Recovering Rover owner, just picked up an FZJ80 (1 Viewer)

[TRPLLKD]

Long time reader, first time poster! I've been off-roading in some form for about 15 years and have owned an XJ, a T100, a Discovery II, and just bought a 96k mile RHD FZJ80. It was imported to the states about 5 years ago, purchased from the importer by an older woman who used it as a mail truck for about 2 years, then it's sat for about the last 2.5. Overall it's in great shape for a 32 year old 4x4. Other than the a/c only blowing cold intermittently, everything works including the fridge.

I've changed the oil from 5W-30 to 15W-40 Rotella since it's still pretty warm, and have some 285/75 AT4Ws ordered. I've got some minor coolant leak(s) at what I believe is the rear heater valve, front axle seals look suspect, but she's done great for the roughly 100 miles it took to get her home.

Of course we've got some rust in the rear floor. I'll tackle this over the winter; not sure what the best approach will be but it doesn't seem too bad.

Not sure whether I need to replace this piece, or just need new hoses. Planning to dig into this and the axle seals once it's not 100+ degrees out.

 

[TRPLLKD]

I'm a bit unsure of what's going on with the springs/shocks. This thing is way taller than most of the "stock" 80s I've seen online, but none of this looks like aftermarket stuff to me. Did some of these come with factory lifts? It's currently on 270/75s and they look a bit undersized to me. I went with 285/75 for the Wildpeaks since my research said this size fits stock; hopefully these fill the wheel wells a bit better.

 

[Mag71k5]

Not sure whether I need to replace this piece, or just need new hoses.View attachment 3970898

Cool cruiser! I'd go ahead and buy a new heater control valve, usually if they are that far gone, when you try and change the heater hoses the plastic heater control valve will break apart. You can still buy both the hoses and valve from Toyota. Some dealerships are cheaper than others, Stevenson Toyota west here in Colorado offers pretty good deals for online orders. Shop around, but I wouldn't wait too long to replace it.

If the hose still has those odd factory worm gear/twist clamps, it probably needs replacing.

Don't skip the PHH (Pesky Heater Hose), it should be easier to get to on a RHD rig.

Good luck, and welcome to the family, go ahead and burn your wallet before it's too late also.

 

[TRPLLKD]

Cool cruiser! I'd go ahead and buy a new heater control valve, usually if they are that far gone, when you try and change the heater hoses the plastic heater control valve will break apart. You can still buy both the hoses and valve from Toyota. Some dealerships are cheaper than others, Stevenson Toyota west here in Colorado offers pretty good deals for online orders. Shop around, but I wouldn't wait too long to replace it.

If the hose still has those odd factory worm gear/twist clamps, it probably needs replacing.

Don't skip the PHH (Pesky Heater Hose), it should be easier to get to on a RHD rig.

Good luck, and welcome to the family, go ahead and burn your wallet before it's too late also.

I just finished watching a video about the PHH and was thinking I may as well do 'em all in one shot. Thank you for the suggestions, I'll see if I can get those in hand before next week. Hoping to get this thing on some trails on Monday!

 

[Fosters]

That’s was me once

Haven’t looked back since getting the yota

 

[doc_random]

Preetty good looking rig! Rust and oil leaks are not so badA
Shock bushings look to be toast. This can lead to more play in the suspension as the rubber collapsees and gets loose.

 

[Kabanstva]

That’s was me once
View attachment 3971010
Haven’t looked back since getting the yota

Is that photoshopped? I thought these were similar size vehicles. 80 looks like a Mini Cooper here.