Low RPM rumble...

[Tigerstripe40]

I am looking at 2 80 series cruisers

one is a 12/92 (93) the other is a 4/94 FZJ 80

Neither have lockers.

The 93 is pretty solid mechanically. No clicking from the birfields, the transmission shifts just fine. It's got 211k on it. The brake light is on, and the brakes are mushy. This is from a dealership.

The 94 is cleaner but needs more work. The brakes are fine. But there is a little bit of loosenes sin the front end (probably needs suspension bushings). There is a noticable CLUNK when going from forward to reverse and back. The birfields are clicking,. and the check engine light is on...

Neither truck has lockers.
Both have cloth seats.
Both trucks have a noticable rumble at idle. The 93 idles at 600 rpm, the 94 jumps from 600 to 900. When the engine gets into higher rpm ranges, it goes away.

Neither is leaking oil or antifreeze. Both are pretty solid considering the milage (211k on th e93, 244k on the 94).

I am going to pass on both. But what causes the rumble? Is that something to be concerned with?

thanks!

Is the lwo rpm rumbnle normal?

 

[TX_TLC]

You might want to explain what you mean by "rumble". Is it coming from under the hood? Is it something in the interior?

 

[Tigerstripe40]

You might want to explain what you mean by "rumble". Is it coming from under the hood? Is it something in the interior?

it's the motor that's rumbling.
There is a significant vibration coming from the motor when the motor is idling.

 

[Rookie2]

I think I know what you're talking about. I've always contributed it to... big motor at low rpm.

 

[mrsalty]

I am looking at 2 80 series cruisers

one is a 12/92 (93) the other is a 4/94 FZJ 80

Neither have lockers.

Neither truck has lockers.

I am going to pass on both. But what causes the rumble? Is that something to be concerned with?

thanks!

Is the lwo rpm rumbnle normal?

Tigerstripe,
The engine 'rumble' is likely this
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=35966&highlight=startup+rattle
[ Knowing what I know now, (8 months after buying an FZJ80) I would look for one with LOCKERS! I know they are harder to find, but it is a HUGE plus to have factory lockers on these vehicles. Especially seeing how the price seems independent of that anyway. Plus, you can set them up for an on demand center diff lock EASILY and then do the pin 7 mod. If I were buying another 80 tomorrow I would run a carfax and call a Toyota dealer to verify the description matches the VIN, and has had any recall work already done (mine already had the O2 sensor done). The Toyota database stores all the vehicles build info from the VIN (at least that is how I understand it).
Be patient, and you will find the one you want. Check out the Slee Ofrroad newbie site. Good luck
Chris
94 FZJ80 locked 133K 2.5" OME 285/75 Cooper ATR DD

 

[Scamper]

James,

I think you've made a wise decision. Both of these trucks have problems that could cost you lots of money.

I you don't intend to do much off-road driving with it, don't worry about the lockers. If you do, hold out for one with lockers.

BTW...I don't think the well-known startup rattle is what you're describing...your description does not fit this.

 

[Tigerstripe40]

James,

I think you've made a wise decision. Both of these trucks have problems that could cost you lots of money.

I you don't intend to do much off-road driving with it, don't worry about the lockers. If you do, hold out for one with lockers.

BTW...I don't think the well-known startup rattle is what you're describing...your description does not fit this.

I am planning on using an 80 mostly for expedition type wheeling, and milder trails. A lock right in the rear will suffice.

Today, I looked at a VERY clean 1994 that is WELL within my price range. Higher mileage (170k) but a VERY clean truck. Everything is tight. IT was well maintained. This one is cheaper than the first one I looked at yesterday and MUCH cleaner. There is a little bit of front end slop, but that's worn control arm bushings (I checked)

IT doesn't have lockers. But with how clean this one is...

This one has the rumble as well. So I am beginning to think it's a common thing. It's not the start up vibration that was described earlier but its a definite vibration after the truck has warmed up and drops down to 400 rpm at a stop light.

Anyhow, I am not counting my chickens until they're hatched, but if all goes well.....

 

[Rookie2]

It's not the start up vibration that was described earlier but its a definite vibration after the truck has warmed up and drops down to 400 rpm at a stop light.

FWIW, 400 rpm is too low. Should be 600 +/- at idle warmed up. Not that that is a deal breaker, may just need a good cleaning of the TB.


Rookie2