I want my 80 to last forever, but...

[084runnerltd]

Here is my garage...


I bought the 4runner first...slapped on some duratracs and a lift...suddenly my wives camry wasn't good enough anymore and she "needed" to drive the 4runner.

Wanting to be the good husband (and good excuse to get the 80) I gave her the runner and I started the hunt for the 80.

I must say, I am impressed with the runner. It is the v6 limited. So it is selectable 4wd/2wd and has a center diff lock.

Recently we camped inside of it...rear folds completely flat in rear...was pretty nice.

I like the 80 better, especially now that I threw duratracs on it as well, but would recommend the 4runner to anyone. Capable and good features.

Next vehicle for wife will be the 4runner trail edition....for once getting the "trail/off-road" package means more than bigger tires and mudflaps. The trail looks pretty capable.

 

[notthejeepnomo]

NEVER HAPPENING....



Because I only know of maybe 5 people with the funds to buy a $70K base bones utility truck that is based on 1980's technology.

Why are they so expensive?

 

[Chester]

I bought my '80 so I could rest my 62 a bit, DD 16 yrs. 600K. Now I'll drive 'em both till I die, or Hell.

 

[MARKTLC80]

I have to admit it's pretty disappointing reading about how unfaithful some of you have become to our beloved 80's...

 

[1973Guppie]

that 4runner trail edition looks cool, but I don't see it running the rubicon, moab or the dusy. Maybe a few trails in moab but, for me that is where the 80 is great. Comfort, and some modern conveniences, but still very utilitarian and not too many electronics I don't need and most important, very capable off road.

 

[890man]

U5000 Unimog Doka

Ding ding ding ......... we have a winner. I love the Doka cabs. I would take one of any vintage with some high speed axles and the crawler box.

My 80 is a daily driver and has been for 5 years at 35 miles per day. Im looking at getting a bmw f800gs as my commuter though. My wife drives the prius.

 

[Marcus1983]

I would replace my 80 with a GX460.

My has requested no future Land Cruiser purchases because she associates them with mental imbalance . Luckily, the GX460 is not a LC according to her -- I can work with that.

At some point, I can see replacing my 80 with a GX460 and also getting a 40 or a buggy or something to fill the "project" void.

Two big hurdles are facing my 80. Towing and safety. We will probably want to start towing a travel trailer in the near future and it seems like the 80 is just not well designed for that. is also real skeptical of any vehicle that does not have side-impact airbags, high strength steel, vsc, etc. Obscure australian crash test ratings and 17 year old seat belts/airbags aren't doing it for her.

A Tundra is also a possibility but it is just too damn big. A Tacoma would be cool if it could haul or tow a bit more. Unfortunately, a civilized man needs about 10 vehicles or one 70 series

 

[86tuning]

my simple question should have been, it it wasn't an 80, what would you drive?

I don't plan on ever selling my 97 LX450. However, if something should happen to my vehicle I would look for and build a 2006-07 LX470 with SAS front, Slee (UZJ105) style.

I know that I won't find another LX with the low mileage that mine has. I'm actually on the lookout for an 06 LX470 to replace my wife's daily driver. That way I'll be prepared and have a vehicle ready to build up.

In a bunch more years in the future, I may consider an LX570 when they've depreciated enough for me to afford one. Maybe by 2020 I'll be able to afford a 2008.

 

[Delancy]

You will be able to find parts for the 80 series easily from Toyota for at least the next 10-15 years.

Posted for posterity.

I'm going to start stockpiling parts anyway, starting with weather stripping.

If history is any indicator, I'll net a 3000% return on my investment. Hahaha.

Personally, I am in the same boat as you. I will never get rid of it and I will continue to rebuild every component of it as needed to keep her going forever.

About time for a frame off on yours.

Take good notes.

NEVER HAPPENING....

Because I only know of maybe 5 people with the funds to buy a $70K base bones utility truck that is based on 1980's technology.

Chit....I disagree here.

Look at the massive amount of ~$40k FJCs on the road.

For that matter, look at the massive amount of ~$50-60k 80 builds, THEN venture into the +$50k classics.

Not to mention the Heep crowds that spend $50-60k on their "builds" right from the pages of a catalogue.

I'd sign up today, even if it meant swapping the GX and FJC and putting momma in the PP80. Hahaha.

It's not a Land Cruiser.

The irony that I only own one vehicle that's badged "Land Cruiser", and it's 41 years old.

 

[wearsabrowncoat]

When I get up and check the weather I ride this if rain forecast is 30% or less:



If I stop sinking my gas savings back into mods like the blue collar bobber kit the bike would pay for itself in less than 13 months.

