So I'm about 3.5 months into the 80 lifestyle, err...addiction, and I have to say, I'm loving it.
I've wrenched very little in the past my cars, but I'm finding it therapeutic. I knew what I was getting into, no regrets! I just finished renovating our house, so needed another excuse to inhabit the garage. As a bonus, turns out wrench therapy is about the same cost as “couch therapy”, and I think the benefits are better.
Ultimately, I've been devouring the information on this forum (thank you all
) and also been keeping track on a google sheet of all the stuff I want/need/plans, however loosing track of what needs doing, plus might help another noob.
She's a 1997, 40th with 207K. Sage. Open Diffs. I'm the third owner, and hopefully last.
CodeName: Indy aka Dr. Jones
80 Series Registry
Basic stats.
Temp: 184-190 (OBDII scanner)all driving situations
Idle: 650, was 850 when I purchased, attribute to vac leaks
Timing: +5 or so.
MPG: don't know, don't want to know, but seems pretty normal from what everyone seems to get.
First owner 10 years 120K miles - had every service done at dealer, all major/minor services.
Second Owner: next 87K changed the oil did a lot, but spotty records.
I started with this great list then it kinda grew. Comprehensive Baselining List
At this point, I haven't decided on the ultimate build plan for my 80 as I am not sure of what I want to do with her yet, so for the time being...lifts, 35's, dual batteries, bumpers, etc is all a future state, but I need a plan before I head down any one direction. Supreme desire is to have baseline wrapped before the summer camping season.
My current baseline list: and status.
Fluids - new in October.
Oil changed 5w30
Oil Filter – Toyota OEM 90915-20004
Differential Oil 10/3/16.– Synthetic 80w-90
Transfer Case Oil 10/3/16.– Synthetic 80w-90
Coolant. New (but not red) (new aftermarket radiator in august via PO, along with all hoses, tranny cooler lines too)
To do:
Transmission Oil – Synthetic ATF / Name brand Dex IV
Power Steering Fluid – Mobil DTE 24
Brake fluid - need to check it.
Lube
Grease Knuckles – Squeezed a 4 0z moly CV tube in each December. (see note below re: axles)
Grease Zerks – Drive shaft yolk / U joints...To do ASAP, got the grease and the gun…
Electrical:
To Do:
Another place to inspect engine wire harness
Other stuff I've done to my 80:
1. Air Filter - New...need to clean the catch below?? (checked hoses for cracks)
2. 3x Drive Belts – OEM installed Changing your belts in 25 minutes
3. PCV Hose – OEM New installed.
4. PCV Valve & Grommet – OEM New installed.
5. Spark Plugs – OEM New installed.
6. Spark Plug Wires – OEM New installed.
7. Spark Plug Gaskets – OEM New installed.
8. Cap & Rotor – OEM New installed.
9. Valve Cover Gasket – OEM New installed (PO did that one in august)
10. Charcoal canister - AC Delco installed + new hoses Charcoal Canister - Great Option!
11. Brake Pads (80 or 100 series up front, 80 in back) – Not sure what brand pads are in there, but they were just install and have 3/4 pad left at least.
12. Vacuum hoses - installed everything I could reach without removing anything.
13. ABS sensors. had a fault, removed and cleaned all 4.
14. Headlights - installed four 9011s (wagners aka phillips, love them!!)
15. All other lights (turn, reverse (sadly not the pfrans yet), markers, brake, doors & domes) all LEDs - have fast blink LED turn signals, but ordering the Novita ep35.
16. Tools - had to buy the hook, and extensions for the jack. MIA from the rig.
17. 60 series Hood Prop installed. Struts exploded. not going to replace.
