Long road trip...What's the worst that could happen?

[Aggiesdm]

I'm planning a road trip with my best friend of 30+ years and we're heading to Big Bend National Park for a 4 day camp/hike trip. I have a Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road (non 4x4) that we're planning on taking, but part of me really wants to take the TLC. There are a few places I'd like to go that require a 4x4 although my Tacoma would probably do fine with the diff lock.

It will be about a 1000mile round trip when its over, and it will go through a very desolate part of Texas with little to no repair resources.

By the time the trip rolls around, I will have done all the PM, replaced the radiator, OEM belts, plugs, wires, all coolant hoses, vacuum lines, OEM T-Stat, fluids, etc etc and she seems to be running very well. Having never been on a trip that long in the TLC, I'm leery and just wanted to get some real-world input.

BTW, she's a '91 FJ80 3FE with 271k on the clock. Compression is good and doesn't burn any oil. Cooling system is fine (once the new radiator goes in this weekend - warranty replacement) and transmission seems fine other than the good old "clunk" that we all seem to have.

Thoughts?

 

[bajaphile]

Oh man, that is a tough one. I've been a 3.4l lover for several years... those things are awfully reliable.

To me, sounds like the Tacoma would be best... the fact you are going to be driving a lot, have a lot of gear, etc.... Less gas money and probably a bit more room. Only reason to take the LC would be if you were planning a lot of offroading...

Gotta do what feels right I guess..

 

[BrotherRob]

I have both, for a highway trip, the 80 wins hands down. The Taco is fine for putzing around town but the 80 has a much better ride on the highway.

 

[jonheld]

Check wheel bearings, steering linkage ends and go through the brake system.
Drive your truck. That's what it's for. 1000 miles is nothing. I've taken mine from Jersey to Moab in 2011 and 2012 and will again in 2015.

 

[thatcabledude]

Sounds like you know your 80 is ready to go, but second guessing yourself. Take it! The worst that can happen? MPG!

 

[duggy]

Big Bend typically has beautiful scenery without much hardcore wheeling.

Do you have a winch on the Taco?

 

[jakesiar]

X2 what jonheld stated. I have a '92 w/ 210,000 miles and made a 1,000 mile round trip a few months ago. I too was apprehensive but checked all the maintenance details and took off with all the kids. I made sure my knuckles had grease because I knew they were due for a rebuild and it was all good. Rebuilt them when we returned...

 

[bigfj62]

I used to own a FJ62 with well over 200000 miles on a 3FE. I drove it on long road trips all the time. My thought is that if the engine has been tight that long its probably not going to go without some extreme abuse. If you have replaced the stuff that will fail (hoses alternator and so on) you are going to be fine. Just because it is over 20 years old does not mean it is going to break.

Trust the proven reliability of the Land Cruiser. It will get you to where you need to go. Check your gauges regularly and check for leaks when you stop. You will enjoy the trip more with the Cruiser. If you want to go 80 mph take the Tacoma. You will see way more at a nice 60 mph.

 

[scrowley]

Take the 80.. If something happens there will be a whole lot a ppl here on mud that will guide you through on what to do/fix or even lend a hand. Dont think you will find that with the taco.

 

[Aggiesdm]

Thanks all. I'm gonna have to think long and hard on all the valid points. I will have to check the wheel bearings and make a decision based on a few other things. I have a month to decide.

As far as mpg, my Taco only gets around 18 on the highway and the 80 has gotten 15+ , so not a huge difference. Just reliability!

 

[M32H32is]

Worst than can happen? 11mpg :/

 

[Aggiesdm]

If you have replaced the stuff that will fail (hoses alternator and so on) you are going to be fine. Just because it is over 20 years old does not mean it is going to break.

I haven't replaced the alternator, but it has never given me any issue. I've only owned the 80 since March, so technically I guess I'm still a newbie. I've done quite a bit to her so far, but mostly PM stuff other than the radiator and brake booster.

You guys are building my confidence! Keep it coming!

Also, anyone recommend some good backcountry camping spots in Big Bend? I'd like to get to elevation for the scenery and temperatures.

 

[htony1]

I'm considering using the cruiser to take the kids down to Disney soon. Ever since I installed a modded blue hub fan, the AC works better and its much more enticing...I say go for it

 

[Aggiesdm]

I'm considering using the cruiser to take the kids down to Disney soon. Ever since I installed a modded blue hub fan, the AC works better and its much more enticing...I say go for it

I've heard everyone talk about a blue fan clutch. Where would I get one and is there a part number? Whats the availability? I'm replacing my radiator this week and JonHeld recommended that I replace the fan clutch too. I've been considering it anyway since I don't seem to hear the "roar" that everyone speaks of, but I also don't have any overheating issues...just a pin-hole leak at the top of the radiator.

I wouldn't mind replacing the fan clutch, but need to get it pretty quick. My local stealership wanted $225 for a new OEM fan clutch. Is that the going rate? Seemed pretty steep to me.


Edit: I found a site with the blue-modded fans, but I just can't spend $225 right now. I'm thinking about just re-oiling my current clutch. Theoretically, wouldn't it achieve similar results?

 

[DSRTRDR]

1000 miles is nothing.

/this\

 

[Overland Tailor]

Along this line - any spares you gents recommend taking like spare V-Belt set or other items in your kit for a journey like Aggiesdm is taking?

Here is a good tool listing, but what about spare cruiser parts?

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/177010-definite-tools-spare-parts-list-faq.html

Thanks,

John-

 

[jonheld]

Blue hub fan clutches are for the 1FZ-FE motor. The 3FE fan clutch has a green hub. STAY OEM ON THIS.

 

[Aggiesdm]

Along this line - any spares you gents recommend taking like spare V-Belt set or other items in your kit for a journey like Aggiesdm is taking?

Here is a good tool listing, but what about spare cruiser parts?

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/177010-definite-tools-spare-parts-list-faq.html

Thanks,

John-

Wow, I checked that list and I'd need to pull a trailer to haul all those tools. If I take the LC, I'll take a complete metric wrench and socket set, and all other basic tools. Also, extra belts and fluids. Other than that a spare tire and a can of fix a flat.

 

[Aggiesdm]

Blue hub fan clutches are for the 1FZ-FE motor. The 3FE fan clutch has a green hub. STAY OEM ON THIS.

So are u saying go with the green or will the blue work on the 3FE also?

 

[beachcomberspi]

The worst-Zombies eat the Land Cruiser...then your brains?