Rebuilding an FZJ80 nowadays. Good idea?

[MikePL]

So... As you can see HERE, I am not new to the 80 series but a lot has changed over the last decade or so. The 80 series has become expensive and maybe even a rare find if you are looking for a truck in decent condition.

To makes matters worse, my son (who spent his very early childhood in the 80 series) bought a 100 series but said 'naaaah' and he desperately wants an FZJ80. Problems for me...

Most of them are over $10K, but I have found a 1997 for $4000. A bit neglected: dents here and there, broken cladding, cracked windshield etc. The main issue is the head gasket. It misfires on cylinder 6 and loses coolant so obviously it can't be anything else. Another issue is the mileage which is approaching 300K miles. So we are talking about a head gasket replacement.

Is $4K a good deal or an expensive can of worms? We do our own labor so is it a good idea to buy it and do the head gasket and cosmetic stuff or will the total costs (purchase + repairs) become too close to $10K where we can get a '97 in fully working condition with 250K miles? At this mileage is the head gasket and the timing chain enough or should we start thinking about doing much more 'while we are in there'. Like piston rings, crank bearings, camshaft whatever etc...

 

[Fosters]

It’s a 97…last of the breed.
Sorcing parts can be a hassle and costly…but do it right and you’ll have a truck that will provide service for 20-25 years trouble free…question is what’s it worth to you…me? I’ve spent more money than I dare tally up on mine…but even in this market there’s nothing imho that comes close

 

[jpoole]

From what you describe that $4k 80 will cost you more than $10k if you decide to make it long-term reliable and somewhat clean/nice. If you just do a budget headgasket refresh on it, do very little else, and drive it til it dies you could be in it for around $5k-$6k at time of death but that doesn't seem like a very likely path forward for you.

Paint/body work is really expensive if you hire it out and still fairly pricey if you DIY and use decent materials. Catching up on all the deferred maintenance is also expensive assuming you use OEM/quality parts and DIY most of it.

To me a $4k 80 with 300k miles would make sense if the paint/body work was nice enough to live with long term. You could then spend what it takes to sort it mechanically, clean up the interior some and have a nice rig for $10k-$20k, depending on how far you take some items (like engine overhaul vs. just HG, etc.). From what I've seen some 300k engines may be good for another 100k miles+ with just a HG, head service, stem seals and peripheral updates. Other 1FZs have developed knocks or wear that require full overhaul before 300k so it's hard to predict what's needed based on miles.

Assess how far you'll take this 80 and if you decide you want to end up with a "nice", reliable example you'll find that a good bit more than $10k for a decent starting point is worth the spend.

I've kept up with what's gone into my $1,800 purchase price 80. I bought it in '16 with around 220k miles on it, running/driving, rust free but cosmetically and mechanically rough. I've done all the work on it myself, have used only OE/Toyota parts and have tried to avoid excess spending while not compromising on making it reliable long-term. Major projects include HG replacement, AC system replacement, full brake system refresh, all rubber bits replaced, etc.. Largest upgrade/extra has been a set of step sliders. Largest pending job is a repaint, if I decide to take that step. Here's a cost summary that includes initial purchase price, all parts/fluids, a few sets of tires and everything else except insurance costs:

Totals without gas
	$ total spent	$19,497.41		miles driven	82,327
	$ per month	$201.65		$ per mile	$0.24
	hrs worked	598.60		min worked per mile	0.44
	hrs per month	6.19
Totals with gas
	$ total spent	$39,185.21		$ per mile	$0.48
	$ per month	$405.26

 

[MikePL]

I have some sort of sentimental feelings towards the 80 series because the one I traveled in was really neglected and violated by me and it always took me back and forth. My maintenance before a long vacation overlanding trip was checking the air in the tires and the water in the windshield washer tank.

But time is passing by and I am more neutral. I am buying an LJ78 (a friend willing to sell for $5K) with under 100K miles and importing it from Poland to California as my personal vehicle. My son is another story, he is willing to work on the 80 series but he has limited resources so I don't want to encourage him to buy a can of worms.

