Stepping up? to an 80 Series

[retiredguest]

I'm at a crossroads here. I currently own a clean stock 1985 FJ60, with 240k miles on it, which I've owned for the last seven years. and now have the funding to start building it into an overland rig. This truck has been trouble free and dependable and I just love the classic design of the 60 series trucks. After adding all the cost of my build, I'm still stuck with a difficult to tune carburetor, 1980's emissions equipment and a vehicle that can't go over 65 mph without turning purple. Still not the end of the world but what if??? I
Being curious, I decided to look at craigslist adds in my area and found a clean 92' FJ80 with 200k miles on it for half $$ of my build budget. My first choice when looking for a Land Cruiser seven years ago was a 1994 but I settled for the simplicity of the FJ 60 instead. I didn't realize how terrible it is in modern day traffic but I still love it. It's like an old pair of boots. The only thing I wish it had was fuel injection, taller gears for highway use and working AC. Any way I'm going to look at the 92 tomorrow and give it some thought. For what he wants for it and the money left over, I could build the 1992 for less and have the best of both worlds. More modern, fuel injection, coil springs, full time 4x4, classic Land Cruiser I don't have to "white knuckle" with people flipping my off because I'm going to slow and with a solid front axle.
What do you guys think?
PS. I was also looking at a Land Rover Discovery II but came to my senses.

 

[Heckraiser]

Two comments:

1) DO NOT sell your 60, you will regret it every day of your life. True story.
2) Since you mention the highway-driving experience, If you get an 80, hold out for a 93+ with the 1fz-fe motor. A lot more power, does not turn purple at highway speeds except for the highest/steepest mountain passes. The FJ80 (91-92) is slower than an FJ62 (same motor, more weight and drivetrain loss). 3FE may be fuel injected, but it's not "modern" by any stretch.

:edit: Armchair quarterbacking here, but maybe get a 3fe head and plop that sucker on your 2f for a few extra ponies and see if you can find an H55 for a reasonable price?

 

[retiredguest]

I hear ya But the wife says I can't have both. LOL. I have budgeted a new paint job, OME lift and ARB rear locker for the 60. Like I said, I've grown attached to this thing and want a rig that not everyone has, IE 4Runner, that I can do Death Valley, Mojave Trail, that sort of stuff but be able to get there without being beat to s##t when I get there. I've looked into the 5 speed gear box upgrade $$$$ or an LS conversion with GM A/T but now were getting into "Icon" John Ward territory. Not spending that much money.

 

[VirginiaCruiser]

I’m sure parts for a 3fe are a lot more difficult to come by and it makes less power. An 80 with a 4” lift and 315s sure is sexy, not many people have them compared to Tacoma’s and 4 runners.

Good luck with your search

 

[GW Nugget]

If you do switch to an 80 series I would look for a fzj80, they have the 1FZ-FE motor, full floating rear axle, better brakes.
The "CruiserControl" was a big deal for me.
See the newbie webpage guide Slee Offroad has... just google those words. They give in detaile all the differences in the years of the 80 series.

 

[woodsman 44]

93' and up 80 series....dont look back

 

[DSRTRDR]

I am not a big fan of the 60 series at all, but a '92 80 is worse - it won't go over 65, either

but I can tell you're doing it wrong: buy the next cruiser for the wife - give it to her - and soon enough, parts will be coming to your house that you would have never had the courage to order

 

[White Stripe]

Have you considered a 100 series? For the light duty trails you want to do, I think a 100 series would work great for you with a 2" lift.

 

[bajaphile]

The 60's obviously have the cool factor... But after owning a couple, I have no desire to ever buy another one again for actual use. But you're posting this in the 80 series section so you might have some biased opinions. That being said, I would wait for a 93+ as well with the 1FZ-FE.

 

[REKCUT]

keep the 60 and don't worry about folks passing you. Take the back roads. Regear and you can happily run 65. Will have to deal with the high pass altitude but just enjoy.

 

[KennyBob]

I am not a big fan of the 60 series at all, but a '92 80 is worse - it won't go over 65, either

but I can tell you're doing it wrong: buy the next cruiser for the wife - give it to her - and soon enough, parts will be coming to your house that you would have never had the courage to order

Incorrect. I do 75-80 all the time in my 91 with stock gears, 2” lift and 33s. Is it as comfortable as a 1fz truck, probably not, but it’ll do 65+ no problem. I’ll agree that it is relatively anemic but I’ve never experienced the unbearable driving experience portrayed here on mud.

 

[fjbj40]

I have owned a 40 and 60 series, I just moved into a 93 80 series. The 40 was way cool but not practical. The 60 series was way better than the 40 but with the 3fe lacked power, so I diesel and turbo' it. That was way better but it was still fatiguing to drive for long journeys.

I bought my 80 in California cause I wanted rust free, drove it back to eastern Canada, 4200 miles, and it was unbelievably comfortable, plenty of power and, for what it is, I was ok with the fuel consumption, less than $800!

So you will be happy with a 80 if you go that way, but if power is one target, go with a 93 and up year, not that I have driven a 3fe powered 80, but I do know what it was like in a 60 series.

