FZJ80 - Common Problems?

[Perfectmax]

Just purchased a rust free '97 FZJ80 with 184,500 miles and love the rig. It has been extremely well maintained with recent new battery, alternator, starter, oil pump gasket, crank seal, new thermostat, oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, idler pulley, distributor assembly, all belts and a few other odds and ends.

I've done my homework and it seems like wheel bearings and head gaskets are common issues at this stage. She runs absolutely perfectly right now however I'd like to prepare myself and the bank account.

Any ideas on what other common issues at this stage I should prepare for and the estimated cost from a dealer (although I'll try to do most my work myself or send to a reputable non dealer repair shop) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys

 

[Chris Wilcox]

Two things come to mind immediately. PHH and wire loom burnout up near the EGT. Do some searching on those. You can replace the hose yourself and the wire loom can be wrapped to insulate it from the heat. There are lots more, plugged sunroof drains and leaking at the trim piece below the sliding windows. Search and you will be able to easily fix most items for a small some of money and a bit more time.

 

[Mighty690]

Beautiful rig! Good find.
Blackstone oil analysis. Google 'em and do it. That's the baseline report.

 

[Whileemptyheadsdream]

If the pic Is an Indication of other mechanical Items you may be In better shape than you think. Your maintenance records will be a great help to answer whats left to be done. Calif. Has an abundance of very skilled and knowledgable MUD Members, I would try to find someone willing to go over your new rig with you. I would love to see that beauty In person so I dont think you'll Have a problem. Its wonderful to read this thread, there have been so many threads where a new member has just bought a problem Cruiser lately. I hope she brings you many years of good service. Good Luck..!

 

[Whileemptyheadsdream]

Oh , Just In case You find a need to buy a newer one down the road... Could I be first on the List to buy this One..!!!!!!!!! ? All In fun Enjoy your L/C..!

 

[Perfectmax]

The engine bay is pretty darn clean too, so yes, I'm really hoping that this is an indication of how it's been maintained.

Any other common issues guys? Thinking I'll do the PHH and maybe the oil analysis. Thanks guys

 

[dallen341]

Looks like you need a new intake hose. That electrical tape is a short term fix and drivability issues will arise as soon as that tape gets soft/old

 

[JCruse]

What a nice looking rig.

More pics!

 

[fjfodee]

Front knuckle rebuild, slow moving windows, oil pump gasket...

 

[Whileemptyheadsdream]

Your black hard heater line that runs from the thermostst housing to just before the firewall looks new . 90% of those are paint free and rusting , Looks good. Intake boot as mentioned but I would think thats a result of being taken off so many times over the last 18 years from all the good maint. Even your cam seals appear to have been replaced, someone did some work in there as well. It looks like as well of maintained truck I have seen for 18 yrs old. I'm sure others know more than I but I think you have a keeper. Good Luck..!

 

[Perfectmax]

Looks like you need a new intake hose. That electrical tape is a short term fix and drivability issues will arise as soon as that tape gets soft/old

Any idea where I can get a good one at a decent $?

 

[Fourt7]

I have the same issue. I'd like to know where to get one as well.

 

[Whileemptyheadsdream]

Parts geek has OEM on sale for 100. WO133-1740491 for 1997 L/C

 

[Perfectmax]

What a nice looking rig.

More pics!

Ok..., you asked!

 

[Perfectmax]

Thanks guys for all your input. Hopefully I found a good one that won't kill me on maintenance. I've got my fingers crossed!

 

[baselfish]

aha welcome to the white landbruiser club. got mine with 166 k and i be up to 209k with absolutely no major issues.
indeed i have had to replace various bulbs and plastic bits and my steering wheel and front seats are showing major wear but she runs like a peach.

there is a full on video for hub and birfh repacking. the hub is completely straight forward. full knuckle rebuild is only a bit more complex but again plenty of write ups and detailed videos.

if you do the phh might want to also consider water pump and radiator flush since you will have to break the water system.
just be prepared to have to deal with several gals of old coolant. no one (in the bay area) wants to take it.

one of my first mods / upgrades was the headunit / radio. sadly i think 1997 is the last year for cassette tapes and well cd's are just as ancient.

im by far no expert mechanic but if you are in the bay area and want to meet up just drop me a word.

Bf
209k and rolling

 

[iptman]

Looks like OME shocks on already. Very clean rig, nice find. Locked too. What are your plans for it?

 

[Alleycats]

Common problems:

1) leaking knuckles
2) lack of cooling system maintenance
3) lack of maintenance in general

 

[4G63 POWER]

White always looks so clean, where are you located?

 

[Perfectmax]

Looks like OME shocks on already. Very clean rig, nice find. Locked too. What are your plans for it?

Really don't have any wild plans to mod it, etc. I'd like to just drive it and enjoy as is for now. It reminds me of an era in life for me that was carefree and fun, so just scooting around town gives me a thrill and takes me back to the simple(r) days of the 90's. Ask me in a year, and that may be completely different.

I think it's a good find too. I did have to give it quite a detail and for those of you who are interested, my brother and I had some fun with a porter cable. I was shocked at how the truck turned out. All oxidation gone. Paint came back amazingly well.

Located in Wilmington, NC