18. Wipers: Bosch Icons –amazon warehouse deal for $9/blade.
19. Multi-function stalk - hit it with spray graphite
20. Deleted 3rd row seats...might make them a couch for the garage.
20.5 Moved one 3rd row grab handle to the blank above driver’s door. (for my 5’1.75” wife)
21. Checked sunroof gutters – clean and functional!
22. Deleted washer diverter, it diverting more washer fluid to my underbody than the glass. Decided to embrace the leak out back. Installed a “universal” T union. Pump line to front squiters have 3/16” id connections, but to the rear it has 1/8” id opening. Leaks just enough to the clean the rear glass when you clean the front. Whatever. Amazon.com: Dorman Help! 47349 Vacu-Tite: Automotive Maybe will find a diverter someday, maybe not.
23. Added CDL (found an OEM one for $20, so was a no brainer), will do Pin7 mod next time I’m bored.
24. checked for play in steering and driveline (before I bought).
25. just added a “fastcap” instead of the screw of gas cap…cuz why not?
Axles:
Rear:
new bearings (timken) and new seals
Wheel studs. 6 new on passenger side, have 6 more to replace on DS.
Rear axle job and pics.
Front:
No obvious sign of oil leaking in the knuckles, but no record of a rebuild in last 10-12 years, but given the rears had new bearings and seals when I opened them up last week, it's possible (planning for a terrain tamer kit, on the list for this spring)
will also replace wheel/axle studs as needed
OIL LEAKS: yep, couple dribbles after every drive.
1. Dizzy seal: replaced, was definitely leaking.
2. Pump Cover: suspected of leaking...certainly looks like it. (can't get to it, see below) Replace exposed #3JIS with Torx head.
3. Main Crank seal: TBD, will replace.
4. Crank Pos sensor...maybe, there are drip off the sheild, but prob blow back. I need to look at it closer.
5. BIG ISSUE: Cranky Crank bolt that is NOT coming off via any conventional means. Talked to Gary at Mudrak, going to have him deal with it (and the seals above)… Bannana needs help. 30mm crank bolt siezed?
Texasknowhow videos…
Land Cruisers - YouTube
Horn:
New twin low tone trumpet air horn, cheapie wolo. Had the same one in my last car, lasted 135K. Yup. First thing I did.
Grill:
Replaced 40th Black pearl sombrero grill with a '94 trader – plan to repaint or plasti-dip it and black out chrome around headlights at the same time. Noob Question. Did I do this right?
Tires:
New Toyo Open Country HT 285s - compromise until I have a build plan put together.
Known Issues (not prioritized):
1. Rear defrost DNF...it's annoying me, gonna dig into it Rear defrost issues
2. Weird harmonic whistle noise at 2500 and above rpm. Doesn't affect power or anything else. Happens only when truck is moving, not parked. Exhaust? PS? Trans???
3. Parking brake – recently serviced, new shoes. But, bent outta whack dog leg pin for shoe hold down in PS parking brake (part ordered)
4. Rear brake pivot bolt boot torn and twisted. part ordered
5. AC, blows cool, but not so cold...recharge with 134a?? Whatever. Will get to that later.
6. Front seat belts - def worn and wimpy retraction. I might swap in the 3rd row belts, and retighten spring. Minute Mod- Fixing Seatbelt Retractors
7. green drive light - out - don't care
8. rear door locks - don't operate via fob, will order new motor, clean etc...def most annoying thing with the kids. But funny when my wife sets of the the 115db SOS airhorn alarm when she opens the door to let the kids in before I unlock it
9. windows - go up sloooooooowly. 'specialy when wet. read the threads. will address at some point soon, will try cleaning channels/lube tracks.
10. Weird cricket like noise from right side when going over bumps or rough spots. Suspects TBD – bushings?
11. Antenna busted off - switch doesn't seem to operate, ie no noise. However, when turning on or off ignition, motor operates. Noticeable FM improvement 2-3 seconds later, so something is happening. Plan to get a mast kit and see what’s what. if not, might delete altogether. Fill the hole and repaint. El See 1996 FZJ80 build
12. Rear cargo latch DNF - haven't inspected yet, but seems easy enough
13. Scratchy steering wheel noise in cold weather for the first couple turns. Tried spray graphite...no change.
14. Seat leather, err...I mean seat cardboard. Gonna try the leatherique system...when it get warmer, or warm it up with an electric blanket.
