FJ80: What is the "best" year model to buy?

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Okay ill play along...

If i could do it over I would look for the following: 1fz, lockers(FF axles F&R), airbags, obdII, cloth interior while still having been maintained properly, low number of owners and service records, non-wheeler vehicle.
 
onewhippedpuppy said:
The 3FE is adequate and simple with no real head-gasket worries.
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There are 4 or 5 threads over the past few weeks where the 3FE guys are blowing head gaskets. I will be the first to admit (and have for over 8 years) that the 1FZ-FE has more HG problems than it should but there is no way someone can say there are no HG worries with the 3FE. That is not a fact.

rustyj40 said:
are the late models worth the extra money up front?
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An emphatic yes.

For starters, full floater rear axle with disk brakes and ABS. 16" wheels and bigger brakes. The 1FZ-FE has much more power and torque than the 3FE. The VC equipped transfer case gives a better FT 4wd experience. Availability of elockers. Also, the later trucks have a few improved drive train components.

In the later years (95-97) you get to the air bags and OBD-II diagnostics plus a MAF giving better fuel management.

No offence to the 3FE guys.... his question was are the later models worth the extra cost. If he asked if the FJ80s were just as good for off-road or for camping or for Toyota durability, then the answer would have been yes. :D

-B-
 
I think most of the 3fe headgasket problems are from overheating which will blow any headgasket. I did have to replace mine though I have reason to believe it was about gone when I got it. Doh!
 
Thanks...This is the sort of objective answer I am looking for. The 91 and 92 year models are cheaper on places like Craigslist and Autotrader, but I think I can find a 93 or 94 year model for around $4000 to $5000. and that would put me ahead in several ways IF I can find one with the e-lockers. Thanks again. If anyone sees a 93 or 94 for a decent price let me know. Even if it has a little work to be done to it. Like I said. I have a daily driver so I don't mind working on it a little to get it trail ready.
 
Beowulf said:
There are 4 or 5 threads over the past few weeks where the 3FE guys are blowing head gaskets. I will be the first to admit (and have for over 8 years) that the 1FZ-FE has more HG problems than it should but there is no way someone can say there are no HG worries with the 3FE. That is not a fact.
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That's true, but the failure rate for the 3FE seems significantly lower, on a par with most any 17-18 year old vehicle. The 1FZ failure rate seems abnormally high.

Not trying to get in a pissing match, obviously the FJZ80 does a lot of things better than the FJ80.
 
Rusty, PM sent. My 94 might be looking for a new home soon.
:cheers:
 
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rustyj40 said:
Thanks...This is the sort of objective answer I am looking for. The 91 and 92 year models are cheaper on places like Craigslist and Autotrader, but I think I can find a 93 or 94 year model for around $4000 to $5000. and that would put me ahead in several ways IF I can find one with the e-lockers. Thanks again. If anyone sees a 93 or 94 for a decent price let me know. Even if it has a little work to be done to it. Like I said. I have a daily driver so I don't mind working on it a little to get it trail ready.
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There's a green '94 FZJ near Boston asking $4,700 153k. You can check CL for more details, no idea if it's locked or not.
 
IMO, the BEST model year to buy is the 1995. There are some oddball 95's with the earlier (and BIGGER) A442F tranny, which is a big + in my book, and then there are others which are FULL OBDII compliant...another +.

Plus you get airbags, full-floater rear axle w/4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, VC-equipped transfer case, and possibly lockers!
 
Perfect timing on this thread>I want to sell my FJ Cruiser and move to an FJ80.Guess I will look for a 95-97
 
rustyj40 said:
I am in the market for an 80 Series. I used to own a 1994 with electric lockers, but had to sell when I went back to school. I am out now and want to purchase one to put on the trail. I have no intention to keep it stock or "comfortable." I already have a daily driver and the 80 will just be for fun. My question concerns the "best" year model 80 to buy. Obviously the later models have more creature comforts, bigger engines and ABS with the occasional electrical locking differentials thrown in for good measure, but if I am going to keep it offroad I don't need ABS or creature comforts. I have found several 91-92 year models that I can pick up for cheap that would give me a good place to start. I can swap the engine and tranny out as I get the time and the cash, add suspension and ARBs and build it up, but it is worth going after the 93-97 year models that have the extra beef under the hood and the possibility of lockers already installed. Is it better to pay now or pay later I guess is my question. Has anyone experienced heartburn or regret either way? Are the early model 80 series just as good, or are the late models worth the extra money up front? I appreciate everyone's input. Rusty:ban:
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I have owned a 94 LC a 97 LC and now I am selling my 96 Lexus LX450
All are bad ass and run for ever
Sold 94 w 280000 miles in 2003
Sold 97 in 2011 with 290000
The Lexus has 206000 and Lockers and is bad ass
Same and yet different
All drove excellent and very little if any issues.
Can’t go wrong with any
I love the Lexus becuz of the little differences and it came with lockers and lockers are Bad Ass!!!!
 
For your use, which is mostly off-road use, I'd give a slight nod to a '93-'94. The transmission is arguably stouter, holds more fluid, and is slightly lower geared than those in the '95-'97. And if it were me, I'd only consider a locked one. Yes, you can add lockers later, but it will cost quite a bit. I think finding one with the factory lockers is a lot of bang for the buck..

Also, I think that a '93 or '94 will be going for a lower price than a later year.
 
93
 
rustyj40 said:
I am in the market for an 80 Series. I used to own a 1994 with electric lockers, but had to sell when I went back to school. I am out now and want to purchase one to put on the trail. I have no intention to keep it stock or "comfortable." I already have a daily driver and the 80 will just be for fun. My question concerns the "best" year model 80 to buy. Obviously the later models have more creature comforts, bigger engines and ABS with the occasional electrical locking differentials thrown in for good measure, but if I am going to keep it offroad I don't need ABS or creature comforts. I have found several 91-92 year models that I can pick up for cheap that would give me a good place to start. I can swap the engine and tranny out as I get the time and the cash, add suspension and ARBs and build it up, but it is worth going after the 93-97 year models that have the extra beef under the hood and the possibility of lockers already installed. Is it better to pay now or pay later I guess is my question. Has anyone experienced heartburn or regret either way? Are the early model 80 series just as good, or are the late models worth the extra money up front? I appreciate everyone's input. Rusty:ban:
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You only need 5-20 HP when wheeling, the 80 has torque. Don't swap out the engine on any year of an 80 series. the 91-92 will take you over most anything, reliably.

The 93-97 is preferred. the 93-94 has less emissions parts. It has the desired black fan clutch, a larger starter, cloth seats and the wheels have acorn nuts. The 95-97 has the OBDII, which is a better computer, IMO. The engine is identical in each year, if you want leather, power seats and airbags then go with the 95-97. I have seen ARB lockers fail on the trail. It's pretty common. Stick with the e-lockers.

There are a few trade-offs but an 80 is an 80.

Zona
 
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