Considering an 80 with a couple issues

[Funner]

I appreciate the help. He is asking 9k for it but I believe he will take less. The truck does have some good modifications to it that I would consider doing if it didnt have any. Here is the link to the original for sale link from the previous owner. The current owner has told me that not much has changed besides the wheels and tires.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj80-fzj80...exus-lx450-factory-lockers-lifted-loaded.html

I appreciate the info!! Keep it comin!

After reading the P PO's ad it kinda seems like we had a poser truck, you know show and shine style But he wasn't a cruiser head. The old ad says it has a Skyjacker 3" lift, but the PO's signature says it's an OME 2.5" lift. Also, the timing belt being replaced obviously didn't happen because the truck doesn't have one The balance of the "replaced items" is heavily leaning toward someone chasing an overheating problem the "pesky hoses", radiator flush, fan clutch etc all that with a cracked plenum and it being for sale twice in 7 months.

The rest of the "mods" are kinda just glitter, tribal tattoo stickers, and the racing distributor wires , will be going in the trash too.

With the price now known and the PPO's ad, I am running from this one unless I pay $5-6k and have a leak down test done to make sure the engine is okay.

edit, also make sure that does have lockers and not just a locker switch.

 

[jonboy10]

With everything that has been done to it, I do agree that this is more of a "hey hey look at me" truck and not a true off road vehicle. I believe it does have the potential to be great, but will need some TLC which I can definitely give!

This would be my first SUV, as I currently drive an Acura TL, but I do take pride in what I drive. If you put my Acura up to other stock ones, 9 out of 10 times people would say mine looks the best. I put time and care into my cars to make sure that they will run forever.

That being said, it seems like many people instantly get attached to these trucks, and I would probably fall into the same column. I have always loved my cars, but being 20, I havent had the chance to own too many yet. I want to make sure that whatever Cruiser I get will be something that I would never want to sell, and always have for that all around do everything vehicle.

A few members have mentioned that this truck needs some mechanical work that can be done relatively cheap if I can perform the labor. I feel that I would be able to, especially if I were to find a mud member willing to help me with the more difficult items. With the plenum being cracked, I dont quite know what he means. I will have to ask and figure out more about this and the other issues.

I will want to take the truck in to have it inspected. I do not expect a clean bill of health by any means, but who would in a 16 year old truck? I will be taking it to AAC Toyota who specialize in cruisers. Anyone been there? I will have them check literally everything, including the lockers, and I hope that the reason the rear locker light is flashing would just be a sensor!

So all in all, I want a Cruiser. If its this one, great! If it is another, thats also great! I liked this one because the exterior looked like it was in good shape, and the interior looked even better, it had a decent lift and lockers. To the member that mentioned that in his sig it says OME and in the add it says Skyjacker i believe that the sig is for the old sellers new truck and it has no affiliation with the LX450 im interested in.
Mechanically the truck may not be perfect, but as long as I dont have to drop 5k into it, Ill be happy. A couple grand, I may be willing to do, if I can get it for the right price.

 

[Howard705]

Lots of people that don't know the exact name of a part use what they guess it's called like maybe calling the tube going to the air cleaner the "plenum" or alternator belt the"timing belt". I've seen several ads saying "new timing belt" "V-6" or head "gaskets" replaced. At least if this was built for looks it won't have the fluids full of water or have been beaten hard.

 

[jonboy10]

Maybe the seller is talking about this being cracked?

***red arrow***

 

[Azca]

These engines go for 300k or more without too many issues, especially if the HG has been replaced.

The interior looks to be in great shape. New upholstery will set you back at least 1.5k. The lockers will save you about 2k vs new but make sure they are working. They can be rebuilt but to replace is SPENDY! Sliders about 900 bucks.

If the front end has been rebuilt a few times and looks good this could be a nice rig for you. I would look at this rig and plan on rebuilding the engine, if you don't need to for awhile you are money ahead! Also when baselining your rig count on 2k in parts. You may not need to spend that much but don't be surprised if you do (and that is with you doing the work).

I have had an 86 toyota pickup, 95 runner and a 2001 expedition. The expo would easily out wheel, out carry and out haul the runner (yes I was surprised). The 80 kicks the expos butt, its just not as fast and can't haul as much and is twice the rig the expo was (and I liked the expo). Bottom line, you will put bucks into it, but if you plan to keep it your smile will just get bigger and bigger!

 

[jonboy10]

These engines go for 300k or more without too many issues, especially if the HG has been replaced.

The interior looks to be in great shape. New upholstery will set you back at least 1.5k. The lockers will save you about 2k vs new but make sure they are working. They can be rebuilt but to replace is SPENDY! Sliders about 900 bucks.

If the front end has been rebuilt a few times and looks good this could be a nice rig for you. I would look at this rig and plan on rebuilding the engine, if you don't need to for awhile you are money ahead! Also when baselining your rig count on 2k in parts. You may not need to spend that much but don't be surprised if you do (and that is with you doing the work).

I have had an 86 toyota pickup, 95 runner and a 2001 expedition. The expo would easily out wheel, out carry and out haul the runner (yes I was surprised). The 80 kicks the expos butt, its just not as fast and can't haul as much and is twice the rig the expo was (and I liked the expo). Bottom line, you will put bucks into it, but if you plan to keep it your smile will just get bigger and bigger!

Thank you for the info. I will have everything checked out when I get it inspected. But yes the interior is definitely a plus.

I also just got an email back from the seller, and he apologized and said he used the wrong word, it is NOT the plenum. It is the air induction tube with the duct tape on it. The exact item I pointed out a couple posts above! A lot cheaper to replace.