Hello world (1 Viewer)

[Bad Mojo]

He was 14 when he first decided he wanted one.

I was 13 and thats besides the point. I knew what I wanted.

Rust was the biggest one for me, but I am a forty guy. I also knew I wanted a later model because I could get a better engine and transmission. I would talk to one of the 80 guys about it because I think there are some subtle design changes over years, IIRC. Once you figure out what you want post in the wanted section of MUD.

 

[marcfj60]

I was 13 and thats besides the point.

Well, you had a couple years on me. I didn't decide I wanted a 40 until I got to college. There was this really hot girl whose dad had built one for her and I think I liked her Land Cruiser more than her.

You've been significantly more successful than I have. I have two but neither is anywhere close to being functional. I'm just glad my father (step-mother actually) lets me keep my heaps of junk in their yard.

Ok, back to working on school stuff.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

well thanks for the vote of confidence mojo! i think our commonality is, toys are FUN!

i spent the afternoon at the Ali garage... that jerk is good at making my wallet want to jump out of my pocket and blow it's brains out... i had a good time and i hope to get whatever 80 i end up turns out as well thought out and functional as his. oh yeah, looking badass doesn't hurt

Good the Ali garage is a good one. He's at least got two to look at and compare what you really want/need.

so i'll ask a naive question, what made all you guys wait so long to pull the trigger on the starter vehicle (if you did)? were you after something specific? miles? rust? color? year? PO record? something i haven't even thought of? i think e-lockers are really the only thing i have on the must have list for my 80 so far. i'm not interested in sc's or all that bent about obdii for the cost it takes to get (read model year), i'd like something with a reasonable PM record and i can have fun with and not worry about getting stranded...

There are quite a few issues at play here.

The problem is, if you buy any old vehicle, you really don't know what you are getting. You really don't know how well treated the engine and its various castings were treated, or if they had ever overheated, had ever been run low on oil, etc.... All of that stuff adds up, and in REALLY weird ways. A poorly maintained or thrashed vehicle will have all sorts of issues that you just can't imagine. Example: ever seen an EFI truck with the diagnostic port removed? Yeah, neither had I. On the other hand, you can purchase a very clean well maintained vehicle and have a good idea that you don't need to do a whole lot of PM right away. Problem is, there's just some PM that should really be done by you, just so that you know it was done (like the timing belt on my 2LT-E). Since you're currently talking more 80--I don't think rust is a HUGE issue. That said, if you aren't already very good at removing broken or rusty bolts, then I would strongly advise you to avoid just such vehicles. If it has more rust than you can wash off with a pressure washer--it's got rust fasteners. For the most part, a rusty body is a deal breaker (unless you're a sheet metal guy)--but not much of an issue in the 80s. That said, if I found a pretty decent '83 BJ-42 but with a rusted tub, I would just make sure to get it for cheap and buy a completely new tub.

When it comes down to it, finding the "perfect" truck depends a whole lot more on your and your abilities than on the truck(s). If you don't mind tearing into large assemblies like an axle--then you can look more at trucks that really need some PM. But if you are more into bolting on bumpers or buying bigger tires then you are looking for something else entirely. If modifying the wiring harness isn't a scary idea, then you have yet other options. And of course--your wallet has a big say in what you get to do.

As you look I'll leave you with this: a truck that has been abused in one way, has been abused in others. Sometimes you don't care (like if you planned on swapping the engine anyway), sometimes you care (like if the frame is bent), and sometimes you don't know if you should care (do you really NEED E-lockers, or would ARBs serve your purpose just as well).

You've got a lot to think about.

Dan

 

[alia176]

If you were to find an 80 with a head gasket project already done, I wonder if that's good or bad! It's good that it's done but was it done with care and attention to details? Lots of things can/should be done when a head is out of the engine but I don't know if most mechanics (dealership or not) care to do them, even at the request of the owner.

Just something for you to ponder over!

 

[evanz80]

Welcome John!

Sorry it took me a while to respond. I've been out of touch a couple days - skiing at Red River.

I'm sure you're aware we've got a High Desert Cruisers meeting next Saturday (12/12) at Keith and Han's. If you can, come on out and bring the family. Dress warm. The girls can talk about whatever they talk about, and the guys will be out in the driveway talking about trucks.

I bought my '93 80 about six years ago and I couldn't be happier with it. It has factory lockers and it had an OME (Old Man Emu) 3 inch lift on it when I bought it. The lift is now about 5+ inches, 35 inch tires, re-geared to 4.88's, armored, etc. Get ready to spend some $$$, but it's a hell of a fun vehicle.

I'm also in the Eat Mountains, just about a mile down the road from Ali. We look forward to meeting you in person and good luck with your search.

