fj80 vs 100 series

[bluejack]

Hey all,

I know it's been asked before...Is the 100 as reliable as the 94-97 fj80?

I've always liked the look of the 80 but after viewing this thread I was suprised at how good the 100 looks when it's got some bigger tires and no running boards...I have read good things about the reliability of the in-line six on the fj80 and just wonder if the V8 has had a chance to be proven for the long haul.

Also, I don't like the grill (personal preference) on the 2003's and up...is there a major diff between the 98-2002 that I should consider?

Thanks,

Anyone with a low mile used 80 or 100 for sale in the NC region let me know!

 

[jgray]

welcome and use the search feature on here... you can learn alot from old threads... its a good time to consider the 100s as more and more aftermarket options are showing up now that they are becoming more affordible for people to buy, lift and wheel, etc... i see people moving from 80s into 100s but rarely hear of people moving from a 100 back to a 80... 80s have way more options across the board... the 100 series have suspension lift limits currently since they have independent front suspension... you do get many other upgrades including power, comfort, newer technology, etc with the 100s... you won't go everywhere you can in a mod'd 80 in a 100 but you will go almost everywhere more comfortably...

 

[hoser]

In general, I'd say the 100 engine is more reliable than the 80's engine mostly due to the head gasket issues on the 80. A new head gasket job using better material should eliminate this issue but there are few 80's with redone head gaskets with high mileage out there to prove it. Some 80 owners have unresolved cooling issues. On the plus side, the 80 engine is easier to work on, change the starter, plugs, has a timing chain and strong internals--good for forced induction.

The 80's SFA is more reliable than the 100's IFS. The transmissions in the 95-02 are the same. The '03+ have 5speeds which have a very favorable gearing advantage.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Mechanically I'd say yes overall. With the 80 you've got a couple of potential weak points (PHH and HG). While certainly not present on even a small percentage of trucks, it's a potential problem. The 100 doesn't have any thing like that really, but has it's own quirks with maintenance (timing belt to be replaced, starter located in a horrible spot). Both are extremely reliable, depends on the truck you get and how you treat it.

As gray says, search, there's plenty of comparison info.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Still shoppin', huh Bluejack.

From my experience both last a lifetime. Many little things are improved on the 100 which gives it my nod.

Cooling issues
Power Steering issues
No expertise needed to rebuild the front axle
Much less need to check the oil when you get over 100K...the V8's just don't burn it at all

Little stuff.

So ya still having prob;s finding a nice 80?

 

[MEMCruiser]

The 100 has one huge problem. IFS.
That limits your lift to 3 inches. I have a 100
that was paid for long before I got into this as a
hobby. I wish I had a 80.

 

[Anthony.L]

I had a 80, and haven't looked back yet with my 100.

With the 80 I was always keeping an eye on the coolant temp. Luckily my 80 had a really good coolant system, and I never saw higher then normal temps even in long drives in 110+ degree weather. However many have had issues with radiators, overheating, etc.

The head gasket issue is always in the back of your head. The EGR system is a very poor after the fact design. It pumps exhaust heat directly into the intake runner for piston #6. Do some searches and you will find most people's head gasket fails around piston #6. If your state has no emissions, removing the EGR system all together is an option and might extend the head gasket life.

My 80, like a lot of others, both leaked and burned oil. The rear main seal was weeping oil slowly which is a very common issue. Mine also burned a little oil which was noticeable when first starting up, then went away. I had to add a quart about every 3k miles.

To me the 80 and 100 are both very reliable and capable rigs. It just comes down to what you want to get our of your rig.

 

[bluejack]

Yeah Shotts, still on the search. I can't seem to find a low mileage cruiser in my area that doesn't disappear in a day.

Thanks for all the replies. Since I am admittedly not mechanically inclined, nor do I plan to do alot of hard core off roading, it seems like I might want to go with the 100. The only mods I might do would be a bit of a lift and a bumper upgrade, plus I will definitely tow with the vehicle. This has been a progression of loving the old fj60 and then realizing it wouldn't be the best for what I would use it for, moving up to the 80, then realizing the 100 is pretty bad a** too.

Will be back maybe one day with a pic of something and more questions!

Thanks again

 

[2000UZJ]

Towing and mild wheeling I'd take the 100 any day. V8 and comfier.

 

[wareagle]

Just do it!

 

[2000UZJ]

Already!

 

[re_guderian]

I had a 80, and haven't looked back yet with my 100.

