It's factory triple locked which I'd prefer with redone interior and a rebuilt engine 4k miles ago. Seems to be very clean outside with no leaks and little to none surface rust. (CA vehicle most it's life) I've owned a 2001 3rd Gen 4Runner with a 5100/OME setup and didn't realize all 80 series are with an I6. Seems the V8's came out starting with the 100 series but was under the impression they were in the 80 series too. I understand these engines are gutless but bulletproof while maintained right. I also dislike the constant AWD but factory front and rear e-lockers is appetizing. Also prefer the dash look of the later '95-'97's and air-bags seems to be a nice safety feature. I've read over the stickies and more so envision this becoming an overland rig. If anyone cares to chime in with benefits specifically for the 94's as all I could really find is supposedly the best year for the transmission. Probably less traction control electronics compared to later years too? Thanks for any input.
Looking at Picking up a 1994 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter RrCoX22
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Get whichever you can that's the cleanest
CrabCake
SILVER Star
I love my '94...I'm rear locked with the ARB locker...was crawling with similarly equipped (315'S and some locked) 100's, a GX, and a HJ61 on 37's this past weekend and I could walk all over them. It's far from powerful, but it is unstoppable! In my opinion, the best platform to start with, bar none, for your off-road fun. Also, I run a part time spool for the transfer case, so you have options on the AWD for about $500 if you really want them.
Reading your post, the only thing you like about it is its triple locked. Hold out for a later one if that's what you really like interior wise.
If you are planning on regearing it down the road, I wouldn't pay the "triple lock tax" on it now. You can do lockers in it when you do the gears.
Why do you dislike the AWD out of curiosity?
If you are planning on regearing it down the road, I wouldn't pay the "triple lock tax" on it now. You can do lockers in it when you do the gears.
Why do you dislike the AWD out of curiosity?
- Thread starter
- #6
More constant maintenance and lower MPG in general with vehicles.
If you're looking for MPG, you're looking at the wrong platform!!! lol
80 series doesn't have any traction control electronics. Unless you are counting the F/R locking differential switch, etc.
Good luck in your search
- Thread starter
- #9
talking in terms of vehicles in general... since power is going to all 4 wheels all the time. I travel 2 miles for work and live in a relatively small town. I've always owned V8's and vehicles that eat mpg. MPG is not an issue for me. The Land Cruiser is an outstanding platform which attracts me to them.
1994 FZJ80
- No V8
- Not gutless but not fast either
- 12mpg
- Durable but still need plenty of attention (30 years old)
- Less parts availability than a 95+
- Constant AWD is a feature not a drawback
- No airbags
- Older dash layout (another feature, not a drawback)
Sounds like your would prefer a 95+ or 100 series.
Before you go to pick up this 94, drive a couple of them first
mudgudgeon
Resident galah
Maintenance difference is minor.
Maybe you'll need a fresh set of drive flanges, and birfs every 200k miles or every 25 years.
Then a shot of grease in uni joints every 6 months.
You'll not find anyone who can quote you real numbers on any difference in fuel mileage. I've run both, for the same daily use, and couldn't say there was a difference
It's negligible at best.
My preference is for the AWD to be operational.
The improved safety aspect has been proven 1st hand for me in real world life/death scenario.
Handling/cornering is different IF you really push a car's limits.
For most people's normal driving, there's no real difference.
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