Hello everyone, I am new to the world of LC. I have been doing some mild off-roading with my wife's LR4 (her station wagon), and getting hooked. My automotive experience is more in the world of fast-small road course racing, and not afraid to do my own mechanical or electrical work. I have attended a 5-6 off-road schools to learn from various places, taken the LR4 every time, and now ready to buy my first off-roader. Most instructors and people I have met at Expos and other events pointed me in the FJ80 direction, solid axle way. I have been shopping for a while, and down to 2 final prospects. Would like to get opinions (and yes, already read FAQ's, Slee's newbie, ExpoPortal, AmericanAdventurist, etc).
The two options are:
So my main questions, are factory e-lockers that necessary? Only person I have asked so far is an instructor at a school near here, he said "not that important and you can add them up later". What does this collective of knowledge says?
The two options are:
- 1996 with lockers, 250K miles but had engine rebuilt 18K miles due to failed bearing (documentation), has CEL for P0401 -idling you can hear it hunting up and down(likely EGR and owner has part), needs interior carpet, antenna, paint is fading on hood (needs respray), front seats redone, and a general good scrubbing. No rust that I can see, and buying from individual owner, Carfax had accident with animal years ago (-$450).
- 1997 with no lockers, 180K miles, interior and exterior I would give it a 7 out of 10. Has fake plastic wood stickers on dash that are easy to remove, clean carfax (+$950).
So my main questions, are factory e-lockers that necessary? Only person I have asked so far is an instructor at a school near here, he said "not that important and you can add them up later". What does this collective of knowledge says?