How much time do you spend maintaining your 80? (1 Viewer)

[hoch]

I currently have a Wrangler Rubicon. She’s been a good vehicle for the past 5 years. But an opportunity has come up to get a 93 LC.
I’ve had various Toyota trucks (Tacomas, 4Runners, and 100 series), but not an 80 series. Back in 2009, I had a chance to pick up a 96, 3x locked with 100k miles for $10k. Should’ve bought it.

All of my Toyota trucks have been flawless. With the 80 being 30+ years old, I’m going to have to spend some time baselining it. I’m not going to do much to it. Just a basic OME lift and 33-35” tires (and regear, if necessary). I’ve done enough rock crawling with the Wrangler that I’ve realized it’s not mine nor my family’s thing, and we’re more interested in adventure type travels, deep in the backcountry of Utah, Arizona and Colorado.

So I’m wondering with the vehicle being kept stock, somewhat, and a good baselining, what I should expect to spend keeping up with maintenance.
I’ll be honest and say I’d rather not be spending the weekends on my back in the garage. I don’t get that much enjoyment or fulfillment doing my own maintenance but I always do it myself because I have trust issues and want it done right. I just don’t look forward to it.
If it’ll be like my prior Jeep ownership, I’ll pass and move to a 200. But I’d really like it to work, since I’ve always loved the 80’s.
By the way, this will be a second vehicle. I have a Sequoia for daily duties. I’d rather not relegate it to our camp vehicle.
Thanks for any inputs.

 

[Kernal]

Are you asking how much time is actually spent working on the vehicle, or how much time is spent reading about working on the vehicle (on this forum), or both?? Most of us probably spend more time on the forum than actually working on the vehicle itself.

The amount of money spent can vary widely, depends on what the vehicle needs as well as your level of OCD. If you want a reliable daily driver
that can also be used on long trips, expect to spend a lot, plan ballpark $5000 for parts assuming you do your own work. If you can find
an 80 that's been taken care by another MUD member who's kept up with the maintenance you might spend less, to start.

Either way, it becomes an addiction and there is no cure.

 

[devo]

Oh jeez! As much time as it needs! At 300K miles I put many hours and dollars into my 80. Refreshing all kinds of parts and pieces. A little time here and there and now at 305K I simply have nothing to do but drive it around. Keep in mind I have kept up with the routine PM.

 

[Mat Jadamec]

Two decades so far

 

[hoch]

Are you asking how much time is actually spent working on the vehicle, or how much time is spent reading about working on the vehicle (on this forum), or both?? Most of us probably spend more time on the forum than actually working on the vehicle itself.

The amount of money spent can vary widely, depends on what the vehicle needs as well as your level of OCD. If you want a reliable daily driver
that can also be used on long trips, expect to spend a lot, plan ballpark $5000 for parts assuming you do your own work. If you can find
an 80 that's been taken care by another MUD member who's kept up with the maintenance you might spend less, to start.

Either way, it becomes an addiction and there is no cure.

I guess both. I’d assume I’d spend quite a bit on parts. I try to stick with OEM or OEM supplier so I’m sure it’ll be more expensive. I’m ok with that.
I just want to get an idea of how much time folks spend on their rigs keeping up on maintenance and repairs. I know it’ll vary but just wanted to get an idea.

 

[mudgudgeon]

I’ll be honest and say I’d rather not be spending the weekends on my back in the garage. I don’t get that much enjoyment or fulfillment doing my own maintenance

Seriously weigh up the choice to get an 80 then.
There's been times where the work required for each of my different cruisers has been overwhelming. If you can't get past that, the fun can evaporate fast.

They are at an age where they need regular garage time, and constant attention.

There's neatly always something to tinker with, repair, replace, maintain etc, and that's assuming you find a good one, and don't have any major failures

For your use, any of the newer toyota 4x4 could be a smarter choice and will do what you want.
100series
200series
4runner
Sequoia
GX450 470

 

[mudgudgeon]

Are you asking how much time is actually spent working on the vehicle, or how much time is spent reading about working on the vehicle (on this forum), or both?? Most of us probably spend more time on the forum than actually working on the vehicle itself.

This is true.
If you want to be smart about not firing the parts cannon at one, researching repairs, and finding lower prices parts takes time

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Very little. Quite a bit of reading on MUD!
I bought mine 3 1/2 years ago. After taking care of the basics that go bad with an 80 such as power steering system, seat gears and replacing old fluids right away, all I've done since then is replace the fuel pump and front brake pads. But then, I don't drive a lot. Front brakes seems to wear fast on these. Fuel pump died after a long road trip.
Initially I replaced the worn out shocks but left OE steering stabilizer and suspension springs on since they work great. 265/75r/16 tires to replace the bald and undersized 265/70r/16 tires that came with it. I think someone did a front axle job previously because it's tight with no leaks. In its past live mine had apparently never been off roaded, which is a big plus.

 

[Marvelicious]

Maintenance? I bought a Toyota so I don't have to do maintenance!

I'm kidding, but it's going to depend heavily on how the previous owners treated the one you buy. If you get a good one, it's probably going to be as low maintenance a 30-year-old vehicle as you can buy, but 30-year-old vehicles will need some attention here and there. There are some special items to learn about, like how front axle service works, but there's really nothing super complicated about them. It's not like buying a vintage Italian sports car or something.

 

[CharlieS]

Buy a 200, put on 34" tires, a mild lift, skids, sliders, f/r Eatons and regear. Then drive it a couple of hundred thousand miles without much work. It is so much more comfortable, spacious, safe and reliable.