15. Fan Clutch. Hmm. Not worrying about it for now due to operating temp at 185. But ran the basic tests, and it is shot. I did PB blast the spring when I had it out to do the belts, and that loosened it up so that operates again, but can still stop with a newspaper, and spins long after engine off. Will replace along with water pump in due time.
16. Battery: newish from PO, a non megatron interstate. Does the job, but will upgrade at somepoint.
17. Mismatched spare tire...need to address that at some point.
18. Power Steering lines: I think I have a leak, not sure need to confirm, but level always seems normal. Will replace the LP and HP, and maybe bearing
19. wind shield glass. Original Toyota glass. Just got it’s forth dime sized spider crack on the hwy last week. Millions of mirco chips…hmmm don’t really want to replace it, but getting there.
20. I have a blackstone test kit in hand, but haven’t asked her to “pee in the cup” yet.
21. Messed with the dome lights. Dome light operation
Longer term, no known issues, but on the list:
Pesky Heater Hose (PHH) - inspected, no bulges, looks clean, but to do next time the in laws come to town for the week Other Kits & Merchandise
Clean Throttle Body + Throttle Body Gasket – OEM
How To Take the Throttle Body Off For Cleaning
Thermostat & Gasket - OEM
Replacing Thermostat
Starter contacts & Plunger – OEM
Starter Motor Contacts
Planned ATM withdrawals:AKA the fun stuff
1. Purchased Slee upgraded headlight loom + two aux light kits. Adding OLD Piaa 6” 100watt Drivers that I’ve had for 15-20 years. Will use them till I break them, and some form of fogs (Rigid Dually SAE/Dot lights ideally, or something less spendy)
2. Prinsu rack!!! Just waiting for UPS to arrive from second group buy.
3. Gobi ladder…maybe. I spent a lot of time going up and down on my last roof rack. GOBI LANDCRUISER 80 Rear Ladder (Driver's side)
4. New Head unit / speakers – Using a Jambox for now J
5. Add USB power to second row
6. Land Rover cup holder + in dash pull out cup holder
7. SEATS. Holy crap. I drove a GD280 with Recaro Specialist M seats (which work in our rigs) and OMG, all I can think about are those seats, mmmmmm sweet dreamy German seats. $1500/ea + $300 in mounts…gonna be awhile (unless ebay comes through). That said, might try these too. Worried the bolster might be too high. Braum® - Elite Series Carbon Fiber Sport Seats
Alt plan is to take mine to the local auto taxidermist and have them re-stuffed. Cost: $1400 for some nice thick hides.
8. Lift? Suspension? I know I’ve got stock springs and shocks in the front, there’s aftermarket shocks in the back, they're red...KYB Monomax I think… Ideally, will be updating suspension, but don’t know where to start. So that’s back burner for now.
9. Bumper? Tires? Winch? Maybe. But need a plan, and decide what I want to get out of the rig and the relationship. Side note, my wife has commented that the 80 without an ARB bumper looks like a “soccer mom car.” I love my wife!!
10. Sliders – this is something my wife wants for her and kids (mainly as a step), so that should be an easy sell. NOT going to add nerf bars or running boards. Nope. No way. Sliders or bust.
11. Toyota FZJ80 Rock Sliders
12. a CB has saved my butt several times in previous lives, so will add eventually, maybe in the ashtray slot?
13. RTT. Storage drawers. Not interested. Need the rear cargo area and rack clean as possible. I use it like a Pick-up truck. Carrying all manner of crap for the kids, and house and work. Always putting small boats/paddle boards/windsurf gear/Skis on the roof etc. Prinsu might be overwrought for my needs, but I've bent or broken every thule/Yak load bar on every car I've ever owned.
