Buying a '95 - What to look for?

[cadence]

Hey Cruiser owners, I am a 4x4 newbie about to buy a 1995 with 175k miles and an unknow service history

I have read over the great FAQs on this site and have learned lots but I still have plenty of questions. Having worked around cars for years I have a good idea of all the basics and what to look for when buying a used rig but I am wondering what issues are common on these Cruisers?

Is the steering knuckle rebuild an expensive job? How will I know if it needs to be done? What about the full front axle rebuild mentioned in the FAQ...it looks like a huge job! The Pesky heater hose sounds like a simple must-do job but the starter contact look a bit more difficult. Any engine problems to watch for or do these things run forever?

A PPI is always nice but there are no Land Cruiser savvy shops in my city so I am on my own this time

For mods I plan to get an OME 2.5" lift kit and some 305/70/16 tires on the factory wheels plus maybe some additional lights and accessories.

Any help or advice would be apprecaited.

Thanks

 

[turbocruiser]

All your answers right here...


http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm


The knuckle rebuild aka axle rebuild is expensive if someone else supplies the labor, if you do it yourself you will save some $$$ and learn alot.

HTH (Hope That Helps)

 

[cadence]

All your answers right here...


http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm


The knuckle rebuild aka axle rebuild is expensive if someone else supplies the labor, if you do it yourself you will save some $$$ and learn alot.

HTH (Hope That Helps)

Good stuff, I already read it and it did help....thanks

What is a ballpark figure for parts and labor on the front axle rebuild? How many hours does it take a shop for this work?

 

[Romer]

There is also a lot of information in the FAQ stickey for 80/LX450's.

Ball park on Front axle is $1300. You could do it yourself for about $200. The write-up is in the maintenance section of the FAQ.

 

[jfz80]

looks like your on a good track; just picked up my 95 w/ 190k and it runs great. Someone may correct me but the 1fzfe is designed for three rebuilds at 300k i believe. i would do a compression check and iquire about the head gasket as thta is a concern w/ high mileage along w/ the PHH.

 

[cadence]

looks like your on a good track; just picked up my 95 w/ 190k and it runs great. Someone may correct me but the 1fzfe is designed for three rebuilds at 300k i believe. i would do a compression check and iquire about the head gasket as thta is a concern w/ high mileage along w/ the PHH.

Thanks for the reply. What do you mean by "Someone may correct me but the 1fzfe is designed for three rebuilds at 300k i believe." ? I am only just over half way to 300k but I don't understand your comment. Don't the Aussies run these rigs for 500k+ KMs without blinking an eye?

Unfortunately I only have an initial maintenance budget of approx $1000 or less but I can do most of the labour myself. My plan was to change all the fluids, PHH, Bilstein shocks, cap, rotor, wires, plugs, PCV, belts, coolant hoses, fuel filter and air filter...which should eat up my entire budget How long do water pumps and rads usually last?

Are there any major parts missing from my list? It looks to me that I'll be fine as long as the front axle is in good condition...otherwise I am screwed!

Thanks for your time

 

[Koffer]

Whats your local ?
Theirs many on this list all over the world that have done all of these things and much more and maybe able to help you for some or food and you'll learn alot and save just as much.