Wanted Overland FZJ80 Wanted - Western States Preferred

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum, but I'll admit I've been lurking for several months. Looking to buy a rig in good condition with the following desirable specs:

FZJ80 - Not really interested in anything earlier unless it has a diesel or a fresher LS and lockers
Low'ish miles, say 150K-200K and prefer closer to the lower end
Triple Locked - Must work as intended
Lift/Tires
Leather interior preferred (think 40th Anniversary Edition), but I might make an exception for the right HDJ81 TD
Regular maintenance
Set up with expedition/overland mods like bumpers, winch, sliders, roof rack, spare tire mount, etc. ARB/OME/Slee stuff is great, but I'm no snob, so if it works, looks decent, and doesn't fall off or break the first time I take it out, I'll be happy.

I don't expect a perfect body, and neither does my wife (pun intended), but please don't show me rust buckets or vehicles with hanging parts. The glass and seals should be good and I'm not interested in anything with negative blinky lights. Everything on the inside needs to work, as expected and leaky roof is a deal killer as we live near the base of he Cascades. Our maximum total budget is $20,000 and that would need to include any travel and tax/title/tags in Washington State, so I'm thinking around $15-17K for the truck. There are a couple in the forum that are 100% ready to overland tip to top, but I like to tinker, so I'd be okay with something 80% ready, or so. As long as the vehicle is sound and has the tougher mods done, I am okay customizing stuff like drawers, tent, awning, and other accessories. We want the big stuff done so I don't have to send it to the shop right off to help with the heavy lifting and we get out on the road sooner rather than later.

I would like to find a vehicle in the next few months. Please respond here or message me if you have something that could fit the bill. Thanks in advance!

 

[ewillis]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum, but I'll admit I've been lurking for several months. Looking to buy a rig in good condition with the following desirable specs:

FZJ80 - Not really interested in anything earlier unless it has a diesel or a fresher LS and lockers
Low'ish miles, say 150K-200K and prefer closer to the lower end
Triple Locked - Must work as intended
Lift/Tires
Leather interior preferred (think 40th Anniversary Edition), but I might make an exception for the right HDJ81 TD
Regular maintenance w/Timing Belt and PHH done
Set up with expedition/overland mods like bumpers, winch, sliders, roof rack, spare tire mount, etc. ARB/OME/Slee stuff is great, but I'm no snob, so if it works, looks decent, and doesn't fall off or break the first time I take it out, I'll be happy.

I don't expect a perfect body, and neither does my wife (pun intended), but please don't show me rust buckets or vehicles with hanging parts. The glass and seals should be good and I'm not interested in anything with negative blinky lights. Everything on the inside needs to work, as expected and leaky roof is a deal killer as we live near the base of he Cascades. Our maximum total budget is $20,000 and that would need to include any travel and tax/title/tags in Washington State, so I'm thinking around $15-17K for the truck. There are a couple in the forum that are 100% ready to overland tip to top, but I like to tinker, so I'd be okay with something 80% ready, or so. As long as the vehicle is sound and has the tougher mods done, I am okay customizing stuff like drawers, tent, awning, and other accessories. We want the big stuff done so I don't have to send it to the shop right off to help with the heavy lifting and we get out on the road sooner rather than later.

I would like to find a vehicle in the next few months. Please respond here or message me if you have something that could fit the bill. Thanks in advance!

Gonna be tough to find one with the "timing belt done"...

 

[DrakeSF2K]

Gonna be tough to find one with the "timing belt done"...

I just noticed. Had been looking at 100's, previously. Thanks for shedding a light on my ignorance.

 

[DrakeSF2K]

I think maybe I’m a little too focused on mileage. If somebody has a clean, well-maintained and upgraded vehicle that meets these requirements with a few more miles, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Vehicle history, upgrades and repairs, and running condition could definitely change my mind about wanting a vehicle with less than 200,000 miles.

The same goes with the leather interior. If your vehicle has a clean cloth interior, it’s not like I have to have leather. Mostly just wanted it as it’s a little easier to keep clean.

 

[Gumybob]

Find one that has had the Head Gasket replaced, a 255K miles with rebuilt top half engine is far better than a 190K with no head gasket replaced, IMO. Selling mine at what I classify as a screaming deal since it's had a $3200 Head rebuild just 15 months ago. From experience and from reading on here for years, Head Gaskets should be replaced between 200k-250k miles.