14. Second Batt. Yes, but long term plan, prob dead last on list unless a need arises.
15. Lockers – I need a need to add them.
16. Tailgate storage. Yes. Might make my own.
17. I might do the RF key FOB range extender...but that's seriously low down.
18. Sound deadner...would love too, but need the opportunity.
I've wrenched very little in the past my cars, but I'm finding it therapeutic. I knew what I was getting into, no regrets! I just finished renovating our house, so needed another excuse to inhabit the garage. As a bonus, turns out wrench therapy is about the same cost as “couch therapy”, and I think the benefits are better.
Ultimately, I've been devouring the information on this forum (thank you all
) and also been keeping track on a google sheet of all the stuff I want/need/plans, however loosing track of what needs doing, plus might help another noob.She's a 1997, 40th with 207K. Sage. Open Diffs. I'm the third owner, and hopefully last.
CodeName: Indy aka Dr. Jones
80 Series Registry
Basic stats.
Temp: 184-190 (OBDII scanner)all driving situations
Idle: 650, was 850 when I purchased, attribute to vac leaks
Timing: +5 or so.
MPG: don't know, don't want to know, but seems pretty normal from what everyone seems to get.
First owner 10 years 120K miles - had every service done at dealer, all major/minor services.
Second Owner: next 87K changed the oil did a lot, but spotty records.
I started with this great list then it kinda grew. Comprehensive Baselining List
At this point, I haven't decided on the ultimate build plan for my 80 as I am not sure of what I want to do with her yet, so for the time being...lifts, 35's, dual batteries, bumpers, etc is all a future state, but I need a plan before I head down any one direction. Supreme desire is to have baseline wrapped before the summer camping season.
My current baseline list: and status.
Fluids - new in October.
Oil changed 5w30
Oil Filter – Toyota OEM 90915-20004
Differential Oil 10/3/16.– Synthetic 80w-90
Transfer Case Oil 10/3/16.– Synthetic 80w-90
Coolant. New (but not red) (new aftermarket radiator in august via PO, along with all hoses, tranny cooler lines too)
To do:
Transmission Oil – Synthetic ATF / Name brand Dex IV
Power Steering Fluid – Mobil DTE 24
Brake fluid - need to check it.
Lube
Grease Knuckles – Squeezed a 4 0z moly CV tube in each December. (see note below re: axles)
Grease Zerks – Drive shaft yolk / U joints...To do ASAP, got the grease and the gun…
Electrical:
To Do:
Another place to inspect engine wire harness
Other stuff I've done to my 80:
1. Air Filter - New...need to clean the catch below?? (checked hoses for cracks)
2. 3x Drive Belts – OEM installed Changing your belts in 25 minutes
3. PCV Hose – OEM New installed.
4. PCV Valve & Grommet – OEM New installed.
5. Spark Plugs – OEM New installed.
6. Spark Plug Wires – OEM New installed.
7. Spark Plug Gaskets – OEM New installed.
8. Cap & Rotor – OEM New installed.
9. Valve Cover Gasket – OEM New installed (PO did that one in august)
10. Charcoal canister - AC Delco installed + new hoses Charcoal Canister - Great Option!
11. Brake Pads (80 or 100 series up front, 80 in back) – Not sure what brand pads are in there, but they were just install and have 3/4 pad left at least.
12. Vacuum hoses - installed everything I could reach without removing anything.
13. ABS sensors. had a fault, removed and cleaned all 4.
14. Headlights - installed four 9011s (wagners aka phillips, love them!!)
15. All other lights (turn, reverse (sadly not the pfrans yet), markers, brake, doors & domes) all LEDs - have fast blink LED turn signals, but ordering the Novita ep35.
16. Tools - had to buy the hook, and extensions for the jack. MIA from the rig.
17. 60 series Hood Prop installed. Struts exploded. not going to replace.
18. Wipers: Bosch Icons –amazon warehouse deal for $9/blade.
19. Multi-function stalk - hit it with spray graphite
20. Deleted 3rd row seats...might make them a couch for the garage.
20.5 Moved one 3rd row grab handle to the blank above driver’s door. (for my 5’1.75” wife)
21. Checked sunroof gutters – clean and functional!
22. Deleted washer diverter, it diverting more washer fluid to my underbody than the glass. Decided to embrace the leak out back. Installed a “universal” T union. Pump line to front squiters have 3/16” id connections, but to the rear it has 1/8” id opening. Leaks just enough to the clean the rear glass when you clean the front. Whatever. Amazon.com: Dorman Help! 47349 Vacu-Tite: Automotive Maybe will find a diverter someday, maybe not.
