FJ80 opinions

[Tym]

I'm about to purchase my first FJ80 or two... and I thought I'd get some opinions from those in the "know". I'm not new to Cruisers, bought my 40 in '91 and have had 55's and now have a 60 as well. Anyhow, I'm looking at a '94, with leather, no lockers, no 3rd row, but everything else with 183k miles on it for $4200 (runs like a top, but the check engine light is on) and as luck would have it I stumbled across a very nice '96 with leather, lockers, 3rd row and 176k miles on it for $7k (runs great as well, no check engine light and recent "smog" inspection). Obviously I want the one with lockers, though the other one seems to be at the very least a "good" deal. I may buy both and sell the '94 for a lil' extra after some cleaning up and improvements, maybe. What are the opinions of you 80 guys?


Tym
'72 FJ40 - 400 small block - SM420 - SOA - Scout PS - 4whl discs
'83 FJ60 - 5.7L TBI - tool box - camp shower - and the windas is tinted.

 

[fzjchase]

Don't screw around, just get the '96, mod it, post up pics, and then wheel it.

Then 6-4-6.

 

[nakman]

96, and it's FZJ

 

[CJF]

You can read the codes on the 94 with a paperclip.

 

[Tym@work]

Okay, now I'm searching and reading threads about HG failures! If the PO doesn't have records or hasn't had the HG replaced is there an easy way to tell if it's been done or not? I read $1500 at the Stealership, is that accurate? Man, my reason for buying an 80 is to have one that I don't want or need to wrench for at least a year or two.

 

[-Spike-]

Man, my reason for buying an 80 is to have one that I don't want or need to wrench for at least a year or two.

If you find a ten year old car that you don't need to wrench on for a year, get back to me. I've never seen it.

Land Cruisers are the best engineered and built vehicle for dependability on the market, IMO. They still require attention.

-Spike

 

[Tym@work]

True, but I'm worried about extensive / expensive and downtime as opposed to little odd and end and PM stuff that normally requires attn. Changing fluids, re-packing birfs, religning brakes, and tune ups, are a bit different from removing the top 1/2 of the engine and all ancilliaries necessary to get to it or a $1500 dealer tab.....

I'm not scared to roll up my sleeves and wrench, I've built my 40 and my 60. I'm just hesitant about buying something that immediately or in the very near has a major mechanical problem.

 

[zukatude]

True, but I'm worried about extensive / expensive and downtime as opposed to little odd and end and PM stuff that normally requires attn. Changing fluids, re-packing birfs, religning brakes, and tune ups, are a bit different from removing the top 1/2 of the engine and all ancilliaries necessary to get to it or a $1500 dealer tab.....

I'm not scared to roll up my sleeves and wrench, I've built my 40 and my 60. I'm just hesitant about buying something that immediately or in the very near has a major mechanical problem.

Tym,

It just depends on what PM work has already been done. If the HG has not yet been done (I don't think you can tell without pulling the head) then there is a fair chance it will need it. That's the thing, it may never require it, but if it goes you may be in a bad situation far from home. The HG PM is like insurance. Take your chances or do it yourself in your own garage at your own leisure. There are other wear items like alternator brushes and starter contacts that go out. I just replaced the starter contacts last weekend, they were 76k miles old and starting to act up. Once all this PM is done, I think the 80 is pretty reliable.

Still, I have only had my new 80 for less than 2 years/15k miles and have had to do the HG, alternator brushes, starter contacts, birf seals, warped rotors, and leaking hose. The old 60 series I used to have I didn't touch anything for 80k miles (other than suspension upgrade mods).

-Paul in Windsor, Colorado

 

[fzj80kidpen]

Hey, I recognize that 40. If its the one I am thinking about the last time I saw it was at Tellico about to roll back down slick rock.
The odds it will need a new HG within a year or two are very low. If you play odds. You've just seen my 96 and want some of that action Get the 96 and don't look back. I bought mine at 131K and have had to do the EGR vacuum modulator($50) , PM on the front axle, rebuilt the starter (contact and plunger - $35) and now I am at 175K. I doubt any other 10 year vehicle would be so easy on the wallet.
You will want the 1FZ engine. Unless you just plan on turning it into a buggy. If thats you plan then go for the 94.
Bill

 

[Tym]

Okay, check this out. I'm gonna get the '96, however between last Friday and today someone stole the center caps. Now the guys gonna knock some off because of that but does anyone on here hvae a set they'd part with for a reasonable price??


Bill with the white 80???

 

[Romer]

If you find a ten year old car that you don't need to wrench on for a year, get back to me. I've never seen it.

Land Cruisers are the best engineered and built vehicle for dependability on the market, IMO. They still require attention.

-Spike

The only wrenching I have had to do in the last 12 months is to fix the stuff I broke/dented wheeling Well, there are the mods I added.

 

[firetruck41]

Okay, check this out. I'm gonna get the '96, however between last Friday and today someone stole the center caps. Now the guys gonna knock some off because of that but does anyone on here hvae a set they'd part with for a reasonable price??


Bill with the white 80???

The caps are frequently for sale in the classifieds section, 'cuz they look better without center caps.

 

[kennyv0826]

If you find a ten year old car that you don't need to wrench on for a year, get back to me. I've never seen it.

Land Cruisers are the best engineered and built vehicle for dependability on the market, IMO. They still require attention.

-Spike

Spike, were talkin bout an 80 not a friggin Ford!

Ten years is nuthin

 

[kennyv0826]

Okay, check this out. I'm gonna get the '96, however between last Friday and today someone stole the center caps. Now the guys gonna knock some off because of that but does anyone on here hvae a set they'd part with for a reasonable price??


Bill with the white 80???

Good choice my friend and if you need center caps PM and I'll hook ya up!

 

[woody]

I picked up my 96 for $11k in March 05 with 115k on it...it's got 162k on it now, so 47k in 21 months...thus far, it's pulled the P0401 and P0402 codes and received appropriate O2 sensors and VSV stuff....it's due for the HG replacement this winter and will get injectors at the same time. I am HARD on equipment, I towed my FJ40/trailer (5500#ish) over 9000 miles in 2005 and over 7000 miles in 2006 behind this 80...

IMO, buy both, do the HG job on the 96 while you drive the 94, then sell the 94 to cover the parts

 

[Tym@work]

Can I get a HEYULL YEAH?!?!?! Could ya give a Brutha a HEYULL YEAH?!?!?!

 

[LandCrusher'70]

heyull yeah

 

[Ting]

Congrat....

 

[sseaman]

once again i love the white

 

[Tym@work]

One of these days..... I gotta do som 'bout that stump, heh.

Thanks Guys...

Tym's got a Toyota again....