Going to look at an 80, advice appreciated

[coryc85]

Looking at this 80 tomorrow. Guy says it has lockers, 190k miles. What things should i check? Ive heard of the phh, doubt this owner has heard of it, not even sure i could spot it. Where are usual rust places?


1995 Extra Clean Land Cruiser V6

Thank you in advance.

 

[McDowra]

From the pictures I would say pay the man, hard to tell if it has the locker switch from the pictures.

 

[cartercd]

Slee Offroad has a handy checklist for 80s: Slee - 80 Series Land Cruiser Newbie Guide. I would also do a headgasket check (Autozone block checker and/or check for bubbles in coolant overflow) and check if the Birfields have been lubed (and for clicking sounds when turning). A Carfax check can also uncover useful info, not only prior accidents, but if serviced at a dealer it will show up.

 

[dogfishlake]

Looks pretty nice, price is good. I don't see the locker dial in the blank spot left of the steering wheel. Hopefully it's just the picture. It's not a deal breaker not having lockers, but might work a better price if it doesn't.

 

[surfpig]

WOW the rare inline V6.

 

[izzyandsue]

Read post number 3 from the FAQ, there's a lot of info on what to look for. Being from Miami, of course check the VIN to make sure it's not reported stolen or flooded, and run the AC while driving if you are non-smoker (smoking is the official pastime of My-ami) in case it stinks. Check under carriage for rust (ocean breezes).
I think all else is covered I the FAQ. Best thing you could do is post in the FL club area, a local member might be able to come with you and add a pair of eyes. Good looking truck.

 

[izzyandsue]

It's is a V6, 0 degree and 360 degrees between Pistons.

 

[pilotuku]

WOW the rare inline V6.

These are one of the unobtaniums!

I love it when it see ads that states it's a V6, I can pretty much tell the owner doesn't know what they have. It's just another reliable SUV that gargles gas for them.

 

[mechanist]

Open the door and look at the label. Under the barcode you will see a couple series of letters and numbers. Mine is a '93 and says A/TM K294/A442F. With regards to lockers you're only concerned with the 294. If it's 294 then it came with lockers. If it reads 292 then it did not come with lockers.

I believe the A is for Axle and the TM is for Transmission.

 

[coryc85]

Appreciate all the responses so far, sorry for doing the newb thing, I could have just found that FAQ and read thru it but I got excited and ahead of myself. I just asked the owner to text me a pic of the door plate b/c as someone pointed out, not sure if I can clearly make out the locker switch to the left of the steering wheel in the pics. I asked the owner via text directly if there was a diff locker switch next to steering wheel and he responded yes, but I suppose "locker" means different things to different people. Hoping the door plate will clear it up before I drive over to look at it, not sure if it is a deal breaker, but I want to know ahead of time. Obviously he is flexible on price b/c he says so right in the ad. Kelley Blue book price on a very good condition 1995 Land Cruiser is about 3k in my zip code. I rarely seem them under about 6k on miami craigslist, so I'm kindof wondering if I should be alarmed about the price. Going to read thru the Slee guide now and whatever else I can absorb in short order.

 

[coryc85]

Thank you mechanist, I just read exactly what you said in the FAQ, it needs to say K294, and I guess I hope it says A442, which is the supposedly heavier tranny. Appreciate the confirmation.

 

[mechanist]

I'm sure you already asked about service. You can plug the vin into any Toyota service desk and see what Toyota has done on the vehicle.

Take your socket set so you can check the color of the fluid in the differential. It should be clear. If it's black/blackish green it needs axle service. Also pop radiator cap. If you see grey gunk then owner probably used stop leak which stopped up my old radiator. Also run the AC. If you smell refrigerant you could have a leak in your evaporator core. It's a common leak, and can probably help you lower the price a bit more.

Look at wires coming off distributor. They will have a date on them. If it's 1995 then they are original and over 20 years old. I typically change those with a tune up - could mean it's never had a tune up. Also look at the intake hose and see how brittle it is. It's $100 hose, but again it could help you with price a bit.

What a great find!

 

[mechanist]

A442F was only used 1993-1994.

 

[TEXASYETI]

I see no magic dial next to the steering wheel but my eyes also suck.

 

[LouisianaRubicon]

I enhanced the picture. There is no locker switch... However, that's a great price if it's clean.

 

[ppc]

Those fugly seat covers on the front tell me the leather underneath is more than likely trashed. I sure would like to see a picture under the hood so I could see what condition that V6 is in.

 

[coryc85]

Oh man, you guys are depressing me saying it has no locker switch. I zoomed in on only dash pic and i couldn't tell if that black square was a blank or had a switch. Owner still has not responded to my request for a pic of door plate, hopefully he will today.

 

[Hornd]

Everyone gets so caught up on Lockers.
Baseline it, Add an Aussie, & Winch and see how often you get it stuck.
Still have issues, add an ARB to the Front.

 

[TEXASYETI]

Everyone gets so caught up on Lockers.
Baseline it, Add an Aussie, & Winch and see how often you get it stuck.
Still have issues, add an ARB to the Front.

Agreed. Have you mentioned mileage? That and knowing what kind of maintenance have been done are more important to me.

 

[coryc85]

Everyone gets so caught up on Lockers.
Baseline it, Add an Aussie, & Winch and see how often you get it stuck.
Still have issues, add an ARB to the Front.

True I'm probably over-obsessed on the locker issue, but hey, I'd rather have the factory selectables than not have them. Definitely for the right price it makes it matter less whether or not this truck has them, but in my next vehicle I really want selectable front and rear and if they are already there then that makes me happy. I do appreciate your comments though, and I'll try not to be so hung up on them, but it's hard.

Agreed. Have you mentioned mileage? That and knowing what kind of maintenance have been done are more important to me.

190k miles is what he claims. I will ask about maintenance records, got some tips via PM as well, so I'm making a list of things to check, support from this 80 forum has been great, thank you to everyone who responded to my newbie question.