Stepping up? to an 80 Series

[Mountainpassing]

sigh......wow i really love my 80..peace and serenity every day---------------------------------but i have never liked an interior space better than what a 60 has, so much room and road vision... 60 body on an 80 chassis sounds too pricey tho. by the way i scream up mountains fully loaded in my 80 , just need to use yer rpms and gears. gl

 

[rex in bama]

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.

Can’t agree more. Never owned a 60, but I have a 92 80 series and a late model gx460 v8 as a DD. Is the 80 slower? Of course. Do I have a preference on which one to drive, heck yeah - the 80. I have the same set up as you, 33s/ome lift, and it cruises just fine at those same speeds. The 91/92s also have that great vintage look - bridging the gap between the utilitarian 60s, and the lux later 80s and onward. Used to have a 91 and missed it so much, I got my 92 (and was looking specifically for the never die 3fe 80).

 

[retiredguest]

Well, I passed on the 92. Looked at it and while I was impressed by the automatic trans, no dents or rust, this thing will need a lot of repairs. Both knuckles leaking, super low on coolant . looks like a leak somewhere on the upper radiator tank or hoses? severe oil leak under the front of the engine. Oil all over the tie rods and front diff cover, power steering pump grinding and also leaking, non working radio/stereo, damaged clear coat, cracked dash pad, u joints are probably original as well and passenger rear window will not roll down. He also had the engine running when I got there so I was unable to see a cold start. Looks like a good project vehicle for the money but I already have one of those.
Thanks for all of your input on this site. Looks like I will be Cruisen back over to the 60 series forum

 

[ZackR]

Keep the 60, don't overbuild it. Just load it up as usual and go "overlanding".

Only go for the 80 (93+) if you can keep the 60.

 

[retiredguest]

That's the plan

 

[Chache80]

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

I’d keep an open mind. Some dumb kid in Colorado living at 6500 feet decided to slap a set of 37’s on a stock geared 3fe 80. It’ll hold 70 all day. Don’t let the naysayers turn you against it, great motor, lasts till the end of time, and you don’t have to worry about your head gasket gettin a little hot there by the egr.

 

[Marco Lau]

Dont listen to anybody on here on how slow 3FE is...bla bla bla. I have a 91 and wouldn't trade for a 93+ i can do 75-80 all day long and keep up with traffic up steep grade climbs, obviously not as fast as a V8...but no head gasket fuss for the expense for more ponies (hp).. And i am running 37s and fully loaded as well.

 

[Box Rocket]

I didn't read through all the comments so maybe someone mentioned this already. Buy a wrecked 80 with cosmetic damage and good chassis/drivetrain. Ditch the 80 body and put your 60 body on the 80 chassis. 1FZ, way more comfortable coil sprung chassis, lockers (potentially) and awesome 60 series styling. There are many who have done this already so you can find plenty of info to help with the swap. Sell the 60 chassis and recoup much of your cost.

 

[KennyBob]

I didn't read through all the comments so maybe someone mentioned this already. Buy a wrecked 80 with cosmetic damage and good chassis/drivetrain. Ditch the 80 body and put your 60 body on the 80 chassis. 1FZ, way more comfortable coil sprung chassis, lockers (potentially) and awesome 60 series styling. There are many who have done this already so you can find plenty of info to help with the swap. Sell the 60 chassis and recoup much of your cost.

Have a buddy doing this right now. So jealous. Should be super cool.