Build One out, one in — still can’t park in my own garage- Alex builds an 80.

[HemiAlex]

Hey all — card-carrying member of the Cruiser Autism Support Group reporting in.

The fleet already includes a 60 (MamaBear), a 62 (Grey Gardens), and a 200. Now there’s an 80.

Got it in a three-way trade: one friend took my 40, another took a 100, I walked away with this. Everybody’s happy and all three wives are confused.

It’s a 1995, unlocked, 305k on the chassis and 350k on a healthy, refreshed 1FZ. The hard work’s already done — I’m inheriting someone else’s sweat equity.

I’m kicking off with a chassis refresh: all new control arm bushings and a lift. Always a solid start.

I’ve daily-driven a 60 for a decade. Dues paid. I just want something comfortable — ABS, AC that actually works, and an auto doesn’t hurt. Plan is to have it ready for SAS 10 and wheel it.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Love the color. What do you mean 305K on the chassis and 350K on the engine? I drove a 62 for two decades and an 80 is definitely an upgrade for road manners. Don't want to mess with the nice ride so no plans to lift here.

 

[HemiAlex]

The goals. 33” tires, painted wheels or Tacoma spares and sliders.

 

[HemiAlex]

Love the color. What do you mean 305K on the chassis and 350K on the engine? I drove a 62 for two decades and an 80 is definitely an upgrade for road manners. Don't want to mess with the nice ride so no plans to lift here.

Engine blew at 305k when someone in Colorado drove it til it ran out of coolant and oil. Died a hard death.

My buddy refreshed a spare 1FZ with 350k on it, and then put 50k on it. So terminally chassis and engine are at the same mileage but they don’t match.

 

[HemiAlex]

I’m doing the most minimal lift I can. 2” front and .75” rear. Don’t want to go wild.

 

[bhsdriller]

sweet color

 

[HemiAlex]

sweet color

Faded in some parts. Almost purple. I want to do some sanding and poppy’s patina on it.

 

[Godwin]

Hey all — card-carrying member of the Cruiser Autism Support Group reporting in.

The fleet already includes a 60 (MamaBear), a 62 (Grey Gardens), and a 200. Now there’s an 80.

Got it in a three-way trade: one friend took my 40, another took a 100, I walked away with this. Everybody’s happy and all three wives are confused.

It’s a 1995, unlocked, 305k on the chassis and 350k on a healthy, refreshed 1FZ. The hard work’s already done — I’m inheriting someone else’s sweat equity.

I’m kicking off with a chassis refresh: all new control arm bushings and a lift. Always a solid start.

I’ve daily-driven a 60 for a decade. Dues paid. I just want something comfortable — ABS, AC that actually works, and an auto doesn’t hurt. Plan is to have it ready for SAS 10 and wheel it.

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Post #181 for a list of all the suspension bushings, bolts, and nuts.

Build Thread 'Anyone recognize this 80'

Feb 15, 2025

As the title states, does anyone recognize this 80 and have any history on it? 1997 Lexus 450 with TJM front bumper, Superwinch X9, IPF lights, Slee (?) rear bumper, Wagongear tailgate storage, pipe rail under rocker panels, dual batteries, ARB compressor in rear, metric butt load of USB ports, Iron Man lift.

It has some quarter panel and front inner fender rust but nothing significant otherwise.

• Godwin
• Replies: 262
• Forum: 80-Series Tech

Have fun

 

[HemiAlex]

I’m basically full godwin clan now.

 

[Godwin]

I’m basically full godwin clan now.

What you need now is an old diesel MB and I just happen to know where one is available.

 

[mudgudgeon]

What you need now is an old diesel MB and I just happen to know where one is available.

I'm sure that's not all he needs

 

[Tim Herald]

The goals. 33” tires, painted wheels or Tacoma spares and sliders.

View attachment 4160541

Great looking truck. Mine rides great on 33’s. Can’t wait to see this with a small lift to see if that’s something I might want to do.

 

[HemiAlex]

What you need now is an old diesel MB and I just happen to know where one is available.

You mean like the one my business partner just bought and we restored over the last 6 months? No thanks. My 60 is faster.

 

[HemiAlex]

I’ll drive the e55 if I want to go to jail.

I'm sure that's not all he needs

 

[CrabCake]

I’ll drive the e55 if I want to go to jail.


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LOL! I got rid of my '03 Audi RS6 to get my 80...figured it was better to roll over at 15 instead of 150! A buddy of mine has the wagon version of yours...took him for a ride in my RS6 after the hybrid turbos, Wagner intercoolers, Miltek catless turbo back exhaust, custom tune, and 6 speed swap...he went to check his pants when we got back.

Your plan for the 80 sounds just right...stock height or low lift & 33's make for an extremely capable rig while still being close to stock drivability. I also love the idea of the Poppy's to seal it up, should look pretty cool on that pretty uncommon blue.

 

[HemiAlex]

LOL! I got rid of my '03 Audi RS6 to get my 80...figured it was better to roll over at 15 instead of 150! A buddy of mine has the wagon version of yours...took him for a ride in my RS6 after the hybrid turbos, Wagner intercoolers, Miltek catless turbo back exhaust, custom tune, and 6 speed swap...he went to check his pants when we got back.

Your plan for the 80 sounds just right...stock height or low lift & 33's make for an extremely capable rig while still being close to stock drivability. I also love the idea of the Poppy's to seal it up, should look pretty cool on that pretty uncommon blue.

This m113k is terrifying. Headers, 78mm pulley, intake belt wrap kit, cooling mods etc. easily 600 crank. It moves.



For the 80 less is more. Just simple and enjoyable. I want to take it for field work, get done and go hit a trail. I’ve done it with my 60 but after 10 years of driving it daily, both it and myself are tired.

 

[CrabCake]

This m113k is terrifying. Headers, 78mm pulley, intake belt wrap kit, cooling mods etc. easily 600 crank. It moves.



For the 80 less is more. Just simple and enjoyable. I want to take it for field work, get done and go hit a trail. I’ve done it with my 60 but after 10 years of driving it daily, both it and myself are tired.

Nice....my little "teaser"



And a 75 mph roll on in 5th....all windows down...after all, it was designed for the Autobahn! That said, this was a one time shot and glad that it's not under my heavy foot anymore!

June 18, 2026 - https://youtu.be/oldn4-72msY

Ok, enough off topic stuff....some 80 content! Most recent trip out to Moab, drove her out from MD...

 

[HemiAlex]

Nice....my little "teaser"



And a 75 mph roll on in 5th....all windows down...after all, it was designed for the Autobahn! That said, this was a one time shot and glad that it's not under my heavy foot anymore!

June 18, 2026 - https://youtu.be/oldn4-72msY

Ok, enough off topic stuff....some 80 content! Most recent trip out to Moab, drove her out from MD...

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love euro stuff. When it works. I’m definitely a tractor boy at heart.

 

[HemiAlex]

First drive was impressive for me. I did notice a little bit of dry shaft wobble, and even though my buddy, who had the truck before, said the driveshaft is rebuilt he did mention that the slip joint was very likely worn. I feel that it’s kind of wobbling in the center.

Donor driveshaft coming up to troubleshoot.

I have a small whine from the front axle. I can ignore it but I’ll try harder to look into it. I bet the front R&P is on a bad pattern.

I had never driven an 80 series before this point at all. I can see where it has the 60 lineage in it, but it just feels like a modern car to me after driving leaf Springs for the last 10 years.

New 5100 bilsteins in hand. Need to go get springs.

 

[HemiAlex]

Chemical guys v38 and an orange pad with no prep. All the oxidation will come off.