For the readers Digest version see post two. 
My 1996 Land Cruiser named Dezzy broke my heart this year.
As many of you know I had suspected a Head Gasket issue with her much of last year. I finally pulled most of the funds together and in November I dropped her off into the very capable hands of SD Trux to put on a brand new head and gasket at only 187k miles.
Turns out opting for a new head was not a choice since it was cracked and would need replacement anyway. By funding this repair I had committed in my mind to this Cruiser until the end. I assumed she would die off in Baja at 388k miles 20 years from now.
Well during a Baja trip in late January I started her up in the morning to head out and watch the Baja 250 and I heard a new noise, a ticking sound. I immediately popped the hood and checked the oil and looked things over. Everything checked out and what could I do except enjoy the race and the weekend? After another incredible Baja trip I parked her and drover her maybe twice before taking her back into John and the guys in mid February. Meanwhile my new sliders were painted and ready to mount since sitting in my garage for 7 months and my buddy and I both got Bump It Offroad tube bumpers and that was freshly powder coated and mounted.
So after about 1,500 miles since my new head had been done I get the call from John that it will probably need a new long block. I can't rememb much after those words came out of his mouth but something about there is still a chance it is the steering pump pully and you can have the belt removed to rule that out and be 100% sure it's not that. I couldn't convince myself to shell out any more money so I just told him to have it ready for me to pickup. I haven't been able to talk about it much or even do much with her for the last 6 weeks. She is just sitting in the driveway with a brand new head and front bumper while the new sliders are still in the garage ready to go on.
I did give a half hearted attempt to pull the belt and rule out the pully but the first bolt got rounded off and I now have a new socket that is supposed to get it off but I really don't have the desire to mess with her anymore.
So after months of research on engine rebuilds, engine swaps, and new vehicles I am leaning toward trying to sell her as is and be completely up front about the engines possible major repair and make a move to a V8 Lexus GX470 that will suite my Family's needs in towing a travel trailer which my 80 would have always struggled with even a small 16' travel trailer.
So now trying to figure out what a fully built, non-locked 80 with a brand new head, brand new sliders, brand new front bumper and 188,000 miles but a possible long block replacement is worth.
If it was in perfect running condition I would probably ask $9,000 - $9,800 so what should I deduct for the engine problem? $2,000 maybe $3,000? I know this will be a tough sale since I will need a buyer who is either a great driveway mechanic or someone looking for a truck to throw an egine swap into. But I am interested to hear what you guys would price her at. I won't be offended by your price opinion.
My 1996 Land Cruiser named Dezzy broke my heart this year.
As many of you know I had suspected a Head Gasket issue with her much of last year. I finally pulled most of the funds together and in November I dropped her off into the very capable hands of SD Trux to put on a brand new head and gasket at only 187k miles.
Turns out opting for a new head was not a choice since it was cracked and would need replacement anyway. By funding this repair I had committed in my mind to this Cruiser until the end. I assumed she would die off in Baja at 388k miles 20 years from now.
Well during a Baja trip in late January I started her up in the morning to head out and watch the Baja 250 and I heard a new noise, a ticking sound. I immediately popped the hood and checked the oil and looked things over. Everything checked out and what could I do except enjoy the race and the weekend? After another incredible Baja trip I parked her and drover her maybe twice before taking her back into John and the guys in mid February. Meanwhile my new sliders were painted and ready to mount since sitting in my garage for 7 months and my buddy and I both got Bump It Offroad tube bumpers and that was freshly powder coated and mounted.
So after about 1,500 miles since my new head had been done I get the call from John that it will probably need a new long block. I can't rememb much after those words came out of his mouth but something about there is still a chance it is the steering pump pully and you can have the belt removed to rule that out and be 100% sure it's not that. I couldn't convince myself to shell out any more money so I just told him to have it ready for me to pickup. I haven't been able to talk about it much or even do much with her for the last 6 weeks. She is just sitting in the driveway with a brand new head and front bumper while the new sliders are still in the garage ready to go on.
I did give a half hearted attempt to pull the belt and rule out the pully but the first bolt got rounded off and I now have a new socket that is supposed to get it off but I really don't have the desire to mess with her anymore.
So after months of research on engine rebuilds, engine swaps, and new vehicles I am leaning toward trying to sell her as is and be completely up front about the engines possible major repair and make a move to a V8 Lexus GX470 that will suite my Family's needs in towing a travel trailer which my 80 would have always struggled with even a small 16' travel trailer.
So now trying to figure out what a fully built, non-locked 80 with a brand new head, brand new sliders, brand new front bumper and 188,000 miles but a possible long block replacement is worth.
If it was in perfect running condition I would probably ask $9,000 - $9,800 so what should I deduct for the engine problem? $2,000 maybe $3,000? I know this will be a tough sale since I will need a buyer who is either a great driveway mechanic or someone looking for a truck to throw an egine swap into. But I am interested to hear what you guys would price her at. I won't be offended by your price opinion.
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So sorry to hear this Mark. Best of luck with whatever you decide.
