Looking for FJ80 Advice

[C5Drvr]

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Andy. I go by C5Drvr. I have been a member of GCLC for the past few years, but have never posted here or been able to attend the CMCC (I blame my work schedule). I have wheeled with Rich Casella several times with the FJ Northeasters, and he, along with Santi Garcia, pointed me this direction as one of the best resources for LandCruisers.

After some discussion, I have been giving consideration about a larger, more capable vehicle. I have done some looking (CraigsList, IH8MUD, Pirate4x4, etc), and keep finding FJ60/62/80's drawing my interest. One in particular has grabbed my interest. I would like everyone's thoughts and opinions, and considerations I should include in my decision process. I want the good and the bad. I probably won't comment much on the thread myself. I want to take it all in.

Disclaimer: With multiple opinions, it is inevitable that I will not take some advice, one way or the other. Please don't be offended if in the end I don't take your advice. It doesn't mean I don't value it. On the contrary, I wouldn't have posted this if I didn't think highly of what the people here have to offer and teach me.

So here it is. This is the build thread from the guy who originally took the truck from a stock FJ80 and turned it into what it is today.

FJ80/Volvo Portal Build - Pirate4x4.Com

Now, the individual who currently owns it, bought it back in Feb '09. He had it for a couple of months, and then by May, was looking to sell. I think he got into something that he didn't expect. He started with big plans, diesel swap, etc, but it never seem to make it happen and has decided to part with it. Currently he is asking for $12k OBO.

How he lists it (in his own words):
1991 FJ80,On Portal Volvo Tgb303 Axles,Air Locker's,12K,ARB-Bumper,No Rust,204k,Miles ,Yellow Top Op.Battery New Alternator,Gate's Belts And hoses,Clean Inside,Tear Driver Seat,Scratches Small Dent's,New Tie Rod End.D.O.T-State Inspected For The State Of Pennsylvania,Or Drive Any Where,39.5x 17" Swampers,On Special Made 17" March Bead Lock Rims.1 New Tire & Wheel,Other's 65%,40Ch-CB,100 Ch-Scaner.$12K

The Swampers are IROKs.

The most recent For Sale thread.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-trailers-sale-wanted/529341-search-rescue-vehicle-sale.html

Known issues are (in the owner's own words):

"New Rebuilt Alternator,Replaced the problem With The Starter And battery, Windows,Channels Suck,Many Ways to Fix,Rear Took Out Electric,Put In Hand Cranks,Work Fine,Should Have Done Front As Well,Front Are Slow.Still have All Rear parts,Replace The Felt In All Channels Is What Is Needed.Drive line Looks Stock & is Fine,Oil Seeping Rear seal,Same On Portal Boxes,No Big Deals,A Ounce here or There,No Drips On The Floor.Just Old Seals"

So there it is. I should also add that this would not be a daily driver mostly a street legal trail rig. Fire away. I am unfamiliar with FJ80s, even more so with portal axles. I have done some research, but want to know what should I look for, be wary of. What should I expect to pay? Go for it or walk away? Other better options. Feel free to sound off.

I have posted in the GCLC Yahoo mail group. So if you prefer to respond that way, thats great.

Thanks in advance.

 

[rexman]

STILL FOR SALE

 

[jmylie]

Will you be able to maintain the truck or have enough money to pay someone?

While it may be street legal, driving it down the highway to an event may be an adventure all it's own. It may end up being a trailer queen, so a trailer and tow vehicle may be required. Is that in your budget?

It will be more than capable to handle any trails we have in the Northeast.

There are a lot of 60's and 80's out there. What do you plan on doing with yours? That is where I would start. There is a charm to a 60 or older Land Cruiser. However, having something that most shops can work on has it's advantages too. Try finding parts for a 55, it gets more difficult each year.

The biggest issue in the Northeast is RUST. Look any vehicle over carefully. Better, buy from a rust free area, if possible.

I know, common sense things you already knew.

A nice clean 80 mall cruiser would make a good platform to start with. A lift, some protection and 35's / 36's and you could wheel it as well as be able to drive it to the event.

Personally, a vehicle that been heavily modified and is a mix of parts requires someone with the knowledge and time or means to keep it running safe.

While I do general maintenance and can do repairs, I don't want to spend all my weekends working on my trucks. If, on the other hand, you really enjoy getting your welder out and if your fingernails are clean it's because of a wedding or funeral, go for it.