Functional differences between the 93-94 and the 95-97 FJ80?

[Jay59]

I plan on buying a LC or a LX450 and modify it for use as a daily driver/family expedition type rig that can also handle moderate trails in Moab.
I have read the slee nubie guide and other recourses documenting the actual differences between the 93-94 and the 95-97 but I want to know what are the functional real world differences.
Is the newer transmission noticeably weaker? Are the later models with OBDII easier to trouble shoot? Are replacement parts more expensive, etc?
My build will probably include bumpers, sliders, winch, enough lift to fit 33-35" tires, etc. Are there any hidden costs, pros/cons of the different year model considering what intend to do?
Thanks!

 

[retrofive]

Seriously??? the last thread had some humor, but this one....

 

[Jay59]

Yes Seriously! I read the other thread and while entertaining its was full of bench racing.

Most of it was "I got XX year and its better than yours a$$ hole ". The supercharger install for the newer models was good info. I'm looking for that...real data. I know its out there

 

[80t0ylc]

Yes Seriously! I read the other thread and while entertaining its was full of bench racing.

Most of it was "I got XX year and its better than yours a$$ hole ". The supercharger install for the newer models was good info. I'm looking for that...real data. I know its out there

First of all, welcome to MUD. Secondly, I think you better lighten up a little if you want some cooperation. In your first post you wanted "functional real world differences" and now your talking "real data". We got FAQs and we got Forums and there's the search function if you want to pull data. Please realize that you're going to get a lot of opinion on this forum, especially when you ask a bunch of people who own a vehicle that has been "improved" by the progress of time. You might have to qualify what is good. For example, simplicity vs high tech. Get the picture?

 

[jlg32281]

Buy whatever you find a good deal on. There aren't enough differences to avoid any 80. Find a clean, well maintained 80 at a good price and buy it. Options that are worth considering that have "real world" differences include: lockers (big deal), leather vs. cloth, power seats vs. manual seats, cloth seats vs. leather seats, built vs. stock. Lockers are expensive to retro fit or install aftermarket and most people that have these trucks don't realize what they are and sell them at the same price as a non-locked 80. Manual seats have less problems and slide back further, electric seats are just another luxury. Cloth seats hold up better over time and these trucks are quite old. If you're looking at a leather seated 80, plan on the leather being shot. Then there is the debate of buying a project that is already built over a stock vehicle. It's always cheaper to buy a finished project than to build your own but some people think the build is half the fun. To me, these are the things to consider, not the year model.

 

[-Spike-]

I have both. Both are great. I don't find any drawbacks to either, with the one exception that my daughter couldn't ride in the front seat of the '95 because of the airbag. Fortunately that truck is for city driving- she loves the front seat on the trails.

-Spike

 

[Toyote]

what jlg said ^ that about sums er up. i had a 94 that i liked; i have a 97 that i love. small differences (okay, one big one: lockers) but the real variable is past maintenance, combined with what you want your rig for right now (and how anal you are.)

 

[jlg32281]

I too have had both a 94 and a 96, the differences are in the options.

 

[Jay59]

Hey sorry if I came off as a dick I was just trying to get more tangible info than "I love my 94".

I come from the Jeep world and there are more theories than facts in many cases.

Great info keep it coming

 

[jlg32281]

Use the craigslist search tool to search entire states at a time, be patient, and find a good deal. My opinion of finding a good rig is now fact, but I like to look for old rich people that bought these as just another luxury SUV. They have no idea what they have. They have never left the pavement. They have usually been well maintained. The Lexus version was often sold with a 100k service plan, so they usually got the maintenance they need too. As with all used cars, I would do a compression test, block test (sniffer), and plug in a scan tool. Slee also has a list of landcruiser specific things to look for. Good luck.

States

 

[jlg32281]

Hey sorry if I came off as a dick I was just trying to get more tangible info than "I love my 94".

I come from the Jeep world and there are more theories than facts in many cases.

Great info keep it coming

What part of the country are you in?

 

[Jay59]

I'm in Salt lake City Utah.... or more specifically about 4 hours away from Moab.

And that search utility is awesome. Much faster than searching each area.

 

[Hayes]

I will echo what others have said:
While there are tangible differences between early and later model 80s, these differences are generally insignificant, and certainly insignificant compared to the variables that apply to buying any used 80 series.

However, because you asked, differences that come to mind and my general take on them include:

-transmission--big and strong vs. big and strong. Really no practical difference as far as what I've read on this forum.
-emissions--OBDI vs. OBDII. Insignificant differences in O2 sensor and cat converter arrangements. Air flow sensors are different, with the later MAF providing some possible upgrade potential.
-front axle drive flanges and outer birf splines--later ones are longer. It's really just a compatibility concern that is easily and cheaply overcome.
-R12 vs. R134a AC system--opinions vary
-Airbags
-rear lower links--the earlier ones are a little beefier, but ultimately still not up to the challenge of heavy bashing.

There are more, but that's all that comes to mind right now.

 

[Leroy]

Find a good well maintained vehicle with lockers. The difference in years is nominal unless airbags is a big deal to you. Also the 93-94 have a brass radiator vs. an aluminum for the 95-97. Not saying that's an issue though, just a difference. Just get the lockers. I know i'm glad i did.

 

[Lka1988]

I'm in Salt lake City Utah.... or more specifically about 4 hours away from Moab.

And that search utility is awesome. Much faster than searching each area.

SLC? I talked to a guy who wanted to know about my cruiser yesterday...

The major differences between 93-94 and 95-97 are OBDII and style. 95 was the year Toyota switched the grill to the "sombrero" logo.

Driveability-wise, they are the same. Same axles, same transfer case, slightly different trannies though....the A442F came in 93-94 (affectionatly known as the "bus" tranny), and the A343F in 95-97. Both are bulletproof.

95-97 can be fitted with a TRD supercharger with ease (relatively), though some have successfully fitted SC's to their 93-94's.

Hope that helps...

 

[Beowulf]

I want to know what are the functional real world differences. Is the newer transmission noticeably weaker?

No

Are the later models with OBDII easier to trouble shoot?

Yes

Are replacement parts more expensive,

Basically the same price but much more expensive if you buy them from your local Lexus dealer. Cruiserdan is your best source for any year LC or the LX.

-B-

 

[TX Cruiser]

An OBDII 95 vs an OBDII federally mandated compliance 96 Land Cruiser is not an insignificant difference. Judging from the posts I've seen, and my own personal experience, the CEL light is a big deal when you have to get the rig inspected if it's a 96 or newer. However, that may not be applicable. Check your state laws. As for the a/c, 134 made it's way at least some of the 94's, after that, it's all 134. I wouldn't weigh my decision of that, but.....

Neither one of the two ranges of years you proposed gets my vote though. Go with a 91-92 if at all possible.

 

[wfd175]

Over the rail vs. under the rail exhaust downstream of the cats. Since I've messed my exhaust up a number of times, I'm envious of the over the rail arrangement.
Dual airbags were standard vs. optional (i think) in 96.

 

[Beowulf]

Dual airbags were standard vs. optional (i think) in 96.

Dual airbags were standard equipment on US spec 80-Series beginning with the 1995 model year and were standard through end of US production in the 1997 model year. Airbags were never an option. The Land Cruiser and the LX never had a driver-side only air bag (my '97 Taco is driver side only)

-B-

 

[Jay59]

Over the rail vs. under the rail exhaust downstream of the cats. Since I've messed my exhaust up a number of times, I'm envious of the over the rail arrangement.
Dual airbags were standard vs. optional (i think) in 96.

What years are over the rail?