23. Added CDL (found an OEM one for $20, so was a no brainer), will do Pin7 mod next time I’m bored.
24. checked for play in steering and driveline (before I bought).
25. just added a “fastcap” instead of the screw of gas cap…cuz why not?
Axles:
Rear:
new bearings (timken) and new seals
Wheel studs. 6 new on passenger side, have 6 more to replace on DS.
Rear axle job and pics.
Front:
No obvious sign of oil leaking in the knuckles, but no record of a rebuild in last 10-12 years, but given the rears had new bearings and seals when I opened them up last week, it's possible (planning for a terrain tamer kit, on the list for this spring)
will also replace wheel/axle studs as needed
OIL LEAKS: yep, couple dribbles after every drive.
1. Dizzy seal: replaced, was definitely leaking.
2. Pump Cover: suspected of leaking...certainly looks like it. (can't get to it, see below) Replace exposed #3JIS with Torx head.
3. Main Crank seal: TBD, will replace.
4. Crank Pos sensor...maybe, there are drip off the sheild, but prob blow back. I need to look at it closer.
5. BIG ISSUE: Cranky Crank bolt that is NOT coming off via any conventional means. Talked to Gary at Mudrak, going to have him deal with it (and the seals above)… Bannana needs help. 30mm crank bolt siezed?
Texasknowhow videos…
Land Cruisers - YouTube
Horn:
New twin low tone trumpet air horn, cheapie wolo. Had the same one in my last car, lasted 135K. Yup. First thing I did.
Grill:
Replaced 40th Black pearl sombrero grill with a '94 trader – plan to repaint or plasti-dip it and black out chrome around headlights at the same time. Noob Question. Did I do this right?
Tires:
New Toyo Open Country HT 285s - compromise until I have a build plan put together.
Known Issues (not prioritized):
1. Rear defrost DNF...it's annoying me, gonna dig into it Rear defrost issues
2. Weird harmonic whistle noise at 2500 and above rpm. Doesn't affect power or anything else. Happens only when truck is moving, not parked. Exhaust? PS? Trans???
3. Parking brake – recently serviced, new shoes. But, bent outta whack dog leg pin for shoe hold down in PS parking brake (part ordered)
4. Rear brake pivot bolt boot torn and twisted. part ordered
5. AC, blows cool, but not so cold...recharge with 134a?? Whatever. Will get to that later.
6. Front seat belts - def worn and wimpy retraction. I might swap in the 3rd row belts, and retighten spring. Minute Mod- Fixing Seatbelt Retractors
7. green drive light - out - don't care
8. rear door locks - don't operate via fob, will order new motor, clean etc...def most annoying thing with the kids. But funny when my wife sets of the the 115db SOS airhorn alarm when she opens the door to let the kids in before I unlock it
9. windows - go up sloooooooowly. 'specialy when wet. read the threads. will address at some point soon, will try cleaning channels/lube tracks.
10. Weird cricket like noise from right side when going over bumps or rough spots. Suspects TBD – bushings?
11. Antenna busted off - switch doesn't seem to operate, ie no noise. However, when turning on or off ignition, motor operates. Noticeable FM improvement 2-3 seconds later, so something is happening. Plan to get a mast kit and see what’s what. if not, might delete altogether. Fill the hole and repaint. El See 1996 FZJ80 build
12. Rear cargo latch DNF - haven't inspected yet, but seems easy enough
13. Scratchy steering wheel noise in cold weather for the first couple turns. Tried spray graphite...no change.
14. Seat leather, err...I mean seat cardboard. Gonna try the leatherique system...when it get warmer, or warm it up with an electric blanket.