 

[Izeloz]

Agreed on the non-issue of lack of power with the 3FE. I've had a '92 and currently own a '91. I have no problem going the speed limit, even up hills, except on stretches of freeway where the speed limit is 80 (my 80 has a hard time doing 80...haha). I'm stock height, stock gears on 33's. Never really found myself needing more power. It's not a rocket ship, but it's not as terrible as they say.

 

[Heckraiser]

OK fine, buy an fzj80. I'll take your 60 off your hands

As for the 3fe defenders--yes, a 91-92 can go highway speeds. So can an H42+2f fj60. But doing so isn't everyone's cup of tea. Reading the OP, clearly this guy is looking for more power for higher travel speeds., and the 3fe is not that.

 

[COYS]

One man's trash is another man's treasure.

The 80 series with the 1FZ-FE is the oldest Land Cruiser I want to mentally/physically manage for daily duties. IMHO, it's the last and "best" of the cool or vintage Land Cruisers you can buy in the USA.

I drove a 60 series and it straight up felt like a farm truck dynamically and visually. The 80 feels like a UHaul rental compared to the 200 which is a luxo barge you can cross continents with in total relaxation esp the latest model equipped w/ full stop adaptive cruise.

Drive them all and make your best decision for you and yours. Enjoy the journey. It's a labor of love, homey. Nothing rational about it.

 

[retiredguest]

I'm going to Reno today to look at the 92. I'm not as jazzed as I was a couple of days ago after reading all of the comments here so I will be looking at this rig with both eyes open. My whole decision on the upgrade is based on weather to spend the money on my current rig which includes a paint job that will cost me as much as I will be spending to buy the 1992, with money left over to do a suspension and other small upgrades. I'm aware the fj80 is no power house but a little easier to live with than the carbureted 3f, and also something my wife can drive. She hates the stick shift in the herky jerky 60. I'm just trying to get the most out of my investment budget.
I'm also aware that the '93-97 are superior but all the ones for sale in my area are either way higher millage or the seller wants more than I'm willing to spend. These rust free vehicles don't come up for sale very often on the West coast anymore and when they do, people know what they are worth.

 

[retiredguest]

The 100 series I see for sale would include a car payment. 10-20k. Even the Lexus. They are nice, just not in my price range.

 

[Chappy 65]

I'm at a crossroads here. I currently own a clean stock 1985 FJ60, with 240k miles on it, which I've owned for the last seven years. and now have the funding to start building it into an overland rig. This truck has been trouble free and dependable and I just love the classic design of the 60 series trucks. After adding all the cost of my build, I'm still stuck with a difficult to tune carburetor, 1980's emissions equipment and a vehicle that can't go over 65 mph without turning purple. Still not the end of the world but what if??? I
Being curious, I decided to look at craigslist adds in my area and found a clean 92' FJ80 with 200k miles on it for half $$ of my build budget. My first choice when looking for a Land Cruiser seven years ago was a 1994 but I settled for the simplicity of the FJ 60 instead. I didn't realize how terrible it is in modern day traffic but I still love it. It's like an old pair of boots. The only thing I wish it had was fuel injection, taller gears for highway use and working AC. Any way I'm going to look at the 92 tomorrow and give it some thought. For what he wants for it and the money left over, I could build the 1992 for less and have the best of both worlds. More modern, fuel injection, coil springs, full time 4x4, classic Land Cruiser I don't have to "white knuckle" with people flipping my off because I'm going to slow and with a solid front axle.
What do you guys think?
PS. I was also looking at a Land Rover Discovery II but came to my senses.

The only thing I can say is Better the devil you know. Dont sell your 60 until the 80 is done. From experience. 80 is an awesome vehicle and FZFE is the only way to go!

 

[Heckraiser]

I'm going to Reno today to look at the 92. I'm not as jazzed as I was a couple of days ago after reading all of the comments here so I will be looking at this rig with both eyes open. My whole decision on the upgrade is based on weather to spend the money on my current rig which includes a paint job that will cost me as much as I will be spending to buy the 1992, with money left over to do a suspension and other small upgrades. I'm aware the fj80 is no power house but a little easier to live with than the carbureted 3f, and also something my wife can drive. She hates the stick shift in the herky jerky 60. I'm just trying to get the most out of my investment budget.
I'm also aware that the '93-97 are superior but all the ones for sale in my area are either way higher millage or the seller wants more than I'm willing to spend. These rust free vehicles don't come up for sale very often on the West coast anymore and when they do, people know what they are worth.

2 more comments:

1) Don't fear high miles. Whether you get one with low miles or high miles, it will likely need the same amount of maintenance regardless.
2) Maaco is your friend. I painted my 62 for $800 and it looked like a million bucks. Well, OK, it looked like $2,500, but definitely a good value.

 

[LINUS]

If I was going to surrender 60 ownership, only a late ‘95-‘97 80 would make any arguement with me, mainly the FF rear but also the ease of OBD2 & MAF’d 1FZ (esp if speed is concern, you can get a turbo or find a used S/C)

Other than that, keep your 60. They are awesome.

40’s > 50/60’s > 80’s (common USDM models)