Total Newbie

[Arts80]

Hello everyone
I am in the process of buying a 1991 80 series Cruiser from California that I found on Craigslist. Nothing like starting out on the right foot; Craigslist, no personal inspection, in CA, during a pandemic. My goal is a dependable 4wd to place and retrieve a trailer by the river in summers and be able to haul 5+ when necessary. I hope I can contribute to the group in addition to learning from your experience.
Thank you in advance, Art

 

[cartercd]

Welcome to IH8MUD. You may want to find some California club members to inspect the vehicle for you. Check out the Clubhouse section.

 

[Cruzerman]

Welcome! Hope the trailer doesn't weigh too much! I think the FJ80s are rated at towing 3500 lbs.

 

[bhsdriller]

What kind of trailer, I'd be looking at a newer with 1fz

 

[BILT4ME]

Hello everyone
I am in the process of buying a 1991 80 series Cruiser from California that I found on Craigslist. Nothing like starting out on the right foot; Craigslist, no personal inspection, in CA, during a pandemic. My goal is a dependable 4wd to place and retrieve a trailer by the river in summers and be able to haul 5+ when necessary. I hope I can contribute to the group in addition to learning from your experience.
Thank you in advance, Art

Welcome!

You've got a couple other members in the NE that have the 91-92 version also. So you know, those are somewhat unique and are extremely reliable, just a bit slower than the later models.

Let us know your arrangements and especially, PICTURES!

 

[Arts80]

Welcome! Hope the trailer doesn't weigh too much! I think the FJ80s are rated at towing 3500 lbs.

We have a 1955 Airstream, it weighs 3,000lbs dry so I hope it will be OK for 2 tows a year.

 

[Arts80]

What kind of trailer, I'd be looking at a newer with 1fz

I was looking for the bigger engine for towing, road trips and playing at altitude but found this truck at the right price.

 

[azngarage]

If you going used it for towing, i would go with the 1fz ( a little more power and torque) .

 

[Cruzerman]

We have a 1955 Airstream, it weighs 3,000lbs dry so I hope it will be OK for 2 tows a year.

You'll be pushing it in my opinion. You'll probably be OK, especially for a shorter distance. I'm sure that are people here that will chime in saying they have towed 8000 pounds with their FJ80. I can only quote what Mr. Toyota says and what I personally would be comfortable towing.

If you going used it for towing, i would go with the 1fz ( a little more power and torque) .

Yup. I believe that the FZJ80 is rated at towing 5000 lbs. Not only more engine in a FZJ80, but more brakes too.

 

[Up&Over the Hill]

I agree with the others...If you can go with 1fz...more power for towing