I am somewhat new to the toyota market, but hear great things. I find myself drawn to the fzj80 especially the 95-97s. However, my brother who has some experience with off-roading says the Fzj80 is way too large for most western US trails and I should consider a first gen. 4runner instead. I know that both are solid axle rigs, but now I am not sure which way to go. My requirements are as follows: able to seat 4, above average capabilities off-road, decent on road capabilities, and not a lot of custom fabrication (I cannot weld as of yet). I am not looking for a straight rock crawler, more of a decent all purpose vehicle capable of taking my family and I where ever we would like to go. Any help in making this decision is greatly appreciated. I am currently leaning toward the Fzj80 due to size, but all advise is appreciated.
Big Decision
- Thread starter jmjnewbold
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As long as you can live with 10-12 mpg, go for the 80-series. I've crammed a family of 4 into both 1st and 2nd gen 4Runners, and it is cramped. My wife and I took my pickup on one long-distance trip and it was also very cramped in the cab. You quickly run out of places to stash stuff.
Heck, I find a mini truck cab cramped when just by myself on a long trip, but then I also seam to have a ton of camera gear in the cab with me. If you are able to pack light a 4-runner should be fine. If you need a bit more space, a cargo box can be put on top.
For any SUV, I'd install a sturdy cargo barrier between the front and rear.
As for size, it would help to know what trails you would like to travel.
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well as for trails I am not sure. I currently live in Alaska, but will be moving some time next year to where ever the Air Force assigns me. I would ultimately like to go back home to the So Cal area and probably off road all of california from Hollister south, and would love to check out moab. Im not looking to do anything super technical, mostly exploring the great USA.
85 efi 4runner
80s are pigs and while I love mostly everything toyota Id never own one..just my 2cents
80s are pigs and while I love mostly everything toyota Id never own one..just my 2cents
80s are so stout, and they are fairly comfortable. I think the 22RE is a very reliable engine if not more than the 1FZ-FE, and gets better MPG. I like the 4Runner because it comes manual also. You can still find a nicely maintained 80s series Land Cruiser, that is clean for around 6-10 k depending on mileage. I think its harder to find a clean 85 runner, unless its been restored somewhat. I have to drive a few hours to go wheeling where I live and a 85 will get you farther for cheaper. Both are great for different reasons..
The only 1st gen 4runners with a solid front axle were the '84's and 85's. My wife talked me into selling our '85 with a kid coming due to the limitations of two doors. Something for you to consider, perhaps. You might look at the 2nd and 3rd gen 4runner for their 4 doors. Any Toyota 4x4 will have above average capabilities offroad, including IFS, so you have alot to choose from. The 22RE will get you 75%+ better mileage than a Landcruiser 6cyl. All of the older Toy 4x4's are slow, with engines built for dependability and longevity. #1 engine, IMO, would be the 22RE.
I just visited Moab last month for the first time. Awesome-you will love it! The majority of the trails you'd be OK with IFS and no lockers.
I just visited Moab last month for the first time. Awesome-you will love it! The majority of the trails you'd be OK with IFS and no lockers.
Buy the 80. The gas mileage isn't that much worse than my 85 4Runner and it's luxurious in comparison. There's more space, it rides better and if you can get one with lockers then you can go just about anywhere. There's lots of lifts, aftermarket accessories, and tire combinations to handle just about anything that you want to do.
I would also consider a 100 series. Yes it's IFS but it's also a pretty good off road vehicle.
I would also consider a 100 series. Yes it's IFS but it's also a pretty good off road vehicle.
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internal-combustion engines are over-rated, and tires pop. Forget about a 4X4, and just get a yack!
Then you'll fit right in with the "green" movement, and you're unlikely to get hijacked!
Anyway, if an FZJ80 is calling out to you; the do it, it sucks to end up behind the wheel of something you don't feel as passionate about because you chose economy over intent.
The 80's are a little big in the tail, but they handle trails just fine. Most of the folks who say they're too big are generally hardcore crawlers, where angles of departure and approach are contemplated every morning after breakfast. Shoot, I've seen more extended-camping and longterm expeditions based off of 80's than anything else here in the states. Furthermore, you'd have more power, because face it, a fist-gen runner will either have a 22R, which is a great motor, but does have a fairly severe limit to weight capacity, or the 3VZ which has an incredibly severe limit to functionality, power, reliability, and low-end torque. Meanwhile, the 1FZ's pretty much the best I6 gasser Toyota ever made, and always seems to surprise owners as to how much it can tug around. Stick the TRD supercharger on there, and you have a rig that can climb just about anything without so much as a shudder.
