New '97 owner

[NorthwestFZJ80]

Hello Everyone!

I just picked up a '97 FJ80 to use as my daily driver. I just found this site and think there is a ton of great information.

One question --- after reading thread after thread, was I wrong in thinking the FJ80 was a rock solid, reliable ride? I don't want to continually drown in maintenance issues -- although I don't mind the routine stuff.

I just picked up this '97... pretty much sight unseen. Got it from a local Toyota dealer -- and it passed the safety inspection. Didn't crawl around underneath it, but for 117k miles -- everyone looks to be in tip top shape...

So far, I've seen that I really need to spend some time and check out the head gasket and some of the seals around the drivetrain... is there anything else I'm missing?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Riley]

Welcome 97.

BTW... the 97 is a FZJ80 (not FJ80). So you might want to think about a new ID unless you want to live with the

Anyway don't let the threads drag you down. The 80 is probably the most reliable SUV out there (and the most capable for off-road). Like any vehicle there's a couple of troublepoints but it's miles ahead of anything else you could have bought.

It's worth noting that either doing some basic mechanics will be required to keep it in top shape or be prepared to find a knowledgable mechanic on these rigs and spend some money. Even some of the dealers aren't that familar with say the front axle system and what's considered to be good maintance practices by the guys here.

Are you planning on wheeling the truck?

Welcome aboard and btw

 

[HZJ60 Guy]

Double DOH!

FZJ80 my good man.


Fellow Pac nort west guy. Git yer sheeet togedder.


TB

 

[NorthwestFZJ80]

Thanks for the heads up guys...

How do I change it??? Can someone provide a little direction?

And I had no clue on the naming difference...

D'OH! to me...

 

[nyk438]

FJ80--4.0 3FE engine, everything overbuilt better transmission but slow... Different exhaust, FZJ has more horsepower and torque. Had the option for electric lockers, body styles is a little different and some other crap that made it "better"

FJ80's are better

 

[NorCalDoug]

Thanks for the heads up guys...

How do I change it??? Can someone provide a little direction?

And I had no clue on the naming difference...

D'OH! to me...

Get a hold of Woody...he can fix your name for you if you like

Designations...
FJ80 has the much loved, very mighty, but OH SO underpowered 3FE engine . 1991 and 1992 model years are FJ80s.

FZJ80 has the vastly improved, pesky heater hose laden 1FZ engine . 1993 - 1997 models years are FZJ80s.

Don't sweat the "my stuff is broke" threads too much...we need something to post here

My 80 has 115k miles on it and I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to hop in it tomorrow morning and drive off from California to Maine without doing a thing to it. I don't think I could've felt the same way for other vehicles I've owned.

 

[nyk438]

I have that same feeling, my cruiser in the 14 years of it being in my family has never not started on us/me. My dad did have that pesky wire harness problem which caused it to not start the first try but alas it did start. Only way it hasn't started is stupid me leaves lights on and I need to jump it. Cruiser is the most durable vehicle out there in my opinion. There stories of them rolling over and being blow up and them still cranking and turning over

 

[Riley]

Get a hold of Woody...he can fix your name for you if you like

He's only got like 3 posts to his name. Easier to just start over with a new ID.

 

[NorCalDoug]

He's only got like 3 posts to his name. Easier to just start over with a new ID.

Good point...but unless it's deleted, there would be an unused orphan ID hanging around.

I'm still an old skool main-frame computer systems geek at heart...unused IDs used to bug the hell out of me...

 

[rgsiii]

Hello Everyone!

One question --- after reading thread after thread, was I wrong in thinking the FJ80 was a rock solid, reliable ride? I don't want to continually drown in maintenance issues -- although I don't mind the routine stuff.

I think that what you see here are problems to be solved--this will give aa skewed impression, if that is all you see. The vehicle is very capable and sturdy. Also, remember some of the problems are of our own making as we improve our vehicles.

 

[Riley]

Good point...but unless it's deleted, there would be an unused orphan ID hanging around.

I'm still an old skool main-frame computer systems geek at heart...unused IDs used to bug the hell out of me...

I was just trying to save Woody from some work. Perhaps if he bought a silver star it might be easier.

 

[4x4CPOSEADOG]

Welcome aboard Do you have lockers on your FZJ 80?

 

[mot]

Welcome aboard.

I could be wrong but 97FZJ80 (or 97FZJ) is already taken by John Y.

Anyway, have fun with your new rig and post some pics when you get a chance.

Mot