If you were going to get an 80...

[TX Cruiser]

If you maintain your junk, OBDII isn't an issue, and in fact can be a benefit since OBDII will give more information for diagnosis than OBDI. Or, how I learned to love OBDII.

That's why I brought up MY 1995, it has the best of both worlds. My bro's '95 was failed because of the CEL on a vehicle that has OBDII. The inspector told him he had no choice but to fail him. Texas statute says '96 and up. It passed.

I do agree with you though. However, some people get caught for expensive repair b/c of that bs.

 

[4x4CPOSEADOG]

I'd skip the 80 and go directly to a 100 series cruiser.

Originally posted by cruiserdan in Social Group
My dead 80, parked in the carport, sans motor, with 320,000 miles on it, is better than a 100 that runs....

I'll go for the 80 with lockers if I have to do it all over again.

 

[Lka1988]

My dead 80, parked in the carport, sans motor, with 320,000 miles on it, is better than a 100 that runs....

Ouch....That's harsh. The 100 is a VERY sturdy piece of machinery, even with IFS. I've driven several.

 

[Lka1988]

I have both, a 3FE and a 1FZE, they're both 80's, it is comparing apples to apples in the grand scheme of things.... make sure whatever year 80 it is, it's in good shape OR be prepared to spend alot of time PM'ing it.

x2, but considering he's looking for one for his wife (and kids?), I'd go with 95-97 w/ airbags and junk.

 

[maybe_a_80...]

low mileage, clean interior, stock stereo, preferably one that has not been off-roaded (read: abused), stock running boards (another good sign it has not been abused), and in your color choice. don't forget the LX450 version as there can be some great deals on them as well.

it's nice to get a built 80, but often some of the mods mean that there is a better chance for some failure that could likely drive the wife insane.

96-97 are in my opinion the cream of the crop as they were the last years the 80s were built, which means any kinks (I don't think there were really any to begin with) had been worked out. 96s and 97s are also just plain newer, are easier to find with lower mileage, have airbags and are OBDII compliant, which I guess will be good for you because it will save time diagnosing any problems, resulting in less downtime for the wife's truck (score one for you).

the woodgrain dash is discolored in many rigs and beware the overall condition of the driver's seat leather and how worn out the netting is on the back side of the front row seats.

you won't need factory lockers, but if you can score one with factory lockers, your resale value will be higher down the road.

don't worry too hard about the headgasket thing - it'll either need to be replaced or not.

all of this aside, I recommend looking into a 100 series as well just to make sure you are making a good decision. consider how much you may have to sink into a 80 immediately to make it work the way you want vs. getting a newer vehicle.

happy hunting!

 

[fjbj40]

Ok?...I am looking to buy an 80.

I see lots with 170 plus miles on them...is that considered high for the the truck?

If a 100 series is considered is the fuel consumption higher than the 6 cyl?

Other than head gasket issues and front axles are there any other major issues to be looking at?

Thanks, Daryl

I really like my fj/bj62...but I am looking for more comfort in my older years...LOL.... anyways whatever I get will get dieseilized in a few years anyways.

 

[Skillet]

Ok?...I am looking to buy an 80.

I see lots with 170 plus miles on them...is that considered high for the the truck?

If a 100 series is considered is the fuel consumption higher than the 6 cyl?

Other than head gasket issues and front axles are there any other major issues to be looking at?

Thanks, Daryl

I really like my fj/bj62...but I am looking for more comfort in my older years...LOL.... anyways whatever I get will get dieseilized in a few years anyways.

Ahem...

 

[Romer]

Late 95 to 97 as they have the newer computer in case you ever want to SC it. OEM lockers.

No rust. As long as there is no rust, it would be easy to work on the bring up to speed.

Sometimes needing a front axle job can be a good negotiation tool if you can do the work yourself (similar to the 60). You can say it needs a $1300 rebuild and take it off the price then do it yourself for $240.