Regarding your question about what we were looking for, my wants were about what you have described. I was hoping for factory lockers, mileage that wasn't too high (mine had 140k when I bought it, and now at 180k). I wasn't too concerned about cosmetics (mine was pre-dinged), and I was looking for good mechanical condition.

If, no WHEN, you join HDC and TLCA, you will start getting Toyota Trails magazine. I'll bring some back issues for you this next meeting. Robbie Antonson is the Tech Editor writer for the mag (sort of a "Dear Abby" for "My Cruiser is making this funny noise..."). Robbie is an excellent source on all Cruisers, but 80's in particular. He has worked on my truck, as well as Keith's, Sirenmoses, and others in the group. This is just FYI that he's a great resource.

Anyway, enough rambling. Hope to see you and the family at the meeting!

Evan

 

[sirenmoses]

Welcome John! I live about 3miles from you, so maybe we can carpool to meetings when they are over on the West Sa-ide, on days I'm not working.

Also a noobie wheeler, will always have a spare seat (or several) if I'm in my 60. If I'm not wheeln, we can still carpool to the meeting site & catch a ride w/the others.

I've only been on one mild Cedro trip w/my beater rig, but I gotta say that these guys are a fresh breath of air: supportive, encouraging, and self-less when it comes to helping others. (no, I'm not being paid to say that). Garage space, parts shuttles, and no-posing learning opportunities... Damn, I owe ya'll some

Pretty sure Dan will see more snow than the rest of us, what with living up at the tippity-topest of Sandia Knolls area. A southern snow might change that, but... even w/48" a few years back, I still don't have to plow my (short) driveway. Shovel a 2 track 40', yes, but even that is optional now that I'm lifted.

Mojo has an edge on the rest of us, not only with his youth, but to have his pops extra set of hands to make things happen. FWIW, I had my first ride in a 40 when I was 7yo, down the Vegas Strip. was my lil face staring through the curved rear window. I still want one of my own, but that goes in the dream garage, along w/the 914.

And Evan: some wimmins will tire-kick w/the rest of the bunch.... even bring beers to share whilst stubbin toes on rubber .

John: My process for getting a 60 was this. 84 Subby took a dump in '01. Lived up here, needed 4wd, room for dogs n people plus ability to haul stuff, and reliable. Did some research, then found a 60 on a used car lot: 235k, minimal rust, $3k. Had a wrench buddy check it out/w me: sold. Drove it for years n years: Kamp K9/Kaos at agility trials from Las Cruces to Pueblo, xmas tree hunting w/3 peeps n 7 pups, firewood/ gravel / trash hauling, towed my Honda, B2200, and a shed the 17- 40 miles they needed to go. Overall, a Get-r-done kinda rig, bone stock.

Had more plans than job security or money; by the time the latter two were covered, a lower miles 60 had moved in, just before the price of gas hit the roof. With the keen eye of a wrench(Robbie) that Evan imported to do some work, I decided to invest in the lower miles rig rather than flip it. My 1st 60 now lives w/my lil sis, and the Dobermobile II is still awaiting a few 'expedition' tweeks, but will soon be the DD, if the snow keeps coming in.

Sorry to blather on, just wanted to give you a neighborly welcome. See you at Joe's sometime!

 

[sl33p3]

hey guys thanks for the perspectives!!! it is so easy to get caught up in what you want vs need in a rig. i'll admit the rig is a want to start with but you get the point, it's a slippery slope. It is becoming clear to me that reading 'MUD without a good filter will lead to madness.

Dan, good point and all good things to consider. i think i'm more than a bumper bolter, but at some point i want to go out and enjoy it, so i'm not sure the total basketcase is my ticket either. i'm short on fab tools, been mostly into woodworking but still love the metal too, this might be a good excuse to expand the equipment. i'll keep looking and have a promising lead, i'm sure i'll find something appropriate.

Evan, i hope i can make the meeting, have to see. wife and kid are coming down with a cold and who knows if i'll catch it yet (knock on wood). btw, you and my son have a name in common, good stuff.

Ali, yeah good point, i think i'd like to know myself that way too. suppose worst case, the HG is fine because they fixed it, but you end up taking out the top end to fix stuff later <shrug>

siren, no sweat on rambling, i do it too, so i don't call it rambling sounds like fun, i'm looking forward to getting out on some trails. i've been all over most of cedro on my bike, but that has it's own different set of considerations, mostly how out of shape the motor is. the more i tell it to go the more it reminds me of the last few cheeseburgers i thoroughly enjoyed Ali's place yesterday, very impressed and encouraged on the 80 quest. btw i'm up for carpooling for sure.

i'm looking forward to meeting everyone!

