Thinking about picking up this 80 series- what do ya'll think?

[M0untaineer]

Howdy all- Seriously considering buying this 80 series from a fellow mudder...what do ya'll think?

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/1997-lx450-lifted-and-locked-tucson-az.810673/#post-9257617

 

[LittleRock80]

That is a beautiful example--with an even more-beautiful price. Nice list of goodies.

 

[YotaJosh]

Not bad. Looks like a good find.

One thing I do question though is why does it have the Diff Lock dial on the dash, but non-locker axles? Was there an axle swap done? Someone install the dial as part of a future upgrade that never happened?

 

[Bama4door]

I like it and i really like the green too

 

[M0untaineer]

I guess the diff lock dial is just that- a dial..I guess there was a crack in the dash and they fit that in...sounds a little fishy to me...

 

[fjfodee]

Nice rig!
That is kinda strange about the dial. Wonder if the locker ecu is in the kick panel. It is super easy to swap to locked. Wish I would've known how capable these 80s were 10 years ago. I probably would've never bought my 40. These are just great all around trucks.

If I could do it again I would hold out for a 95+ stock locked rig. If you do decide to get this one, I have a rear seat that I can donate.

 

[M0untaineer]

Thanks Mark/Josh/Guys...do you think it's worth it to buy it even without the stock lockers and just put in something like an Aussie/Spartan?

 

[YotaJosh]

This truck warrants an in-person inspection for sure (meaning don't buy it and ship it sight unseen), but it looks real solid. I wouldn't worry too much about the lockers. It has a rear Aussie locker, and that's probably plenty for now. If you ever wanted a front locker, drop an ARB in it and call it done. I wouldn't try to retrofit elockers in it unless you had a good connection for the parts.

 

[M0untaineer]

Thanks Josh

 

[fjfodee]

I agree with Josh. An ARB is pretty much the only option for the front axle. Since 80s are AWD the front needs to be selectable. The rear is a different story. I have a Detroit in the rear of mine at the moment and can't really tell any difference in road manners. They are also very capable off road with just the rear locked.

Unlocked 80s are usually cheaper to buy by about 1-2k compared to a locked one. Also, ARBs are stronger than a 200k mile OEM locker. I guess in the end its all the same $ wise. My opinion is to find one in great mechanical condition, preferably with under 200k miles, locked or not. Then go from there.