New member post (1 Viewer)

[sakamo]

Hi all,
I’m new here so this is my intro post. I recently bought a 94 FZJ80 and am learning a lot; I’ve been lurking here for a couple weeks and am a little overwhelmed but also feel at ease as I am not the only person on this journey. Where it goes is ultimately up to me and my wallet.
What I have learned so far:
1: you may not want to buy from Marketplace when you have to hit “translate” to see vehicle details.
2: shops in Texas (not sure it’s only here?) charge obscene amounts for service. To me, being in the machinery service business, it took all of my adulting to not dress down some of the people I have encountered.
3: being part of a community like this where people help each other out and have this resource to problem solve is awesome so I hope in time I can give back and help.

For now, im going to ask stupid newb questions and share cringeworthy stories of my poor decisions.

 

[RevISK]

Hello,

Curious what part of Texas you are in that you're experiencing this.

You'll probably get more attention over in the 80 section. (Edit: looks like they moved it for you)

Welcome aboard.

 

[sakamo]

Thanks! It took a serious amount of brain power to even figure out how to post .
I’m in The Woodlands area so, Houston. I don’t want to trash talk shops on public forums but the hourly rates range from $179 (Toyota dealer) to $230 at a specialty shop. There was another one that simply would not give me an hourly rate, claimed their rate varied by job type and one even said flat out they charged 10-20% over list on parts in addition to their obscene rates.

 

[RevISK]

Thanks! It took a serious amount of brain power to even figure out how to post .
I’m in The Woodlands area so, Houston. I don’t want to trash talk shops on public forums but the hourly rates range from $179 (Toyota dealer) to $230 at a specialty shop. There was another one that simply would not give me an hourly rate, claimed their rate varied by job type and one even said flat out they charged 10-20% over list on parts in addition to their obscene rates.

I don't know about Houston much, I am in the Austin area but those rates don't surprise me honestly. If you are in a pickle haul that puppy up here to AJ @aljollano in Cedar Park. Whatever he charges is worth it. Your best bet though, is to take that money you'd be paying a shop and invest in tools, an FSM and a first aid kit. Almost everything you'd need to know how to do is on this site with the rest being on YouToob etc...

Do not be tempted to bring it to just any "capable" mechanic though, you will really pay for that.

Buy once Cry once, you bought a Landcruiser, Not a cheap hobby. Closer to a cult with a steep subscription fee.

Ian

 

[sakamo]

Agreed on all. I ordered a FSM. My repairs aren’t horribly technical and I’m flying in my old factory technician from my last company to help with the work as he’s owned several of these when he lived in S Africa. We have a work plan, have ordered parts and will make a good few days of it. I’ll keep you all in mind and if I do run into anything we can’t handle, I’ll for sure hit you up and bring it over to Austin.

 

[RevISK]

Agreed on all. I ordered a FSM. My repairs aren’t horribly technical and I’m flying in my old factory technician from my last company to help with the work as he’s owned several of these when he lived in S Africa. We have a work plan, have ordered parts and will make a good few days of it. I’ll keep you all in mind and if I do run into anything we can’t handle, I’ll for sure hit you up and bring it over to Austin.

Picture of truck please.

 

[sakamo]

 

[RevISK]

Nice! That rear bumper is something else.

 

[CharlieS]

Welcome to mud.

By the way, the factory service manual and other great information are free on this site in the Resources section.

 

[sakamo]

Thx. It’s just a stock ARB. Didn’t get the wheel or can attachment yet but will be helpful if I do a roof rack and can use it as a step

 

[RevISK]

Thx. It’s just a stock ARB. Didn’t get the wheel or can attachment yet but will be helpful if I do a roof rack and can use it as a step

You could have a dance party on it, it’s amazing!

 

[CrabCake]

Solid looking rig...welcome to the white '94 80 club! Sounds like you must be somewhat handy...most projects are really not that hard, especially with the resources here and the FSM. As long as you have a reasonable set of tools and a place to work, you can do almost anything at home.

How many miles on yours? Any recent service records? A good baseline never hurts which is outlined here in many places....good jumpstart to have a friend that knows these (and you) so you don't get fleeced on the easier stuff...save that $$ for what you can't or don't want to do yourself.