 

[marcfj60]

i'm short on fab tools, been mostly into woodworking but still love the metal too, this might be a good excuse to expand the equipment.

It is a good opportunity to buy tools but with Dan and Ali living near you, they pretty much have everything covered and aren't stingy with tools, knowledge or an extra hand.

For big ticket items (welders, plasma cutters, engine hoists, trailers, etc.) always post up what you could use before you go out and buy it. Odds are someone here has one they'll let you borrow. I've seen it happen numerous times. FWIW, I have a cheapo flux-core wire feed MIG (120V) as well as a nice 220V SMAW (stick welder) that you're welcome to borrow if I'm not using them (Don't say a word Ali!). Of course the 220V stick welder is complicated if you don't have the right outlet to plug it into.

 

[sl33p3]

It is a good opportunity to buy tools but with Dan and Ali living near you, they pretty much have everything covered and aren't stingy with tools, knowledge or an extra hand.

dude, seriously, are you on my side or the wife's? ... j/k, but seriously...

For big ticket items (welders, plasma cutters, engine hoists, trailers, etc.) always post up what you could use before you go out and buy it. Odds are someone here has one they'll let you borrow. I've seen it happen numerous times. FWIW, I have a cheapo flux-core wire feed MIG (120V) as well as a nice 220V SMAW (stick welder) that you're welcome to borrow if I'm not using them (Don't say a word Ali!). Of course the 220V stick welder is complicated if you don't have the right outlet to plug it into.

you mean it just doesn't use both sockets in a 110 outlet? i have a 220 plug out in the garage, but i've never tried to use it, so i ASSume it works.

 

[jericho]

Welcome! The guys here have a knack for finding some cool stuff, or sending you in the right direction! Have fun in your search. but remember - the longer you search for the perfect cruiser, the longer you are cruiser less!

 

[Cruisergreg]

so i'll ask a naive question, what made all you guys wait so long to pull the trigger on the starter vehicle (if you did)?

While you don't want to be impulsive and jump just to get your toy now!, you also don't want to obsess about needing to see X number of vehicles (Marc would do something like that :flipoff before feeling "qualified" to choose a particular truck. The first one or the 100th one you check out have equal potential to be your best choice.

When I finally realized that grown-ups with kids need wagons and decided to get a 60 (80s as wheelers weren't even on the horizon) I did some research and utilized all the knowledge in HDC to start looking. Just so happened around that time O'Niell's neighbor mentioned he was considering selling his. Juane and I went to look at it and there was no question it was a keeper - bone stock, near showroom condition in and out, less than 100K on the clock and everything worked. So I pulled the trigger on the first one I saw. Over the years I have yet to see a stock 60 in as good a condition as mine when I bought it, so for me the first example was the right choice.

Also make REALLY sure the wifey is on the same page about how much to spend for the total build and the time you'll spend on it. "Priorities" tend to change after the little one comes and us males being the clueless dolts we are don't pick up that maybe building the ultimate family fun vehicle isn't such a good use of family resources before. In my case the family fun vehicle was the first step toward my getting divorced...

 

[Beowulf]

i'll keep looking and have a promising lead, i'm sure i'll find something appropriate.

Back in 2001, I looked for about 6 months until I found the truck that I wanted. My requirements were similar to yours. It had to be equipped with the factory F&R lockers and it could not be that horrid green 6M1.

In my case the family fun vehicle was the first step toward my getting divorced...

Greg bought a bright red FJ60. I call it the red herring.

-Mike-

 

[alia176]

I looked for mine for about six months on various websites before finding it in Reno while on vacation. My priorities were: bone stock, west coast rig, no running boards, no roof rack, lighter color and no lockers. In the meantime, the Mud board educated me on the usual mods and tricks. If I recall correctly, my shipment of goodies from 4wheel parts wholesalers arrived at my house in IL before I drove it home from Reno!

Good luck with your search.

 

[marcfj60]

While you don't want to be impulsive and jump just to get your toy now!, you also don't want to obsess about needing to see X number of vehicles (Marc would do something like that :flipoff before feeling "qualified" to choose a particular truck.

Hey!

Technically, I started looking long before I had the funds to purchase anything. I couldn't afford the next truck until I'd sold the first one (which took several months). So I had to pass on several really good trucks. It still took me a long time to make up my mind. Once I had sold the 60, it only took about 3 months before I had replaced it. I don't have any regrets buying the 100 because I was realistic about my expected level of wheeling and more importantly because my wife likes it as much as I do. Although, I still think an 80 is a more capable off-road machine and is better looking than my 100.

