FZJ80 vs FJ40

[tacocat]

I've been debating selling my LX450 and getting a 40 instead. I don't have kids and usually travel alone, as my wife seldom joins me. I often find the 80 to be too much vehicle (too big), but every Toyota build thread seems to be, "How can I make my non-80 be more like an 80 minus the lack of power."

I'll be trading creature comforts, reliability, on road and probably off road ability for easy to deal with size, raw fun, repair simplicity, and NO MORE California SMOG.

This is a second fun adventure, and utility vehicle for me. It would primarily be my flyfishing, trail and camping vehicle for one person.

Thanks

 

[bhsdriller]

I've had an 80 for 5 years or so and just recently bought a 40 (kept the 80).
Neither are my daily.

I would never ever get rid of the 80 for the 40 only. It's slow, uncomfortable and not to mention hot. It's probably already parked for the rest of summer.
After driving and wheeling the 80 I couldn't imaging driving the 40 to a trail lol.
Side note I've never had to worry about my 80 passing smog.

The 40 is cool though and I love it but for completely different reasons. They both have their place.

 

[ewillis]

I've been debating selling my LX450 and getting a 40 instead. I don't have kids and usually travel alone, as my wife seldom joins me. I often find the 80 to be too much vehicle (too big), but every Toyota build thread seems to be, "How can I make my non-80 be more like an 80 minus the lack of power."

I'll be trading creature comforts, reliability, on road and probably off road ability for easy to deal with size, raw fun, repair simplicity, and NO MORE California SMOG.

This is a second fun adventure, and utility vehicle for me. It would primarily be my flyfishing, trail and camping vehicle for one person.

Thanks

Conversely, why not go the other direction and get something newer like a Taco or 4runner?

 

[Heckraiser]

I own an 80 because I can't handle excessive noise, crappy (or non-existant) AC, carburetor quirks, etc. So yeah, a 40 is probably the last rig I would buy aside from a Jeep.

However, if you're looking for a smaller package, a mini truck or 4runner with a solid axle does not give up any off-road prowess to the 80. It will make the 80 feel like a rocket ship on the highway though. If I were a single guy, I'd be in a pre-IFS pickup with a motor swap (take your pick: 7mg(t)e, 5vzfe, 3rzfe) and a cheap camper shell. In fact, that was my rig back when I was a single guy (minus the swap). A lot of raw fun to be found in that small package.

 

[tacocat]

I've had an 80 for 5 years or so and just recently bought a 40 (kept the 80).
Neither are my daily.

I would never ever get rid of the 80 for the 40 only. It's slow, uncomfortable and not to mention hot. It's probably already parked for the rest of summer.
After driving and wheeling the 80 I couldn't imaging driving the 40 to a trail lol.
Side note I've never had to worry about my 80 passing smog.

The 40 is cool though and I love it but for completely different reasons. They both have their place.

Oh yeah, AC would be a must eventually. They need serious work before being roadworthy. I do like the fact that my 80 can roll up and pass smog. The OBD2 makes life easy.

Conversely, why not go the other direction and get something newer like a Taco or 4runner?

I had them as well as an FJ Cruiser as DDs. 0.0 on the soul-o-meter, and only 2.5 smiles per gallon.

I own an 80 because I can't handle excessive noise, crappy (or non-existant) AC, carburetor quirks, etc. So yeah, a 40 is probably the last rig I would buy aside from a Jeep.

However, if you're looking for a smaller package, a mini truck or 4runner with a solid axle does not give up any off-road prowess to the 80. It will make the 80 feel like a rocket ship on the highway though. If I were a single guy, I'd be in a pre-IFS pickup with a motor swap (take your pick: 7mg(t)e, 5vzfe, 3rzfe) and a cheap camper shell. In fact, that was my rig back when I was a single guy (minus the swap). A lot of raw fun to be found in that small package.

I do like the pre-1985 solid axles. They are nice rigs, but pretty fragile feeling compared to Land Cruisers, and most are pretty clapped out. Also, being in California, those and the 60's can be a smog nightmare. There's an 11 page thread on Marlin's board on how to pass smog. Plus stuff like approved catalytic converter, exhaust parts, and the inability to get a long range fuel tank add to the misery. They are fun though, but still feel like a step back.

 

[Heckraiser]

I do like the pre-1985 solid axles. They are nice rigs, but pretty fragile feeling compared to Land Cruisers, and most are pretty clapped out. Also, being in California, those and the 60's can be a smog nightmare. There's an 11 page thread on Marlin's board on how to pass smog. Plus stuff like approved catalytic converter, exhaust parts, and the inability to get a long range fuel tank add to the misery. They are fun though, but still feel like a step back.

Well, you suggested a 40, so I figured you'd be OK with a clapped out junker that won't pass emissions What is the age cutoff for CARB?

