Looking at buying a 91 Landcruiser. It hasn't ran in 9 years or more. I have no idea what is wrong with the engine, so I am thinking of all the possibilities as far as repairs and upgrades. I have an idea on what engine options I have if this one is no good or for eventual replacement. Not sure about the rear axle and if swapping in a newer model year to get disc brakes is worth it. What are everyone's opinions on that?
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- Thread starter bomberopm
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W/out knowing ur mechanical skills......How deep are your pockets?
CrabCake
SILVER Star
Welcome...and you get your first
for checking here first before buying a piece of lawn art!Unless you are fairly skilled at wrenching, buying a non-running truck that has been known to sit for so long opens up an even larger can of diagnostic worms (bad fuel, rodent damaged/wires, water damage/corrosion, etc.). If this is your first dip into the LC world, I'd at least try to find one that runs to see how well it fits your needs before having to sink tons of $$ (even for parts alone), time, etc. only to find out that it's really not the right truck for you.
Also, if you are already talking axle swaps, I'd honestly just find one of many that should be available that are outfitted from the factory the way you want it...basically 94 and up, which also gets you the more "modern" engine.
Big plus for you is being in AZ...I picked mine up from Tucson 4 years ago (always a So-Cal or AZ rig), and it's spotless as far as rust and body issues which is a luxury for sure with a 30 year old rig. I wheel it pretty hard a few times a year, but it always gets a very thorough cleaning and then gets tucked away in the garage for sunny day cruising or the next wheeling trip.
Good luck, maybe post some pics, and your thoughts on engine issues so we can guide you on diagnostics. Sounds like if it's been non running for 9 years that it's not going anywhere soon unless the next stop is the crusher.
Don’t let the boys talk you out of a good deal.
But there no way to know without more information and some pictures.
How much do they want for it, can you do your own wrenching ?
But there no way to know without more information and some pictures.
How much do they want for it, can you do your own wrenching ?
I'd be fine with the og rear axle / drum brakes personally. If setup properly it will yield years of reliable service as proven by many with that setup who are here on mud.
Hard to speculate on how much this rig will need but I'm sure it will require a lot to be a reliable runner again. Do you have at least a few thousand for parts and many hours to do the troubleshooting and maintenance catch up work? Will you be ok if something more major is wrong with it like it needing a new engine and/or trans? You mention engine swaps, how thoroughly have you researched what's involved with these large projects? If you've got all of those points covered then you are likely also qualified to evaluate this vehicle to some extent and also capable of paying more for other 80s depending on your preferences. If you don't have these covered then you can always roll the dice and hope it was parked for no real reason and easy/cheap to get rolling again, just know that it's a gamble.
Share pictures and you'll get a lot more information but until someone works through getting it to where you want it no one can no for sure what it will take to get there.
Hard to speculate on how much this rig will need but I'm sure it will require a lot to be a reliable runner again. Do you have at least a few thousand for parts and many hours to do the troubleshooting and maintenance catch up work? Will you be ok if something more major is wrong with it like it needing a new engine and/or trans? You mention engine swaps, how thoroughly have you researched what's involved with these large projects? If you've got all of those points covered then you are likely also qualified to evaluate this vehicle to some extent and also capable of paying more for other 80s depending on your preferences. If you don't have these covered then you can always roll the dice and hope it was parked for no real reason and easy/cheap to get rolling again, just know that it's a gamble.
Share pictures and you'll get a lot more information but until someone works through getting it to where you want it no one can no for sure what it will take to get there.
Suggestion:
Find a high mileage running 93-97 FZJ80 that needs TLC instead. Unless the 91 is in a family. Sentimental value.
Here's one for sale
Post in thread 'What Did You Do with Your 80 This Weekend?' What Did You Do with Your 80 This Weekend? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/what-did-you-do-with-your-80-this-weekend.586191/post-16182611
Find a high mileage running 93-97 FZJ80 that needs TLC instead. Unless the 91 is in a family. Sentimental value.
Here's one for sale
Post in thread 'What Did You Do with Your 80 This Weekend?' What Did You Do with Your 80 This Weekend? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/what-did-you-do-with-your-80-this-weekend.586191/post-16182611