Hello - new to 80 Series

[fwaptrout]

Hello all - new to forum and an 80 series Landcruisers ownership. I already have a lifted 2008 FJ Cruiser that I have owned since new and still enjoy. My wife and I have always liked the Landcruisers, and my childhood hunting buddy (and very experienced offroader and outdoorsman) pointed us towards the 80 series. He has a 1994 80. Last February, we found a 1996 white tripple-locked 240K miles in Acton, CA, via Craigslist. No rust, no dents and not a scratch on the undercarriage. Needed lots of maintanenance updates and interior work, but expected that. I replaced things like springs (Dobinson), shocks (Bilstein), intererior stuff, new power antenna, etc. However, we left the heavy stuff like head gasket replace, top end rebuild, along with replacing every hose, gasket and seal while it was appart, to my very experienced and terrific local mechanic and staff. Plan to keep things somewhat stock, at least for now. This cruiser is more than capbable for types of places we would take it.

This vehicle is really for my wife, and is meant as an ugrade to her 2009 Jeep wrangler unlmited. The "new" cruiser now runs like it is brand new. Now that things are mechanically stable, there wil be more interior work and reconditioning to come. This car is also a good stable-mate to my 1991 Chevy Suburban 2500 4WD (square body), that I have kept in very good and realiable condition, and also use for my fly fishing, hunting and other outdoor pursuits. I like my older 4WD vehicles!

I have lurked the forums for a few months now and found a wealth of information. More to come

 

[OffRoadScott]

No pictures it didn't happen... LOL.

Where in TO are you located?

 

[fwaptrout]

Funny - I have not really taken many pictures of this car. On my FJ Cruiser, I took lots as I upgraded and posted to the FJCruiser.net forum back in the day.
I am in the unincorporated Ventura County area of Lynn Ranch, though have a Thousand Oaks address and zip code.

Have a few picks, including a few pulled from the Craigslist ad! I will get some more pics going over the next few weeks. We just got the vehicle back after a few months from the head gasket work. My mechanic knows that my preferrence is quality and complete work over speed.

The exquisite results of my mechanic at Preferred Auto Center in Thousand Oaks, post head gasket and top-end rebuild. They have also been indispensible in keeping my 1991 V2500 Suburban, and FJ Cruiser in top shape.

Dobinson stock ride height springs and Bilstein 4600 install. New springs added about 2" to the ride height - my wife accused me of sneaking a lift on the vehicle! The car rides and drives really nice with this setup, along with the new set of Nitto Terra Graplers.

All cleaned up by PO in Acton, for its post on Craigslist.

Front seats kind of torn up, already covered up by Carhartt seat covers (really like these). Both power mechanisms were stripped and not working, and were quickly rebuilt using the Gamiviti gears and end caps. PO lived in a rural Los Angeles County area wtih minimal paved roads. Took much of the interior out for full cleaning and dust removal. The car has cleaned up really nice!

 

[OffRoadScott]

Funny - I have not really taken many pictures of this car. On my FJ Cruiser, I took lots as I upgraded and posted to the FJCruiser.net forum back in the day.
I am in the unincorporated Ventura County area of Lynn Ranch, though have a Thousand Oaks address and zip code.

Have a few picks, including a few pulled from the Craigslist ad! I will get some more pics going over the next few weeks. We just got the vehicle back after a few months from the head gasket work. My mechanic knows that my preferrence is quality and complete work over speed.

The exquisite results of my mechanic at Preferred Auto Center in Thousand Oaks, post head gasket and top-end rebuild. They have also been indispensible in keeping my 1991 V2500 Suburban, and FJ Cruiser in top shape.
View attachment 3177971

Dobinson stock ride height springs and Bilstein 4600 install. New springs added about 2" to the ride height - my wife accused me of sneaking a lift on the vehicle! The car rides and drives really nice with this setup, along with the new set of Nitto Terra Graplers.
View attachment 3177972

All cleaned up by PO in Acton, for its post on Craigslist.
View attachment 3177987

Front seats kind of torn up, already covered up by Carhartt seat covers (really like these). Both power mechanisms were stripped and not working, and were quickly rebuilt using the Gamiviti gears and end caps. PO lived in a rural Los Angeles County area wtih minimal paved roads. Took much of the interior out for full cleaning and dust removal. The car has cleaned up really nice!
View attachment 3177988

Good looking rig. White is a favorite color on the 80 for me.

I used to live in Thousand Oaks off Avenida De Los Arbloles, Moorpark off Cedarpine Lane and lastly in Simi Valley off 1st Street prior to the military getting ahold of me... LOL!!!

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Remove the damage multiplier bumper. Great rig. Getting it baselined is best approach. Take a system at a time.

Good cooling system is key to mitigating HG issues and deferring HG issues. Use OEM radiator or TYC radiator. OEM thermostat. Do not mix red and green coolant. If green, keep green or completely flush and replace with red. If your AC cuts off in hot weather, first sign engine is getting hotter than preferred. Toyota designed an AC cut off to prevent heat overload load to the cooling system. AC cuts off at 224 deg F as I recall. Get a scan gauge to see true temperature. Replace heater diverter valves and pesky heater hose while addressing cooling system. Check rear heater connections under chassis to see if rusted and rubber hoses. Do blue fan clutch mod with thicker clutch fluid for better cooling.

 

[KYLXFJ]

Sharp rig! Already have some goodies there!