Early vs. Late 80s (1 Viewer)

[Sully]

I'm considering buying an FJ 80 LC. Other than the engine differences, are there any other significant differences between the early 80s and the later ones? Does the engine make enough difference for someone who would be using this primarily as a daily driver and occasional trail rider? Thanks for any advice.

 

[woody]

in short yes....

93+ is worth looking for, PLUS the availability of factory locking diffs....

isn't there a big thread in the FAQ on selecting your 80? I also know sleeoffroad.com has a great noobie page for shoppin....

welcome

 

[firetruck41]

There are several differences, check the faq here on the 80s section and the 80 series info on Slee's website: http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm
As far as the engine power difference, I think it is a big difference and probably would not be happy with the 3FE myself.

 

[NorCalSam]

in short yes....

93+ is worth looking for, PLUS the availability of factory locking diffs....

isn't there a big thread in the FAQ on selecting your 80? I also know sleeoffroad.com has a great noobie page for shoppin....

welcome

what he said

93 to 94 are best for your buck. They have a lot more power and other refinements and or improvments to the gears drive train etc. If given the option I never buy the first year of anything (91s and 93s) But its a Landcruiser. And Iknow the 94s have a very big and strong tranny not sure about the 93s. But in 95 this was changed.

95-97s have even more changes to the engine, dash(for the airbags), drive train, and better tracktion control stuff I think.

even better you could find a 96-97 LX450.

Its all about how many green back you are willing to spend.

Just remember that if you pay to much for the truck you won't have any money for the mods.

and Welcome
Sam

 

[SLC-Joe]

I had a 91 and other than the lack of power I loved it, thats why I got my 96. The 96 is nicer for sure but if you dont need the lockers, leather, power for towing, or airbags, and money is an issue I say just go with the earlier one for around half the money.

 

[Sully]

Thanks for the info. I found the newbie guide right after I posted (doesn't that always happen ). If I'm not towing anything, would the lack of power really matter? Also, what does the LX450 get me that the TLC lacks?

 

[chitown40]

... If given the option I never buy the first year of anything (91s and 93s) ...

Thirtysomething years of refinement later...

93+ is your best bet. 96-97 even better. Just get one that had the maintenance done and records to show it.

 

[Sully]

Chitown-
Why the 93s? You seem to be the only one really advocating that early. I'm starting to trend towards a 95 (airbags/ABS for the kids) but I like the pricing on the 93s. As was pointed out, less upfront=more toys later. Also, I notice you've got a collector edition. What's the deal with that version?

 

[Rookie2]

Chitown-
Also, I notice you've got a collector edition. What's the deal with that version?

Nicer amenities.. more bells and whistles. Basically an LX-450 .

 

[CruisinGA]

Chitown-
Why the 93s? You seem to be the only one really advocating that early. I'm starting to trend towards a 95 (airbags/ABS for the kids) but I like the pricing on the 93s. As was pointed out, less upfront=more toys later. Also, I notice you've got a collector edition. What's the deal with that version?

I love my '93, but I'll be honest, my mom's '97 drives a little nicer, the interior is nicer, and the transmission is a little smoother.

Some of this is because I maintain hers, and beat on mine. Some of it is because it is 4 years newer.

For a trail or trail/DD, I would definatly consider 93-94, for a strict DD 95-97 IMHO.

Just be sure it is a '93/'94 with ABS. (ABS means that is has 4wheel discs-not all '93-94's did)

 

[mot]

You don't happen to be the same "Sully" that used to be around on LCOOL mailing list awhile ago, do you? I seem to remember that he, too, was from somewhere in the Illionis.

ANYWAY, probably just a coincident, I'm sure.

BTW, welcome aboard! (A little early, but... )

Mot

 

[BOUNDER]

Thanks for the info. I found the newbie guide right after I posted (doesn't that always happen ). If I'm not towing anything, would the lack of power really matter? Also, what does the LX450 get me that the TLC lacks?

I would go out of my way to find the right bonafide Toyoya Land Cruiser over the Lexus version - simply because I can't deal with the Lexus "luxury" branding on my rig - no pink panties and drive the Toyota legend.

 

[chitown40]

Chitown-
Why the 93s? You seem to be the only one really advocating that early. I'm starting to trend towards a 95 (airbags/ABS for the kids) but I like the pricing on the 93s. As was pointed out, less upfront=more toys later. Also, I notice you've got a collector edition. What's the deal with that version?

Sully,

I'm not advocating any particular year, but 93+ has the 1FZE engine, which for your intended use probably would be a better bet than the 3FE in the 91-92 models. The only way to make your decision is to drive an earlier FZJ80 and then drive a later model FZJ80. The little differences that most people don't care about might be important to you. They're all great trucks, as long as you don't get one that hasn't had any maintenance in the last 150k. The 40th and Collector's Editions are specific to 1997 only. They have painted windows on the aluminum wheels, collectors or 40th badging, automatic climate control, leather seats (40th has two-tone), and thats about it. A lot of people seem to really care about the 40th's, but you dont hear a lot about the collector's editions. I like mine a lot.

 

[Sully]

Mot-
I'm an all new Sully. The whole Illinois thing must be a weird quirk of fate.

Bounder-
After a little research, I'm with you on the Lexus. The pink panties look better on my wife.

 

[mot]

Mot-
I'm an all new Sully. The whole Illinois thing must be a weird quirk of fate.

Pheeeew, I can sleep better at night knowing that.

Good luck with your purchase!

Mot

 

[gregc]

I like the 93+ for the lockers and uprated engine.

I like the 93-94 because I prefer the look of the "old" style.

It's all about the T O Y O T A on the front.



G

 

[OLDGOAT]

Bounder-
After a little research, I'm with you on the Lexus. The pink panties look better on my wife.

Sully,

Factory lockers seem to be more prevalent on the Lexus and the interiors are quieter and of better quality materials. Besides, once the ARB front bumper and rear swing-away tire carrier go on, you can't see the Lexus badging anyway. Also, in my area, there was no difference in price between the used Toyota and Lexus cruisers. I further reasoned that a Lexus owner was more likely to keep up on routine maintenance than a Toyota owner (this board excluded, of coarse ).

And BTW, I find the pink panties to be quite comfortable!

 

[ecbranson]

I have owned a 92 and a 96 FZJ80

I purchased a used 92 and drove it for about 3 years. I was never happy with the engine. Way too under powered when I was trying to get to the trails. When there was a head wind on the hiway I was lucky to do 45 to 50 unless I was in second gear. The other problem was that the engine was cutting out periodically. It was still under warranty but the dealer never figured out what was going on. So, I traided it in on a 96. Wow! What a difference in power and drive line performance. Plus, it has lockers. In terms of driver satisfaction, I would definately recommend something in the 95 to 97 model years. You won't regret it...

 

[CJF]

You should have come here sooner. Unless you're exaggerating, there was more wrong with your motor than just the cutting out issue (which we also could have diagnosed).

Can you guess what year I have?

BTW, Sully already got himself a Cruiser since then; check out his current thread on page 1.

Cheers,

Curtis

 

[Mike S]

I just recently bought a '96 FZJ80, after having driven a '72 FJ40 for 15 years, then buying and drviving an FJ60 for several years. As much as I loved the earlier trucks, the '96 FZJ80 is the real deal. Beefy as Hell, smooth as silk, a good highway driver, and probably better than the earlier trucks off road.

The 1FZ FE engine is not over powered, but it isn't under powered, either. A really nice ride, and you can find them with under 100K miles, lockers, leather, etc, Go for it.

M