to come out. Seats... same thing get them out. Also any after market wiring etc get that stuff out and in your "spare wire" bin etc. start removing and organizing things to get a better idea of your list of things... This is key as once you see all that you need then you know if you need something if you find a deal on it. You can clean really well with everything out, run wire etc and then start putting stuff back in clean. putting things back in nice will motivate you to get the mechanical stuff done.

second rebuild all that you can... you can save a lot of money rebuilding your power steering pump, a/c compressor, alternator and starter. but be careful you price replacement parts for comparison as it can go the other direction sometimes. I got a pump from @slow95z and rebuilt it, way cheaper than getting new or rebuilt. so if you have a part that isn't rebuildable you can get used ones that are for much cheaper.

if you are going to get a used engine to put in it, things are going to have to come off to get it ready for install... oil pans, accessories etc, these things can all be getting refreshed by you and ready for the replacement engine long before you actually get it.

bins.... craigslist, goodwill etc any place you can get your hands on big rubber bins to store and organize parts is going to make your life easier but don't waste money on fancy ones.

local pull your self type junk yards have a lot of screws/bolts/nuts you can harvest and usually they don't charge. i usually just harvest a few toggle switches etc that i can use or relays etc so they get some money from me and i also get some spares.

Just remember there is a lot that can be done on the cheap before you pull the trigger on the expensive items.

good luck!
 
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I would second what @Road Apple posted up there. Most of what is listed I have verified with the same experience.

However I also take on vehicles in much worse condition than the one you just bought and I have some suggestions on how to go at it. Since your list of things to do is long, and you don't seem to be on a schedule there are lots of things you can do so save money, and get started on things. First, I wouldn't work too hard on cleaning that interior as much as I would work hard to remove all of it. The carpet will likely clean up well but to get it clean for you to feel good about it, it has to come out. Seats... same thing get them out. Also any after market wiring etc get that stuff out and in your "spare wire" bin etc. start removing and organizing things to get a better idea of your list of things... This is key as once you see all that you need then you know if you need something if you find a deal on it. You can clean really well with everything out, run wire etc and then start putting stuff back in clean. putting things back in nice will motivate you to get the mechanical stuff done.

second rebuild all that you can... you can save a lot of money rebuilding your power steering pump, a/c compressor, alternator and alternator. but be careful you price replacement parts for comparison as it can go the other direction sometimes. I got a pump from @slow95z and rebuilt it, way cheaper than getting new or rebuilt. so if you have a part that isn't rebuildable you can get used ones that are for much cheaper.

if you are going to get a used engine to put in it, things are going to have to come off to get it ready for install... oil pans, accessories etc, these things can all be getting refreshed by you and ready for the replacement engine long before you actually get it.

bins.... craigslist, goodwill etc any place you can get your hands on big rubber bins to store and organize parts is going to make your life easier but don't waste money on fancy ones.

local pull your self type junk yards have a lot of screws/bolts/nuts you can harvest and usually they don't charge. i usually just harvest a few toggle switches etc that i can use or relays etc so they get some money from me and i also get some spares.

Just remember there is a lot that can be done on the cheap before you pull the trigger on the expensive items.

good luck!
This, all of this!

You've basically put what's in my head into a written down plan so thank you. Great idea for the bins btw. I'll start off I think with pulling the seats, then carpet and trim that needs to come off or easily removed that way like you said I can easily clean it up or refresh them before finally going back in and reinstalling. I will be looking to rebuild/refresh anything I can. It's not going to be a show truck so things aren't going to look like new in most cases and cleaning will give it that fresh old truck vibe anyway which is what I'm going for with this refresh.
I did recently see there is a newer landcruiser at the local pick-n-pull so I will definitely be going to hit them up maybe today just to see what if anything I can get to use on my own truck. Lots of great ideas so thank you.
 

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