Considering `91 Vanagon -> `95-`97 FJZ80

[shizam]

Went to test drive a monster 1997 on M/T tires yesterday and wow this is a different beast, I imagine the rowdy tires and 3.5" lift were the contributing factors, need to find a less intense example, maybe with "only" AT tires

 

[jpoole]

Lift without proper setup (caster correction, etc.), loose suspension components (bushings, etc.), loose steering components (frame crack, loose box, worn trunion bearings, loose wheel bearings, etc.) would all be no surprise on one of these unless it was well looked after. Even a stock height / stock tire size 80 that doesn't have tight susp/steering is a handful and can be pretty sketchy at highway speeds with a tendency to follow seams/ruts and bump steer etc.

The rig you looked at may have been dialed but I would expect at least a few issues in the above areas and be pleasantly surprised if they aren't present on rigs you review.

 

[Flank]

Lift without proper setup (caster correction, etc.), loose suspension components (bushings, etc.), loose steering components (frame crack, loose box, worn trunion bearings, loose wheel bearings, etc.) would all be no surprise on one of these unless it was well looked after. Even a stock height / stock tire size 80 that doesn't have tight susp/steering is a handful and can be pretty sketchy at highway speeds with a tendency to follow seams/ruts and bump steer etc.

The rig you looked at may have been dialed but I would expect at least a few issues in the above areas and be pleasantly surprised if they aren't present on rigs you review.

I agree about all said with loose / poor maintained components.
However, a well maintained stock height 80 is IMHO very tight, and not at all sketchy at highways speeds. While mine is neither stock height or a DD anymore, it was once. I've had panic stop situations on the freeway were I was certain I was either going to be embedded in the trunk of the car in front of me (tire bouncing and rolling across freeway) and other "situations" and i never felt the stock height 80 was lacking and it acutally shocked me how stable and responsive it was. Lift it up, armor it up, and you have a whole different dynamic. When people put tires 285 and wider, it will have a greater tendency to follow ruts and seams. I've run 255/85-16s and have never had the problem. Bump steer with correct caster correction has never been an issue. If your caster correction is off, it could wander like crazy.

The years they came out (91-97), the 80s also were perennially at the top of safety ratings by IIHS. I can't currently find the reference for this, but had researched it extensively about 10 years ago on Mud when some jackass made a blanket statement the average compact or mid-side sedan was safer than an 80.

But then, it may not handle as smooth as a cab-over VW (which my dad owned 3 of, including a Westy).