Introduction/Rookie Info

[lukemcd]

Hello all,
My name is Luke from Texas. New to the forum, new owner of 1996 FJ80, and new to the world of the 4x4. Bought a 96 TLC yesterday and am looking for info on upgrades/checks needed to be done once a rookie acquires one of these things. This will be a daily driver in town and hopefully weekend runs to New Mexico and Big Bend on occasion for camping. Will prob be 80-90 percent on pavement.

I already know that the AC needs to be charged (supposedly all of the AC system was replaced but not charged) and there is an odd glitch in the instrument panel that likes to go on and off. Funny enough, giving the steering wheel a good hit turns everything back on. I also know that the line from where you put gas in it to the gas tank has a small hole in it so that will need replacing. It doesn't leak any gas once it hits about 3/4 of a tank. A fact left out of the info given to me before I bought it. I about came unglued at the gas station as gasoline was pouring out of my new car. Besides that the thing needs to be cleaned like a hairy man coming off the long, hot dusty trail. Picked this up for $4300 including tax, title, and registration. Would love any thoughts/info you could send my way. Looking forward to being a part of the TLC community.

1996 FJ80

• lukemcd
• May 25, 2016

1996 FJ80

• lukemcd
• May 25, 2016

1996 FJ80

• lukemcd
• May 25, 2016

1996 FJ80

• lukemcd
• May 25, 2016

1996 FJ80

• lukemcd
• May 25, 2016

1996 FJ80

• lukemcd
• May 25, 2016

 

[bryanb]

Nice ride! '96 is a great year. Looks like somebody already removed the side steps for you, that's good. It's got a lift... yellow springs... perhaps ironman.

First thing i would do is baseline all the fluids. Flush the engine oil, radiator, trans, xfer case and differentials. Note the levels and condition of each.

After that, there's just a million other things. This forum will be super helpful. Get familiar with the search function.

Happy wheeling!

 

[flagstaff]

If the seat is bothering you, look into land cruiser heaven. No personal experience but have read good reviews.

Land Cruiser Heaven

 

[baldilocks]

welcome aboard Luke.

 

[Madwatch]

Looks great! What size tires are you running?

 

[Heckraiser]

Looks like a winner! My only advice is to resist the urge to "mod" the truck and just drive it for 6 months to sort out what kind of maintenance will be needed. I would give this advice for any vehicle, but especially given the fact that your seller sounds perhaps a little shady?

 

[Diggs84]

I second Heckraiser. I'm very glad I took the first year to take care of the litany of preventative items the previous owner allowed to build up.

 

[lukemcd]

I second Heckraiser. I'm very glad I took the first year to take care of the litany of preventative items the previous owner allowed to build up.

Looks like a winner! My only advice is to resist the urge to "mod" the truck and just drive it for 6 months to sort out what kind of maintenance will be needed. I would give this advice for any vehicle, but especially given the fact that your seller sounds perhaps a little shady?

Appreciate the feedback. I'll definitely heed that advice about driving for a while before adding anything. I think I'll have my hands full with simply repairing little things here and there that need attention.

 

[lukemcd]

Looks great! What size tires are you running?

Current tires are LT305/70R16 and will need replacing very soon.

 

[4runnerd]

To the list of fluid flushes I would add power steering fluid and brakes. Again, note the condition of the brake fluid especially; really dark, burnt fluid is indicative of neglect, and you could be in for rebuilding (or replacing) the calipers due to crud buildup in the cylinders. While you're at it, check the brake rotors/pads to see their condition.

Degrease the underbody really well and check for leaks. Same for the engine compartment, but be careful with electrical components and connections.

Grease all your u-joints, and check your steering knuckles for grease character and level (you'd be amazed how many people will drive a truck for 10 to 20 years without ever greasing anything).

Definitely do the deferred maintenance, and don't take the truck for high adventure until it's done.

Welcome to the world of 4x4, and prepare to spend $$

Have fun!

 

[JohnVee]

I second what all the others have said. Also, since you're new to 4x4's... It's most likely that your speedometer is off due to the larger tires. You will read slower than your actual speed. There are ways around this but most people don't bother. Mine is off 10% with 315/75/16.

 

[lukemcd]

Thanks for all the helpful feedback thus far. Any suggestions on replacement tires?