This post will chronicle the re-build of my 97 FZJ80. I turn 40 in a few days and felt like I needed a "midlife crisis" vehicle. So instead of springing for the BMW M3 or Camaro SS that I have always longed for, I have decided to build an expedition vehicle out of our "family wagon."
History: We purchased this 97 FZJ80 in 1998 with only a few thousand miles on it. It has been ours ever since. I have taken it on trails throughout New Mexico and Southern Colorado and, for the most part, it is a very capable vehicle in its stock form. But I am in need of something that can take me a little further up the hill or through the desert...
Specs:
1997 TLC 40th Anniversary Edition, Sage
Factory Locked
Nudge bar
Yakima roof rack.
Last month it hit 197,000 miles and the engine finally gave out. The local shop that first looked at it was not interested in any kind of rebuild and suggested that I keep oil in it until it quit working, then sell it for parts. I felt like the rest of it was in great condition including the interior, exterior, lockers, and transmission, so I wasn't ready to throw in the towel just yet.
My next stop was the Toyota dealership here in town for a second opinion. They agreed the engine had probably seen its last mile, and it also need a rebuild of the birfield joints and new catalytic converters ($$$
). As far as they could tell, the rest of the drive train was working fine.
After perusing theses posts for hours and reading about every level of rebuild on the 80's, I have decided to keep it and rebuild for several reasons:
1. The vehicle has been well-maintained over the years and I know it's history.
2. The 80 is IMO the best-looking vehicle Toyota has every built.
3. It is a more capable off-road vehicle than the 100.
4. Even with a full engine rebuild and the needed repairs, it will be cheaper than the aforementioned Bimmer or Chevy
.
5. I can't afford a 200.
Here were some of my other options:
1. Try to sell it as-is (god, I would miss it; and I need a vehicle with it's capability)
2. Purchase another used 80 with lower miles and modify as needed (too much of the unknown, especially for someone mechanically inept as myself)
3. Purchase a used 100 and modify (see #2 and #3 in the previous list)
4. Replace the current engine with a series 100 motor (just a little more than I want to spend on it now and I am still a little bit of a purist when it comes to this truck...sort of)
Here is it's current status:
At American Toyota in Albuquerque waiting on repairs. They were able to locate a rebuilt tall block 1FZ-FE from Phoenix that will save me a few thousand $ over rebuilding the current motor (also comes with a 3/36 warranty for a little piece of mind, especially since I am planning on putting a lot into this project over the next few months). Once the engine is in they will be installing a TRD supercharger to handle larger tires and the added weight of the future mods (besides, this IS my my midlife crisis vehicle and I NEED a supercharger). They are rebuilding the Birfields, replacing the cat's, and doing some minor repairs to the electrical system and trim. BTW CruiserDan, who works at this dealership, has been a lifesaver in getting all the needed parts. This project was only possible with his help.
Should have the vehicle back some time late next week.
What the future holds:
Lift
Bumpers (F&R)
Sliders
Larger tires
Snorkel
Lights
New paint
Dual battery & power inverter
New sound system
GPS and communications gear
Other expedition mods
This sight and Expedition Portal have been a tremendous source of inspiration and technical advice as I embark on this. I look forward to posting pics of the progress and welcome any advice from the legions of knowledgeable folks on this site. I will likely need a lot of help along the way.
Here is my FZJ80 three weeks ago (the proverbial "before" picture):
History: We purchased this 97 FZJ80 in 1998 with only a few thousand miles on it. It has been ours ever since. I have taken it on trails throughout New Mexico and Southern Colorado and, for the most part, it is a very capable vehicle in its stock form. But I am in need of something that can take me a little further up the hill or through the desert...
Specs:
1997 TLC 40th Anniversary Edition, Sage
Factory Locked
Nudge bar
Yakima roof rack.
Last month it hit 197,000 miles and the engine finally gave out. The local shop that first looked at it was not interested in any kind of rebuild and suggested that I keep oil in it until it quit working, then sell it for parts. I felt like the rest of it was in great condition including the interior, exterior, lockers, and transmission, so I wasn't ready to throw in the towel just yet.
My next stop was the Toyota dealership here in town for a second opinion. They agreed the engine had probably seen its last mile, and it also need a rebuild of the birfield joints and new catalytic converters ($$$
). As far as they could tell, the rest of the drive train was working fine.After perusing theses posts for hours and reading about every level of rebuild on the 80's, I have decided to keep it and rebuild for several reasons:
1. The vehicle has been well-maintained over the years and I know it's history.
2. The 80 is IMO the best-looking vehicle Toyota has every built.
3. It is a more capable off-road vehicle than the 100.
4. Even with a full engine rebuild and the needed repairs, it will be cheaper than the aforementioned Bimmer or Chevy
.5. I can't afford a 200.
Here were some of my other options:
1. Try to sell it as-is (god, I would miss it; and I need a vehicle with it's capability)
2. Purchase another used 80 with lower miles and modify as needed (too much of the unknown, especially for someone mechanically inept as myself)
3. Purchase a used 100 and modify (see #2 and #3 in the previous list)
4. Replace the current engine with a series 100 motor (just a little more than I want to spend on it now and I am still a little bit of a purist when it comes to this truck...sort of)
Here is it's current status:
At American Toyota in Albuquerque waiting on repairs. They were able to locate a rebuilt tall block 1FZ-FE from Phoenix that will save me a few thousand $ over rebuilding the current motor (also comes with a 3/36 warranty for a little piece of mind, especially since I am planning on putting a lot into this project over the next few months). Once the engine is in they will be installing a TRD supercharger to handle larger tires and the added weight of the future mods (besides, this IS my my midlife crisis vehicle and I NEED a supercharger). They are rebuilding the Birfields, replacing the cat's, and doing some minor repairs to the electrical system and trim. BTW CruiserDan, who works at this dealership, has been a lifesaver in getting all the needed parts. This project was only possible with his help.
Should have the vehicle back some time late next week.
What the future holds:
Lift
Bumpers (F&R)
Sliders
Larger tires
Snorkel
Lights
New paint
Dual battery & power inverter
New sound system
GPS and communications gear
Other expedition mods
This sight and Expedition Portal have been a tremendous source of inspiration and technical advice as I embark on this. I look forward to posting pics of the progress and welcome any advice from the legions of knowledgeable folks on this site. I will likely need a lot of help along the way.
Here is my FZJ80 three weeks ago (the proverbial "before" picture):
