Hello everyone,
Just picked up a '91 land cruiser from the 3rd owner. I plan on using it as a daily to replace my 1999 Wrangler, and for camping, hiking, and hunting trips. I've got a big stack of records from the first owner, but nothing from the 2nd / 3rd. I'd like to use this thread as a place to record issues, solutions, and get advice.
She's pretty clean and the first owner maintained it, according to the records, at the dealer up into 220k. Not many records from 220k - 270k where she's at now. So I'm going to treat it like nothing was done and try to get on top of some maitainace. I've got access to a farm shop and am pretty handy so I'm thinking I'll just get at it, but there seems to be a pretty reputable land cruiser shop (Landcruiser NW) near me that I'm thinking about stopping in and getting an inspection to see if there is something that immediately needs to be addressed.
A few problems that I know need to be fixed:
I took a few photos, but will upload more later.
-aaron
Just picked up a '91 land cruiser from the 3rd owner. I plan on using it as a daily to replace my 1999 Wrangler, and for camping, hiking, and hunting trips. I've got a big stack of records from the first owner, but nothing from the 2nd / 3rd. I'd like to use this thread as a place to record issues, solutions, and get advice.
She's pretty clean and the first owner maintained it, according to the records, at the dealer up into 220k. Not many records from 220k - 270k where she's at now. So I'm going to treat it like nothing was done and try to get on top of some maitainace. I've got access to a farm shop and am pretty handy so I'm thinking I'll just get at it, but there seems to be a pretty reputable land cruiser shop (Landcruiser NW) near me that I'm thinking about stopping in and getting an inspection to see if there is something that immediately needs to be addressed.
A few problems that I know need to be fixed:
- It has a check engine light, and I used a paper clip to check and it's throwing a error 28 (potentially could be a 2 and a 8). It has a bit of an exhaust leak so I'm thinking the o2 sensor makes sense. I ordered both new denso o2 sensors (from what I can tell denso made the originals?) To fix the code and hopefully the exhaust leak otherwise I think I'll be throwing in a new y-pipe / cats. Magnaflow seems to be popular. I need to research this more. I purchased in Washington so I need to get this cleared and passing smog before I can license in Oregon. So this is my highest priority.
- I'm not convinced the center diff is locking. The button lights up, but I don't feel / hear anything engaging and the dash light doesn't turn on. I haven't had time yet to actually test if it's locking, but I'm pretty confident it's not.
- Exhaust leak somewhere.
FIXED: missing bolt on the manifold to down pipe connection.
- Oil pan is pretty dirty. I need to clean it up and crawl under for a better inspection.
- Brake light is always on, and the brakes are not great. They are pretty soft and spongey. I'm not sure if this is just how the brakes are or because of the oversized tires / low fluid / not bled. I'm assuming the light is indicating a problem.
FIXED: low brake fluid
- Flickering dash / instrument lights. PO wired up some LED lights on the bumper and it looks like the crimped connection to the ground is failing. I crimped it down a little more and it made the flickering better, but it's still broken and bumps start it up again. Hopefully just replacing that connection fixed the flickering.
- High fan speed doesn't work or is very slow.
- The 3rd row map light is missing the switch to engage the lights on / off / door. Middle and front function normally.
- Rear tailgate door struts fail to lift and hold open the door. Ordered some cheapy struts of eBay. We'll see how they hold up, but I already banged my head twice.
- The tail gate itself is a little stiff to drop. Probably need to clean and oil it up.
- Driver's seat has a tear. I want to get that reupholstered and then get some seat covers. Also on the search for rubber 2nd row and cargo floor mats.
- Clear coat is gone on the roof / hood starting to go on the doors. Hoping to sand it down and put a new clear coat on.
I took a few photos, but will upload more later.
-aaron
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