 

[Bad Mojo]

I looked for mine for about six months on various websites before finding it in Reno while on vacation. My priorities were: bone stock, west coast rig, no running boards, no roof rack, lighter color and no lockers. In the meantime, the Mud board educated me on the usual mods and tricks. If I recall correctly, my shipment of goodies from 4wheel parts wholesalers arrived at my house in IL before I drove it home from Reno!

Good luck with your search.

Why didn't you have lockers on your list? Do you have ARBs now?

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Why didn't you have lockers on your list? Do you have ARBs now?

I'm pretty sure I can speak to this logic:

A locked 80 is hard enough to find, let alone a very well maintained 80. If the cost of the lockers adds about $1500 to the price of the truck, then ARBs are a wash in terms of price. Therefor, one can easily purchase a clean, well maintained vehicle and not worry about lockers, if one doesn't mind installing ARBs.

I think that's how Ali explained it to me, and it more than makes sense to me. Besides, I don't like the fact that the e-locker has exposed actuators that need protection. The only thing that sticks out of the carrier housing with an ARB is a 1/4" NPT fitting and a little blue air line. Other than that, it looks just like the differential third member always did.

Dan

PS-Paul, my relay rod is in. I *might* have to go to work on wednesday through friday (gasp!), but other than that you are welcome to come up and check it out. If you hurry, the ARB diffs will still be out for examination.

Dan

 

[Bad Mojo]

I'm pretty sure I can speak to this logic:

A locked 80 is hard enough to find, let alone a very well maintained 80. If the cost of the lockers adds about $1500 to the price of the truck, then ARBs are a wash in terms of price. Therefor, one can easily purchase a clean, well maintained vehicle and not worry about lockers, if one doesn't mind installing ARBs.

I think that's how Ali explained it to me, and it more than makes sense to me. Besides, I don't like the fact that the e-locker has exposed actuators that need protection. The only thing that sticks out of the carrier housing with an ARB is a 1/4" NPT fitting and a little blue air line. Other than that, it looks just like the differential third member always did.

Dan

PS-Paul, my relay rod is in. I *might* have to go to work on wednesday through friday (gasp!), but other than that you are welcome to come up and check it out. If you hurry, the ARB diffs will still be out for examination.

Dan

John sorry if I am hijacking your thread. I was curious about the lockers, maybe some day an 80 and I want to know what to be looking for as well.

Dan why do you have to do all the cool stuff when I have finals?

 

[sl33p3]

John sorry if I am hijacking your thread. I was curious about the lockers, maybe some day an 80 and I want to know what to be looking for as well.

no problemo mojo(=Paul?) i have the same questions and i can see the logic laid out above (and am learning and digesting it all as well). personally i'm still keeping factory lockers high on my list, but mostly because i haven't found anything (rig) to sway me otherwise (ie i wouldn't pass a solid ARB rig). and honestly i am after lockers of some sort, i have no bias or preference between ARB or factory electric, air lines can leak, pumps can fail, and solenoids can stick and wires can corrode (see my last line)... but the protection is a good point i hadn't thought of... also seems the odds of finding someone who has a factory locked rig and never used them (ie abused them) are IMO much better than someone who put in ARB's. (guys correct me if i'm offbase)

my big "problem" in my search seems to be that a super clean low mileage late model 80 is out of my upfront toy $$ range, locked or not, so i'm forced to consider lesser specimens of the a$$ kicking variety. i'm after solid maintenance history first and foremost, lockers second, mileage third, cosmetic appearance is way down there (within reason, but rust would be a no-go for me). so beowulf, i do not have the luxury of being picky in color (and yes the one i am looking at is that green ). i already have the sand colored durabac picked out... )

Dan and Ali are spot on in my search so far. i think i read ~7% of all 80's had factory lockers, seriously reducing your pool or options. i have passed on many rigs on paper (really just saving me mental anguish) because of lack of lockers, but there is usually something else nagging at me too... like price (hard line for me right meow) or an unknown past, or a... (fill in here). it seems funny you can get locked for the same price as unlocked (sometimes) but if someone adds arb, they seem to want some $$ out of it. (factory=value?)

greg sounds like your cruiser luck was fantastic! and good point with the fam.

Dan why do you have to do all the cool stuff when I have finals?

because young padowan, IME, murphy is a dick. and if there is a murphy on this board, please tell your namesake to stop mucking with everything good in our lives.

 

[Beowulf]

so beowulf, i do not have the luxury of being picky in color (and yes the one i am looking at is that green

Please save $300 for a Maaco re-paint. I don't think I can handle any more of those ugly green trucks in the club.

-Mike-

 

[sl33p3]

Please save $300 for a Maaco re-paint. I don't think I can handle any more of those ugly green trucks in the club.

-Mike-

i think i can find hot pink in a rattle can, how do you feel about racing stripes on a green truck?