Bought a 97, 80 Series today (1 Viewer)

[jemsec]

No one could write a more inspirational message. Thanks BILT4ME.

After replacing the front rotors, calipers and pads, I got to drive it a little today. Runs great and sure I got a good one. Found it was full of gas and everything works expect the door locks and dome lights. It's dirty as heck but that can be fixed pretty quick.

This one will keep me busy for a long time and I love it. I'm 62 and wonder if there are other, older guys, that work on Land Cruisers as a hobby. It beats the heck out of golf and fishing or hanging around at McDonalds for the cheap coffee.

 

[86tuning]

Dirty as heck... After a thorough vacuuming if its not enough, you can quickly unbolt all the seats to remove the carpet for a pressure washing.

Spend an afternoon to pressure wash with some laundry soap and a brush, it will be good as new when it dries out. I used a shop vac to take out most of the water, then carefully laid it out to air dry on some garden benches (read: empty milk crates) and a fan.

 

[jemsec]

Found out the a/c, heater, windows, and mirrors work ok. Both front seats need help and only one door lock works. Straightened the front bumper and it will be ok with the few dings. Used a BFM and torqued the fire out of it to get it acceptably straight. Also found an oil leak and not sure if its the oil pan gasket or front crank shaft seal. Fake wood inside is garbage and think I'll order replacements.

Will take the good advice about the carpet from "86tuning" and clean it. Not worn too much and will be ok after a lot of elbow grease. Haven't found evidence of rust anywhere.

As for the oil leak what's the best way to tell what is the problem? Crank or pan gasket? I know, if its coming from the crank it's from the front crank and if it's coming from the oil pan gasket it's coming from the oil pan gasket.

 

[Landcruiser1997]

I am new to this thread but sure seems like 3600 hundred for any decent 4x4 is not bad at all. Add that it is a land cruiser and I really don't see how you can go wrong. Half the fun is bringing it back to life..Enjoy!

 

[Woodman]

Any 97 that starts and moves is worth 3600. If can be covered in cow crap, with 4 bald tires and no brakes and d happily hand over the money. Do the PHH if you don't know if it was done or done right, that little devil can turn your new ride into scrap in 60 seconds. Your oil leak could be upper or lower pan, or RMS, or sloppy quick lube techs dumping the filter down the block. If an 80 doesn't leak some oil and have an oil sheen covered belly then it is just a prude poser vehicle. Think of the oil as sunscreen to prevent rust. I only address oil seepage if it has an impact on the dipstick between service intervals. You will drive yourself mad chasing oil weeps on an 80. Enjoy your purchase, making a neglected vehicle right again is actually a lot of fun.

 

[retrofive]

Dirty as heck... After a thorough vacuuming if its not enough, you can quickly unbolt all the seats to remove the carpet for a pressure washing.

Spend an afternoon to pressure wash with some laundry soap and a brush, it will be good as new when it dries out. I used a shop vac to take out most of the water, then carefully laid it out to air dry on some garden benches (read: empty milk crates) and a fan.

While I completely agree, Nov - April/May even around here make that a task.

 

[jemsec]

Been working on the 80 a lot this week and fixed the tag light, replaced all vacuum, vent hoses and got the sunroof working. Ordered a CDL switch and waiting on it to arrive. Replaced oil in front, rear, transfer case with Mobile 1 synthetic. Amsoil in transmission and power steering. Next oil change will be Amsoil also.

After the rain yesterday the back floor near the tail gate is wet and haven't found the source. Anyone have that issue? Could it be the sunroof drains or the rear side windows? Still trying to figure out what's wrong with the four locks. One works, four don't.

Now have an exhaust leak and think the whole thing needs to be replaced. 17 years old and almost 200K miles.

Haven't I seen a deal on a complete stock exhaust system somewhere?

That put's a lift and tires further out.

 

[jemsec]

Researching options on a 2" lift and will add 33" tires. What is the best and economical way to do this? Want a firm ride and will need longer shocks. The current shocks are toast.

I know I can buy the $800.00+ kits but would like suggestions on other options. Chamber correction will be needed and need to get the best options for future mods. What else is needed to accomplish this goal?

Suggestions from those that have been there would be appreciated.

 

[chairborne]

Researching options on a 2" lift and will add 33" tires. What is the best and economical way to do this? Want a firm ride and will need longer shocks. The current shocks are toast. I know I can buy the $800.00+ kits but would like suggestions on other options. Chamber correction will be needed and need to get the best options for future mods. What else is needed to accomplish this goal? Suggestions from those that have been there would be appreciated.

I don't think you need any lift to run 33" tires. A 2" lift will allow 35" tires easily. You can add some spring spacers and longer shocks if you just want a bit of lift. I balked at the cost of a full lift too, but I couldn't be happier with my TJM kit.