With the 80 I was always keeping an eye on the coolant temp.

x2

Yeah Shotts, still on the search. I can't seem to find a low mileage cruiser in my area that doesn't disappear in a day.

don't be afraid of higher mileage rigs. Use that to your price advantage and spend the money on other things. Both my 80 and my 100 had over 140K on them when I purchased them.

 

[Topmounter]

I had a 62 and faced the same situation... I figured the next logical step was an 80, but once I realized that most new 100's are bought by mall people who sell them for very reasonable prices just as they get properly broken in (~60-90k), the 100 was a no-brainer.

 

[Yotato]

I have both the 80 and the 100. The only problem I have had with my 80 is the slow rear main seal leak and that it didn't pass the last smog check since the timing was way off. Both have their own quirks, and it really comes down to your preference.

The 80 has a low towing capacity when compared to the 100. While the 80's transmission seems overkill for the vehicle. If you really want an 80, then come and look at mine and make an offer (in Roseville, CA - it has sat in my garage for the last 3 years). The 80 feels like a torque beast and there are many affordable upgrades and parts for this car as 2nd hand parts are becoming more available.

 

[pman]

Theres a guy on here with 100 that went 300,000+ miles with out alot of the recommended maintainence and is still going.........its a Toyota Land Cruiser they all last FOREVER.

 

[BROKEROB1]

The 100 is a MAJOR upgrade when it comes to moving a load, even towing slight loads (2k lbs). I just can't get over how much better this rig does towing than my 80. The AHC helps too

I regret selling my 80, but for other reasons. I can't think of a single reason (for our family) that I would purchase a 80 over a 100, especially when the discussion turns to reliability. Since you don't have a 100 yet, I would lend the advice to keep looking until you find the right one. To me, previous ownership history/records are VERY important.

 

[LCWannabe]

I have owned both. IMO, the 80 is probably more "bullet proof". I think it's just more "overbuilt" and will probably last longer. It's obviously the better choice for hard core off roading. The SFA is more durable, more mods available, etc. That being said, I will not go back to the 80 (unless I can have both- which is a long way off). The Hundy is way more comfy for 4 or more people, rides nicer, has more power, heated seats, etc. It's a far better "car" for everyday driving, and still gets me to all the places I want to go on the weekends/vacations, and does it in far more comfort for my family. They're both great vehicles, but the Hundy is better at the things that I use it MOST for.

 

[96r50]

...From my experience both last a lifetime. Many little things are improved on the 100 which gives it my nod. True, with good maintenance they'll both last forever.

Cooling issues Annoying, but almost always fixable
Power Steering issues How many steering racks have you gone through again?
No expertise needed to rebuild the front axle What front axle?
Much less need to check the oil when you get over 100K...the V8's just don't burn it at all Some burn it, some don't. I agree it's more common in the 1FZ than the 2UZ

...With the 80 I was always keeping an eye on the coolant temp. Luckily my 80 had a really good coolant system, and I never saw higher then normal temps even in long drives in 110+ degree weather. However many have had issues with radiators, overheating, etc. The cooling system problems are almost always either a lack of maintenance or a worn/faulty part. Either way, the problem is curable. There are lots of guys in hot climates with no problems

The head gasket issue is always in the back of your head. The EGR system is a very poor after the fact design. It pumps exhaust heat directly into the intake runner for piston #6. Do some searches and you will find most people's head gasket fails around piston #6. If your state has no emissions, removing the EGR system all together is an option and might extend the head gasket life. Actually, the EGR system dumps exhaust into the intake right after the throttle body, before the intake plenum splits into the 6 runners.
...

...Thanks for all the replies. Since I am admittedly not mechanically inclined, nor do I plan to do alot of hard core off roading, it seems like I might want to go with the 100. The only mods I might do would be a bit of a lift and a bumper upgrade, plus I will definitely tow with the vehicle. This has been a progression of loving the old fj60 and then realizing it wouldn't be the best for what I would use it for, moving up to the 80, then realizing the 100 is pretty bad a** too...

It sounds like a 100 is a good fit for your uses (towing, low lift). I would like to get a 100 someday as I think they are great trucks, but I still love my 80 as well. Get what works for you!

 

[agomez]

100=V 8 lots of power

80= 6 cylinder some power

 

[Newps]

I have both an 80 and a 100 series. I think I can summarize the differences between them like this, “The 100 is a nice car, the 80 is a nice truck”. For daily driving and weekend warrior the 100 wins hands down. For a serious trail machine, non-daily driver the 80 wins hands down. This is really an apples to oranges comparison. These rigs are so very different in their design and function. The 80 is a brutal thug of a truck. Where as the 100 is a refined comfort cruiser. I would not want to seriously wheel my 100, it’s just too big, too low and too nice.