Then you'll fit right in with the "green" movement, and you're unlikely to get hijacked!
Anyway, if an FZJ80 is calling out to you; the do it, it sucks to end up behind the wheel of something you don't feel as passionate about because you chose economy over intent.
The 80's are a little big in the tail, but they handle trails just fine. Most of the folks who say they're too big are generally hardcore crawlers, where angles of departure and approach are contemplated every morning after breakfast. Shoot, I've seen more extended-camping and longterm expeditions based off of 80's than anything else here in the states. Furthermore, you'd have more power, because face it, a fist-gen runner will either have a 22R, which is a great motor, but does have a fairly severe limit to weight capacity, or the 3VZ which has an incredibly severe limit to functionality, power, reliability, and low-end torque. Meanwhile, the 1FZ's pretty much the best I6 gasser Toyota ever made, and always seems to surprise owners as to how much it can tug around. Stick the TRD supercharger on there, and you have a rig that can climb just about anything without so much as a shudder.
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Go drive an 80, then go drive an '85 4Runner.... You'll buy an 80.... Just try to hold out for one with lockers... it's like friggin' magic!!!! 
*From a guy that's owned 10 different 4Runners so far.... Hehehe
*From a guy that's owned 10 different 4Runners so far.... Hehehe
Being in alaska an 80 may work better. i know getting into my 85 pu in the winter sucks til it warms since they have no insulation.
I think heavier trucks work a little better in light snow too...but deeper stuff itll be harder to get out...
I think heavier trucks work a little better in light snow too...but deeper stuff itll be harder to get out...
As a long time 4runner fan,i recomend the 80 for you.
x2
internal-combustion engines are over-rated, and tires pop. Forget about a 4X4, and just get a yack!
Then you'll fit right in with the "green" movement, and you're unlikely to get hijacked!
Anyway, if an FZJ80 is calling out to you; the do it, it sucks to end up behind the wheel of something you don't feel as passionate about because you chose economy over intent.
The 80's are a little big in the tail, but they handle trails just fine. Most of the folks who say they're too big are generally hardcore crawlers, where angles of departure and approach are contemplated every morning after breakfast. Shoot, I've seen more extended-camping and longterm expeditions based off of 80's than anything else here in the states. Furthermore, you'd have more power, because face it, a fist-gen runner will either have a 22R, which is a great motor, but does have a fairly severe limit to weight capacity, or the 3VZ which has an incredibly severe limit to functionality, power, reliability, and low-end torque. Meanwhile, the 1FZ's pretty much the best I6 gasser Toyota ever made, and always seems to surprise owners as to how much it can tug around. Stick the TRD supercharger on there, and you have a rig that can climb just about anything without so much as a shudder.
x2
I have owned a 22re mini truck since I drove it off the lot. I like the simplicity, the manual tranny and part time hubs and hand crank windows, etc. I like its compact size for fitting on trails (like the Rubicon). I was looking for a 4 runner as a family truckster since I have a family of 5 and need a back seat. I "settled" for a 1993 factory locked 80 because it was so hard to find a decent 4 runner. I have to admit it is a pleasure to drive the 80 on and off road. The 80 will do 80 mph on the highway with cruise control with ac blasting on the way to the trail and then spank that trail with its coil sprung axles and factory lockers. The amount of money and modifications to get a 4 runner to the same level as the stock 80 would just make no sense to me. I have spent way more time and money modifying the mini than I have on the 80 and the 80 wheels circles around the mini truck. After installing lockers and gears (and cutting up the fenders to fit tires that easily fit the stock 80) the 4 runner would still be too cramped for my family and still not be able tow my popup trailer as well. If I get a 4 runner it will only be so I can make a hard core family rock crawler that the family wont want to ride in because they will be uncomfortable compared to the 80.
MPG argument it isnt that much IMHO. Although that is the one thing I do not like about our 80. We avg about 15mpg in our 80, in my 89 pickup I avg 19-20mpg, but when you compare ride, power, towing ability, luxury, and up front costs the 80 wins hands down. For specs on my rigs see my sig.
sorry i am highjacking, here 89s rule how did those seats bolt up?
was it a pain or direct bolt in or some where in between?
was it a pain or direct bolt in or some where in between?