 

[spencertron]

that 4runner trail edition looks cool, but I don't see it running the rubicon, moab or the dusy. Maybe a few trails in moab but, for me that is where the 80 is great. Comfort, and some modern conveniences, but still very utilitarian and not too many electronics I don't need and most important, very capable off road.

Just ad sliders

RUBICON TRAIL
http://www.fourwheeler.com/roadtests/129_0912_2010_toyota_4runner_review_rubicon_trail/

MOAB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqp7S5JmDcs

They are really awesome; but the way I see it, when the 80 finally dies (engine goes, transmission goes, etc) it would still be cheaper to put in a rebuilt V8 and if necessary a new/rebuilt transmission/transfer case rather than buying a new or almost new 4runner. That way you have a basically brand new, fuel efficient, powerful cruiser that is EXTREMELY capable instead of buying a new 4runner and starting the money pit build all over again.

 

[thatcabledude]

Was the YouTube video supposed to be an example of the hill descent button? The 4runner did nothing but drive downhill.

 

[spencertron]

Was the YouTube video supposed to be an example of the hill descent button? The 4runner did nothing but drive downhill.

I think I actually posted the wrong one. I had watched a few videos of the 4runner in moab a long time ago and guessed it was this one. If you search around on youtube there are a couple cool videos of them in moab though.

 

[DiegoCrzr]

Hmmm. Dropped a Windsor and NP435 in a 66 Bronco, still going- and the 80 is a much better rig. Wish i would of been bit by the cruiser bug first. Wouldn't stress holding onto the 80 indefinitely, I will. You should see how they bash on cruisers and top off with whatever fuel & lubricants in South America and these rigs keep rockin . Makes me smile when I see all the posts on Mud about which x grease to use on x part

 

[1973Guppie]

Just ad sliders

RUBICON TRAIL
http://www.fourwheeler.com/roadtests/129_0912_2010_toyota_4runner_review_rubicon_trail/

MOAB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqp7S5JmDcs

They are really awesome; but the way I see it, when the 80 finally dies (engine goes, transmission goes, etc) it would still be cheaper to put in a rebuilt V8 and if necessary a new/rebuilt transmission/transfer case rather than buying a new or almost new 4runner. That way you have a basically brand new, fuel efficient, powerful cruiser that is EXTREMELY capable instead of buying a new 4runner and starting the money pit build all over again.

yeah, but I don't want to tape my truck up every time I go wheeling. lol. just not for me as an overall trail truck. I would have to lift it, f&r bumpers and a SAS up front.

 

[084runnerltd]

Just curious and truly not trying to sound saracastic, but I thought a lot of you liked the lack of electronics, moderate part/repair costs and the fact the you don't feel bad "beating" on the 80 series.

But many of you want the GX next. Isn't it essentially the 4runner with a lot of electronics, higher repair costs and a vehicle that most people would dare driving it if there was a possibility that it would get scratched??

Seems for the "utilitarian" vehicle....the 4runner (trail edition or not) would be the vehicle of choice when all aspects are considered??

(Dont get me wrong I would take a GX in a heart beat, but would feel a lot better wheelin in a 4 runner than a GX....if I had a GX I don't think I would allow food or drink in it

I am probably a little jaded as a 4runner owner, but I did look at the GX before I bought....to me it seemed like the increased costs went to nicer leather, better stereo, burl wood trim, etc.....I would rather use that money for modding the 4runner....just sayin....

 

[084runnerltd]

Or buy this....



http://youtu.be/cDoRmT0iRic

 

[Corbet]

Why are they so expensive?

(70 series)

Beno could probably better answer that as they are basically equipped like a cloth 80 series in their highest trim level interior wise. They are built like a 3/4ton pick-up in our market with a very good diesel power plant. But the best answer I can offer after logging over 3500Km in one on vacation is that they are worth it.

I would pay $70K for this long before I'd pay it for a 200 series.

 

[TexasJack]

I have a 95 with 250K plus on it. I have rebuilt just about the whole truck. I am about to recover the seats and then I am going to park it and only use it for wheeling or hunting.

I am going to buy a 3rd vehicle which will become my wife's daily driver and I am going to drive her older Lexus.

The best way to make it last is to not drive it every day. It is simply less wear and tear. I'll still drive it to the store now and then but I do enough hunting and wheeling to keep the tires from rotting.

 

[nicholas]

You will be able to find parts for the 80 series easily from Toyota for at least the next 10-15 years.

Personally, I am in the same boat as you. I will never get rid of it and I will continue to rebuild every component of it as needed to keep her going forever.

Good to hear. I also plan on keeping my 80 forever but I have often wondered what options would be available 10-20 years down the road when technical components like the ecm etc eventually fail. Its truly a pleasure to drive my 80 but I feel guilty putting miles on her as my dd. Im planning on giving the 80 a rest in a few years when I have the room available to store a 3rd vehicle.