"Newbie" Best year for the 80 series

[blacksheep80]

Hello guys
New to the forum and had a question that I am sure has been ask and answered a few hundred times, but would love some input. I am switching over from Jeep Wranglers to a 80 series Cruiser. I would love to hear from some of you experienced owners on the pros and cons from the early to later years of the 80 series. This will be used as a daily driver and part-time expedition rig. Long distance trips planned(reason for switching from the wranglers, among others) My biggest question is drivetrain reliability among the years in the series as well as common issues one year may have more than others. Any guidance would be a big help.

 

[Impreza]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-...2011-added-concretejungles-1fze-overhaul.html

 

[D'Animal]

1997 and it does not have to be the anniversary series.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

1996-1997

 

[lt1fire]

91-92 Pros: Most reliable ones out there. 3FE engine doesn't have any common problems like the 1FZ does, more leg room (front seats), simpler to work on, CDL switch standard, much cheaper to buy, transmission makes engine swaps simpler due to it being fully hydraulic and not computer controlled.

Cons: Underpowered compared to later models, never came with F/R diff locks from the factory, smaller brakes on the front, Drums on the rear, SF rear end, no leather option or power seats, being the oldest they will normally have to highest miles

93-94 Pros: Powerful 1FZ engine, F/R lockers offered from the factory, leather/power seats, large front disk brakes, rear disk brakes, FF rears on most of the models, has the largest and stoutest transmission of the 80 series

Cons: 1FZ can have head gasket and PHH problems, more complicated to work on than earlier models, cannot easily supercharge like the later models, FF rears require more periodical maintenance than SF rears do

95-97: Powerful 1FZ engine, F/R lockers offered from the factory, leather/power seats, large front disk brakes, rear disk brakes, FF rears on all models
Cons:1FZ can have head gasket and PHH problems, more complicated to work on than earlier models, FF rears require more periodical maintenance than SF rears do

 

[jlg32281]

Assuming you're in the US, read above. If you're outside the US, I would say any of the HDJ81 with all the trimmings.

 

[blacksheep80]

91-92 Pros: Most reliable ones out there. 3FE engine doesn't have any common problems like the 1FZ does, more leg room (front seats), simpler to work on, CDL switch standard, much cheaper to buy, transmission makes engine swaps simpler due to it being fully hydraulic and not computer controlled.

Cons: Underpowered compared to later models, never came with F/R diff locks from the factory, smaller brakes on the front, Drums on the rear, SF rear end, no leather option or power seats, being the oldest they will normally have to highest miles

93-94 Pros: Powerful 1FZ engine, F/R lockers offered from the factory, leather/power seats, large front disk brakes, rear disk brakes, FF rears on most of the models, has the largest and stoutest transmission of the 80 series

Cons: 1FZ can have head gasket and PHH problems, more complicated to work on than earlier models, cannot easily supercharge like the later models

95-97: Powerful 1FZ engine, F/R lockers offered from the factory, leather/power seats, large front disk brakes, rear disk brakes, FF rears on all models
Cons:1FZ can have head gasket and PHH problems, more complicated to work on than earlier models

Thanks so much for the info. This is some of the info I have been looking for. The lack of power seats and leather is not a big negative for me, been driving wranglers, I have experienced the power difference and while noticeable, again been in Wranglers. The price point is very attractive if the reliability is equal and it is mostly amenities I would be losing in going with the early version. Help save the money upfront for needed modification.

 

[joseywales]

Thanks so much for the info. This is some of the info I have been looking for. The lack of power seats and leather is not a big negative for me, been driving wranglers, I have experienced the power difference and while noticeable, again been in Wranglers. The price point is very attractive if the reliability is equal and it is mostly amenities I would be losing in going with the early version. Help save the money upfront for needed modification.

If you are not generally in a rush or tow frequently I would look at the 91-92. To my way of thinking, a rear axle swap for discs is fairly simple. The 3FE is a much simpler engine to work on. The simpicity of the 91-92s carries most of the way through. LTs pro/con list sums it up well. If you live somewhere relativly flat, 3FE is fine. If you live at elevation in Co or similar, 1FZ is a better option.

I was lucky and got my 96 with HG done, and have done PHH. When my 1FZ does let go, I would prefer to do a 350 swap as I tow regularly. I have towed 8000 lbs with mine (once, for 4 hours, and only because I had no other option), but the added power of the V8 would be useful. Slee is doing Toyota 4.7 swaps, but I have yet to hit the lotto...

 

[yohavos]

I had a 92... I loved it.


I now have a (factory locked) 97... I love it.


I put cloth seats in my 97 and removed the little dead pedal thing and now have a lot more leg room, and have alleviated the potential issue of my electric seats not working correctly.



Now...

(Let me put the flame suit on here )


I'd do the PHH bypass and (if I had to) pay for a HG job on my FZJ80 (1997) before going back to a 91-92. The differences are night and day, regardless of how much tweaking you do to the 3FE and throttle cable adjustments, etc... the 1FZ just delivers "out of the box" so to speak.


My personal recommendation is an FZJ80. The information here will be more than enough to assist you with whatever you want to do to the truck. If you get a 91-92, you'll love it, and there are a lot of things you can do to improve its performance.

Remember, this is just my recommendation... there are a ton of guys here that swear by the FJ80 and have done amazing things with them.

