New Guy with Questions???????

[jeffbare]

This is a great site, with tons of great information. I recently purchased a 1991 FJ80, and have some issues I need to work out. I am not a mechanic, but pretty handy with motors, and other mechanical problems. It has 283k, but had a short block done at 275k.

Problems:
1. The front end seems to be pretty loose, it wonders like I am in a crosswind, and shakes when at hwy speeds in a slight turn.
2. When braking, it pulls pretty strongly to the left, especially braking at slow speeds.
3. Cold starting in the morning, kind of like it has a choke issue.
4. Fan only blows on the high setting

I appreciate any input, I am working on this project on a budget.

Thanks in advance
Jeff

 

[corsair23]

More specifics about your 80 will help like if has been modded and if so what? (lift, tires, etc.)

Engine wise your 80 (FJ80 with 3FE) is closer to a 60 series than to an 80 (FZJ80 with the 1FZ-FE) so you will probably get more help over there with engine issues.

Just some wild guesses on

#1: if the truck is lifted but no caster correction was done that can cause wandering/unsafe handling. Tires out of balance could cause the shaking. Loose steering components, shot bushing, etc. could contribute.

#2: sticky caliper on the DS, low PSI in the DS tire, could cause the truck to pull left when braking. A quick check of the tire pressure and of the brake pads could rule those out. If the DS caliper is sticking one would expect the pads on the DS to be worn down more. Possibly the PS caliper isn't working and not helping with braking too.

Don't have any ideas for you on #3 & #4

Oh, and welcome

 

[VacMan]

I am new to my 80 as well and did some research regarding the high idle at startup. Apparently it is normal to be around 1900 rpms and stepping down from there on a cold start.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using IH8MUD

 

[jeffbare]

Also, all 4 windows are pretty slow to go up, often have to lift the rear windows. Is this a motor issue, or a window track issue?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[corsair23]

Also, all 4 windows are pretty slow to go up, often have to lift the rear windows. Is this a motor issue, or a window track issue?

Thanks,
Jeff

Search on "slow windows" or "sticky windows" and you'll get a lot of hits...Short answer is it seems like the best fix solution is to install new runners but there are other short term solutions

 

[yotacrawler83]

The single fan speed is a bad resistor for the fan. They are just a bunch of coiled wires on a board these have gone bad on almost every Toyota I have owned very easy fix. The Brakes pulling I would check the calipers for sticking maybe uneven pad wear. And check the front end for worn/rotten bushings on track bar and control arms these could all cause a wondering front end and check wheel bearings/trunnion bearings while your there. And possibly a severly dirty cold start injector/thottle body for your hard starts. Hope this helps

 

[jeffbare]

More specifics about your 80 will help like if has been modded and if so what? (lift, tires, etc.)

Engine wise your 80 (FJ80 with 3FE) is closer to a 60 series than to an 80 (FZJ80 with the 1FZ-FE) so you will probably get more help over there with engine issues.

Just some wild guesses on

#1: if the truck is lifted but no caster correction was done that can cause wandering/unsafe handling. Tires out of balance could cause the shaking. Loose steering components, shot bushing, etc. could contribute.

#2: sticky caliper on the DS, low PSI in the DS tire, could cause the truck to pull left when braking. A quick check of the tire pressure and of the brake pads could rule those out. If the DS caliper is sticking one would expect the pads on the DS to be worn down more. Possibly the PS caliper isn't working and not helping with braking too.

Don't have any ideas for you on #3 & #4

Oh, and welcome ************

Thanks Corsair,
I don't think there have been any mods on the, nor has it been lifted. I have the correct tire pressure, but will have to check the brake pads this weekend. Also, I will have to check the steering components, and maybe take it in to have the allignment and tire balance checked.

Thanks again,
jeff

 

[jeffbare]

The single fan speed is a bad resistor for the fan. They are just a bunch of coiled wires on a board these have gone bad on almost every Toyota I have owned very easy fix. The Brakes pulling I would check the calipers for sticking maybe uneven pad wear. And check the front end for worn/rotten bushings on track bar and control arms these could all cause a wondering front end and check wheel bearings/trunnion bearings while your there. And possibly a severly dirty cold start injector/thottle body for your hard starts. Hope this helps

Thanks, great advice.
What is the best manual for these? I want something pretty comprehensive.

 

[yotacrawler83]

I just got a Haynes Manual for mine $20. but most people love the FSM Factory Service Manual $70. The FSM is alot better for the smaller odd things. But for everything I needed to know the Haynes has worked just fine for me but I have been messing with these Toyotas for along time too. So go to your local book store or parts house and flip thru the pages of a Haynes manual and see if it looks like it will cover everything you think you will do, and if not drop the coin on the FSM it will be money well spent either way.

 

[kidglove13]

A Toyota FSM is going to be the best manual
Wobble on highway and when turning probably wheel bearings and or tires out of balance also check all bushings and the condition of the steering stabilizer and the tightness of all of the suspension and knuckle nuts and bolts
Pulling when braking at slow speeds is a seized brake caliper piston- I had one and it did the same thing
Fan speed- fried relay- I dont know where they are in a 91 but I had the same problem in my 94 and it was a relay way up in the dash up behind the glove box-there are 2 relays one in the dash and one in the kick panel drivers side, could be different in a 91
Happy hunting and welcome