Starting down the 80 series path (5 Viewers)

[CrzrGuinevere]

Hi all,

So I'm beginning to read, re-read information, search on nuances to 80 series land cruisers.

I'm looking at ones near me and I always keep watching on BaT. There is one nearby, it's a '94, 327K miles, no lockers. Looks to be pretty clean. I'm reach out to you all to help me navigate what I should focus on when I look at these. I know there's so many things and I am diligently reading through the forum to learn as much as I can.

I first thought '95-'97s would be more desired. But also, I understand the value in finding a clean, maybe '92-'94. Then on top of that, is it better to solely look for those older years with OBD-II vs OBD-I? Budget is always a factor, looking 14k or under. I don't need a triple locked vehicle. I'm not planning to do much off-road, more like FS roads and such. I just want to have my vehicle that I can tinker and build with, doing the usual mods for light overlanding.

This is the link to the '94 near me. I'm always up for playing the BaT game too.

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1361992911518203/

I appreciate all the expertise and help this forum has provided!

 

[mudgudgeon]

I appreciate all the expertise and help this forum has provided!

There's 100k threads & 1.8M posts in the 80s-tech, fair chance the expert opinions your looking for on your scenario are rehashed at least once each week . . .

 

[NeverFinis]

The pictures were taken with a potato. They need to be higher resolution and many more of them, especially of the undercarriage (axles, frame, etc).

From the description

...and the newer fuel-air sensor module needs to be adjusted better or the original one rebuilt.

What is a "fuel-air sensor module?"

Is the seller referring to the O2 sensor?

 

[CrzrGuinevere]

The pictures were taken with a potato. They need to be higher resolution and many more of them, especially of the undercarriage (axles, frame, etc).

From the description


What is a "fuel-air sensor module?"

Is the seller referring to the O2 sensor?

I figured O2 sensor, but yea. Not very clear. I agree on additional higher res photos.

 

[CrzrGuinevere]

There's 100k threads & 1.8M posts in the 80s-tech, fair chance the expert opinions your looking for on your scenario are rehashed at least once each week . . .

No doubt there, I've been reading through the threads and will continue to, thanks!

 

[Fj80oregon]

I’m sure he is referring to the Air Flow Meter. Seems reasonable priced for a clean looking rig. What’s the under rust like?

 

[ToothDr]

I think you meant clean 93-94 not 92-94. The 91-92 years had a hold over engine from the FJ-62.

 

[Fj80oregon]

I would look at the rig if it’s what you want, drive it then pay for a pre purchase inspection to make sure the engine is healthy and all the systems work.

 

[CrzrGuinevere]

I’m sure he is referring to the Air Flow Meter. Seems reasonable priced for a clean looking rig. What’s the under rust like?

I'll have to get additional pics of the undercarriage. It's lived in its entirety here in Eastern WA and we don't salt the roads, so I'd think it should be pretty rust free.

 

[CrzrGuinevere]

I would look at the rig if it’s what you want, drive it then pay for a pre purchase inspection to make sure the engine is healthy and all the systems work.

100% agree. It's fairly close, thankfully. We've got a 3yr old, so trekking around for vehicles is a little challenging.

 

[Dindu Nuffin]

Yeah, it looks like it's worth checking out in person. If it were me, though, I'd prioritize a '95 over all other years for two reasons. One, it has OBD2 engine management but only beholden to OBD1 emissions inspection standards, which means quite a bit of tuning potential and engine management options if boost is involved. Two, and this is pure conjecture, it seems to me that you're more likely to find triple lockers in '95 than any other year. But I also understand that not everyone cares about that stuff. Keep us in the loop with your search!

 

[CrzrGuinevere]

Yeah, it looks like it's worth checking out in person. If it were me, though, I'd prioritize a '95 over all other years for two reasons. One, it has OBD2 engine management but only beholden to OBD1 emissions inspection standards, which means quite a bit of tuning potential and engine management options if boost is involved. Two, and this is pure conjecture, it seems to me that you're more likely to find triple lockers in '95 than any other year. But I also understand that not everyone cares about that stuff. Keep us in the loop with your search!

See, that's exactly what I was wondering. I know 95-97 is more sought after and the OBD2 vs 1. So I've been watching for those on BaT. I'm not much into wrenching, very much a rookie at that. I was hoping to have an LC to start learning some of that stuff. I'm not searching for a triple locked rig, as I just don't need it. If one fell in my lap, of course that's a different story, but that would be very rare occurrence. A CDL would be nice, as it provides just a little more capability. I have a young daughter, so really no off-roading in the current horizon. I just want to enjoy driving an older rig again and slowly mod with ARB style bumpers, lift, roof rack, a mobile ham radio setup, (the usual), I guess.

 

[CharlieS]

Every 80 has a CDL, it engages when you put the transfer case in low. The addition of a factory switch to an existing wire harness makes it switchable. The "pin 7 mod" adds increased flexibility.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

.... I have a young daughter, so really no off-roading in the current horizon. I just want to enjoy driving an older rig again and slowly mod with ARB style bumpers, lift, roof rack, a mobile ham radio setup, (the usual), I guess.

95 up have airbags, earlier do not FWIW

 

[lumbee1]

OBDII allows for active temperature tracking with Scangauge. 95+ would be a priority for me.

The example you posted above has a brand new radiator. Dunno but that could be a sign of something else that's happened to the vehicle.

 

[CharlieS]

'93-94 gets 1FZ-FE, full float rear, front and rear disks, no airbags, and easily defeated ABS and LSPV. It boils down to what you plan to do with it and what is important to you! Lots of other differences (ecu, maf vs map, pair vs no pair, OBD II vs OBD I, and on and on). This has been well documented over the last 30 years.

 

[CrzrGuinevere]

'93-94 gets 1FZ-FE, full float rear, front and rear disks, no airbags, and easily defeated ABS and LSPV. It boils down to what you plan to do with it and what is important to you! Lots of other differences (ecu, maf vs map, pair vs no pair, OBD II vs OBD I, and on and on). This has been well documented over the last 30 years.

I've read on that with the '93-'94. My initial instinct was '95 minimum like @CharlieS mentioned. Just seem to get a little better everything that way. OBD2 would be an advantage plus the 1FZ-FE. So I may need to just roll with that thinking.

 

[Fj80oregon]

I have a 94 I’m going to be selling I sent you a PM.

 

[Aloha Jen]

I've read on that with the '93-'94. My initial instinct was '95 minimum like @CharlieS mentioned. Just seem to get a little better everything that way. OBD2 would be an advantage plus the 1FZ-FE. So I may need to just roll with that thinking.

They have OBD1 readers that can get you relevant engine info on your phone or tablet. I know this because I have it installed in my ‘94.

 

[Wayneraintree]

Jenny does that one only work on android platforms not apple? Thanks for that info I would love to have it set up in my '94.

OP, '94 gives you the hardiest transmission so I would not hesitate to pull the trigger on a well scrutinized rig, 95+ has benefits but nothing overly important IMHO.