My first 80 series. 1994 FZJ80 …asand it needs a lot of work!!! (2 Viewers)

[KentuckyWildcat84]

Long time fan/reader of the site. Just never have posted. Until now.

I own a couple of 4Runners that I wrench on and a t100 that I brought back to life, literally from the scrap yard.

And then there’s my GX470, which was my intro to cruisers and I’ve been hooked ever since.

I’ve been looking for a project 80 series for a while, when this popped up 30 minutes away from me, here in central Kentucky.

 

[KentuckyWildcat84]

I picked this one up for $1700.

It runs….barely.

Oil everywhere. Power steering fluid leaks. I think everything leaks. But I think I’m game for a restore.

I know it’s going to be time consuming, going to be expensive. But I’ve learned so much from all you that post on here, I’m up to the task,

 

[KentuckyWildcat84]

Frame is in great shape, little to no rust (drivers side rear corner cab is rusted out). Mainly the frame is dusty/dirty

The previous owner removed the front drive shaft due to a bad u joint. Drove it for weeks like that. So I’m expecting some damage of sorts, there.

 

[KentuckyWildcat84]

You can see here what I meant by it runs….barely.

Sound more like a model T

 

[BucketEighty]

Did the PO lock the center diff to drive with no front DS? If they locked it then it won’t damage anything and you could drive it all over in 2wd, but if the center diff is unlocked then the power to the rear axle goes through the viscous coupler and the front t-case output will constantly spin faster than the rear output. I’m not sure how much driving like that it would take to cause damage or what would wear out but the vehicle would certainly have less power and there would be a lot of extra heat and spinning parts in the center diff / t-case.

 

[KentuckyWildcat84]

Did the PO lock the center diff to drive with no front DS? If they locked it then it won’t damage anything and you could drive it all over in 2wd, but if the center diff is unlocked then the power to the rear axle goes through the viscous coupler and the front t-case output will constantly spin faster than the rear output. I’m not sure how much driving like that it would take to cause damage or what would wear out but the vehicle would certainly have less power and there would be a lot of extra heat and spinning parts in the center diff / t-case.

He did not lock the center diff. My viscous coupler is likely toast. Even though he said he did not drive it a lot with the front driveshaft disconnected. I bought it, assuming the worst.

You’re correct, it certainly has very little power. I’ve rebuilt the front driveshaft and will be putting it back in today.

 

[CrabCake]

If the v/c is shot and you can't source a good used one...just pull it and do a part time spool kit and locking front hubs. Perfect time to do an under drive gear too if you plan on larger tires, or just a good refresh in general.

Timmy the Toolman does a great video series (4 parts) with Gorge from Cruiser Brothers on YouTube...step by step rebuild with common tools...I used this to do mine with total confidence at home.

Cruiser looks like a solid start for your project!

 

[Tennessee80]

I picked this one up for $1700.

It runs….barely.

Oil everywhere. Power steering fluid leaks. I think everything leaks. But I think I’m game for a restore.

I know it’s going to be time consuming, going to be expensive. But I’ve learned so much from all you that post on here, I’m up to the task,

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I think those seats are worth what you paid for the truck!

 

[KentuckyWildcat84]

If the v/c is shot and you can't source a good used one...just pull it and do a part time spool kit and locking front hubs. Perfect time to do an under drive gear too if you plan on larger tires, or just a good refresh in general.

Timmy the Toolman does a great video series (4 parts) with Gorge from Cruiser Brothers on YouTube...step by step rebuild with common tools...I used this to do mine with total confidence at home.

Cruiser looks like a solid start for your project!

Yes sir, I plan on going through and getting the power/drive train lined out. Then lifting and running 35’s. No crazy off-roading/wheeling, just something to take to natl parks and forests.

 

[KentuckyWildcat84]

I think those seats are worth what you paid for the truck!

Would you be willing to convince my wife of this

She hates the seats lol

 

[Bigtoepfer]

Would you be willing to convince my wife of this

She hates the seats lol

Thats wild. It's probably the biggest selling point of the particular vehicle you bought and they look to be in great shape. Change the foams on the bottoms of the front seats and the cloth covers still look to be in excellent shape. They are light weight and they don't have gears to break, just manual sliders.

Anyone would love to have them, I have the cloth fronts like yours but rears from a 91.

 

[KentuckyWildcat84]

Thats wild. It's probably the biggest selling point of the particular vehicle you bought and they look to be in great shape. Change the foams on the bottoms of the front seats and the cloth covers still look to be in excellent shape. They are light weight and they don't have gears to break, just manual sliders.

Anyone would love to have them, I have the cloth fronts like yours but rears from a 91.

Interesting. I have lots to learn.

 

[Bigtoepfer]

The cloth in the 80s, especially the cloth in the 93+ vehicles is probably the hardest wearing cloth that Toyota ever put in a vehicle. I will likely still look good after you have passed away and the next owner has it. The foam will have disintegrated underneath and the cloth still be good. HAHA

 

[Tennessee80]

Would you be willing to convince my wife of this

She hates the seats lol

OK, tell her I will buy them from you as I am actually looking for some.

I will trade you my leather seats

 

[KentuckyWildcat84]

OK, tell her I will buy them from you as I am actually looking for some.

I will trade you my leather seats

I prefer the leather, the leather in my GX470 though not perfect, is preferable, to my tastes.

How do your leather seats look?

 

[Bigtoepfer]

I didn't mind the leather in my GX470, if just a bit slippery. I do prefer the cloth in my 80 though. Took the leather out of it when I sold my GX470 to buy my 80.

My wife has been upset ever since. You get used to it. And she's slowly coming around.

 

[Tennessee80]

I prefer the leather, the leather in my GX470 though not perfect, is preferable, to my tastes.

How do your leather seats look?

They are honestly not that great, the backseats are decent, the front has seat covers on them and the motor doesn’t work well on both front passenger and front driver.