OK, so not really a comparison thread but more of a better/best thread between the 1992 HDJ81 (now sold) and 1996 FZJ 80 (current vehicle).
So for a little background:
Two years ago I bought from an auction in Japan a 1992 HDJ81 with 92,000kms. Shipped it to Nanaimo, British Columbia then drove it home. I took out a hokey lift kit that was about 4". The rear lift was just some 4" spacers with the original springs. One shock was toast. It was a little sketchy driving it home. I put in an OME 2.5" lift right away and was satisfied. Put BFG 33" tires on it. I had a friend help out the anemic stereo with a little of this and a little of that. The front bumper was taken off and a stock JDM winch bumper and winch was put in place. The diesel was amazing. I learned so much working on this truck as never really did much other than change the oil in previous vehicles. IH8MUD was a great resource for this vehicle (and still is for the current 80).
18 months after stating that she loved driving the RHD apparently the novelty wore off because my
said she was done with it. I hope the novelty of me doesn't wear off soon. Ten years so far and I am still around, despite my downfalls.
So the search was on for a newer LHD 80. There aren't many 80s for sale in my part of the world, that is are any good or are too high priced. Sadly the 80 disappeared from out part of the world earlier than in the US.
In October I flew to Sacramento, bought the new-to-me FZJ and drove it home. Immediately put some Discoverer STTs on it in a little bigger form (not as big as many of you) and for the past 2500 miles have been very happy with them.
Now for a few noticeable differences between the 2 trucks:
1. the engine - one diesel, the other gas. The gas engine is totally anemic in comparison with poor mileage but oh well, we still wanted an 80. Miss the sound of the diesel (mainly the turbo winding up).
2. the brakes - the 96 brakes feel so much stronger than the 92s.
3. the dash - I know it is a little stupid, but I like the 96 dash way better then the 92. Just not as dated I think.
4. running boards - the 92s looked way better, but either way doesn't really matter because at some time there will be some sliders added to the current truck. I would take them off but with little kids they are needed right now. Hopefully some offroad travel won't rip them off in the meantime.
5. seats - loved the fabric seats of the 92 much better then the leather. I think a leather changeover will be happening in the future.
6. icebox - travel with the kids was sure nice when you could keep things cold/icy in the 92. No, I was not drinking and driving therefore making it appear the kids were quieter than they really were!
7. 3rd row - love it in the 96. Wished it existed in the 92 from the day I saw it in person. Can pack friends around when they come to visit. Can also pack a bunch of kids (mine and a buddies) when exploring.
8. color - definately like the Moonglow Pearl better than the Gunmetal Grey (not sure it that was really what is was called). Colour isn't everything, but I didn't want a dark color with the 96.
Below are a couple of pics of my HDJ81 and the FZJ80. I washed both today and snapped a couple because I would love to see another HDJ81 in my driveway in the future. (A neighbor 2 doors down bought my HDJ so I still have the joy of hearing it start up each morning. )
Thanks to all you people out there giving out information about these amazing Toyota machines. Keep it coming!
So for a little background:
Two years ago I bought from an auction in Japan a 1992 HDJ81 with 92,000kms. Shipped it to Nanaimo, British Columbia then drove it home. I took out a hokey lift kit that was about 4". The rear lift was just some 4" spacers with the original springs. One shock was toast. It was a little sketchy driving it home. I put in an OME 2.5" lift right away and was satisfied. Put BFG 33" tires on it. I had a friend help out the anemic stereo with a little of this and a little of that. The front bumper was taken off and a stock JDM winch bumper and winch was put in place. The diesel was amazing. I learned so much working on this truck as never really did much other than change the oil in previous vehicles. IH8MUD was a great resource for this vehicle (and still is for the current 80).
18 months after stating that she loved driving the RHD apparently the novelty wore off because my
said she was done with it. I hope the novelty of me doesn't wear off soon. Ten years so far and I am still around, despite my downfalls.So the search was on for a newer LHD 80. There aren't many 80s for sale in my part of the world, that is are any good or are too high priced. Sadly the 80 disappeared from out part of the world earlier than in the US.
In October I flew to Sacramento, bought the new-to-me FZJ and drove it home. Immediately put some Discoverer STTs on it in a little bigger form (not as big as many of you) and for the past 2500 miles have been very happy with them.
Now for a few noticeable differences between the 2 trucks:
1. the engine - one diesel, the other gas. The gas engine is totally anemic in comparison with poor mileage but oh well, we still wanted an 80. Miss the sound of the diesel (mainly the turbo winding up).
2. the brakes - the 96 brakes feel so much stronger than the 92s.
3. the dash - I know it is a little stupid, but I like the 96 dash way better then the 92. Just not as dated I think.
4. running boards - the 92s looked way better, but either way doesn't really matter because at some time there will be some sliders added to the current truck. I would take them off but with little kids they are needed right now. Hopefully some offroad travel won't rip them off in the meantime.
5. seats - loved the fabric seats of the 92 much better then the leather. I think a leather changeover will be happening in the future.
6. icebox - travel with the kids was sure nice when you could keep things cold/icy in the 92. No, I was not drinking and driving therefore making it appear the kids were quieter than they really were!
7. 3rd row - love it in the 96. Wished it existed in the 92 from the day I saw it in person. Can pack friends around when they come to visit. Can also pack a bunch of kids (mine and a buddies) when exploring.
8. color - definately like the Moonglow Pearl better than the Gunmetal Grey (not sure it that was really what is was called). Colour isn't everything, but I didn't want a dark color with the 96.
Below are a couple of pics of my HDJ81 and the FZJ80. I washed both today and snapped a couple because I would love to see another HDJ81 in my driveway in the future. (A neighbor 2 doors down bought my HDJ so I still have the joy of hearing it start up each morning. )
Thanks to all you people out there giving out information about these amazing Toyota machines. Keep it coming!