 

[bhsdriller]

Go for it

Parts aren't really a hassle as mentioned, it's easy to get stuff but can be costly. You do your own labor so that helps more than anything

No one can really know for sure without seeing the 80 in person and evaluating

 

[Fj80oregon]

The market has come down quite a bit but a really nice 80 is still selling for $30k+. Getting in to a cheep rig can be a huge can of worms or a great find. For a kid you don’t want a perfect exterior or interior in my opinion just a nice rig that’s mechanically reliable. As far as head gaskets go if the coolant has made its way into the lower end it can corrode the bearings but maybe not. How’s the oil look? Milky? A head gasket can be done for around $1500-2000 if that’s all your doing get the head rebuilt resurfaced gasket kit and done. What you will find is all the stuff while you’re in there that is so easy to access that really eats up a budget fast. Getting the block surface cleaned up in the truck can be a challenge also but doable. If the bearings are bad you will be pulling and spending some big coin. If your going for a full rebuild with replacing lots of rubber and cleaning up the engine bay your looking at $7-10k. That can also go much higher if you really start replacing everything. The fact your doing your own work is great and awesome time spent with your son!!! Also have to account for the time the vehicle will be out of service and if you have a place to work in it and tools to get the work done. I have rebuilt 15 plus 1fzfe and the bottom end on about 10 of them has been in great shape. Just be aware of cost and the amount of effort it will take or it can turn into a nightmare if your not prepared. Or buy a nicer one out the gate that’s been rebuilt and pay up front.

 

[Fj80oregon]

I did the rebuild on this truck and it’s a beauty! Would be an awesome rig that will last a long time.

For Sale - Medford, OR. 1994 FZJ80

Hey all! This one stings a little, but I need more space and am in need of a truck for more practical uses. I purchased this from forum member Fj80oregon back in May of last year. The Cruiser was thoroughly rebuilt, I'll attach a link to the thread and list the pertinent info and pics below...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[TheBussman]

sounds like deal if its not rusty, while your in there: wrap the harness with heat sleeve, replace the o-rings in the timing cover.

 

[MikePL]

Nevada vehicle, so no rust. Even the flimsy stock exhaust has no rust. Sunroof works too.

 

[mudgudgeon]

I don't want to encourage him to buy a can of worms.

80 = can of worms

 

[devo]

As a long time 80 owner and up to 305K miles on a ‘97, I say, and this is what I would do if I need an 80 replacement,
Spend top dollar on a very nice 80 that is worthy of the asking price. I think 12k to18k for example. If you spend 4k to 8k you could spend twice your purchase money bringing it up to a nice functional 80 with a polish and shine.

80’s are a good investment and are here to stay. I came from an event where there were about 25 80’s in all conditions and no one was selling!

 

[bicycleagent003]

I agree with the above - you don't want an 80 that costs less than $10K, just my two cents. It's a false economy to buy a cheap 80.

 

[mudgudgeon]

I agree with the above - you don't want an 80 that costs less than $10K, just my two cents. It's a false economy to buy a cheap 80.

Agreed. You'll pay for it one way or another. Either up front, or in bits and pieces.

Purchae price is just the down payment.

 

[mrsleeve]

FWIW. I bought my current example for right at 14k 3 years ago, rust free desert sw truck, with a cheaply done “build”, and lack luster maintenance.

That said it’s a solid place to begin, I fully expect to have at least 10k into it by the time I finish fixing the “build” and getting the mechanicals up to snuff. Prolly closer to 15k as I am very much leaning towards a fullly refreshed 1fz in this process. (I haven’t had much time to work on it or use it in the last 2 years)

The point is a well sorted and mechanically solid 80 that is not rusted beyond repair is going to be expensive and for most of us that love the platform the effort and the cost are worth it. Look at what it costs to get similar reliability and capabilities from other platforms and make your own decisions.

An 80 is an 80 and there is little that compares available in the market for less in many ways.