I'VE been meaning to ask... 80 for FJ?

[decoco]

I have owned an 80 for less than a year, but have been around a few LCs in my childhood and teenage years.

My good friend is getting interested in the toyota overlanding, and he needs to swap out cars anyway.
He's been sending me pictures/ads of 60s, then 80s (thank god).
He's not very well aquinated with anything motor related, I've been weaning him of the 80 idea and into the 100, or the FJ. The FJ is winning because of it's more retro-appeal, also less luxury is good because of his extensive pet situation. I just don't think he has the patience or resolute for a 60 or an 80; and the tinkering that can happen when you get one.

He is excited about the idea of going camping, that way we can take both vehs, the dogs, and the girls (if we're nagged enough about it).

You can get 100k mile FJs here for about 17k-19k. They seem to be in good condition at this price point and not modified.

What can I tell him for what to look for?
Any converters or advice between suggesting the FJ over the 80 idea?

 

[SammyT96LX450]

I have both. I'm selling my FJ because the 80 is much better platform for my family for what I do. If he is interested below is the link. I have the complete service history and receipts for everything. I will also give him a mud discount...

What to look for....early 07's had a weak rear diff. 08-09 are fine. 10 and up have more horse power and few other goodies such crawl control etc. look for a rear locker and a track. mechanicaly they are very solid.

Quick edit: 07-09 have a supercharger that's available. They don't make one for 10 and up....


Good luck!

2008 FJ CRUISER 24500

 

[decoco]

I have both. I'm selling my FJ because the 80 is much better platform for my family for what I do. If he is interested below is the link. I have the complete service history and receipts for everything. I will also give him a mud discount...

What to look for....early 07's had a weak rear diff. 08-09 are fine. 10 and up have more horse power and few other goodies such crawl control etc. look for a rear locker and a track. mechanicaly they are very solid.

Quick edit: 07-09 have a supercharger that's available. They don't make one for 10 and up....


Good luck!

2008 FJ CRUISER 24500

Thank you for the pointers, I will pass this on. we're in Canada and while your ride looks complete, it's hard to justify a U.S. deal factoring transport, import, and exchange, no matter how complete the ride looks (noticed the fox shocks and other goods).

What about the 80 makes you prefer it as a better platform for your needs?

 

[1911]

I've had both also.

How many girls and dogs will be camping?
The reason I ask is because the FJC has great interior space for two people (in the front seats) but the rear seat is less spacious, harder to get in and out of, and has limited vision to the outside. Passengers (more than one anyway) will be happier in the middle-row seats of an 80.

But the youngest/newest 80-series you can get is 19 years old. My experience with 80-series Land Cruisers is that they're stone reliable, but any 19 (plus)-year-old truck is going to need more maintenance than an FJC that is only ten years old or less. The FJC has more power too, and better fuel economy, and better air conditioning.

So to me, it would be a matter of priorities - if his #1 priority is a modern, reliable vehicle that he won't have to work on, then the FJC would be the better choice. But if his #1 priority is being able to carry multiple passengers in comfort, then the 80 would suit him better.

 

[decoco]

I've had both also.

How many girls and dogs will be camping?
The reason I ask is because the FJC has great interior space for two people (in the front seats) but the rear seat is less spacious, harder to get in and out of, and has limited vision to the outside. Passengers (more than one anyway) will be happier in the middle-row seats of an 80.

But the youngest/newest 80-series you can get is 19 years old. My experience with 80-series Land Cruisers is that they're stone reliable, but any 19 (plus)-year-old truck is going to need more maintenance than an FJC that is only ten years old or less. The FJC has more power too, and better fuel economy, and better air conditioning.

So to me, it would be a matter of priorities - if his #1 priority is a modern, reliable vehicle that he won't have to work on, then the FJC would be the better choice. But if his #1 priority is being able to carry multiple passengers in comfort, then the 80 would suit him better.

these are all good points.

 

[SammyT96LX450]

Thank you for the pointers, I will pass this on. we're in Canada and while your ride looks complete, it's hard to justify a U.S. deal factoring transport, import, and exchange, no matter how complete the ride looks (noticed the fox shocks and other goods).

What about the 80 makes you prefer it as a better platform for your needs?

Size is the most important feature for the family. We can pack the family and all the gear. Plus the kids can see outside with the full size 4 doors. For me it's the solid axles lockers go anywhere do anything vehicle plus the history and this community. The FJ has very poor visibility for more serious off road action unless you go with tube doors and some of trips that is what I'm faced with. I'm still learning the art of picking the correct lines. The 80 I still do but it's ton more forgiving. since I don't have the long travel set up on the FJ there is minimum flex up front and therefore I was on 3 wheels a lot. So I did not want to spend another 5-6k to do that. I spent the money on my lx450. Good luck

 

[decoco]

I will pass this on; and consider as well.

thanks for the input so far.

Another thing, I guess is a question to consider is, in terms of costs. I know that generally aftermarket parts are more affordable for the 4 runner platform vs. the LC platforms, I'm assuming this remains the case as far as procuring for the costs of aftermarket suspension, tires etc?

 

[1911]

Another thing, I guess is a question to consider is, in terms of costs. I know that generally aftermarket parts are more affordable for the 4 runner platform vs. the LC platforms, I'm assuming this remains the case as far as procuring for the costs of aftermarket suspension, tires etc?

Quality suspension components are no less or more expensive for either platform; you get what you pay for. There's probably more options for the IFS suspensions of the FJC/4Skinner though.

As for tires, it just depends on your wheel size, how many choices are available. More choices for a 16" wheel than for the 17" stock FJC wheel.