Whatever you decide, be sure to post up some pics when you do!

 

[spike6901]

For me, it was the engine choice that kept me from the FJ80 and into the FZJ80.

According to specs:
the 3FE is 155hp, 220ft-lbs
the FZ is 212hp, 275ft-lbs

I had the 2F in a 40 series and it was a strong engine but just didn't quite cut it on the highway. It just wasn't comfortable to run 75mph for hours at a time. Granted, it had less HP than the 3F but was lighter.

 

[ybhc]

91-92 Pros: Most reliable ones out there. 3FE engine doesn't have any common problems like the 1FZ does, more leg room (front seats), simpler to work on, CDL switch standard, much cheaper to buy, transmission makes engine swaps simpler due to it being fully hydraulic and not computer controlled.

Cons: Underpowered compared to later models, never came with F/R diff locks from the factory, smaller brakes on the front, Drums on the rear, SF rear end, no leather option or power seats, being the oldest they will normally have to highest miles

93-94 Pros: Powerful 1FZ engine, F/R lockers offered from the factory, leather/power seats, large front disk brakes, rear disk brakes, FF rears on most of the models, has the largest and stoutest transmission of the 80 series

Cons: 1FZ can have head gasket and PHH problems, more complicated to work on than earlier models, cannot easily supercharge like the later models, FF rears require more periodical maintenance than SF rears do

95-97: Powerful 1FZ engine, F/R lockers offered from the factory, leather/power seats, large front disk brakes, rear disk brakes, FF rears on all models
Cons:1FZ can have head gasket and PHH problems, more complicated to work on than earlier models, FF rears require more periodical maintenance than SF rears do

Under 93-94 Pros you forgot no airbags.
You can add OBDII to both pros and cons of 95-97
A442's can end up having solenoid issues, as I found out with both my shift, and lockup solenoids going out. Just replaced all 4, but it was $600 dollars. There are a whole lot less threads on A343 solenoid issues.

 

[PDoyle]

I have a Jeep TJ. Find a good 93-97 80. Keep the Jeep.

 

[Tools R Us]

1996-1997

X2, a big part of this is a local advantage. The earlier rigs have to go through the whole emissions test mess, visual under hood & under rig, tail pipe sniff, etc. The OBD2 rigs only have the gas cap test and OBD2 plug in, no codes, good to go. The true '95's are also OBD2, but are not legally recognized, so have to go through the early test.

 

[SiRaDuDe]

X2, a big part of this is a local advantage. The earlier rigs have to go through the whole emissions test mess, visual under hood & under rig, tail pipe sniff, etc. The OBD2 rigs only have the gas cap test and OBD2 plug in, no codes, good to go. The true '95's are also OBD2, but are not legally recognized, so have to go through the early test.

The above is very true, but if you live in an area with no emmisions testing or keep you truck in good shape, the 93-94 are easier to work around or modify sensors (egr, o2, cats), the tranny has less computer control (good or bad?) and some say its stronger, and they are older so teh truck should be cheaper.

I like OBDII to preserve and maintain, but to radically alter, and OBDI should be easier.

I'm partial to the 93-94

 

[Tools R Us]

The above is very true, but if you live in an area with no emmisions testing or keep you truck in good shape, the 93-94 are easier to work around or modify sensors (egr, o2, cats), the tranny has less computer control (good or bad?) and some say its stronger, and they are older so teh truck should be cheaper.

I like OBDII to preserve and maintain, but to radically alter, and OBDI should be easier.

I'm partial to the 93-94

I disagree, but it likely more about what you are familiar with?

IMHO the OBD2 rigs are easier to work on, no pair valve in the way, etc. They are easier to maintain/modify, OBD2 has much more, easily accessible info. With a Ultra or scan gauge lots of real time data is available, even more with a real scanner or laptop with software. The MAF system takes airflow changes better than the AFM system, so better for modifications.

The 442 and 343 trans have about the same ECU type controls, both are well proven. But the 343 has 2nd gear start, the solenoids are available aftermarket, at a fraction of the price. They are somewhat easier to modify, turn up the system pressure, etc.

 

[Corbet]

I agree with Kevin above. I'll take my OBDII, airbags (hope I never need them), 2nd start, bolt on SC if I can ever afford it.

If I was going to do a diesel swap I might go older. Especially in an emissions state.

 

[wspastorbryan]

all years are good. Go 91-92 if you have to for cost. The most compelling reason to go 93+ is the rear axle, not the engine. I like the 3fe. I would rather drive a 91, high miles with a c-clip axle than a ford or something else in that price range, but if you can find a 93-97 that you can afford, get it.

 

[TexasJack]

All things considered, I'd look for a 95 to 97 series. There are simply more important advantages and fewer important disadvantages. The head gasket only becomes a problem if your vehicle significantly overheats. Take care of your hoses and radiator and that shouldn't become an issue.

 

[86tuning]

also, one more thing. the later ones have an exhaust pipe that sits below the frame, the early ones have the pipe running up over the frame.

If you need the ground clearance on rocks and ledges, the over-frame option is better. The later ones can be modified, but it's a fair bit of work. My 97 has a big dent in the pipe that needs to be addressed at some point

 

[yohavos]

There's nothing better than owning the last in a line of legends. FJ says it all.