Looking at an HDJ80, general questions

[cruiser_guy]

I'm looking at possibly picking up an '98 HDJ80 here in Guatemala. I like my '60 but the import taxes for Guatemala are pretty steep so it might be worth finding a decent diesel '80 series and selling my '82 BJ60 stateside or home in Canada.

I'm looking ONLY at turbo diesel powered, 5 speed models.

My problem is that I know very little about the '80 series. Can anyone fill me in on where to look for possible problems, rust (uncommon here in Guatemala), common failure points on the drive train or body.

I drove by one today and hopefully I'll be able to get a closer look next week when I have someone with me who speaks spanish better (I don't want to pay the special "Gringo" price). This one is a VX model with leather seats, 5 speed and turbo diesel. It's not the typical "Poverty Pack" model with barn doors that is more common down here. I couldn't see inside very well due to the dark window tint.

Do all '80 series have full time hubs or are manual (preferable) or automatic (better than full time) hubs possible (even a swap from a '60 or other works for me)? This one had plates on the front axle. Are full float rears common stateside for the '80's? What about solid front axles?

 

[reffug]

You might want to cross post this in international tech to get a broader response. Oh and I am so fawking jealous.

 

[Gold Finger]

The 1998HDJ80 will be the last of the 1HD-FT 80s before the 100 series it has the 24 valve engine which is superior to the 12 valve 1HD-T engine 80 that I have. It will give quite reasonable mpg. Very few in the UK would choose the 4.5 petrol over the TD and it is not just because of better mpg. All the TD give gobs of low down power which makes for effortless driving both on and off the road, and is superior to the 4.5 petrol in this respect. The transmission is permanent 4x4 with a viscous centre diff which is locks in low as most do here. From the manufacturer the fuelling is set very lean for emissions which hampers performance but can easily be adjusted to improve matters and still be compliant. Over here some are fitting intercoolers which this engine really cries out for, and talking to friends is well worth paying for at about £800 all in. This gives both better mpg and increased performance. The Rest of the car is much the same as on this board, but you’re looking at the manual which give generally better mpg than the auto except at speed when there is little difference because the auto locks up and negates any disadvantage. If it was made in Japan then the above applies but production of the 80 was taken up in Venezuela I am not sure when and the spec can very a lot and some are reputed to be part time 4x4. Over here the VX is the Top spec as is mine with electrically heated leather seats and a few more bits and pieces.

There is not much that goes wrong with a well serviced engine but some TD had big end problems but I have not herd any one with this in the UK but some Aussies reported this but I am not sure about which dates were affected.

Solid lockable coil sprung axles all round are the norm in the UK for all 80s since there introduction in 1990.

Good luck with your choise