Possible 80 in my future

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

NCcruiser1970

NCcruiser1970

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Apr 12, 2008
Threads
26
Messages
281
Location
Sanford, NC
I ran across a green 96 with factory lockers today with 130K. The owner doesn't know much about it other than it is a LC. Maintenance records don't exist, he said that he has not had any problems out of it and just changes the oil and other filters. It ran well and shows no signs of any body damage. It accelerates smootly and stops well and straight.
Issues:
The valve cover is leaking a bit which I understand is fairly common.
The diff locks won't engage. He said he has never used them. I can hear something when the switch is turned and the lights blink, but they never go to solid.
The check engine light is on. He says that it needs an O2 sensor...but I wonder.
It whistles a bit when it is cranked up and running at low RPM/speed...almost like a turbocharger.
Neither of the front seats will move forward or back. On both, the screw/wormgear on one side turns but the other does not.

I can get it for what I think is a good price and am probably going back tomorrow to make an offer. Any questions that I should ask him? Any ideas on the problems I listed? Thanks for any help.
Patrick
 
Actuators for the locking diffs aren't cheap, and if I recall to the tune of $400+ if I recall corretly, but there are several threads about repairing them or methods of repairing them if they are stuck. O2 sensor could be several things if its the P0401 code and most likely one of the VSV's.
Front seat is a simple correction and first thing to check is if the little white cap with phillips head screw is in on the console side (front corners) of the seats.
 
I found a few threads about the diff lock actuators and about the VSVs. I don't know jack about the 80's but am willing to learn/give it a shot.
I looked over the seats pretty well and don't remember seeing any white caps. Is this a common failure?
 
NCcruiser1970 said:
It whistles a bit when it is cranked up and running at low RPM/speed...almost like a turbocharger.
Click to expand...

Probably aftermarket cogged belts. The OEM belts are solid. My truck had aftermarket belts on it when I bought it and it whistled like that until I swapped in OEM belts.
 
Really? I'll take a look tomorrow.

I found the threads about the little white caps on the seats. That just doesn't seem very "toyota" like.
 
X2 on the belts, just replaced mine with oem (about the same price as the others) much quiter now. Also just did the valve cover gasket. pretty easy 1/2 day job....there are some other things that you will want to replace like spark plug seals, pcv valve and grommet and other things. Let me know if you want more info on how to do this, etc.
The seats are more than likely the end cap or a stripped gear. I just replaced them in both my front seats. You can get the parts for around 30 dollars to do both seats at gamiviti.com
 
If I do end up taking it home I will take you up on the offer for the info. Thanks
 
You didn't mention a price. That would probably be a good reference point for the masses to weigh in on.

Aside from Mr. T making quality products, it's just like any other product, witout care it will erode. If we are talking about one or two minor problems (I know that's a relative term-probably depends on your skill level), I wouldn't worry about it. However, if you notice a pattern, you might want to re-think it.

With the plethera of knowlege here, you'll be able to fix just about anything with the right amount of determination, time and money. All of which are hard to come by these days.

I'm probably not saying anything you don't already know, but I would consider buying a rig already baselined and well taken care of. Then you can spend your money on the mods you want vs the ones you need to do b/c your OCD won't let you sleep at night-even if that means waiting a year b/c your waiting on the cash!

My $0.02
 
When I bought my Cruiser the Lockers did not work at first. The guy came off the price $1000 dollars because of this. I go the cruiser home and the lockers finally kicked in. Sometimes if the lockers are not used much it takes awhile to have them lock. Make sure youdrive slow and turn left and right and they should kick in. The more you use them the faster they will engage. Had the same prob. with the belts on mine. Lesson learned use toyota parts on everything!!
 
Looks like the LC count at my house is up to two...as if the one I have is not enough.
 
Here's a pic
toyo.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom