At the cross roads (descision time)

[crushers]

the only 74 series that have come down in price is the higher km units, the priemium units will be climbing in value... they are getting harder to find and those that want priemium will be paying for it...
it will be the same for the 61 series and the ultra low HDJ81s...
there are lots of poorer quaility units coming in and being flogged by the "fly by nighters"...
now this is not to say that some of the higher km units are crap, i am not saying this at all, i have seen some very nice examples floating around but i have seen some real crap here in Calgary being sold to the unsuspecting buyers...
the 120,000km units are much easier to find than the lower km units so the price is easier to understand. also when it comes to resale time, if you buy a unit with 60,000 km and go to resell at 90,000 you will get a much better return than someone that buys at 120,000 and tries to sell at 190,000...
just my take on the situation.

as for the 80s being a capable off roader, you bet your butt they are very capable. but then so are the 61s and the 74s and the 70s and the 44s, 40s, 45s,. if you can afford to ding up an 80 then by all means take it off road... the only place i would be hessitant to take an 80 is in the mud... it is really a heavy uint...
cheers

 

[beanz2]

Maybe you don't know that the 80 is the last cruiser with the "fundementals" for offroading. Namely, solid axles, lockers, and full floaters ff/rr. It is a very rare truck, and they were sold in Canada as opposed to the 80 series cruiser.

Yep, the last solid axle cruiser formally sold by ToyotaUSA. But don't forget the 105 and the 71/74/76/78/79 sold elsewhere. This is after all the International Tech section

Dave

 

[Radd Cruisers]

Yep, the last solid axle cruiser formally sold by ToyotaUSA. But don't forget the 105 and the 71/74/76/78/79 sold elsewhere. This is after all the International Tech section

Dave

Dave, not having your vast knowledge base I would ask you of those models which are coil sprung?

I truely think the 80 with coils and link style suspension would outclimb most leaf sprung units, weight is the only factory holding it back.

Agee or disagree...........

 

[Stone]

Maybe you don't know that the LX450 roles off the same assembly line as an 80 series LC and has 99% of the parts in common. Maybe you don't know that the 80 is the last cruiser with the "fundementals" for offroading. Namely, solid axles, lockers, and full floaters ff/rr. It is a very rare truck, and they were sold in Canada as opposed to the 80 series cruiser.

That's common knowledge...give me a break. Maybe we don't all share your vast Cruiser knowledge, but you don't have to divulge meager trivia like that as if it were some sort of trade secret.

Post up a pic of your Lexus...I'm curious.

 

[crushers]

having wheel most models now available in Canada, i would say driver is the most important factor to consider.
having the same driver in each vehicle and experienced in wheeling and with the same options i.e. lockers, tires etc then there is very little difference between the different models. a PROPER leaf setup will flex as good as a coil sprung cruiser.
stock, out of the box bare bones model most capable would be the FJ40, stock out of the box fully loaded, in my opinion is the 80 series with lockers.

the one i am most interested in wheeling is the HZJ77 with factory lockers. i think/feel this unit will out perform even the 80 series in stock form.

 

[Radd Cruisers]

the one i am most interested in wheeling is the HZJ77 with factory lockers. i think/feel this unit will out perform even the 80 series in stock form.[/QUOTE]


Lighter narrower, good wheel base, coils?

With all this going for a 77 I would think it would do extremely well.

Can`t wait to see one in Canada.

 

[dieseldog]

Everybody seems to be losing sight of some very important facts here. Our thread starter already HAS a 70. It's not like there's a clean sheet and he's looking to buy. He's got a bird in the hand--and a very fine one at that. The original question (way back when) was proposed as whether he should keep the 70 or get an 80. It would seem that most have indicated that hanging on to what he already has and maybe cherry-picking an 80 might be a good idea. 80's will always be around; however, diesel 70's are another propositon entirely.

It's not really germane as to what he'd buy if he was cruiser-less. Some of aamiggia's comments would be on-target if such were the case (even if he does think others are not possessed with 80 series knowledge).

 

[crushers]

the LHD diesel 70 series will always be a rare bird here in Canada and the US. as for whether he shoudl get rid of it and get an 80 series i do not think any of us has the ability to judge that. only he can tell if an 80 fits the bill... i would suggest go for a LONG test drive in an 80 series and maybe on a wheeling trip as a passenger then he can make an informed opinion...
words are not enough for an irreversable desicion as this.
is this more of what you expected as an answer?
cheers

 

[beanz2]

I would ask you of those models which are coil sprung?

All mentioned have coils in the front. The 105 has coils in the back, the 70 series leaves if heavy duty, coils if light duty.

Dave

 

[aamiggia]

I think I'm coming across the wrong way. I didn't mean to offend anyone and I don't want to be an 80's snob and rub some trivia in people's face. I just want people unexperienced with LX450's to realize they are Landcruisers. Like the GX470 is a 90 (or 95?) series Prado.

I guess I get easily agitated when people think that the LX450 is a wagon because of the Lexus badge. It's the last of a dying bread of NEW 4x4 wagons in Canada. The only replacement is a G-Wagen (or heep), I think even the Rovers have gone IFS.

For what it's worth, I have talked to several importers about buying a BJ71 or 74. The 74 is probably the best vehicle around for versitlity and agility, maybe a coiled 77 or 78. But some people aren't into owning JDM or RHD or 15 years+.