15. Fan Clutch. Hmm. Not worrying about it for now due to operating temp at 185. But ran the basic tests, and it is shot. I did PB blast the spring when I had it out to do the belts, and that loosened it up so that operates again, but can still stop with a newspaper, and spins long after engine off. Will replace along with water pump in due time.
16. Battery: newish from PO, a non megatron interstate. Does the job, but will upgrade at somepoint.
17. Mismatched spare tire...need to address that at some point.
18. Power Steering lines: I think I have a leak, not sure need to confirm, but level always seems normal. Will replace the LP and HP, and maybe bearing
19. wind shield glass. Original Toyota glass. Just got it’s forth dime sized spider crack on the hwy last week. Millions of mirco chips…hmmm don’t really want to replace it, but getting there.
20. I have a blackstone test kit in hand, but haven’t asked her to “pee in the cup” yet.
21. Messed with the dome lights. Dome light operation
Longer term, no known issues, but on the list:
Pesky Heater Hose (PHH) - inspected, no bulges, looks clean, but to do next time the in laws come to town for the week
Other Kits & MerchandiseClean Throttle Body + Throttle Body Gasket – OEM
How To Take the Throttle Body Off For Cleaning
Thermostat & Gasket - OEM
Replacing Thermostat
Starter contacts & Plunger – OEM
Starter Motor Contacts
Planned ATM withdrawals:AKA the fun stuff
1. Purchased Slee upgraded headlight loom + two aux light kits. Adding OLD Piaa 6” 100watt Drivers that I’ve had for 15-20 years. Will use them till I break them, and some form of fogs (Rigid Dually SAE/Dot lights ideally, or something less spendy)
2. Prinsu rack!!! Just waiting for UPS to arrive from second group buy.
3. Gobi ladder…maybe. I spent a lot of time going up and down on my last roof rack. GOBI LANDCRUISER 80 Rear Ladder (Driver's side)
4. New Head unit / speakers – Using a Jambox for now J
5. Add USB power to second row
6. Land Rover cup holder + in dash pull out cup holder
7. SEATS. Holy crap. I drove a GD280 with Recaro Specialist M seats (which work in our rigs) and OMG, all I can think about are those seats, mmmmmm sweet dreamy German seats. $1500/ea + $300 in mounts…gonna be awhile (unless ebay comes through). That said, might try these too. Worried the bolster might be too high. Braum® - Elite Series Carbon Fiber Sport Seats
Alt plan is to take mine to the local auto taxidermist and have them re-stuffed. Cost: $1400 for some nice thick hides.
8. Lift? Suspension? I know I’ve got stock springs and shocks in the front, there’s aftermarket shocks in the back, they're red...KYB Monomax I think… Ideally, will be updating suspension, but don’t know where to start. So that’s back burner for now.
9. Bumper? Tires? Winch? Maybe. But need a plan, and decide what I want to get out of the rig and the relationship. Side note, my wife has commented that the 80 without an ARB bumper looks like a “soccer mom car.” I love my wife!!
10. Sliders – this is something my wife wants for her and kids (mainly as a step), so that should be an easy sell. NOT going to add nerf bars or running boards. Nope. No way. Sliders or bust.
11. Toyota FZJ80 Rock Sliders
12. a CB has saved my butt several times in previous lives, so will add eventually, maybe in the ashtray slot?
13. RTT. Storage drawers. Not interested. Need the rear cargo area and rack clean as possible. I use it like a Pick-up truck. Carrying all manner of crap for the kids, and house and work. Always putting small boats/paddle boards/windsurf gear/Skis on the roof etc. Prinsu might be overwrought for my needs, but I've bent or broken every thule/Yak load bar on every car I've ever owned.
14. Second Batt. Yes, but long term plan, prob dead last on list unless a need arises.
15. Lockers – I need a need to add them.
16. Tailgate storage. Yes. Might make my own.
17. I might do the RF key FOB range extender...but that's seriously low down.
18. Sound deadner...would love too, but need the opportunity.
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