 

[DrakeSF2K]

Find one that has had the Head Gasket replaced, a 255K miles with rebuilt top half engine is far better than a 190K with no head gasket replaced, IMO. Selling mine at what I classify as a screaming deal since it's had a $3200 Head rebuild just 15 months ago. From experience and from reading on here for years, Head Gaskets should be replaced between 200k-250k miles.

Can you give me some more details?

 

[Gumybob]

So I searched "Head Gasket" threads on here a couple of years ago, it seemed the consensus was you should change the head gasket between 200k-250k miles. I was at 232K and thought ok, my LC is running good, I will have some time, but.... needless to say, 5K miles later mine gave out and the pressure cracked my radiator top end to end. Needless to say, if you are going to change your head gasket, time to take care of all those other pesky repairs. All in all I spent $3200 but had the Camelback Toyota do all the work. Not saying these engines will not go longer (many do), but mine (and others) go without warning. I should have heeded the recommendation and it would have prevented me from breaking down in the middle of nowhere.

Just to note, our temp gauges SUCK, and the reason my repair was this expensive is due to me having my entire head completely rebuilt, which I recommend as you have the head already off and believe me, it restored power I never knew I had.

Also just to add, if you live somewhere hot (like Arizona), there are threads on here about how to modify your Temp gauge to indicate actual temperatures, or add on an aftermarket Temp gauge which is what I did.

 

[ccslider]

You made a for sale thread not a wanted thread....

I'll sell mine for 20k.

 

[DrakeSF2K]

You made a for sale thread not a wanted thread....

I'll sell mine for 20k.

Thank you for letting me know. I don’t see any way to change the listing or I would update. I’ll check yours out.

 

[ccslider]

Thank you for letting me know. I don’t see any way to change the listing or I would update. I’ll check yours out.

I think you change it in thread tools on your original post.

I don't have an add I was just saying you have a good budget for what you're looking for. There are a few rigs on here for sale now that meet that criteria.

 

[trollcruiser]

I have a 97 LX450 with about 185k on the odometer. It has a 3" TJM lift, brand new 255-85-16 BFG MT tires and some other additions on it. PM me if you want some more info and pics. Located in Western Colorado

 

[DrakeSF2K]

Thanks for all the replies. I picked up my LX450 on Saturday.

 

[DawgMan]

Buy it from Lynwood Honda by chance? Green with 163k miles, triple locked?

 

[DrakeSF2K]

Buy it from Lynwood Honda by chance? Green with 163k miles, triple locked?

No, I bought this one from CaliCruzier81 down in the Bay area. He's an awesome dude who did great work on the vehicle. It has everything I wanted to start with as a platform. We road tripped home, stopping at several cool sites along the way. Runs like a sewing machine and crawls like a tank. We got to play around in the dirt and snow a bit, but didn't find anything to really challenge "The Yeti". Can't wait to get it out to Walker Valley ORV Park this weekend!

Details:
-1997 Lexus LX450
-159k miles
-OME J spring lift
OME L series shocks
-315/75/16 Goodyear MTRs (about 7k miles on them) on procomp steelies
-ARB lockers front and rear
-ARB high output compressor
-4:88 gears
-DC fab dual swing out rear bumper with tire carrier, ladder, and dual can holder. This is a super nice top of the line bumper with great clean lines. It tucks nicely to avoid hang ups.
-trail gear tube front bumper
-smitybilt 9500lbs winch with synthetic line
-factor 55 flatlink
-custom roof rack
-outpost rock sliders
-touch screen DVD player
-Terrain Tamers Drilled and slotted front rotors
-Terrain Tamers 100 series pads

 

[DawgMan]

Nice!! That’s a beauty for sure!!

 

[ccslider]

That's a built low mileage rig

 

[jrr1969]

I have a 97 LX450 with about 185k on the odometer. It has a 3" TJM lift, brand new 255-85-16 BFG MT tires and some other additions on it. PM me if you want some more info and pics. Located in Western Colorado

I would be interested in more information on your LX470, if you still have it.

 

[jrr1969]

I would be interested in more information on your LX470, if you still have it.

I meant LX450,, sorry