You have lots of local resources to help you check one out. Plus you have the best 80 mechanic (powederpig) I know who is very reasonable in price not to far from you. Along with close access to Sleeoffroad.

 

[maybe_a_80...]

If a 100 series is considered is the fuel consumption higher than the 6 cyl?

I will hazard a guess that the 8 cyl in the 100 gets about the same gas mileage as our 80s.

As for the front axle rebuild, this is just something that needs to be done at around 100k miles so metal parts don't wear out. As mentioned, just talk it out of the sale price. It's not a huge deal, it's just good peace of mind to get done sooner than later, like when you can do it in your driveway over a weekend in the sun while drinking a beer or four. With friends.

 

[Grolar]

stock stereo

What's wrong with a truck that doesn't have a stock stereo?

 

[LC80Ducati996]

What's wrong with a truck that doesn't have a stock stereo?

Depends on how and what was installed. With the seperate amp it can be done wrong.

 

[Butt Ugly Chuck]

Tuning in - Been entertaining thoughts along the same lines lately and looking over the threads Skillet linked to.

Butt

 

[Tentsontop]

A late build 93 with low miles and lockers is the rig that will be the easiest on you. They have the better radiator, starter, grill, r134 freon, side by side cats, far fewer CELs (such as EGR gremlins) in my experience and no airbags. The only thing I don't like about the 93/94 is the grey interior you find on locked ones.

My second favorite are the 96 LX450s. That's the year two 80s finished 1st and 2nd in the Dakar stock vehicle class. That's what I drive now. Love it. Crazy chicks seem to dig it too. Plus it's fun to take a Lexus out on trails most people run in a POS.

BTW - 80s can only get going fast enough for airbags if you happen to be going down a really steep hill and rocks aren't impressed by a supercharger - not even one with a really cool hood scoop so it can breath/cool better.

 

[trscott]

'91 80s are certainly reliable...

My 1991 80 just passed 300k miles. Original engine and transmission without a major overhaul to either. Original valves, rings, everything. Compression is still about half way from stock to overhaul, and all six cylinders are dead even.

The only work ever done to it was new consumables (brakes, wipers, battery, hoses, belts, tires), a replaced power steering pump, and an unnecessarily replaced alternator (it turned out to be just a bad wiring connector).

The cloth seats are getting pretty shredded (considering an aftermarket leather kit, $1500). With that and clean carpets, this thing would look almost new.

About half of the dash indicator lights need to be replaced, and the stock CD won't play a CD if you hiccup to hard (they didn't know about anti-skip in those days). I should get one of the adapter kits and put a new Sony in it.

Gas mileage is 12 to 13 mpg ;-(, and it really likes premium if I want to have any power.

I upgraded the wheels to 16" factory wheels from a 4runner that the local tire store took in trade, cause I couldn't get a sturdy enough truck tire for the 15" stock wheels for all the gravel I drive on.

Mine came standard with the CDL switch, and I would like to add an Aussie Locker in the rear.

These things are just about bullet proof.

 

[RussBow6]

i agree with trscott...

(bulletproof) and i would trust my cruiser to get me through armageddon and back.

i have a 94 and i'm on ~191k, which is no 300k i know, but still impressive to me and i havent had to replace anything major. just keep up with the fluids and this baby will treat you so well. i just replaced the radiator and the O2 sensors, redid the audio awhile ago.

for a DD/family just get the 3rd row and the side steps. mine has both and the lockers so if we get stuck in the mud or snow like getting a christmas tree or even outta the driveway its simple enough to just throw it in low and it dominates. a/c would prolly be nice for the daily driver as well depending on where your from and how whiny the family is ha. good luck man!

 

[Doc]

Don't ditch the 62. I miss my 60 series terriably. So much so I may end up trading my 80 for a 60...

 

[Butt Ugly Chuck]

Buy this one...
Looks well maintained, great start on the mods for way less than you could similarly mod one yourself. Maybe gears and a rear bumper are all that are needed. Plus if someone buys it, I can quit that I don't quite have the cash for it.

Butt