And I LOVE my 80 (but my 200 is objectively superior in every way).

 

[ajax1]

I have two, not much, I fix things before they are issues. Once you fully base line the truck with new yota you just drive it and feed them Dino bones. I would say biggest issue on buying one is checking the coolant system, keep that in good shape if truck is over heating or anything I would be ready for head gasket. I h8 rust as well. 93s obd1 I prefer obd2 have had both. Make sure 93 has full float rear end, some did not, and early 93 had a ecu issue and o2 issue

My buddy wheeled a jk Ruby built on 39s, he was always breaking and fixing, I would say my old box on 37s and 325 k never failed on the trail, did pop a radiator on the hwy.

 

[Rusty Marlin]

Every 7500 miles I follow the above PM schedule.
I'm just past the 285000 mile mark. It takes me anywhere from a morning to an entire day to complete the check list.
For the high intesity PM cycles it might take a couple of days or even a couple weekends.
I'm already gathering parts for the 300K cycle and I'll be going through the front of the engine to elimiate oil leaks.
There are things that I do every 7500mi that aren't on the list; such as grease the rear brake slider pins, and check the soft break lines for craking; blow out the axel vents and confirm the air lockers are working correcly. I check wheel bearing play and tire wear patterns.
I have converted to an AGM battery, there is no water to check.

So... a couple days per year for PM. Its my daily and I put about 11,000 miles/year on it.

 

[Fj80oregon]

I think paying more upfront for a good condition clean example puts you ahead. You can easily brake the $5k mark in the first month if you go crazy. I would say as long as you can do basic wrenching and are prepared to spend $1k here and there than do it! If the head gasket fails you are gonna be mad you bought it. These trucks are durable but like
You stated 30 years old. Also if you’re loading up the family it gets cramped pretty quick. Sounds like for your use a 100/200 series would be a better fit. The 80 is nostalgic and some what analog nothing like driving a newer vehicle and that’s why most people love them. Good luck with your endeavors!

 

[dhouse]

View attachment 3815267

Every 7500 miles I follow the above PM schedule.
I'm just past the 285000 mile mark. It takes me anywhere from a morning to an entire day to complete the check list.
For the high intesity PM cycles it might take a couple of days or even couple weekends.
I'm already gathering parts for the 300K cycle and I'll be going through the front of the engine to elimiate oil leaks.
There are things that I do every 7500mi that arn't on the list; such as grease the rear brake slide pins, and check the soft break lines for craking; blow out the axel vents and confirm the air lockers are working correcly. I check wheel bearing play and tire wear patterns.
I have converted to an AGM battery, so there is no water to check.

So... a couple days of year for PM. Its my daily and I put about 11,000 miles/year on it.

Do you happen to have a better resolution for this or a the spreadsheet itself to share?

 

[Anvil]

Working on the 80 is therapy to me, I enjoy it, so I don't count the time. But if I did count... it's been 11 years and 3 girlfriends ago.

 

[mudgudgeon]

Working on the 80 is therapy to me, I enjoy it, so I don't count the time. But if I did count... it's been 11 years and 3 girlfriends ago.

Girlfriends are temporary. 80s are forever!

 

[jpoole]

I bought a basket case '97 80 for $1800 in late 2016 and while it's still a work in progress it's been a solid driver for years now and has been very low maintenance since the primary baselining/repairs were complete.

In 2016 I wanted a project like this and I had long been planning and shopping for an 80 that I would resurrect and then own long term. This was a great plan for me at the time and the 80 is an amazing vehicle that I've consistently enjoyed. At the same time I've been glad to get to the point in the project where there are few essential tasks that I need to tackle so that I now only work on the 80 when I want to. Most of my work time over the last few years has been spent addressing cosmetic, body/paint issues that I'm slowly tinkering on.

I'd probably buy a nicer 80 as my starting point if I had to replace what I have now but part of that is thanks to my now being familiar with the platform thanks to all of the time I spent working on my '97 and reading this forum.

Here are the numbers that include everything from purchase price to lubricants. The only costs not in these numbers are insurance though I probably forgot to log a few small purchases and time worked here and there.

	Parts Costs	Fuel Costs	Miles Driven	Hrs Worked
Totals	$19,837.41	$20,641.41	86,464	600.6
2016	$2,000.00	$0.00	140	16
2017	$3,129.00	$71.82	627	96.5
2018	$4,940.00	$1,889.79	8,687	143.85
2019	$2,556.00	$2,507.57	12,646	55.5
2020	$1,991.00	$2,254.38	13,042	80.25
2021	$2,250.90	$3,869.36	15,586	80.25
2022	$2,010.00	$4,468.60	14,172	75.75
2023	$620.51	$3,027.35	11,685	26.5
2024	$340.00	$2,503.04	9,644	26
2025	$0.00	$49.50	236	0

 

[Box Rocket]

A lot depends on the actual 80 that is purchased and how much is involved to get it baselined and reliable. Personally, I do not do as in-depth of a baseline as many people here. I will typically replace hoses, belts, fusible link, fluids and a handful of other things regardless of the history. Then address other issues as needed. That can be a heavy task or a relatively simple task depending on the truck history.

 

[Marco Lau]

Too much. 100s of hours of wrenching.

 

[simple]

I'm not answering this because as soon as I say that it is a low maintenance truck something awful will happen.

I've got a project or two that takes up more time wrenching than driving. Those cars aren't very satisfying and get stressful that they will be future rat's nests from disuse. It's much more enjoyable to have a completed project that is just turn the key and drive. A good baseline gets you there.