 

[FJBen]

Apples and oranges.

a 40 is THE land cruiser. You get it because you love that loud noisy slow ride. Looks amazing, super high on smiles per mile and soul.
The holly sniper fuel injection fixes a lot of issues with carb and running.
The 80 beats it in comfort, size, ride, lockers, full float etc and daily driving but it still looks like a modern SUV/mini van
It won’t replace an 80, an 80 won’t replace a 40.

If you want a “modern” 40 look to the 70 series with soft or FRP top. Still not a 40, but more of a new 40 that’s quiet, comfy, heat and a/c, pull the top drop the windshield and WAY nicer on the highway.

still if you have the fever, the only prescription is a 40.

 

[wngrog]

80s are turds with no soul.

A world away in Toyota advancements, Comfort and Design.

They have no soul.

40’s have all the soul but they are a world away in Toyota advancements, comfort and design.

 

[desmocruiser]

I love my 80, great truck for a multitude of reasons; Great example of peak era Japanese over engineering, Fun, Comfy, reasonably quiet, off road prowess, and you can go down the highway with reasonable speed for modern day travel.

However, nothing beats a 40 for what they are and how they make you feel, essentially there are few things in the world that concerns you and you are in no hurry to find one!

 

[subzali]

I have both and love both. I feel like the best option is to have both so you can scratch the of road itch if/when the 40 is down. They are older. Even if it runs and wheels great, there’s always something. I’ve gotten to the point where some of the systems I’ve already touched and gone through need it again (turn signals and electrical), and then new things crop up (carburetor linkage just started popping out, blower motor circuit shorting out). And of course always rust. The nature of the beast. If you like working on it great! But if you want it to mostly just work then definitely keep the 80 around. Even the best ones are getting older and are starting to “need” things (dome lights/switches, “D” light, bad paint, etc.)

 

[studawg]

40, there is no substitute. After cruising (pun intended) for almost 30 years and owning all the different NA series, I have come to the conclusion that my minimum requirement is having a 40, an 80 and a 200, all at once. Nothing against the 55, 60, 100, that's just my preferences, and I prefer the NA models over the "imports". Ive got two, but the 40 itch remains. But no kids and usually no passengers? Do it. Sell the LX, get a 40. But then you're gonna want a locked Sage 40th, so just prepare yourself.

 

[nukegoat]

I like the idea of a 40, but what are your other rigs? Why not just push the 80 harder like I do?

 

[nukegoat]

40, there is no substitute. After cruising (pun intended) for almost 30 years and owning all the different NA series, I have come to the conclusion that my minimum requirement is having a 40, an 80 and a 200, all at once. Nothing against the 55, 60, 100, that's just my preferences, and I prefer the NA models over the "imports". So sell the LX, get a 40. But then you're gonna need an 80.

Best comment for your username

 

[studawg]

Best comment for your username

The FJ62 is a "60 Series" But when I first joined Mud, I was a 40 owner, but then went off the grid I guess and when I came back, I had just bought a 62, had to start a new account, new name, is that what you mean?

 

[tacocat]

Well, you suggested a 40, so I figured you'd be OK with a clapped out junker that won't pass emissions What is the age cutoff for CARB?

1975 is the cut off year here, hence the 40. Grey market imports are a iffy too, so no 70’s.

I like the idea of a 40, but what are your other rigs? Why not just push the 80 harder like I do?

My DD is a manual Challenger Scat Pack. The idea was to push the LX450, but it’s a like owning a 747 for a family of four. Its also sequence number 188450 with a build date of 12-1997, no roof rack and K294 locker package.

I think it was the last LX450 to roll off the line.

 

[Tachycardic]

Neither. Look to Australia and get yourself a 1995 70-series troopy.

 

[GW Nugget]

Put a 40 or 45 body on top of a 80 chassis.
They have aluminum bolt on bodies nowdays.

 

[AussieHJCruza]

Keep the 80 and get a 40. Both cool, but both totally different animals and I don't think one could replace the other.

Because it isn't possible to have too many Land Cruisers...

My 80 was a daily, got a company car so sold that and got a 40, because 40s are cool, but I miss the 80 and would very gladly have her back again if I could have 2 cruisers but haven't got the room.

 

[Bludozer]

I own both. The 80 is the pinnacle of the Land Cruiser and as we all know, the Land Cruiser is the pinnacle of 4WD. Last cruiser with the beefy I6, SFA, factory F&R lockers, bullet proof trans/t-case all running gear, etc. Made during Toyota's golden era, it absolutely has soul, despite what @wngrog tells you The 80 is simply the last cruiser that has any character whatsoever.

The 40 is great too, but a different ball game entirely. If you haven't driven one I suggest you do...I don't care how much of a cruiserhead you are, putting up with it for any sort of distance is very difficult. For your uses, it may be fine, but the 40 is more of a novelty than anything. They are simple vehicles but will always need something. A 40 is awesome but really understand what you're getting into beforehand.

 

[White Stripe]

40s are a lot of fun. Install a ome suspension, a warn 8274, baseline it really well, and have fun. I added vintage air AC to mine which makes it a lot nicer.