Dieseldog and Wayne are right. There will always be 80's around. The production run was from 1990 - 1997 and the volume was probably high since they were more civilian. I would never sell the 70, if you want something bigger and more comfortable get a used VW diesel as a DD.

P.S. I'll post up some pics soon. For now check out this LX450 for sale from cruiserparts.net www.cruiserparts.net/forsale/fj80.htm

 

[beanz2]

I think I'm coming across the wrong way. I didn't mean to offend anyone and I don't want to be an 80's snob and rub some trivia in people's face. I just want people unexperienced with LX450's to realize they are Landcruisers. Like the GX470 is a 90 (or 95?) series Prado.

I guess I get easily agitated when people think that the LX450 is a wagon because of the Lexus badge. It's the last of a dying bread of NEW 4x4 wagons in Canada. The only replacement is a G-Wagen (or heep), I think even the Rovers have gone IFS.

It's OK. Over here most of us consider the LX450 a Landcruiser too

The GX470 belongs to the 120 series, it's a UZJ125.

Dave

 

[Stone]

I hope my finances are in order by the time more HZJ77s are on the market to be imported in a few years. I'd love to join the Troopy crew, Dave...but 4 doors in my situation would suit me better. I'm having wet dreams of a fairly stock 77 DD and building up my 74 even more for the trails.

 

[Greg_B]

Stone, I didn't mean to press your buttons. I guess I came across as bad mouthing the 70's, but I'm not sure why some people are not open minded to all cruiser's.

There are thousands of different reasons why each Cruiser series is great, yes even the 100. I never minded the harsh ride of my Samurai, but other people would rather beat their balls with a frying pan.

Maybe you don't know that the LX450 roles off the same assembly line as an 80 series LC and has 99% of the parts in common. Maybe you don't know that the 80 is the last cruiser with the "fundementals" for offroading. Namely, solid axles, lockers, and full floaters ff/rr. It is a very rare truck, and they were sold in Canada as opposed to the 80 series cruiser.

My oppions on RHD, diesels, and importers are all based on the bottom line $$$. In my part of the country these are not as common / important as where you are.

Oh, and I would take my Buell sport bike to a Harley show. They appreciate all of ther own kind.

80's rock. Never owned one, however I have had the opportunity to watch a few in action. Great aftermarket too! I do class Lexus 450's in with the FZJ80's. It seems many times you can pick up the equivelant load (locekrs etc) in a Lexus 450 for less then FZJ80 pricing...and if you plan on modding it and changing out the suspension then who cares...

Oh ya...42's rock, as do 70's and 60's. Pigs are kinda cool to.

I don't understand why some people are not open minded about importers making a living, and supplying supported product.

Pok'n ya...perhaps we'll share a table one day and swap ideas in person.

Flex...quite the thread you started. Giving you enough info?

gb

 

[dieseldog]

Thanks for the comments aamiggia. And yes, I hope that all this info is helpful to Flex.

 

[bj70_guy]

Flex, if that 70 isn't floating your boat, get rid of it right now and get the 80 you want. Even though it sounds like you got an awesome deal (and the CC boys that saw it say it's real nice) it's going to cost you a lot of $$ to get it where you want it to be. I say sell it to someone that really wants it (I'll give you what you paid for it to help you get that 80 sooner...and build up your 80. If it doesn't prove to be what you wanted after all, get a 74 and you'll be miles ahead of the game as far as a starting point for a wheeler goes.

 

[Flex]

Thanx for the help everyone ( although for a spell this thread got a bit sidetracked lol) As much as I hate to....I think an 80 is on the horizon. Someone will get a great little 70 series, and I will get a bigger (but still a cruiser) suv. Now....to figure out how to go about this the right way lol

 

[aamiggia]

I know you're just razing me , but just to clarify, I have nothing against Importers making money. It's a service like getting a plumber or an electrician to do work around the house.

Since I'm a DIY type, I like to find out what the secrets of the job is and do it myself. Some people don't have time or energy to do the background research or are not willing to take a risk.

I'm not one to hire a guy to finish my basement nor am I one to hire a guy to import a cruiser for me. To get someone to take the time and care I would in doing it would cost me a fortune. There are a great bunch of guys on this forum (International) that will take the time and have proven themselves because they are usually willing to share info to other cruiser heads. Unforturenately I think they're a minority in the Importer world because I keep seeing over priced crap in the Autotrader in AB, ON, and BC.

If I was going to go the importer route I would gladly hand over all the money a "proven" importer on this site wanted for a JDM truck. I like to "pay it back" for I'll I taken from this site. I also believe in Paying it forward to people here as do most of the members of IH8MUD.

I've met up with a fellow LX450 owner from TO (CDN_Cruiser) that immediately offer to lend me his SST's for a front axle service and any help or FSM info I needed. I like to think that we are a tight community that will look out for each other and help out where ever possible. I'm still green, but I'm learning.

I hand out mainly on the International side, even though I don't have an international Cruiser because this is where all the fellow Canucks's are. Even though there are a few on the 80's board.

Long winded, and a bit of a tear jerker

P.S. My Tagline is not an American independance rant, but a quote from a famous Mexican.

 

[Greg_B]

I also believe in Paying it forward to people here as do most of the members of IH8MUD.

Great show! Made me teary...Was on a flight when I saw it, and looked around trying to hide it...till I saw I was in good company...

gb