Service prices that you quoted sound normal...many shops won't even touch a truck this old, much less actually know how to work on them to spec...the techs are usually younger than the rig!

 

[Broski]

Thanks! It took a serious amount of brain power to even figure out how to post .
I’m in The Woodlands area so, Houston. I don’t want to trash talk shops on public forums but the hourly rates range from $179 (Toyota dealer) to $230 at a specialty shop. There was another one that simply would not give me an hourly rate, claimed their rate varied by job type and one even said flat out they charged 10-20% over list on parts in addition to their obscene rates.

That's more then Calif. Shops charge
Like already stated most owner's do there own work. Not only is it more cost-effective but you know what was done right or wrong and you get to know your rig. Really helpful when trail repairs are needed. You also learn exactly what tools are needed for said trail repairs.

Welcome to Mud ! now get your wallet ready
And nice looking rig, 94s are the best year

 

[effjay80]

Welcome and nice truck! My dog and 94 LC are very similar in that I used to be appalled upon receipt of a $200 vet or LC work bill. Now, I'm delighted and shocked if I walk out under $2000!!

Best wishes and don't touch the VAF screws!

 

[BILT4ME]

There's a shop one of the other long-term members uses, Javier's that knows LC s.

@dieseldog can tell you the details.

Welcome!

Not all Toyota dealers are equal for MSRP. Buy from partsouq.com or Ourisman Toyota online. Significant differences in prices.

Read a lot on here.
Everything you want to do to it has been done and documented here.

 

[Malleus]

I feel for you. When my daughter moved to Dallas and took my LX570 with her, I was surprised to find out how many Land Cruiser shops there were in the area.

Then I was unsurprised at the level of customer care and general lack of concern they had for customers.

I guess it's a function of living in an area with a high level of disposable income. I deal with it in Charlotte; when I call to get a quote on anything, the first question I'm asked is what's my zip code or address. I hang up on them at that point and just do it myself.

Fortunately, these trucks were designed for maintenance, so you can do most if the work yourself, even if you don't have the best garage/shop available. The service manual is very well written and there are clear explanations for every procedure, even electrical work. Most parts are available next day from the dealership, and if you're willing to wait, Dave Stedman at Japan4x4 can get them for deeply discounted prices for you.

Do take the time do browse the Resources section and download everything that seems worth the effort; it all is.

 

[dieseldog]

Hi all,
I’m new here so this is my intro post. I recently bought a 94 FZJ80 and am learning a lot; I’ve been lurking here for a couple weeks and am a little overwhelmed but also feel at ease as I am not the only person on this journey. Where it goes is ultimately up to me and my wallet.
What I have learned so far:
1: you may not want to buy from Marketplace when you have to hit “translate” to see vehicle details.
2: shops in Texas (not sure it’s only here?) charge obscene amounts for service. To me, being in the machinery service business, it took all of my adulting to not dress down some of the people I have encountered.
3: being part of a community like this where people help each other out and have this resource to problem solve is awesome so I hope in time I can give back and help.

For now, im going to ask stupid newb questions and share cringeworthy stories of my poor decisions.

@sakamo this info is for you:

In Houston, my favorite shop is Javier's Autos Unlimited, 9443 Clay Rd., Phone 713-461-5595. Javier is a long-time Cruiser head, honest mechanic/business owner, and is well familiar with all models of LandCruisers, including many that have come in from overseas. He's a trained diesel mechanic FWIW, which means a lot to me personally. He's been my friend and favorite mechanic for over 25 years.

Another shop that I use that is a good bit closer to home, and is likewise a very honest mechanic business is McDaniel Automotive, 11104 Briar Forest Dr., Phone 713-977-8000. Highly recommended.

Both of these shops are quite happy (and comfortable) working on my JDM vehicles. Frequently this involves being creative about sourcing parts and making repairs. Plenty of shops would just refuse, but I've had good luck with both of them.

 

[dieseldog]

There's a shop one of the other long-term members uses, Javier's that knows LC s.

@dieseldog can tell you the details.

Welcome!

Not all Toyota dealers are equal for MSRP. Buy from partsouq.com or Ourisman Toyota online. Significant differences in prices.

Read a lot on here.
Everything you want to do to it has been done and documented here.

Thanks--see post /above\ this one.