Newby to the 80: excited and terrified! 😬

[magavilla]

Hey everyone - I just picked up a 1996 FJ80 cruiser and I’m excited and terrier all in the same. I’ve been following along with so many builds on the forum - looking to get my hands dirty. Before I get to the fun stuff (bumpers, lift, wheels… etc.), I wanna tackle all the maintenance stuff to have a decent baseline. Shoot me recommendations on maintenance hacks, dos and don’ts.

 

[Dindu Nuffin]

Do: Get the factory service manual and follow that.

Don't: worry about "hacks." Do it right the first time.

 

[Kernal]

Welcome to MUD.

Start reading, a lot, use Search terms like: Baseline Base-lining Baselining

Post up some photos including a wide shot of the engine bay, front axle housing/steering knuckles, undercarriage,---

 

[efjayatee]

Its FZJ80.....

Not knowing it's hisyory, baseline as mentioned above:
-Replace all fluids and flush ( tranny, brakes, PS steering, diff, coolant, oil)
-Radiator if no history and it's hoses
-Brakes
-maybe fan clutch and belts
-Tune up
-bushings (not really baseline but if originals, rubbers are hard and showing age)

Drive it around as is (assuming stock) for a bit and determine what is your goal.....37s and big lift for wheeling ($$) or camping and light trails (new stock height kit and 285s is ideal)
-

 

[magavilla]

Do: Get the factory service manual and follow that.

Don't: worry about "hacks." Do it right the first time.

Appreciate the vote of confidence!

 

[magavilla]

"I’m excited and terrier all in the same" ??

Welcome to MUD. Woof Woof

Start reading, a lot, use Search terms like: Baseline Base-lining Baselining

Post up some photos including a wide shot of the engine bay, front axle housing/steering knuckles, undercarriage,---

I will post initial photos - currently removing surface rust to figure out what needs immediate address. Right rear swaybar link is missing

 

[magavilla]

Its FZJ80.....

Not knowing it's hisyory, baseline as mentioned above:
-Replace all fluids and flush ( tranny, brakes, PS steering, diff, coolant, oil)
-Radiator if no history and it's hoses
-Brakes
-maybe fan clutch and belts
-Tune up
-bushings (not really baseline but if originals, rubbers are hard and showing age)

Drive it around as is (assuming stock) for a bit and determine what is your goal.....37s and big lift for wheeling ($$) or camping and light trails (new stock height kit and

I picked it up two days ago, drove it from the guys house with fingers and toes crossed! I’ve never driven one before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. It made it home thankfully.
Gonna attempt a fluid flush this week, see how that goes.
My goal is a family overlander - 35s the most with 2-3in lift for aesthetics. I’m sure it’ll evolve once I start diving in.

 

[PoolGuyMark]

If the book says to remove something that doesn't seem to make sense, do what the book says, it will make sense later...

 

[magavilla]

Initial photos

 

[magavilla]

The passenger side rocker panel will need replacement - the previous owner did a coverup job that couldn’t been an issue if I didn’t inspect it properly. That helped with the final price agreed. Interior is ok but will need a full carpet removal and shampoo - they smoked in it… all the expected leaks are present - distributor cap, valve cover, transmission seal, birf. All in due time tho.

 

[magavilla]

Most of the rear end will need replacement - suspension components along with their mounting point. Rust removal, hard brake line replacement, all rubber bushings, panhard, uppers and lowers, shocks, springs, diff surface rust, drain plug, sway bar end links etc.

 

[efjayatee]

The body looks like in a great shape!

 

[magavilla]

The body looks like in a great shape!

Yea, body is in really good shape. Paint job is a year old

 

[Mag71k5]

Replace every heater and coolant hose under the hood, dont be like me, throwing 2k worth of tires and wheels, and then skip the heater hoses, only to have the PHH split and start to spew coolant 6 hours from home.

 

[bj70bc]

do a little exhaust sniffing on startup, it will tell you things about the engine
if its a bit smoky then goes away your valve seals will need doing at some point,
Any sweet smell or whitish clouds can be the forerunner of doing your headgasket

 

[magavilla]

Replace every heater and coolant hose under the hood, dont be like me, throwing 2k worth of tires and wheels, and then skip the heater hoses, only to have the PHH split and start to spew coolant 6 hours from home.

Wheels and tires came with the rig - kinda bummed he didn’t have the stock wheels which I like. It’s been a couple days and I’ve been busy with work, but I’ve already begun ordering OE hoses

 

[magavilla]

do a little exhaust sniffing on startup, it will tell you things about the engine
if its a bit smoky then goes away your valve seals will need doing at some point,
Any sweet smell or whitish clouds can be the forerunner of doing your headgasket

Will do. It had an exhaust leak at one of the welds of the heater and in front the cat. Runs a bit rough so I think spark plug wires and distributor cap:rotor is due