SO Impressed with the FZJ80! (1 Viewer)

[Sporin]

With my FJ55 barely more capable then stock, I rode along with 2 members this weekend on our Fall Gathering prerun on Sunday.

Landtank and Nat88toy both have FJZ80s with 4" or lift and 35" TruXus MT's as well as factory lockers as well as various bumper and armor combos. Their 80-series proselytizing has converted me!

Ensconced in the spacious, comfortable leather interior these trucks went over and through just about anything thrown at them. Their size was the only, rare problem here on our tight, New England forest trails but even then with careful spotting they pulled through.

Simply amazing traction, these trucks that just plowed up steep, muddy, rocky climbs, traversed deep holes, scaled waist high ledges, and more.

SO IMPRESSED. I think I finally found, after years of buying-selling-trading truck after truck, the perfect truck for me. Despite being President of Yankee Toys I wheel very rarely so my truck needs to be a practical "grocery getter" and family hauler as well. It needs to be a winter brute for those tough, Vermont snow days. Living so far from most of the trails we run means I need something I can comfortably and reliably drive 2-3 hours to and from the trails.

Now if I can only sell my FJ55 I can go buy one for myself!

 

[PDoyle]

I agree... A very good move!

 

[4xoddic]

My 1st 3 Impressions:

I was impressed with my 77 FJ55 (78-80).

I was impressed again with my 88 FJ62 (90-08).

But neither impressed me like our 97 LX450 in stock form.

The plush DD capability & airbag safety my desired + my end of the trail ride in one reliable Toyota pkg.!

Join the Club, the dues have never been lower!

 

[concretejungle]

be sure you talk to shotts before you pull the trigger.

 

[fzjconvert]

AMEN! Brother!

 

[landtank]

Dave, we had some fun, didn't we. Getting a vehicle that you can drive distances at ease and then go wheeling is wonderful. As you know me and my son have traveled to NC on some trips and the 80 makes it all possible.

So get that pig sold and buy the 80. A weekend at my house and we'll have it ready to go.

 

[IronYuppy]

We took two 80s out yesterday (actually my 80 and Jinzuke's HDJ81) and ran into a couple of ATV riders out on the trail. They were, of course, caked with grime, sweaty, and suffering under protective gear. We went everywhere they could go. One of them was a little bummed... "why even have an ATV?" he said.
He looked like he was going to cry when I told him the 81 had an ice maker .

People are always surprised when they see the "mall cruiser" on the trail... but they're always impressed when they see it will go anywhere...

 

[PDoyle]

Wish I wasn't 3 hours away from VT. I could follow LandTank around...

 

[landtank]

Wish I wasn't 3 hours away from VT. I could follow LandTank around...

maybe, but you would be crying when you got out of the truck.

 

[PDoyle]

lol... I hate Mud!

 

[landtank]

lol... I hate Mud!

HaHa, Dave...show him my doors.

 

[Sporin]

here you go!

 

[PDoyle]

So, your son must be pointing to the way out.

 

[Cattledog]

Cool, I can see the side impact beam now!

Nice to see the truck used as intended. My truck is a damn mall cruiser... .

 

[LockedLX]

Living so far from most of the trails we run means I need something I can comfortably and reliably drive 2-3 hours to and from the trails.

This is perhaps the best attribute of the 80. It's an impressive wheeler yet you can still set the cruise control at 80mph and haul the family (and all your junk) to the trail and back in comfort. It's undeniably one of the best, if not the best, all-around truck in the world. Glad to hear you've caught the sickness.

Rick: Nicely done!

 

[landtank]

Cool, I can see the side impact beam now!

you must have smelt something burning as it's been on my mind all day.

 

[CJBury]

I have been eyeballing your 55 ad for a while now. You did a bunch of work to it, and it looks decent. If I had the money I'd own it by now. My buddys parents live in sinking spring VT. Class IV roads are fun. It would be fun to just run it around up there. Hope your in an 80 soon, you'll love it.

 

[gnx7]

FJ40 is too short of a wheelbase for every day driving.. takes too much concentration keeping a lifted one on the road with one hand... I owned an FJ60 which was dead slow with 33's and stock 3:70 gears... it was manual everything which is nice for reliability... in the 80's.. but this is 25 years later and I want power everything and lots of power at any elevation. The FJ60 certainly did turn heads and had major cool factor... but couldn't tow, going up a hill at elevation with a few passengers and ski gear was a joke!

My LX450/FZJ80 is wonderful. A little underpowered when running 33's and stock 4:10's at elevation but not too bad; however the 5,000lb towing capacity, factory lockers, power everything, leather, sunroof, etc.... I'm SOLD. Add a turbo kit, lift, armor and it is one bad mofo that still looks good. I like the fact that I can beat some cars merging which surprises many with a 6000lb truck. The truck goes anywhere I want it to and even stupid places if so inclined. ha ha ha Great all around rig.

I love the classic Cruisers..... but the FZJ80 is a true factory gem.
Get one... you won't be disappointed. You may even want to look on the West Coast/Southwest for a cherry one with no rust.

-Mark

 

[2everest]

This thread makes me laugh I am so grateful to own such a wonderful machine. I love putting her in low, let go off the brakes, and feel the gears take off .... Kind of like a mini-unimog. Even though I know there is no comparison.



I recommend a 1994. Full Floaters, X3 Lockers, and OBD 1.



-Josh

 

[tblume]

(93-&-94) IIRC 95 is OBD II?

quote{I recommend a 1994. Full Floaters, X3 Lockers, and OBD 1.}